Putin's defence chief resurfaces after disappearing from view

LONDON -

Russia's defence minister was briefly shown by state media at a meeting of top officials on Thursday after dropping out of public view for days during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Sergei Shoigu, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, is overseeing what Russia calls its "special military operation," but had not been seen in public since March 11, fuelling speculation about his whereabouts.

The 66-year-old was shown on Thursday on a televised split screen of top officials as Putin spoke to his Security Council by video conference in footage released by RIA news agency.

RIA made a point of zooming in on Shoigu in the top left-hand corner of a video screen set in front of Putin. The clip did not contain audio and did not show Shoigu speaking.

The Kremlin said Shoigu had taken part in the Security Council meeting along with other top officials.

Asked about Shoigu's whereabouts, the Kremlin said it was understandable that the defence minister was devoting less time to media appearances.

"The defence minister has a lot on his mind right now. A special military operation is underway. Now is not really the time for media activity," spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Shoigu is a veteran of Russia's political landscape who rose to prominence as the head of the Emergencies Ministry in the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Defence minister since 2012, he has sometimes been tipped as a potential successor to Putin in the Kremlin. He and Putin have been pictured in Siberia taking holidays together, fishing and picking mushrooms.

Get in touch

Do you have both Ukrainian and Russian family members? How are you handling the crisis? Email dotcom@bellmedia.ca.

Please include your name, location, and contact information if you are willing to speak to a journalist with CTV News.
Your comments may be used in a CTVNews.ca story.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund

The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.

'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations

B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.

Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery

Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.

'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date

A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.

She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump

Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.

What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget

A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.

opinion

opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person

Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.

'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic

A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.

Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams

Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.

Canada

Speed limits to increase on some sections of Ontario highways, province says

The Ontario government says it will be raising the speed limit along certain stretches of provincial highways soon, including Highway 401 and Highway 403.
WATCH
WATCH Jewelry store robbery in Toronto caught on video

Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
LGBTQ2S+ rallies to be held across Canada, billed as largest since marriage equality

Organizations across the country are gearing up for what they describe as the largest LGBTQ2S+ mobilization since the push for marriage equality.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams

Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order

People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck

Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.

World

U.S. Supreme Court will consider when doctors can provide emergency abortions in states with bans

The U.S. Supreme Court will consider Wednesday when doctors can provide abortions during medical emergencies in states with bans enacted after the high court's sweeping decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
A Greek lawmaker faces criminal charges following a brawl in parliament

Greece's parliamentary speaker said that he would seek criminal charges against a lawmaker who allegedly punched a colleague during a debate on Wednesday.
Australian police arrest 7 alleged teen extremists linked to stabbing of a bishop in a Sydney church

Australian police arrested seven teenagers accused of following a violent extremist ideology in raids across Sydney on Wednesday, as a judge extended a ban on social media platform X sharing video of a knife attack on a bishop that started the criminal investigation.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it's too late

Christine Roess is a retired consultant. Ezra Bozeman has spent the last 49 years in prison, serving a life sentence for a murder he says he didn’t commit. Against the odds, the two fell in love.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive

New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic

A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.

Politics

What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget

A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
Canadians should expect politicians to support right to bail, Virani's office says

The office of Canada's justice minister says the public should expect politicians to support their right to bail and to be presumed innocent - warning that 'immediate' and 'uninformed reactions' only worsens matters.
Feds need 'nuanced' approach to ensure public sector doesn't lose tech talent: Anand

Treasury Board President Anita Anand says Canada has to take a 'nuanced' approach to shrinking its public service in order to protect some of its tech worker ranks.

Health

U.S. FDA says commercial milk safe despite bird flu virus presence

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday that it had found bird flu virus particles in some samples of pasteurized milk, but said commercial milk supply remains safe.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund

The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations

B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.

Sci-Tech

U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature

The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
The first glow-in-the-dark animals may have been ancient corals deep in the ocean

Many animals can glow in the dark. Fireflies famously blink on summer evenings. But most animals that light up are found in the depths of the ocean.
Unprecedented images reveal jaw-dropping features of Jupiter's 'tortured moon'

Close flybys of Io, one of Jupiter’s moons and the most volcanically active world in our solar system, have revealed a lava lake and a towering feature called 'Steeple Mountain' on the moon's alien surface.

Entertainment

Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired

A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Spice Girls' Melanie C among performers at Stampede's Big Four Roadhouse

The Calgary Stampede has announced the lineup for the 2024 Big Four Roadhouse.
What it's like inside The Black Dog, the London pub made famous by Taylor Swift

It's a midweek lunchtime on an unassuming residential street in Vauxhall, south London. There aren't many people about – the occasional dog walker, a few runners, a couple of delivery drivers. I'’s pretty much what you’d expect on a drizzly work day.

Business

Competition bureau finds 'substantial' anti-competitive effects with proposed Bunge-Viterra merger

The proposed merger of agricultural giants Viterra and Bunge is raising competition concerns from the federal government.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case

The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.
Liquor sales are a possibility in Alberta grocery stores, but expect pushback

Alberta's alcohol industry is pushing back against a provincial government consideration to allow liquor sales in grocery and convenience stores.

Lifestyle

Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers

A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
What it's like inside The Black Dog, the London pub made famous by Taylor Swift

It's a midweek lunchtime on an unassuming residential street in Vauxhall, south London. There aren't many people about – the occasional dog walker, a few runners, a couple of delivery drivers. I'’s pretty much what you’d expect on a drizzly work day.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know

There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Sports

Nashville Predators level playoff series with 4-1 victory over Canucks

The Nashville Predators downed the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 Tuesday night and levelled the series at 1-1.
Avalanche roll past Jets 5-2, head home with series tied 1-1

Alexandar Georgiev paid back his Colorado Avalanche teammates for believing in him.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon

When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.

Autos

How Volvo landed a cheap Chinese EV on North American shores in a trade war

A made-in-China electric vehicle will hit North American dealers this summer offering power and efficiency similar to the Tesla Model Y, the world's best-selling EV, but for about US$8,000 less.
Tesla's first-quarter net income tumbles as falling global sales and price cuts reduce profits

Tesla's first-quarter net income plummeted 55 per cent as falling global sales and price cuts sliced into the electric vehicle maker's revenue and profit margins.
Josef Newgarden's win in IndyCar's season-opening race has been disqualified. O'Ward named winner

Josef Newgarden’s win in IndyCar’s season-opening race at St. Petersburg was disqualified Wednesday because Team Penske manipulated its push-to-pass system during the race, making Pato O’Ward the winner.

BREAKING
BREAKING Man found dead in White Rock, homicide team investigating

A man was found dead in White Rock Tuesday night, leading to an investigation by B.C.’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
B.C. weather: 7 straight days of rain for Metro Vancouver, Victoria

B.C.'s South Coast is in for a wet week as Environment Canada's forecast for the region shows several days of rain in a row.
Nashville Predators level playoff series with 4-1 victory over Canucks

The Nashville Predators downed the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 Tuesday night and levelled the series at 1-1.

Toronto

Ontario launching AI program to help reduce doctor paperwork

The Ontario government is launching an artificial intelligence program they say will help reduce the paperwork burden on family doctors while also removing a requirement that employees provide a doctor's note when off sick.
Speed limits to increase on some sections of Ontario highways, province says

The Ontario government says it will be raising the speed limit along certain stretches of provincial highways soon, including Highway 401 and Highway 403.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic

A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.

Calgary

Spice Girls' Melanie C among performers at Stampede's Big Four Roadhouse

The Calgary Stampede has announced the lineup for the 2024 Big Four Roadhouse.
Alberta premier stands by pick of 'contrarian' chair to lead COVID-19 data review

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says it’s a good idea to have a physician who accused the province of exaggerating COVID-19's impact on hospitals now lead a review of pandemic-era health data.
Weekly provincial wildfire update happening Wednesday

Officials will provide an update on the number and status of wildfires in Alberta on Wednesday.

Ottawa

Ontario to increase speed limit on Hwy. 416 to 110 km/h

Beginning this summer, the speed limit will increase from 100 km/h to 110 km/h on approximately 70 kilometres of Hwy. 416 between Hwy. 401 and Ottawa.
Edmonton man on Canada's most wanted fugitives list could be in Ottawa: police

Police say they have reason to believe a man wanted for murder in Edmonton could be in the Ottawa area.
NCC buys golf course near Gatineau Park for $3.9 million

The National Capital Commission has purchased the old Dunnderosa Golf Course in Chelsea, Que., as part of its plan to acquire private properties in Gatineau Park.

Montreal

Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition

The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
'Highly complex' work delays REM completion to West Island, North Shore

The completion of Montreal's Reseau express metropolitain has been postponed yet again.
Temperatures in Montreal to plummet after warm start to the week

A sharp cold front sweeping across Quebec should drop temperatures rapidly throughout the day, with some areas possibly seeing rain change to wet snow.

Edmonton

Weekly provincial wildfire update happening Wednesday

Officials will provide an update on the number and status of wildfires in Alberta on Wednesday.
LIVE @ 11:30 MT
LIVE @ 11:30 MT Police to provide update on Edmonton extortion series today

Edmonton police will provide on Wednesday an update on their investigation into a series of extortions and fires affecting local South Asian home builders.
8.9% property tax approved by Edmonton council

Edmonton city council unanimously agreed on an 8.9-per cent property tax increase Tuesday evening.

Atlantic

Funeral to be held Wednesday for 16-year-old Halifax homicide victim

A funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon in Bedford, N.S., for a 16-year-old boy who died earlier this week following an incident near the Halifax Shopping Centre.
N.B. woman who raised awareness of dangers of radon gas dies

A New Brunswick woman who raised awareness about the dangers of radon gas after receiving a terminal lung cancer diagnosis last year has died.
N.B. mother pushes for age mandate changes at childrens' hospital in light of son’s 16th birthday

A New Brunswick mom is speaking out for her son after learning that after over a decade of care, he is now too old for the IWK in Halifax, which age mandate is 16 years of age for children

Winnipeg

'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date

A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
'We always have a thoughtful process for that': The dark reality facing aging zoo animals

Anyone who visits Assiniboine Park Zoo can see empty or near-empty exhibits scattered throughout the grounds – spaces that previously served as homes for aging animals that have since passed away.
Winnipeg man bringing his 119-year-old home back to its original glory

When you step through the front door of Matthew Jacobi's 119-year-old home, it's like jumping back through history. For the past year, Jacobi has been restoring his Queen Anne Revival-era home in Winnipeg's North Point Douglas neighbourhood back to its former glory.

Regina

One year after fatal collision, Regina council has final say on lower speed limit in Cathedral

Regina city councillors are set to consider lowering the speed limit in the Cathedral neighbourhood to 30 kilometres per hour on Wednesday.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget

A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
Suspect in 2023 Regina homicide joins Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted

Daniel "Juma" Drie Atem, wanted in connection to a Regina homicide last summer, is now one of Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted.

Kitchener

Pedestrian seriously hurt after crash in Kitchener

A pedestrian had to be taken to an out-of-region hospital following a crash in Kitchener.
Undisclosed project filming in Cambridge today

Expect delays on Queen Street in Cambridge today as film crew shoots in the area.
'My parking is my freedom': Kitchener resident barred from garage despite illness

For Kitchener resident Chris Wilson, indoor parking is much more than a convenient place to leave his vehicle.

Saskatoon

'Everybody's getting too old': Saskatoon's iconic Blue Diamond restaurant is up for sale

One of the owners of Saskatoon’s iconic diamond-shaped restaurant says his family is looking to sell the business and building because “everybody’s getting too old.”
Punched, kicked, spat on: Saskatoon Transit workers call for help after violent assaults

The union representing the city’s bus drivers says violence against transit workers is out of control.
Trudeau to Sask. residents: We're not coming for your carbon rebates

People in Saskatchewan will keep getting Canada Carbon Rebate payments, despite an ongoing feud between Ottawa and the provincial government.

Northern Ontario

An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000

An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
'Armed and dangerous' southern Ont. man wanted by Manitoulin police

Police on Manitoulin Island are looking for an 'armed and dangerous' man following an incident involving a firearm on Friday.
Mobility scooter burst into flames in northern Ontario

It was a scary sight in northern Ontario Monday morning after an electric mobility scooter caught on fire.

London

Smashed windshield and speeding leads to charges

OPP have charged a driver in Lambton County for speeding and operating an unsafe vehicle after a traffic stop on Tuesday. Around 12:40 p.m., police stopped a vehicle on Townsend Line in Arkona for reportedly driving over 80 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone.
Layoffs announced at Goderich salt mine

A mild winter is being blamed for 87 miners and maintenance staff being laid off at Goderich’s salt mine.
Speed limits to increase on some sections of Ontario highways, province says

The Ontario government says it will be raising the speed limit along certain stretches of provincial highways soon, including Highway 401 and Highway 403.

Barrie

OPP laid impaired driving charges after man failed breathalyzer

Police laid impaired driving charges following a traffic stop in Brockton on Tuesday evening.
Fire at Barrie biodegradable straw company

A fire at a paper straw company occurred Tuesday night.
Barrie's Duckworth Street undergoes major reno

Duckworth Street will be closed between Howard Crescent and Melrose Avenue for construction.

Windsor

Taser and drugs seized during traffic stop

Windsor police have charged two suspects after seizing illegal drugs and a Taser during a traffic stop.
Frost advisory issued for Windsor-Essex

Environment Canada has issued a frost advisory for Windsor-Essex.
CBSA wants you to know reporting obligations before you boat in or out of Canada

Canada Border Services Agency is reminding all private boaters of their entry and reporting obligations when navigating Canadian waters or entering Canada by boat.

Vancouver Island

Mounties will not be charged in shooting death of B.C. Indigenous man

Three Mounties in British Columbia will not face charges in the killing of a 38-year-old Indigenous man on Vancouver Island in 2021.
Nashville Predators level playoff series with 4-1 victory over Canucks

The Nashville Predators downed the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 Tuesday night and levelled the series at 1-1.
Bodies found by U.S. authorities searching for missing B.C. kayakers

United States authorities who have been searching for a pair of missing kayakers from British Columbia since the weekend have recovered two bodies in the nearby San Juan Islands of Washington state.

Kelowna

Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found

Search and rescue crews have been called in after a vehicle belonging to a missing senior was located near a rural intersection outside of Kelowna Tuesday.
Homicide investigation underway after body found near Kelowna, B.C.

Major crime detectives in British Columbia are investigating a suspected homicide after a body was found in a remote area southeast Kelowna over the weekend.
Stolen snake named Milkshake returned to Kelowna pet store

A banana ball python that was stolen from a Kelowna pet store on Saturday has been returned unharmed, Mounties said.

Lethbridge

Alberta, B.C. preparing for early start to wildfire season

Wildfires in Alberta and B.C. appear to be getting off to an early start this year. Both province's wildfire services are doing what they can to prepare for what's expected to be a tough summer.
Man sent to hospital with head injury following Lethbridge encampment assault

An assault over property at a Lethbridge encampment ended with a man in hospital suffering from a serious head injury.
Southern Alberta woman wins $2M on Western 6-49 lottery

A southern Alberta woman says she began to hyperventilate when she realized she had won $2 million.

Sault Ste. Marie

Timmins mayor first to have baby while holding office

Michelle Boileau is set to be the first Timmins mayor to have a baby while in office as she announced her pregnancy Wednesday morning.
Soo Greyhounds out of the playoffs

It was a heartbreaking loss in Game 7 of the OHL playoffs for the Soo Greyhounds on Tuesday night in Saginaw.
Season 3 of Shoresy debuts May 24, Crave confirms

Season 3 of Shoresy, which is filmed and based in Sudbury, Ont., debuts next month with a two-episode premiere.

N.L.

Rideshare platform Uber expands to Newfoundland and Labrador

Uber Technologies Inc. says it has brought its ridesharing platform to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Newfoundland director found creeping terror of 'The King Tide' in a tiny coastal town

Newfoundlander Christian Sparkes has shot several films around his home province, but with his new psychological thriller 'The King Tide' he saw an opportunity to wander into one unique town that had eluded him over the years.
2 people dead, 4 others make it to shore after vessel capsizes in Newfoundland

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says two people were found dead and four others survived after a boat capsized off the west coast of Newfoundland.

Putin's defence chief resurfaces after disappearing from view

Get in touch

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

opinion | Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person

WATCH | Jewelry store robbery in Toronto caught on video

BREAKING | Man found dead in White Rock, homicide team investigating

LIVE @ 11:30 MT | Police to provide update on Edmonton extortion series today

opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person

WATCH Jewelry store robbery in Toronto caught on video

BREAKING Man found dead in White Rock, homicide team investigating

LIVE @ 11:30 MT Police to provide update on Edmonton extortion series today