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Amex GBT Completes HRG Acquisition

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American Express Global Business Travel to Acquire Hogg Robinson Group

Photo: Shutterstock.com

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) is acquiring U.K.-based Hogg Robinson Group (HRG), merging two of the leading global corporate travel management companies.

Hogg Robinson said GBT would pay approximately $550 million to acquire all of HRG’s stock, pending antitrust and other regulatory approvals. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018.

Experts estimate that American Express is about twice the size of HRG in total travel sales, and that the combined entities would represent about $45 billion in annual travel bookings. The acquisition will distance American Express even further from its next largest travel management competitors, Carlson Wagonlit Travel and BCD Travel.

However, when considering total travel sales, the new company will still lag significantly behind Expedia and Priceline, which hold the first and second positions in combined business and leisure travel sales.

Doug Anderson, American Express GBT CEO, said: “The complementary geographical footprints of each company will improve the global scale and reach of our business, enabling us to achieve efficiencies across a best-in-class platform and accelerate growth. The technology roadmaps of each business provide a powerful platform from which to drive future innovation. We will deliver a superior client and traveler experience through fully integrated travel management solutions, including booking and expense management products.”

“I am particularly excited and heartened by American Express GBT’s reassurance that it will be utilizing the best talent and technology from within both organizations to create a truly world-class, leading-edge organization, which will bring benefits to our clients, colleagues and supplier partners alike,” said David Radcliffe, HRG CEO.

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Big Shake-Up in Business Travel as Amex Acquires HRG

April 23, 2018 | Professional Services

Major players in the corporate travel industry are looking to focus more on technology-oriented strategy rather than the traditional service-based model. As a result, the industry is now anticipating further consolidation. A perfect example is American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) announcing plans to acquire Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) to create a paradigm shift in corporate travel management. This strategic alliance, which will command over a 30 percent market share, has cemented Amex GBT's position as the largest travel management company (TMC) globally.

The acquisition, valued at $575 million, is expected to create pressure on other TMCs to court the customers of Amex GBT and HRG during the acquisition process as well as plan their next big strategic move in the market. The budgets of TMCs will be restructured and spend allocation toward integration and technology will be relooked at by the travel managers.

Competitive Strategies of a Truly Global TMC

With the growing importance of technology tools in corporate travel, there is a change in the traveler’s preference toward self-managing and self-booking their necessities. The increase in awareness and change in behavior demand the improvisation of traditional business models into a new business model that stresses on personalization for corporate travelers. This strategic alliance reassures a dynamic change in the supplier landscape over the coming 12 to 18 months. Amex’s acquisition of KDS (a leading software platform) was a trendsetter for TMCs acquiring technology companies.

Amex acquired HRG to significantly reduce their operational costs. Amex was looking to have a greater global presence and fulfill customers’ need across territories. One of the biggest advantages for Amex from this alliance is an increase in their presence and the ability to serve their customers directly via a subsidiary. 

HRG’s strong grip on technology will help Amex to capitalize on a slew of internal technological advancements. In recent years, both the companies have made significant investments in people and technology, and offered an extensive range of products, distribution channels and geographical coverage.

How Corporate Travel Will Benefit

A truly global TMC focuses on providing travel sourcing managers with a comprehensive range of travel management solutions and services to complement their current needs. HRG’s existing infrastructure and technology capabilities can be leveraged by Amex to deliver synergies through cost saving and maximize efficiency across the business. A single platform showcasing capabilities of both units is expected to roll out, thereby addressing any shortcomings that might have been there in the old platform. The focus  will be on adding value for customers and the marketplace on the one hand, and generating new efficiency and growth opportunities for business on the other.

This acquisition will also result in gaining a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Industry veterans have predicted that the acquisition will result in doubling of sales volumes in comparison to the next biggest travel rivals ― BCD Travel and CWT. A significant jump in revenue is likely through more commissions and additional distribution incentives. Amex GBT can ensure cost savings for corporate programs by leveraging additional volume for higher discounts on airfares and hotel bookings.

Upgrading to Amex GBT 2.0

As a combined entity, Amex GBT and HRG will have more power over GDC and technology vendors. As for suppliers like airlines and hotels, the larger the company, more powerful they will be. From a technology perspective, together they will have more money to invest in technology. This acquisition will assure a superior client and traveler experience through the fully integrated travel management solution. With Amex’s acquisition of HRG, BCD is positioned to flatter potential clients who might be unhappy with the acquisition. If the acquisition goes as planned, it might trigger a spate of M&As among other TMCs, especially on a geographical basis. Although this is just a possibility, the combination of Amex GBT and HRG will be the starting point for future mergers/acquisitions in this world of TMCs.

• https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/press-room/american-express-global-business-travel-to-acquire-hogg-robinson-group/
• https://www.businesstravelnews.com/Global/Hogg-Robinson-To-Sell-HRG-To-Amex-GBT-And-Fraedom-To-Visa
• https://www.tnooz.com/article/amex-gbt-acquires-hogg-robinson-group/
• https://buyingbusinesstravel.com/news/0928398-american-express-gbt-buys-hrg
• http://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Corporate-Travel/Competitors-eye-opportunities-arising-from-GBT-HRG-deal
• https://www.citmagazine.com/article/1456795/hrg-acquired-american-express-gbt

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Heads up, the HRG Online Booking Tool is changing!

February 7, 2022 - Defence Stories

The HRG Shared Travel Services (STS) Portal will be migrating to a new interface on February 20, 2022 at 5:00 pm .

The new AMEX Global Business Travel (GBT) Travel Portal V2.0 will have all the same functionalities as the existing portal. Your username (TIN) and your password will remain the same.

What to expect during the launch of the new interface

• Portal will be unavailable during transition Please note the AMEX GBT Travel Portal V2.0 will be unavailable from Saturday, February 19 , 2022 at 5:00 pm to Sunday, February 20 at 5:00 pm EST . Any urgent travel needs during this period can be directed to Amex GBT via their call center: 1-866-857-3578 (toll free in Canada and the U.S.) or 1-613-822-3873 (collect call from anywhere else in the world).
• Easier access to training materials Once the new interface is launched, you will no longer need to log into the Learning Management System (LMS) to view training materials. Instead, they will be available in the "Training" tab under the heading ''Help Guide".
• No changes to the EMT Please note that the change applies only to the Online Booking Tool, and there are no changes to the existing Expense Management Tool (EMT) .

Should you have any questions before, during, or after this transition, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] .

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American Express Global Business Travel To Acquire Hogg Robinson Group, Fraedom To Visa

Now that’s a mega. American Express Global Business Travel today announced plans to acquire Hogg Robinson Group in an all-cash deal. Both are among the top four global travel management companies. Publicly traded HRG also announced it would sell its Fraedom software business to Visa for 142 million pounds ($198 million). Depending on conditions related to the Fraedom sale, which is…

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Before starting The Company Dime with David Jonas in 2014, journalist Jay Campbell a decade earlier created travel business newsletter The Beat . In 2006, Jay co-founded Travel Procurement magazine and in 2010 helped integrate them with Business Travel News . He served as BTN's editorial director until 2013. Jay made his travel industry media debut in 1993 at the Air Travel Journal of Boston while earning his undergraduate degree in journalism at Boston University. He would be happy to connect on LinkedIn . He's here at CorporateTravel.social on Mastodon.

HRG Worldwide

HRG Worldwide (Hogg Robinson Group Plc) is a global travel services company that specialises in travel, expense and data management. An American Express Global Business Travel Company, the company is headquartered in Basingstoke, UK.

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What is group travel insurance?

• Coverage options
• Choosing the right plan

Purchasing and managing group policies

• Special considerations
• Final recommendations and tips

Group Travel Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• Group travel insurance is a single policy that covers groups of 10 or more. 
• Everyone in the group must have the same itinerary and travel to the same destination.
• Shop early and compare quotes to get the best deal. 

Whether preparing for a large family reunion in another state, booking a business trip with colleagues, or traveling with your college crew to a new country, you might consider group travel insurance. Group travel insurance provides financial protection for trips of 10 or more groups. But apart from the party size requirements, it functions the same as other travel insurance policies. 

Here's what you need to know about group travel insurance — how to determine if you need it, different options, and tips to secure the best deal. 

Group travel insurance is a single travel insurance policy that protects everyone on a trip. The policies are available for groups of 10 or more. Unlike other insurance policies that only cover one person or family travel insurance that only covers related travelers, group travel insurance can cover any group traveling together. You do not have to be related.

Group travel insurance policies usually offer comprehensive coverage, including standard protections against lost luggage, legal fees, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and more. 

Key Benefits of Group Travel Insurance

Cost-effectiveness.

Group travel insurance may be cheaper than buying separate policies for each individual traveler. Insurance companies may provide discounts for insuring multiple people, as this lowers administrative overhead per person. This is similar to how auto insurers offer rate reductions for consumers who insure multiple people under one policy. 

It's worth noting that group travel insurance costs depend on the insurer and your trip details. Comparing quotes can help you find the best rates on the coverages you need.

You can find our guide to the best cheap travel insurance here.

Simplified management

Group travel insurance might make sense if everyone in your group has the same itinerary and travels to the same destination. The main perk of group travel insurance versus separate policies for each person is that it streamlines the purchasing process. You can buy one policy instead of multiple.

But to make it work, your group needs to be organized. This is especially true if group members intend to split the cost of the policy. It's crucial to communicate well with the people in your group and ensure everyone is on the same page. 

Coverage Options

Common coverage features.

Most group travel insurance policies offer comprehensive coverage, which usually covers common travel issues like cancellations and medical emergencies. 

Here's what comprehensive group travel insurance covers :

• Trip cancellation insurance: If you need to cancel your trip, this coverage reimburses you for the cost of travel. Each policy includes a list of cancellation reasons that are covered.
• Travel insurance for baggage: This covers the cost of stolen or missing luggage.
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance : Covers the cost of transportation from one location to another due to an emergency medical situation.
• Travel medical insurance: If you need medical care due to illness or injury while traveling, this part of the policy covers the cost. 
• Trip interruption travel insurance: If you have to cut your trip short due to an unforeseen emergency, this helps pay for travel plan changes. 
• Trip delay travel insurance: If there are delays to your flight or another aspect of your trip, this covers extra costs associated with the delay. It might include reimbursement for meals or hotel expenses. 

Additional coverage options

You can customize your travel insurance policy with coverage options at an additional premium. These add-ons can be helpful to provide adequate coverage for your group's specific needs. Some examples include:

• Adventure and sports coverage: For planned activities that involved increased risk (e.g., hiking, scuba diving, skiing, etc.) 
• Special events coverage: For cancellations, interruptions, or other losses that occur during planned events (e.g., weddings, corporate events, excursions, etc.)
• Equipment coverage: For damage, loss, or theft of equipment or gear brought on the trip (e.g., sports equipment, tech, etc.)
• Pre-existing condition waiver : For those with pre-existing conditions to receive travel medical coverage while traveling

Choosing the right group travel insurance

Assessing group needs.

Assessing your group's needs can help you choose the right group travel insurance. Some factors to consider include but aren't limited to the duration and destination of your trip, the type of travelers and their needs (including their ages and any pre-existing conditions), planned activities, and the group's budget.

Comparing insurance providers

Depending on the details of your trip, group travel insurance might be cheaper than purchasing individual policies for each traveler. But that is not always the case. As you shop for group travel insurance, there are steps you can take to ensure you get the best deal.

Get multiple quotes

It's smart to compare quotes from several providers. Multiple quotes allow you to compare coverage options and pricing. You can use a travel insurance comparison site like SquareMouth or TravelInsurance.com. Or you can contact providers directly. Once you know the price range for protection, you can select the provider that seems like the best fit. 

The best time to buy travel insurance is right after you make your first trip deposit. Your policy kicks in right away, which is helpful if an event occurs that forces you to cancel your trip. Additionally, an early purchase can be necessary to qualify for certain riders, such as pre-existing condition coverage and CFAR travel insurance .

Application and enrollment process

You should be prepared to provide the following information about your group when fielding quotes from travel insurance companies. 

• Trip dates 
• Travelers' names and date of birth
• Destination 
• Initial trip deposit date 
• Cost of trip per traveler (prepaid and nonrefundable expenses)

Your insurance company may ask for additional information, such as pre-existing medical conditions and planned activities. 

Policy management and claims

The coverage you select applies to everyone in the group. Each group member can make individual claims, which is helpful if only one or two people need to make a claim. But if everyone is involved, the entire group can file claims. 

Special Considerations for Group Travel Insurance

Tailoring policies to group type.

It's important to tailor your insurance policy based on the type of group and the trip to ensure adequate protection. For example, if you're traveling with senior members, you want your policy's medical coverage to include pre-existing conditions. If your trip has physical or outdoor activities, adventure and sports coverage is additional protection worth considering. 

A travel insurance agent can help you identify which coverages are necessary for your group's trip and find a policy that works for your group's budget.

Handling diverse member needs

Handling the diverse needs of group members within a single policy requires careful attention to policy details, including coverage specifics and deductibles. Start by thoroughly reviewing the policy to understand the included coverages and associated deductibles. If certain coverages are unnecessary for your group, ask your insurer whether they can be removed to reduce costs. 

You may want to look for a policy with add-ons or customizable options. This allows you to tailor the coverage to meet the specific needs of different group members. Additionally, consider raising the deductible to lower the premium. However, ensure the deductible amount is affordable for all members in case a claim needs to be filed. This ensures your group has adequate protection while accommodating the diverse financial needs of the group.

Group travel insurance final recommendations and tips

Best practices for group leaders.

Before your trip, communicate insurance details like coverage inclusions, exclusions, deductibles, and how to file a claim with your group. It also helps to maintain policy documents in case an unexpected event arises. 

You and your group should also establish a contingency plan and save your insurance's emergency hotline contact number for medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other travel disruptions.

Resources for further information

For further information on group travel insurance, check out:

• Insurance companies' websites for information about coverage options, exclusions, and getting a quote. 
• Travel insurance comparison sites allow users to compare policies from multiple providers at once based on coverage, price, and other factors. Some examples of comparison websites include InsureMyTrip , Squaremouth, and VisitorsCoverage . 
• Travel agencies to help you book your trip and pick group travel insurance based on your itinerary. 
• Consumer review sites like Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs to read first-hand testimonials by real users on their experience with a company. 

Group travel insurance FAQs

Group travel insurance typically requires a minimum of 10 travelers to qualify for group travel insurance, but this varies by provider.

Yes, many group travel insurance policies offer options for various activities specific to the group's needs and travel itinerary, such as adventure and sports, special events, and equipment coverage. 

Group travel insurance can be more cost-effective per person than individual policies, especially for larger groups. Compare quotes from various insurance providers to get the best deal on the coverages you need. 

If one member  of a group travel insurance plan has an issue, that member can file a claim with the travel insurance company individually. That's why it's important for every member to be familiar with the claims process in case an issue arises. 

A group leader should consider the group's specific needs, planned activities, destination-specific risks, and the group's budget when choosing a travel insurance policy. 

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US defence secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian defence minister Andrei Belousov spoke over the phone today, in what marked the first call between Mr Austin and his Russian counterpart since March 2023.

The two men discussed the importance of open lines of communication, the Pentagon said.

Spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder said Mr Austin had initiated the conversation. 

Mr Belousov was appointed to the role of defence minister last month after the shock dismissal of longtime minister Sergei Shoigu by Vladimir Putin.

Some of the returned Ukrainian soldiers were prisoners taken from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the head of the Ukrainian president's office has said.

Andriy Yermak said of the 90 fighters returned by Russia today, 52 were from a large group of Ukrainians captured while trying to defend the Azovstal steelworks in southern Ukraine while others had been held as prisoners after the capture of Chernobyl.

Both sites were seized by Russia early in the war.

Mr Yermak described the latest prisoner swap as an "important exchange".

"Thanks to our team for their work. Grateful to the UAE for facilitating the exchange. We will return everyone," he said.

Russia and Ukraine have each returned 90 prisoners of war in the latest swap between the two countries, the Russian defence ministry has said.

In a statement on Telegram, the ministry said Russian prisoners were returned with the United Arab Emirates acting as an intermediary.

The prisoners were being flown to Moscow for medical checks, it added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed in a post to social media that 90 Ukrainian soldiers were returned by Russia.

"We remember all our people in Russian captivity. We continue our work for the release of everyone. We seek the truth about everyone who may be held by the enemy," he said, as he thanked the Ukrainian exchange team. 

By Ian King , business presenter

The EU has launched its 14th package of sanctions against Russia - this time targeting Vladimir Putin's liquefied natural gas exports (LNG) for the first time.

The measure is the latest attempt by the bloc to deny Mr Putin's regime of money as his war on Ukraine drags into its 29th month.

The sanctions, which will kick in after a nine-month transition period, fall short of an outright ban on Russian LNG shipments.

This partly reflects the fact that EU members are themselves still allowed to buy LNG from Moscow - even though the bloc has set a target of phasing out Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

The EU followed the lead of the United States and the UK in banning Russian oil imports, with one or two limited exceptions, in 2022 after Russia attacked Ukraine.

What latest sanctions do

The key measure in the package, signed off late last week in the face of opposition from Germany and Hungary, is a ban on trans-shipments off EU ports of Russian LNG - essentially preventing the commodity from being sold to third countries via EU ports.

Part of the package also targets specific vessels - including an initial 27 oil tankers - that are used to get around the price cap slapped on Russian oil by the G7 countries.

It will also, in time, target vessels caught, for example, carrying ammunition from North Korea to Russia or transporting grain stolen from Ukraine by Moscow.

The latest package of sanctions also bans new investments and services to complete LNG projects under construction in Russia.

That should, in theory, stymie Russia's attempts to build out its LNG exports and grow market share.

Other elements include bans on EU businesses from using the Bank of Russia's system for transfer of financial messages (SPFS) system - the Bank of Russia's version of the West's Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) inter-bank messaging system.

Under this measure, the European Council will be allowed to draw up a list of non-Russian third-country banks connected to the system and ban them from doing business with EU operators.

Targeting rich Russians and pop stars

There are also restrictions on access to Russian media, as well as new technological and export restrictions and a fresh blacklist of a further 116 people deemed to be supporting the war, including the singer Yaroslav Dronov, who performs under the name Shaman and whose song 'I'm Russian' was reportedly played daily to Alexei Navalny, the late democracy campaigner, in his Arctic Circle prison cell.

Also targeted was another popular Russian singer, Polina Gagarina, who performed before Putin at an event in Crimea following the invasion of Ukraine.

The EU has also introduced a number of bans, targeting wealthy Russians, on private jet travel to EU resorts.

Announcing the measures, the European Commission said: "As the Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, the EU remains determined to keep acting to further reduce Russia's sources of revenue and capacity to wage war.

"Today's measures send a clear and strong signal of EU unity and of our support to Ukraine and its people."

Will watered-down sanctions have any impact?

The big question is whether these latest sanctions will actually have much impact - particularly in view of the fact that they were watered down.

Germany, for example, reportedly prevented a widening of measures that would have forced EU companies to guarantee that their customers would not be able to sell prohibited goods to Russia.

And Hungary - the value of whose Russian LNG imports is up 59% year on year - is said to have demanded assurances that no current or future measures will impact the Paks II nuclear power plant which is being built by the state-owned Russian power company Rosatom 63 miles to the south-west of Budapest.

The chances are that the sanctions will only go so far in hurting Russia.

Still a major supplier

According to Kpler, the data provider, Russia is the second-biggest supplier of LNG to the EU after the United States. It says that, so far this year, the US has met 41% of the EU's LNG needs and Russia 21%.

And in May this year, for the first time since just after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, imports of Russian LNG were greater than those of American LNG.

Nor do these sanctions cover imports of Russian gas transported to the EU through pipelines via Turkey and Ukraine itself.

Much of this ends up in central European countries such as Austria, which in the first five months of this year had 80% of its gas needs met by Russia, but also countries such as Italy and Belgium.

Moreover, while the bans on trans-shipments will make it harder for Russian LNG exports to reach their intended destination, they are unlikely to stop them altogether.

They will just force Russia to use longer shipping routes - while a lot of the LNG previously being exported in this way is now, ironically, likely to be sold to customers in Europe itself.

It is always encouraging to see the EU seeking to deprive Putin's war machine of money.

But these sanctions could have gone a lot further. That they did not highlights the extent to which the EU still relies on Russian gas.

Donald Trump has been presented with a plan to end the war in Ukraine if he is elected to the White House in November.

The Reuters news agency reports that two key advisers for the presumptive Republican nominee have put forward the plan, which involves telling Kyiv it will only get more US military aid if it enters peace talks.

At the same time, the US would warn Moscow that refusal to negotiate would result in increased support from Washington for Ukraine, according to retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg.

Lt Kellogg and Fred Fleitzl, who were both chiefs of staff in Trump's National Security Council while he was president and who came up with the plan, said a ceasefire would be based on prevailing battle lines during peace talks.

Mr Fleitzl said Trump showed a positive attitude towards the plan.

"I'm not claiming he agreed with it or agreed with every word of it, but we were pleased to get the feedback we did," he said.

The Kremlin has said any peace plan from a future Trump administration would need to reflect the battlefield "reality" - but that Vladimir Putin was open to talks.

"The value of any plan lies in the nuances and in taking into account the real state of affairs on the ground," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

From the Ukrainian side, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said freezing the war at prevailing front lines would be "strange".

"Ukraine has an absolutely clear understanding and it is spelled out in the peace formula proposed by President Zelenskyy, it is clearly stated there - peace can only be fair and peace can only be based on international law," he said.

Four people have injured in a Russian attack on Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine, an official has said.

Regional governor Oleg Synegubov said Russia hit the village of Bobrivka with "at least four" guided aerial bombs this afternoon.

Two women, aged 87 and 40, and two men aged 67 and 56 were injured, he said.

The women were treated on the spot while the two men were hospitalised for treatment.

Ukrainian police say they have detained a man involved in the alleged torture of a former soldier in Ukraine's fourth-largest city of Dnipro.

The National Police service said on Telegram that Dmytro Yavornytskyi was targeted last Thursday by a group of men in balaclavas and camouflage who injured and put handcuffs on him.

The men have since been identified and one has been detained today, the service said.

Dnipro's regional prosecutor's office has begun criminal proceedings alleging illegal deprivation of liberty and torture.

More now from Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov, who has warned of "tragic and fatal" consequences if the West underestimates Russia's determination.

Mr Ryabkov said Moscow was ready to stand up for itself "and ensure its own interests in any situation".

"I don't even want to assume that this underestimation could become tragic and fatal," he said, adding the West was confronting a major nuclear power. 

"There are different ways to respond to this - rhetorical and practical. We have the resources to convey signals to the West in the field of nuclear deterrence, even in the absence of our opponents' willingness to conduct a sober dialogue. But there is a danger, it cannot be underestimated, that their side may make a mistake. We will try not to," Mr Ryabkov said at a conference in Moscow.

Major world powers are responsible for stopping the world from "sliding into nuclear chaos", Russia's deputy foreign minister has said.

Sergei Ryabkov's remarks at a conference in Moscow came in response to prominent arms control expert Alexei Arbatov, who suggested that the multipolar world could fall into nuclear chaos without dialogue on strategic stability between Russian and the US.

Mr Arbatov had said such discussions should restart when the war ends, with nations such as China, the UK and France also involved.

During the conference, Mr Ryabkov, Russia's top diplomat for arms control, also said Russia's advances in nuclear deterrence meant its security would be ensured for decades to come, even in a world where artificial intelligence is advancing.

Asked if Russia could ensure nuclear security in an era of AI competition, he said: "In recent years, such groundwork has been done in the field of nuclear deterrence that will allow us to ensure our own security for decades to come."

He added: "Our common task is to prevent the world and the multipolar world, above all, from sliding into nuclear chaos."

By Ivor Bennett , Moscow correspondent

Practically speaking, these arrest warrants won't mean very much.

Russia is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) so the court has no jurisdiction here.

"Insignificant" is how Russia's powerful Security Council, of which Sergei Shoigu is secretary, described the decision.

In theory, Shoigu's and Valery Gerasimov's movements are now considerably restricted.

Both face arrest if they set foot in any one of the ICC's 124 signatory states.

And that threat of detention was enough to deter Vladimir Putin from attending a BRICS summit in South Africa last year, after he became the subject of an ICC arrest warrant a few months earlier.

But as we've seen since then, Russia's president has still been able to clock up a lot of air miles.

In the past two months alone, he's travelled to China, Uzbekistan, Belarus, North Korea and Vietnam - none of which is an ICC member.

With friends like that, there are still plenty of possible destinations for Russia's latest suspects.

Shoigu does occasionally travel - he accompanied Putin to Beijing last month.

But Gerasimov not so much.

Behind Putin and Shoigu's successor as defence minister Andrey Belousov, he is the third most powerful person in the Russian military and is being kept busy back home by the war in Ukraine.

So there's no immediate prospect either man will be arrested.

All that being said, Ukraine and its Western allies will argue that this sends a powerful message.

There are now eight ICC arrest warrants against senior Russian figures related to the invasion of Ukraine.

Kyiv claims it shows that "evil" will be held accountable.

But Moscow will see this differently and may try to spin it to their advantage.

To justify its invasion of Ukraine, Russia claims it is under attack by the West. I suspect it will view the ICC decision as an opportunity to reinforce that narrative.

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