Russia warned that the use of US long-range missiles by Ukraine would result in "an appropriate and tangible" response from Moscow.&nbsp;

In an official statement on Monday (Nov 18), Russia's foreign ministry said that an attack inside Russian territory using US missiles "would represent the direct involvement of the United States and its satellites in hostilities against Russia," BBC reported.&nbsp;

The Guardian reported that the decision to allow Ukraine to use US-made missiles to strike Russia was first reported on November 18 but has not been formally announced by the White House.&nbsp;

“It is clear that the outgoing administration in Washington intends to take steps to continue to add fuel to the fire and to inflame tensions around this conflict further," &nbsp;The Guardian reported Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, saying.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-ends-in-rio-with-no-progress-on-climate-777199">G20 summit ends in Rio with no progress on climate</a>

Peskov added, "This decision is reckless, dangerous, aimed at a qualitative change, a qualitative increase in the level of involvement of the United States.”

US President Joe Biden, who is currently in Rio de Janeiro for his final G20 Summit, is yet to comment on the decision.&nbsp;

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky had long pushed for the authorisation to use the 190-mile-range Army Tactical Missile System against Russia.&nbsp;

In September Putin clarified that the move to let Kyiv use longer-range weapons against Russia would mean Nato would be "directly at war with Moscow."

Other than warning of taking "appropriate" action based on the threats Moscow will face, Putin further said in June that Moscow could supply its long-range weapons to other countries to attack Western targets.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-leaders-gather-to-address-wars-climate-and-trumps-return-777197">G20 leaders gather to address wars, climate and Trump’s return</a>

“If someone thinks it is possible to supply such weapons to a war zone to attack our territory and create problems for us, why don’t we have the right to supply our weapons,” Putin said in June, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia warned that the use of US long-range missiles by Ukraine would result in "an appropriate and tangible" response from Moscow. In an official statement on Monday (Nov 18), Russia's foreign ministry said that an attack inside Russian territory using US missiles "would represent the direct involvement of the United States and its satellites in hostilities against Russia," BBC reported.

Russia warned that the use of US long-range missiles by Ukraine would result in "an appropriate and tangible" response from Moscow. In an official statement on Monday (Nov 18), Russia's foreign ministry said that an attack inside Russian territory using US missiles "would represent the direct involvement of the United States and its satellites in hostilities against Russia," BBC reported. The Guardian reported that the decision to allow Ukraine to use US-made missiles to strike Russia was first reported on November 18 but has not been formally announced by the White House. “It is clear that the outgoing administration in Washington intends to take steps to continue to add fuel to the fire and to inflame tensions around this conflict further," The Guardian reported Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, saying. Also read | G20 summit ends in Rio with no progress on climate Peskov added, "This decision is reckless, dangerous, aimed at a qualitative change, a qualitative increase in the level of involvement of the United States.” US President Joe Biden, who is currently in Rio de Janeiro for his final G20 Summit, is yet to comment on the decision. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky had long pushed for the authorisation to use the 190-mile-range Army Tactical Missile System against Russia. In September Putin clarified that the move to let Kyiv use longer-range weapons against Russia would mean Nato would be "directly at war with Moscow." Other than warning of taking "appropriate" action based on the threats Moscow will face, Putin further said in June that Moscow could supply its long-range weapons to other countries to attack Western targets. Also read | G20 leaders gather to address wars, climate and Trump’s return “If someone thinks it is possible to supply such weapons to a war zone to attack our territory and create problems for us, why don’t we have the right to supply our weapons,” Putin said in June, The Guardian reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia says Biden 'fuelling fire' to Ukraine war, will face 'appropriate' response

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon, Indian news agency ANI reported citing Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary, on Tuesday (Nov 19).

The dates are yet to be confirmed.&nbsp;

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Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking at the Sputnik India event said, "we hope that soon we will figure out the dates of President Putin's visit to India."

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Putin to visit India next year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-invites-russian-president-putin-to-visit-india-for-india-russia-annual-summit-next-year-770054">Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi invites Russian President Putin to Delhi for India-Russia Annual Summit next year</a>

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, marking their second meeting this year. They had earlier met in Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in July 2024.

The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including political, economic, defence, energy, and people-to-people ties, the Indian prime minister's office said in a press release.

Modi and Putin exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in multilateral fora, in particular in BRICS, according to the press release.&nbsp;

They also shared views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts.

While reflecting on close ties between India and Russia and his personal rapport with PM Modi, the Russian president quipped that they have such a relationship that the Indian PM will not need a translator.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon, Indian news agency ANI reported citing Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary, on Tuesday (Nov 19).

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon, Indian news agency ANI reported citing Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary, on Tuesday (Nov 19). The dates are yet to be confirmed. "Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India soon. We are working on the dates," says Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary. pic.twitter.com/2TTy6A9UUO — ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2024 × Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking at the Sputnik India event said, "we hope that soon we will figure out the dates of President Putin's visit to India." Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Putin to visit India next year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Also read: PM Modi invites Russian President Putin to Delhi for India-Russia Annual Summit next year The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, marking their second meeting this year. They had earlier met in Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in July 2024. The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including political, economic, defence, energy, and people-to-people ties, the Indian prime minister's office said in a press release. Modi and Putin exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in multilateral fora, in particular in BRICS, according to the press release. They also shared views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts. While reflecting on close ties between India and Russia and his personal rapport with PM Modi, the Russian president quipped that they have such a relationship that the Indian PM will not need a translator. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Putin expected to visit India soon, says Kremlin spokesperson

The famous white beluga whale, which was suspected to be a spy of Russia, was probably guarding 'Kremlin property' when it was found dead off the coast of Norway, according to a new documentary.

The whale,&nbsp;nicknamed Hvaldimir, which is a combination of the word for whale, hval and the first name of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was discovered floating at the Risavika Bay in southern Norway in September.

The fishermen were the first to spot the 14ft whale near the northern island of Ingoya in April 2019. The spy whale was wearing a harness which had a small camera mounted over it and a buckle which had the text marked on it "Equipment St Petersburg."

This discovery had fuelled assumptions that the beluga was probably a&nbsp;"spy whale".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-plans-to-introduce-ministry-of-sex-in-russia-amid-drooping-birth-rate-774906">Putin plans to introduce 'ministry of sex' in Russia amid drooping birth rate</a>

After carrying out investigations for 10 months, the makers of the BBC documentary Secrets of the Spy Whale found that some evidence hinted that the whale was being trained as a covert "guard whale".

"Our latest findings about the potential role that Hvaldimir had been trained to do brings us closer to solving the mystery, but they also prompt many further questions about what Russia might be seeking to guard in the Arctic, and why," said Jennifer Shaw, director of the film, while speaking to The Observer.

<h2>How do animals turn into guards?</h2>

While looking into the mystery, the team reached out to a former dolphin trainer and veterans of an early US Navy programme who explained how these creatures turned into guards.

Speaking to the newspaper, Blair Irvine said that the movements of swimmers create bubbles which then create noise.

Because the hearing of the dolphin is so sensitive, it becomes the best method for tracking intruders.

Shaw further told the newspaper that Hvaldimir was also trained in a similar way and was seen placing his nose on anything, which he made a target.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says 'Unacceptable to Offer Russia Concessions on Ukraine'

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According to the expert, it suggested that Beluga was recruited as part of a security patrol and maybe not as spy.

On September 1, Hvaldimir was found dead and the animal rights groups had said that it was shot.

In an autopsy, a 35cm in length and 3cm wide stick was found stuck in the mouth of the animal and police said Hvaldimir also had some "completely superficial" injuries, although "there was no evidence suggesting that Hvaldimir was shot".

"There is nothing in the investigations that have been carried out to establish that it is human activity that has directly led to Hvaldimir's death," said police.

(With inputs from agencies)

The famous white beluga whale, which was suspected to be a spy of Russia, was probably guarding 'Kremlin property' when it was found dead off the coast of Norway, according to a new documentary.

The famous white beluga whale, which was suspected to be a spy of Russia, was probably guarding 'Kremlin property' when it was found dead off the coast of Norway, according to a new documentary. The whale, nicknamed Hvaldimir, which is a combination of the word for whale, hval and the first name of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was discovered floating at the Risavika Bay in southern Norway in September. The fishermen were the first to spot the 14ft whale near the northern island of Ingoya in April 2019. The spy whale was wearing a harness which had a small camera mounted over it and a buckle which had the text marked on it "Equipment St Petersburg." This discovery had fuelled assumptions that the beluga was probably a "spy whale". Also Read: Putin plans to introduce 'ministry of sex' in Russia amid drooping birth rate After carrying out investigations for 10 months, the makers of the BBC documentary Secrets of the Spy Whale found that some evidence hinted that the whale was being trained as a covert "guard whale". "Our latest findings about the potential role that Hvaldimir had been trained to do brings us closer to solving the mystery, but they also prompt many further questions about what Russia might be seeking to guard in the Arctic, and why," said Jennifer Shaw, director of the film, while speaking to The Observer. How do animals turn into guards? While looking into the mystery, the team reached out to a former dolphin trainer and veterans of an early US Navy programme who explained how these creatures turned into guards. Speaking to the newspaper, Blair Irvine said that the movements of swimmers create bubbles which then create noise. Because the hearing of the dolphin is so sensitive, it becomes the best method for tracking intruders. Shaw further told the newspaper that Hvaldimir was also trained in a similar way and was seen placing his nose on anything, which he made a target. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says 'Unacceptable to Offer Russia Concessions on Ukraine' According to the expert, it suggested that Beluga was recruited as part of a security patrol and maybe not as spy. On September 1, Hvaldimir was found dead and the animal rights groups had said that it was shot. In an autopsy, a 35cm in length and 3cm wide stick was found stuck in the mouth of the animal and police said Hvaldimir also had some "completely superficial" injuries, although "there was no evidence suggesting that Hvaldimir was shot". "There is nothing in the investigations that have been carried out to establish that it is human activity that has directly led to Hvaldimir's death," said police. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian spy whale lost life while guarding ‘Kremlin property’ in Arctic: Report

United States presidential election&nbsp;winner&nbsp;Donald Trump is likely to call Russian President Vladimir Putin and ask him to stop the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, stressing the need for peace, a former American diplomat said.&nbsp;

This comes after Republican nominee Donald Trump clinched victory in the US presidential elections on Thursday (Nov 6).&nbsp;

The incoming American&nbsp;president is “going to make a phone call to Putin as quickly as possible and tell Putin that he needs to stop the war, that the fighting has to stop, and that there has to be peace,” Kurt Volker, former US special representative for Ukraine negotiations, said.&nbsp;

He added that Trump does not want to see the Ukraine war continue once he is in office, emphasising that Putin would inevitably have “demands” and that this would only be the start of the conversation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unfriendly-country-kremlin-spokesperson-says-not-aware-of-putins-plans-to-congratulate-trump-774046">Also read:&nbsp;‘Unfriendly country,’ Kremlin spokesperson says ‘not aware’ of Putin’s plans to congratulate Trump</a>

<h2>Trump-Russia call expected in January: Kremlin&nbsp;</h2>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday (Nov 6) pointed out that Putin might speak with Trump before his inauguration in January, however adding that the Russian president&nbsp;will not initiate contact, reported The Moscow Times.&nbsp;

“It’s not ruled out,” Peskov told reporters when asked about possible contact between Putin and Trump before the January 20 inauguration.&nbsp;

“(Trump) has said he’d call Putin before the inauguration. These are his words, we have nothing else to say here yet,” Peskov said.&nbsp;

Earlier on Wednesday, the Kremlin spokesperson said that Putin remains “open” to contact with Trump, further indicating that Russia would not initiate re-establishing the communication between the two.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Trump's Actions Will Shape Future Relations, Says Kremlin

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<h2>Trump's advisors propose to freeze Russia-Ukraine war</h2>

Former US president's&nbsp;advisors have put forward several proposals that would effectively freeze the war in Ukraine, strengthening Russia’s territorial gains, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources close to Trump.&nbsp;

One proposal from within Trump’s transition team involves allowing Moscow to maintain control over 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory, establishing a 1,399-kilometre “demilitarised zone” and blocking Ukraine’s NATO membership for 20 years, and all this would be in exchange for continued military aid to deter future Russian aggression, according to WSJ.&nbsp;

However, the plan does not include US troops policing the demilitarised&nbsp;zone. It further does not include funding from the US or international bodies like the United Nations, a Trump transition team member reportedly said.&nbsp;

“We are not sending American men and women to uphold peace in Ukraine. And we are not paying for it. Get the Poles, Germans, British, and French to do it,” the person was quoted as saying. “We can do training and other support but the barrel of the gun is going to be European.”

Trump has been criticising US President Joe Biden’s way of handling the Russia-Ukraine war, and vowed multiple times during his campaign, that if elected, he would end the war before taking office in January.&nbsp;

Earlier, he also that his “good relationship” with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would be central to his ability to end the war quickly.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States presidential election winner Donald Trump is likely to call Russian President Vladimir Putin and ask him to stop the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, stressing the need for peace, a former American diplomat said.

United States presidential election winner Donald Trump is likely to call Russian President Vladimir Putin and ask him to stop the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, stressing the need for peace, a former American diplomat said. This comes after Republican nominee Donald Trump clinched victory in the US presidential elections on Thursday (Nov 6). The incoming American president is “going to make a phone call to Putin as quickly as possible and tell Putin that he needs to stop the war, that the fighting has to stop, and that there has to be peace,” Kurt Volker, former US special representative for Ukraine negotiations, said. He added that Trump does not want to see the Ukraine war continue once he is in office, emphasising that Putin would inevitably have “demands” and that this would only be the start of the conversation. Also read: ‘Unfriendly country,’ Kremlin spokesperson says ‘not aware’ of Putin’s plans to congratulate Trump Trump-Russia call expected in January: Kremlin Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday (Nov 6) pointed out that Putin might speak with Trump before his inauguration in January, however adding that the Russian president will not initiate contact, reported The Moscow Times. “It’s not ruled out,” Peskov told reporters when asked about possible contact between Putin and Trump before the January 20 inauguration. “(Trump) has said he’d call Putin before the inauguration. These are his words, we have nothing else to say here yet,” Peskov said. Earlier on Wednesday, the Kremlin spokesperson said that Putin remains “open” to contact with Trump, further indicating that Russia would not initiate re-establishing the communication between the two. Watch | US Elections 2024: Trump's Actions Will Shape Future Relations, Says Kremlin × Trump's advisors propose to freeze Russia-Ukraine war Former US president's advisors have put forward several proposals that would effectively freeze the war in Ukraine, strengthening Russia’s territorial gains, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources close to Trump. One proposal from within Trump’s transition team involves allowing Moscow to maintain control over 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory, establishing a 1,399-kilometre “demilitarised zone” and blocking Ukraine’s NATO membership for 20 years, and all this would be in exchange for continued military aid to deter future Russian aggression, according to WSJ. However, the plan does not include US troops policing the demilitarised zone. It further does not include funding from the US or international bodies like the United Nations, a Trump transition team member reportedly said. “We are not sending American men and women to uphold peace in Ukraine. And we are not paying for it. Get the Poles, Germans, British, and French to do it,” the person was quoted as saying. “We can do training and other support but the barrel of the gun is going to be European.” Trump has been criticising US President Joe Biden’s way of handling the Russia-Ukraine war, and vowed multiple times during his campaign, that if elected, he would end the war before taking office in January. Earlier, he also that his “good relationship” with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would be central to his ability to end the war quickly. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump-Putin phone call expected before January inauguration, Kremlin says ‘it’s not ruled out’

United States&nbsp;officials on Friday (Oct 25) blamed ‘Russian actors’ for a viral video allegedly showing mail-in ballots for Republican presidential nominee&nbsp;Donald Trump being destroyed in&nbsp;Pennsylvania, a key battleground state.

The video shows a man deliberately destroying mail-in ballots for Trump from the state’s Bucks County.

However, the video was declared ‘fake’ on Thursday by the Bucks County board of elections. The board said the envelope and other materials seen in the video were not authentic and didn’t belong to them.

On Friday, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a joint statement, saying the video was a part of the Russian disinformation agenda.

&nbsp;“Russian actors manufactured and amplified a recent video that falsely depicted an individual ripping up ballots in Pennsylvania,” the statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjKnur5tKyJAxXNzDgGHYKWEmQQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-2024-can-you-vote-in-polls-without-a-permanent-address-770905" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-2024-can-you-vote-in-polls-without-a-permanent-address-770905&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjKnur5tKyJAxXNzDgGHYKWEmQQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">US presidential election 2024: Can you vote in polls without a permanent address?</a>

“This Russian activity is part of Moscow’s broader effort to raise unfounded questions about the integrity of the US election and stoke divisions among Americans,” it added.

Researchers like Darren Linvill, co-director of Clemson University’s Media Forensics Hub, also debunked the video and said it was linked to the Kremlin’s disinformation network known as “Storm-1516”.

<h2>Russia ‘undermining’ integrity of US elections</h2>

The joint statement accused Russia of trying to “undermine trust” in the integrity of the 5 November elections.

The US officials said, however, they were expecting Russia and other foreign actors to ramp up such efforts of interference.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjKnur5tKyJAxXNzDgGHYKWEmQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-2024-key-issues-americans-will-be-voting-on-770932" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-2024-key-issues-americans-will-be-voting-on-770932&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjKnur5tKyJAxXNzDgGHYKWEmQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">US Presidential Election 2024: Key issues Americans will be voting on</a>

American researchers claim that Storm-1516 has previously engaged in producing fake videos targeting the campaigns of Democratic presidential nominee&nbsp;Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz.

US officials believe that apart from Russia, China and Iran are also trying to influence American elections and fan “divisive narratives.”

A statement by ODNI earlier said, “These actors probably perceive that undermining confidence in the elections weakens the legitimacy of our democracy and consequently makes the United States less capable of effectively pursuing policies that are counter to their interests.”

(With inputs from agencies)

United States officials on Friday (Oct 25) blamed ‘Russian actors’ for a viral video allegedly showing mail-in ballots for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump being destroyed in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state.

United States officials on Friday (Oct 25) blamed ‘Russian actors’ for a viral video allegedly showing mail-in ballots for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump being destroyed in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. The video shows a man deliberately destroying mail-in ballots for Trump from the state’s Bucks County. However, the video was declared ‘fake’ on Thursday by the Bucks County board of elections. The board said the envelope and other materials seen in the video were not authentic and didn’t belong to them. On Friday, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a joint statement, saying the video was a part of the Russian disinformation agenda. “Russian actors manufactured and amplified a recent video that falsely depicted an individual ripping up ballots in Pennsylvania,” the statement said. Also read: US presidential election 2024: Can you vote in polls without a permanent address? “This Russian activity is part of Moscow’s broader effort to raise unfounded questions about the integrity of the US election and stoke divisions among Americans,” it added. Researchers like Darren Linvill, co-director of Clemson University’s Media Forensics Hub, also debunked the video and said it was linked to the Kremlin’s disinformation network known as “Storm-1516”. Russia ‘undermining’ integrity of US elections The joint statement accused Russia of trying to “undermine trust” in the integrity of the 5 November elections. The US officials said, however, they were expecting Russia and other foreign actors to ramp up such efforts of interference. Also read: US Presidential Election 2024: Key issues Americans will be voting on American researchers claim that Storm-1516 has previously engaged in producing fake videos targeting the campaigns of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz. US officials believe that apart from Russia, China and Iran are also trying to influence American elections and fan “divisive narratives.” A statement by ODNI earlier said, “These actors probably perceive that undermining confidence in the elections weakens the legitimacy of our democracy and consequently makes the United States less capable of effectively pursuing policies that are counter to their interests.” (With inputs from agencies)

US officials blame Russian actors for ‘fake’ video showing man destroying mail-in ballots

The Kremlin on Tuesday (Oct 15) accused Western countries of&nbsp;"blatant attempts" to sway&nbsp;the election campaign in the Caucasus country of Georgia. Russia&nbsp;accused the West of influencing the country's parliamentary elections which are set to be held later this month.&nbsp;

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "We see blatant attempts by Western countries to exert pressure on the current Georgian authorities and to exert direct, unveiled influence on the electoral campaign."

"We do not interfere in the internal affairs of Georgia in any way, and we have no plans to do so," he stressed.

"Georgia is our neighbor. You know all our complications in bilateral relations, which at the same time do not hinder the development of humanitarian ties through the line of societies, peoples of two countries," Peskov added. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-allies-denounce-georgia-foreign-influence-law-721894">Also read:&nbsp;Western allies denounce Georgia 'foreign influence' law</a>

The Caucasus country formally became a candidate to join the European Union last year, however, Brussels has since warned that Georgia is drifting away from its stated ambition.&nbsp;

In June, the European Parliament declared the accession process "de facto" and halted it.

<h2>Russian spy agency accuses US of plotting unrest ahead of Georgia polls&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier in September, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) accused the United States&nbsp;of weaponising European election observers to discredit Georgia's elections and trigger pro-Western street demonstrations.&nbsp;

“The US State Department intends to use a new tool to interfere in Georgia’s parliamentary elections on Oct. 26 in order to prevent the victory of Georgian Dream,” the SVR said in a statement last month.&nbsp;

They further claimed that the American&nbsp;authorities were conspiring with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) democratic institutions division ODIHR to declare Georgia’s upcoming elections unfree and unfair.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Kremlin on Tuesday (Oct 15) accused Western countries of "blatant attempts" to sway the election campaign in the Caucasus country of Georgia. Russia accused the West of influencing the country's parliamentary elections which are set to be held later this month.

The Kremlin on Tuesday (Oct 15) accused Western countries of "blatant attempts" to sway the election campaign in the Caucasus country of Georgia. Russia accused the West of influencing the country's parliamentary elections which are set to be held later this month. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "We see blatant attempts by Western countries to exert pressure on the current Georgian authorities and to exert direct, unveiled influence on the electoral campaign." "We do not interfere in the internal affairs of Georgia in any way, and we have no plans to do so," he stressed. "Georgia is our neighbor. You know all our complications in bilateral relations, which at the same time do not hinder the development of humanitarian ties through the line of societies, peoples of two countries," Peskov added. Also read: Western allies denounce Georgia 'foreign influence' law The Caucasus country formally became a candidate to join the European Union last year, however, Brussels has since warned that Georgia is drifting away from its stated ambition. In June, the European Parliament declared the accession process "de facto" and halted it. Russian spy agency accuses US of plotting unrest ahead of Georgia polls Earlier in September, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) accused the United States of weaponising European election observers to discredit Georgia's elections and trigger pro-Western street demonstrations. “The US State Department intends to use a new tool to interfere in Georgia’s parliamentary elections on Oct. 26 in order to prevent the victory of Georgian Dream,” the SVR said in a statement last month. They further claimed that the American authorities were conspiring with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) democratic institutions division ODIHR to declare Georgia’s upcoming elections unfree and unfair. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin accuses West of swaying Georgia election campaign by 'blatant attempts'

The Kremlin said on Saturday that Democratic Party presidential candidate Kamala Harris's description of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "murderous dictator" exposed how politicians in Washington sought to impose their views on the world.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov's comment was the latest jab in exchanges revolving around the US presidential election and the Kremlin's more than 2 1/2-year-old war in Ukraine.

"The lofty political establishment of the United States of America, to all appearances, is infused with such a political culture," Russian news agencies quoted Peskov as telling a television interviewer.

"This is probably the quintessence of the very model of international relations that they are trying to foist on the entire world, a model that most in the world are beginning to like less and less."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-leads-harris-on-handling-west-asia-ukraine-wars-poll-shows-766912">Also read:&nbsp;Trump leads Harris on handling West Asia, Ukraine wars, poll shows</a>

Peskov's comments appeared to be in response to Harris'&nbsp;criticism of a report in a newly released book by US&nbsp;journalist Bob Woodward that Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump, while in office, had sent COVID tests to Russia at the height of the pandemic. In a radio interview, she described Putin as a "murderous dictator".

With relations between Russia and the United States plunging to depths not seen since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, each side has told the other to stop discussing domestic issues.

The United States told Putin to stop commenting on the US election back in February and then again last month when the Kremlin leader suggested he favoured Harris over Trump in the forthcoming poll because of her "infectious laugh".

Watch |&nbsp;Teasing Russian President Putin says Russia backs Kamala Harris

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That exchange prompted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to say that Putin "often jokes" in his public statements.

According to summaries of Woodward's book by the Washington Post and the New York Times, US President Joe Biden was privately scathing about several foreign leaders, including Putin, whom he described as the "epitome of evil".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

The Kremlin said on Saturday that Democratic Party presidential candidate Kamala Harris's description of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "murderous dictator" exposed how politicians in Washington sought to impose their views on the world.

The Kremlin said on Saturday that Democratic Party presidential candidate Kamala Harris's description of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "murderous dictator" exposed how politicians in Washington sought to impose their views on the world. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov's comment was the latest jab in exchanges revolving around the US presidential election and the Kremlin's more than 2 1/2-year-old war in Ukraine. "The lofty political establishment of the United States of America, to all appearances, is infused with such a political culture," Russian news agencies quoted Peskov as telling a television interviewer. "This is probably the quintessence of the very model of international relations that they are trying to foist on the entire world, a model that most in the world are beginning to like less and less." Also read: Trump leads Harris on handling West Asia, Ukraine wars, poll shows Peskov's comments appeared to be in response to Harris' criticism of a report in a newly released book by US journalist Bob Woodward that Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump, while in office, had sent COVID tests to Russia at the height of the pandemic. In a radio interview, she described Putin as a "murderous dictator". With relations between Russia and the United States plunging to depths not seen since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, each side has told the other to stop discussing domestic issues. The United States told Putin to stop commenting on the US election back in February and then again last month when the Kremlin leader suggested he favoured Harris over Trump in the forthcoming poll because of her "infectious laugh". Watch | Teasing Russian President Putin says Russia backs Kamala Harris × That exchange prompted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to say that Putin "often jokes" in his public statements. According to summaries of Woodward's book by the Washington Post and the New York Times, US President Joe Biden was privately scathing about several foreign leaders, including Putin, whom he described as the "epitome of evil". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Kamala Harris calls Putin 'murderous dictator', Kremlin says her remarks expose US view of world

North Korean military engineers have been deployed to help Russia in its invasion of Ukraine with ballistic missiles, and North Koreans operating in occupied regions of Ukraine have already been killed, alleged senior officials in Kyiv and Seoul.&nbsp;

A Ukrainian source told The Guardian that there are dozens of North Koreans behind Russian lines, in teams that “support launcher systems for KN-23 missiles”.&nbsp;

<h2>Kremlin dismisses Seoul's claim&nbsp;</h2>

The Kremlin on Thursday (Oct 10), dismissed the claim by South Korea that Pyongyang soldiers were fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, and called it another "fake news story".&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, "This seems like yet another fake news story."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-calls-putin-his-closest-comrade-says-relation-between-both-countries-became-eternal-765691">Also read:&nbsp;North Korea's Kim calls Putin 'closest comrade', terms relations between two countries 'eternal'</a>

Last year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Yun travelled to Russia for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin where the two men bolstered their deepening ties with a secret arms deal.

North Korea's ammunition shipments were important in allowing Russian forces to advance in a grinding war of attrition in eastern Ukraine this summer.&nbsp;

Ukraine's Kyiv Post reported on Friday that six North Korean military officers had been killed in a Ukrainian missile attack on Russian-occupied territory near Donetsk a day earlier, citing intelligence sources.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: North Korea Slams US For Providing Military Aid To Ukraine | World DNA

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South Korean Defence Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, told lawmakers that the report was probably correct.

"We assess that the occurrence of casualties among North Korean officers and soldiers in Ukraine is highly likely, considering various circumstances," he said, adding, "The issue of deploying regular troops is highly likely due to the mutual agreements that resemble a military alliance between Russia and North Korea."

Head of Ukraine's centre for countering disinformation, Lieutenant Andriy Kovalenko, took to Telegram and said that there were "small numbers of combat engineers" from North Korea in the Donetsk region combat zone.

According to experts, North Korean missiles have been deployed in Ukraine by Russian forces, a report denied by both Moscow and Pyongyang.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean military engineers have been deployed to help Russia in its invasion of Ukraine with ballistic missiles, and North Koreans operating in occupied regions of Ukraine have already been killed, alleged senior officials in Kyiv and Seoul.

North Korean military engineers have been deployed to help Russia in its invasion of Ukraine with ballistic missiles, and North Koreans operating in occupied regions of Ukraine have already been killed, alleged senior officials in Kyiv and Seoul. A Ukrainian source told The Guardian that there are dozens of North Koreans behind Russian lines, in teams that “support launcher systems for KN-23 missiles”. Kremlin dismisses Seoul's claim The Kremlin on Thursday (Oct 10), dismissed the claim by South Korea that Pyongyang soldiers were fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, and called it another "fake news story". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, "This seems like yet another fake news story." Also read: North Korea's Kim calls Putin 'closest comrade', terms relations between two countries 'eternal' Last year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Yun travelled to Russia for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin where the two men bolstered their deepening ties with a secret arms deal. North Korea's ammunition shipments were important in allowing Russian forces to advance in a grinding war of attrition in eastern Ukraine this summer. Ukraine's Kyiv Post reported on Friday that six North Korean military officers had been killed in a Ukrainian missile attack on Russian-occupied territory near Donetsk a day earlier, citing intelligence sources. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: North Korea Slams US For Providing Military Aid To Ukraine | World DNA × South Korean Defence Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, told lawmakers that the report was probably correct. "We assess that the occurrence of casualties among North Korean officers and soldiers in Ukraine is highly likely, considering various circumstances," he said, adding, "The issue of deploying regular troops is highly likely due to the mutual agreements that resemble a military alliance between Russia and North Korea." Head of Ukraine's centre for countering disinformation, Lieutenant Andriy Kovalenko, took to Telegram and said that there were "small numbers of combat engineers" from North Korea in the Donetsk region combat zone. According to experts, North Korean missiles have been deployed in Ukraine by Russian forces, a report denied by both Moscow and Pyongyang. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

North Koreans deployed alongside Russian troops to fight against Ukraine; Kremlin rejects claims as ‘fake’

A major UK national daily has claimed that Russia may be increasingly trying to source sensitive goods from India in the face of thousands of Western sanctions. The Financial Times has reported that the Kremlin is even exploring options to shift manufacturing facilities to India to have its supply chains stabilised and uninterrupted.

As per the report, India’s export to Russia of goods incorporating dual-use technologies, both military and civilian, has seen a drastic increase.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi3juyzwa6IAxURTmwGHW4jJjcQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-says-india-and-other-friends-could-act-as-mediators-in-peace-talks-with-ukraine-756094" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-says-india-and-other-friends-could-act-as-mediators-in-peace-talks-with-ukraine-756094&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi3juyzwa6IAxURTmwGHW4jJjcQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Russian President Putin says ‘friends’ India, China, Brazil could act as mediators in peace talks with Ukraine</a>

FT claimed that Russia’s industry and trade ministry had formulated a plan in October 2022 to invest over $1 billion to secure supplies of sensitive materials from non-Western channels. The plan earmarked India as an alternative market to source crucial goods “previously supplied from unfriendly countries”.

It focused on utilising massive reserves of Indian rupees that Russia has amassed by selling fuel at cheaper rates.

The FT report also claimed&nbsp;that an Indian firm, named Innovio Ventures, supplied Russia with US$4.9 million worth of electronics, including drones via the Central Asian state of Kyrgyzstan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi3juyzwa6IAxURTmwGHW4jJjcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-presses-west-for-permission-to-use-long-range-weapons-us-canada-vow-more-aid-756461" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-presses-west-for-permission-to-use-long-range-weapons-us-canada-vow-more-aid-756461&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi3juyzwa6IAxURTmwGHW4jJjcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Zelensky presses West for permission to use long-range weapons; US, Canada vow more aid</a>

India, over the past two years, has imported Russian oil at discounted prices, while pointing out West’s hypocrisy that Europe was still buying energy from Russia despite imposing sanctions.

India’s foreign minister said last month that New Delhi&nbsp;had to buy oil from Moscow&nbsp;given the “tight energy market” and massive demand at home.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar in Kyiv said, “India is a big oil consumer. It’s a big oil importer because we don’t produce oil. So, it’s not like there is a political strategy to buy oil. There is an oil strategy to buy oil. There’s a market strategy to buy oil… The fact that the market is tight, that today big suppliers like Iran and Venezuela, who used to supply India, are constrained from operating freely in the markets… This factor needs to be taken into account.”

India’s exports to Russia soared to $4 billion in 2023, registering a 40 per cent growth. The trend was largely driven by electronic goods.

(With inputs from agencies)

A major UK national daily has claimed that Russia may be increasingly trying to source sensitive goods from India in the face of thousands of Western sanctions. The Financial Times has reported that the Kremlin is even exploring options to shift manufacturing facilities to India to have its supply chains stabilised and uninterrupted.

A major UK national daily has claimed that Russia may be increasingly trying to source sensitive goods from India in the face of thousands of Western sanctions. The Financial Times has reported that the Kremlin is even exploring options to shift manufacturing facilities to India to have its supply chains stabilised and uninterrupted. As per the report, India’s export to Russia of goods incorporating dual-use technologies, both military and civilian, has seen a drastic increase. Also read: Russian President Putin says ‘friends’ India, China, Brazil could act as mediators in peace talks with Ukraine FT claimed that Russia’s industry and trade ministry had formulated a plan in October 2022 to invest over $1 billion to secure supplies of sensitive materials from non-Western channels. The plan earmarked India as an alternative market to source crucial goods “previously supplied from unfriendly countries”. It focused on utilising massive reserves of Indian rupees that Russia has amassed by selling fuel at cheaper rates. The FT report also claimed that an Indian firm, named Innovio Ventures, supplied Russia with US$4.9 million worth of electronics, including drones via the Central Asian state of Kyrgyzstan. Also read: Zelensky presses West for permission to use long-range weapons; US, Canada vow more aid India, over the past two years, has imported Russian oil at discounted prices, while pointing out West’s hypocrisy that Europe was still buying energy from Russia despite imposing sanctions. India’s foreign minister said last month that New Delhi had to buy oil from Moscow given the “tight energy market” and massive demand at home. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar in Kyiv said, “India is a big oil consumer. It’s a big oil importer because we don’t produce oil. So, it’s not like there is a political strategy to buy oil. There is an oil strategy to buy oil. There’s a market strategy to buy oil… The fact that the market is tight, that today big suppliers like Iran and Venezuela, who used to supply India, are constrained from operating freely in the markets… This factor needs to be taken into account.” India’s exports to Russia soared to $4 billion in 2023, registering a 40 per cent growth. The trend was largely driven by electronic goods. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin exploring sourcing sensitive goods from India in face of Western sanctions: Report

Berlin is taking reports of a plot to assassinate the chief executive of arms manufacturer Rheinmetall very seriously and will not be cowed by Russian intimidation, the German government said on Friday.

Berlin is taking reports of a plot to assassinate the chief executive of arms manufacturer Rheinmetall very seriously and will not be cowed by Russian intimidation, the German government said on Friday. A source familiar with the situation confirmed reporting by CNN and others that US intelligence officials warned the German authorities this year that Russia was plotting to assassinate Armin Papperger, the head of Europe’s biggest weapons producer, which has produced artillery shells and military vehicles for Ukraine. A US official, without confirming the report, said there has been an increased Russian efforts to conduct subversive or sabotage activities throughout Europe in the last five or six months. These activities seemed to be targeting buildings, facilities, companies, and people involved in the supply of weapons to Ukraine, the official said. The Rheinmetall plot was one of a series of Russian plans to assassinate defence industry executives across Europe supporting Ukraine's war effort, CNN reported. German security services were able to protect Papperger after Washington informed Germany, it said. "We will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by Russia and will continue to do everything we can to prevent Russian threats in Germany," Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said. Also read: Watch | Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's eye-roll as Biden arrives late to NATO summit goes viral One of the world's biggest producers of artillery and tank shells, Rheinmetall has not directly confirmed the reports but said "necessary measures are always taken" for security, in regular consultation with security authorities. The Kremlin denied the reports as fake, based on anonymous sources, and said they could not be taken seriously. In Washington, the White House declined to comment, but Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for its National Security Council, said "Russia’s intensifying campaign of subversion is something that we are taking extremely seriously and have been intently focused on over the past few months." She said the US has been discussing the issue with NATO allies, who met for a summit in Washington this week. "We are actively working together to expose and disrupt these activities," she said. "We have also been clear that Russia's actions will not deter allies from continuing to support Ukraine." German defence group Hensoldt, which produces radar technology for the IRIS-T air defence system used in Ukraine, said it was reassessing safety measures. The weapons division for Diehl, the German company that manufactures the IRIS-T and also produces ammunition, said it was monitoring the situation closely and would adapt its security measures if necessary. BAE Systems has "very rigorous security in place, which is kept under constant review" a spokesperson said, declining to comment further. In April the German authorities arrested two German-Russian nationals on suspicion of plotting sabotage attacks, including on US military facilities, in an attempt to undermine military support for Ukraine. Germany also accuses Russia of the murder of an exiled Chechen-Georgian dissident in Berlin's Tiergarten park in broad daylight in 2019. The assassin, Vadim Krasikov, is serving a life sentence, and the court ruled that Russia was responsible for state terrorism. "The Tiergarten murder already showed that Russia does not shy away from assassination attempts here either. We take reports of further murder plans very seriously," said Justice Minister Marco Buschmann. "Our security forces are well positioned. Russia wants to weaken us, but it will not succeed: we are capable of defending ourselves." The Washington Post this week, citing Kremlin documents obtained by a European intelligence service, said Russia was making extensive efforts to find recruits for sabotage attacks. The documents show that in July 2023, Kremlin political strategists studied the Facebook profiles of more than 1,200 people they believed were workers at two major German plants — Aurubis and BASF in Ludwigshafen — to identify employees who could be manipulated into stirring unrest, the report said. The Kremlin said the allegations of Russian sabotage activity were "no more than a stoking of Russophobic hysteria", the report said. Rheinmetall's company value and Papperger's public profile have surged with a defence spending boom after the Russian invasion. Papperger has repeatedly advocated for more arms deliveries to Ukraine and urged the German government to increase defence spending in order to finance them. In May 2023, it said it had set up a joint venture with Ukrainian state-owned conglomerate Ukroboronprom to build and repair tanks in Ukraine. Russia's former President Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of current President Vladimir Putin, said Russia would retaliate by hitting any facility Rheinmetall set up in Ukraine. Papperger is accompanied by security guards whenever he appears. Questions over his personal safety were already in focus this year when his garden house was set on fire by what tabloid newspaper Bild said were far-left activists. Speaking to reporters in May about the incident, Papperger said he was grateful he was being guarded by security personnel. "There are probably some people in the world who don't like what I do. In that respect, the Federal Republic of Germany is making sure that I am safe. I am grateful for that too," he told reporters at the time. "Thank God I wasn't there," he said of the attack on his garden house. "There are just a lot of crazy people in the world. The use of violence is something that I cannot accept. I am working with all my strength to ensure that we can defend ourselves against people who use violence. Some people don't like that." The Financial Times in a report said the levels of protection for Papperger were now similar to those for Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The vice-chair of the parliamentary intelligence oversight committee, conservative lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter, warned of possible further Russian attacks in Germany. The foiled assassination attempt on Papperger should "not obscure the fact that Russia has other targets in its sights and is using espionage, sabotage and targeted killings," Kiesewetter told Handelsblatt. "It is not for nothing that Russia was designated a terrorist state by a German court." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian assassination plot claims against Rheinmetall CEO dismissed by Kremlin as ‘fake news’

Alexander Bastrykin, the head of Russia's Investigative Committee, on Friday (June 28) urged President Vladimir Putin to lift the country's moratorium on the death penalty.

Alexander Bastrykin, the head of Russia's Investigative Committee, on Friday (June 28) urged President Vladimir Putin to lift the country's moratorium on the death penalty. Russia had stopped carrying out capital punishment in 1996 as a prerequisite for joining the Council of Europe. However, a growing number of Putin's allies and lawmakers have since called for the death penalty to be brought back, seeking the sentence for the suspects in the terror attack at a concert hall near Moscow in March that killed more than 140 people. 'Should consider lifting moratorium on death penalty' Addressing a legal forum in Saint Petersburg, Bastrykin said on Friday, "We should consider lifting the moratorium on the death penalty." "In some cases, it should be applied, and in these cases, I am in favour of the death penalty," he added. Bastrykin said Putin could lift the moratorium by decree. Also read | Putin dependent on 'authoritarian' leaders for weapons: NATO chief "I have been told by some competent, qualified lawyers that we need to change the constitution -- that we need to hold a referendum -- but I believe that we should simply lift the moratorium on the death penalty by presidential decree," the country's chief investigator further said. A report by the news agency AFP said that in March, the head of Russia's parliament Vyacheslav Volodin suggested the moratorium would need to be overturned by the Constitutional Court. If Putin were to bring back the death penalty, the precise legal mechanism would simply be a formality. In March, his spokesperson said the Kremlin was not "taking part in this discussion for the moment." (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's chief investigator urges Vladimir Putin to reinstate death penalty

Watch top headlines of the hour: - ICC issues warrants against Russia's Shoigu & Gerasimov - Israel's High Court orders drafting ultra-orthodox men - Kenya: New Finance Bill triggers protests - South Korea conducts live fire drills - Assange begins journey back to Australia - Kremlin 'preparing' for PM Modi's Russia visit

South Korea conducts live fire drills | Kenya: New Finance bill triggers protests

Russia on Friday (May 3) sharply reacted to British Foreign Secretary David Cameron's statement that Ukraine could use British weapons against targets inside Russia if it wanted to.

Russia on Friday (May 3) sharply reacted to British Foreign Secretary David Cameron's statement that Ukraine could use British weapons against targets inside Russia if it wanted to. During a briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, "On May 2, the former Prime Minister, current Foreign minister of Britain David Cameron during an interview with Reuters agency suddenly claimed that Ukraine has the right to perform strikes, as he said it, against the Russian territory, using British weapons. There was a formidable fuss in the world's media, British included." "Why so? Because it's the first time that a Western politician admitted something that is already an open secret to all the countries of the world's majority - the West is conducting a flat-out war against Russia with the hands of the Ukrainians," Zakharova added. Also read | Macron reaffirms he doesn't rule out troops for Ukraine Zakharova said that Moscow would respond if Ukraine launched strikes against Russian territory with British weapons. "How irresponsible and callous do you have to be not to realise what such statements lead to, especially with regard to countries with nuclear weapons? We always respond, but how can you not think about the feelings of British subjects and EU citizens," she further said. What did Cameron say? On Thursday (May 2), British Foreign Secretary Cameron promised $3.7 billion of annual military aid to Ukraine and said that London had no objection to its weapons being used inside Russia. "Ukraine has that right. Just as Russia is striking inside Ukraine, you can quite understand why Ukraine feels the need to make sure it's defending itself," Cameron told Reuters during a visit to Kyiv. Also watch | Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes × The British foreign secretary's remark put Britain in a more hawkish position towards Russia than the United States (US), which said that any weapons it supplies to Ukraine should only be used within Ukraine's internationally recognised borders rather than against targets inside Russia itself. Cameron's remark is dangerous: Kremlin Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described Cameron's comments as dangerous. "This is a direct escalation of tension around the Ukrainian conflict, which could potentially pose a danger to European security, to the entire European security architecture," Peskov said. "This is where we see such a dangerous trend of escalating tension in official statements. This is a cause for our concern," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

West is waging hybrid war...: Russia reacts to Cameron's statement on UK arms for Ukraine

US&nbsp;intelligence agencies have said that Russian President Vladimir Putin probably did not personally order the killing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny at an Arctic prison camp in February, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on Saturday (April 27).

Navalny, aged 47 at the time of his death, was known as one of Putin's most vocal&nbsp;critics within Russia. His allies, who have been labelled extremists by authorities, have accused Putin of orchestrating Navalny's killing&nbsp;and have said they would&nbsp;present evidence to support their accusation.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has refuted any state involvement, with Putin describing Navalny's death as "sad" last month and expressing willingness to exchange the jailed politician with the West, on the condition that Navalny would not return to Russia.

Navalny's associates claimed discussions about such an exchange had been ongoing. According to unnamed sources familiar with the situation, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, US&nbsp;intelligence agencies have determined that Putin likely did not give the order to have Navalny killed in February.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-retaliation-hackers-allegedly-breach-massive-russian-prisoner-database-706571">Also read |&nbsp;Navalny’s retaliation? Hackers allegedly breach massive Russian prisoner database</a>

While Washington hasn't fully cleared Putin of responsibility for Navalny's death, it acknowledges Navalny was targeted by Russian authorities for years, jailed on what the West sees as politically motivated charges, and poisoned with a nerve agent in 2020. The Kremlin has denied&nbsp;involvement in the poisoning.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, responding to the Journal's report, called it&nbsp;"empty speculation".

"I've seen the material, I wouldn't say it's high quality material that deserves attention," Peskov told reporters when asked about the matter.

The US&nbsp;evaluation considered various sources, including classified intel and public facts like the timing of Navalny's death, which coincided with Putin's reelection in March, according to sources cited by the paper. Leonid Volkov, a top aide to Navalny, dismissed the US&nbsp;findings as naive and absurd.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-navalnys-death-wife-of-another-putin-critic-fears-for-his-safety-704122">Also read |&nbsp;After Navalny’s death, wife of another Putin critic fears for his safety</a>

<h2>What we know of Navalny's death&nbsp;</h2>

Several days after the initial report of Alexei Navalny's death, there is still&nbsp;lack of information regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

According to Russian reports, the 47-year-old went for a brief walk at his Siberian penal colony, complained of feeling unwell, and subsequently collapsed without regaining consciousness.

Navalny's family confirmed that the political activist passed away at 14:17 local time (09:17 GMT) on Friday, February 16.

The prison authorities where he was detained claimed he experienced "sudden death syndrome," as reported by his team.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

US intelligence agencies have said that Russian President Vladimir Putin probably did not personally order the killing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny at an Arctic prison camp in February, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on Saturday (April 27).

US intelligence agencies have said that Russian President Vladimir Putin probably did not personally order the killing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny at an Arctic prison camp in February, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on Saturday (April 27). Navalny, aged 47 at the time of his death, was known as one of Putin's most vocal critics within Russia. His allies, who have been labelled extremists by authorities, have accused Putin of orchestrating Navalny's killing and have said they would present evidence to support their accusation. The Kremlin has refuted any state involvement, with Putin describing Navalny's death as "sad" last month and expressing willingness to exchange the jailed politician with the West, on the condition that Navalny would not return to Russia. Navalny's associates claimed discussions about such an exchange had been ongoing. According to unnamed sources familiar with the situation, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, US intelligence agencies have determined that Putin likely did not give the order to have Navalny killed in February. Also read | Navalny’s retaliation? Hackers allegedly breach massive Russian prisoner database While Washington hasn't fully cleared Putin of responsibility for Navalny's death, it acknowledges Navalny was targeted by Russian authorities for years, jailed on what the West sees as politically motivated charges, and poisoned with a nerve agent in 2020. The Kremlin has denied involvement in the poisoning. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, responding to the Journal's report, called it "empty speculation". "I've seen the material, I wouldn't say it's high quality material that deserves attention," Peskov told reporters when asked about the matter. The US evaluation considered various sources, including classified intel and public facts like the timing of Navalny's death, which coincided with Putin's reelection in March, according to sources cited by the paper. Leonid Volkov, a top aide to Navalny, dismissed the US findings as naive and absurd. Also read | After Navalny’s death, wife of another Putin critic fears for his safety What we know of Navalny's death Several days after the initial report of Alexei Navalny's death, there is still lack of information regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. According to Russian reports, the 47-year-old went for a brief walk at his Siberian penal colony, complained of feeling unwell, and subsequently collapsed without regaining consciousness. Navalny's family confirmed that the political activist passed away at 14:17 local time (09:17 GMT) on Friday, February 16. The prison authorities where he was detained claimed he experienced "sudden death syndrome," as reported by his team. (With inputs from agencies)

US intel suggests Putin unlikely to have ordered Navalny's killing: Report

Russia will display "war trophies" at the Moscow exhibition, including the Leopard MBT, Bradley IFV, and AMX-10 AFV. Plans to host an exhibition showcasing a variety of weaponry and military hardware taken by the Russian troops in Ukraine have been revealed by the Ministry of Defense in Russia.

Russia-Ukraine war: Kremlin to showcase captured western weapons in Moscow

A Russian court on Wednesday ordered one of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's deputies to be kept in custody on suspicion of taking bribes, the highest-profile corruption case since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022.

Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov was detained on Tuesday at work by the Federal Security Service (FSB), the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB, for accepting large bribes.

Moscow's Basmanny District Court ordered Ivanov to be kept in custody until June 23. Ivanov, 48, was shown in uniform standing in a glass cage in court, frowning slightly, footage released by the court service showed.

"The investigation believes that Ivanov entered into a criminal conspiracy with third parties, teamed up with them in advance to commit an organised crime by an organised group," the court service said.

It said the conspiracy was to receive "property and services on a particularly large scale during contract and sub-contract work for the ministry of defence."

Ivanov, who said he was innocent, faces 15 years in jail if convicted. State media gave the case full coverage.

The sudden arrest of an ally of Shoigu, whom Putin tasked with fighting the war in Ukraine, triggered speculation about a battle within the elite and of a public crackdown on the corruption that has plagued Russia's post-Soviet armed forces.

Some Russian bloggers, who have accused senior generals of incompetence, rejoiced at the apparent fall of a top military official long linked to the ostentatious opulence which Putin has made clear he does not want to see displayed in wartime.

A Russian source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Ivanov was a close ally of Shoigu and that his arrest was a sharp blow to the defence minister. Shoigu, a Putin ally and one of Russia's most powerful men, is widely expected to keep his position in a coming government reshuffle.

Ivanov, who has served as deputy minister since 2016, was in charge of property management, housing, construction and mortgages at the defence ministry, whose spending has spiralled since the war began.

The TASS state news agency said the investigation into Ivanov has been underway for some time and that the FSB's military counter-intelligence department was involved.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/russia-warns-pakistani-rice-ban-over-violation-in-phytosanitary-requirements-713618" hreflang="en">Russia warns of ban on Pakistani rice imports over violation in phytosanitary requirements</a>

The Kremlin dismissed a Russian report that Ivanov may be suspected of treason as pure speculation.

Ivanov had long been the subject of journalistic investigations. Russia's Anti-Corruption Foundation, headed by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, had alleged that Ivanov and his family lived a life of luxury including yachts, helicopters, visits to the French Riviera, purchases of diamonds, and a 19th Century mansion in Moscow.

Forbes magazine listed Ivanov as one of the wealthiest men in Russia's security structures. Other investigations alleged corruption in Russia's reconstruction of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol now controlled by Russian forces.

Ivanov was unable to comment as he was in detention. Putin last month ordered the FSB to root out corruption in state defence procurement.

Ivanov, who graduated with from Moscow State University with a mathematics degree, rose through the ranks of Russia's state atomic energy sector before becoming deputy head of the Moscow region government under Shoigu, who was then governor.

Some Russian military bloggers have long accused top generals of corruption, especially after the army's hurried withdrawal from parts of Ukraine after over-extending itself during the first days of the invasion.

"It is clear that this is a tectonic shift," said Yuri Podolyaka, a popular pro-Russian military blogger. "And this is not about Ivanov... I hope this is only the beginning."

A Russian court on Wednesday ordered one of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's deputies to be kept in custody on suspicion of taking bribes, the highest-profile corruption case since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022.

A Russian court on Wednesday ordered one of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's deputies to be kept in custody on suspicion of taking bribes, the highest-profile corruption case since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022. Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov was detained on Tuesday at work by the Federal Security Service (FSB), the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB, for accepting large bribes. Moscow's Basmanny District Court ordered Ivanov to be kept in custody until June 23. Ivanov, 48, was shown in uniform standing in a glass cage in court, frowning slightly, footage released by the court service showed. "The investigation believes that Ivanov entered into a criminal conspiracy with third parties, teamed up with them in advance to commit an organised crime by an organised group," the court service said. It said the conspiracy was to receive "property and services on a particularly large scale during contract and sub-contract work for the ministry of defence." Ivanov, who said he was innocent, faces 15 years in jail if convicted. State media gave the case full coverage. The sudden arrest of an ally of Shoigu, whom Putin tasked with fighting the war in Ukraine, triggered speculation about a battle within the elite and of a public crackdown on the corruption that has plagued Russia's post-Soviet armed forces. Some Russian bloggers, who have accused senior generals of incompetence, rejoiced at the apparent fall of a top military official long linked to the ostentatious opulence which Putin has made clear he does not want to see displayed in wartime. A Russian source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Ivanov was a close ally of Shoigu and that his arrest was a sharp blow to the defence minister. Shoigu, a Putin ally and one of Russia's most powerful men, is widely expected to keep his position in a coming government reshuffle. Ivanov, who has served as deputy minister since 2016, was in charge of property management, housing, construction and mortgages at the defence ministry, whose spending has spiralled since the war began. The TASS state news agency said the investigation into Ivanov has been underway for some time and that the FSB's military counter-intelligence department was involved. Also read: Russia warns of ban on Pakistani rice imports over violation in phytosanitary requirements The Kremlin dismissed a Russian report that Ivanov may be suspected of treason as pure speculation. Ivanov had long been the subject of journalistic investigations. Russia's Anti-Corruption Foundation, headed by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, had alleged that Ivanov and his family lived a life of luxury including yachts, helicopters, visits to the French Riviera, purchases of diamonds, and a 19th Century mansion in Moscow. Forbes magazine listed Ivanov as one of the wealthiest men in Russia's security structures. Other investigations alleged corruption in Russia's reconstruction of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol now controlled by Russian forces. Ivanov was unable to comment as he was in detention. Putin last month ordered the FSB to root out corruption in state defence procurement. Ivanov, who graduated with from Moscow State University with a mathematics degree, rose through the ranks of Russia's state atomic energy sector before becoming deputy head of the Moscow region government under Shoigu, who was then governor. Some Russian military bloggers have long accused top generals of corruption, especially after the army's hurried withdrawal from parts of Ukraine after over-extending itself during the first days of the invasion. "It is clear that this is a tectonic shift," said Yuri Podolyaka, a popular pro-Russian military blogger. "And this is not about Ivanov... I hope this is only the beginning."

Russia Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov arrested for alleged bribery, faces 15 years in jail if convicted

All eyes are on the first launch of the Angara A5 space rocket from Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome. A successful launch could be a milestone for Russian President Vladimir Putin's space ambitions. Watch in for more details!

Russia | All eyes on Kremlin's Angara-A5 carrier rocket

According to reports a Cyber attack has jolted Russia's prison system. A group of hackers breach the Russian prison systems database. Watch in for more details!

Russia: Anti-Kremlin hackers target Russia, 'avenge Navalny's death'

The Kremlin has dismissed a report that Russian military intelligence might be behind the mysterious "Havana syndrome" ailment that has afflicted US diplomats and spies globally. Watch in for more details!

Kremlin dismisses report Russia behind 'Havana Syndrome' calls it baseless accusations by media

India may have played a key role in discouraging Russia from launching a nuclear attack inside Ukraine in 2022 when President Vladimir Putin’s forces faced ‘one setback after another’ on the battlefield, according to a CNN report that cites US officials.

The report&nbsp;said intervention from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and nations like China may have forced Putin to drop the nuclear plans.

<h2>Alarming intelligence</h2>

In 2022, US officials grew worried that Russia might resort to using a tactical nuclear weapon in the face of growing challenges in Ukraine. It was when Ukrainian forces were advancing on Russian-occupied Kherson in the south. As per the report, Russia became concerned that its forces in Kherson could be surrounded and devastated if Ukrainian troops kept advancing.

The US officials believed that such a heavy loss could trigger the Kremlin to resort to using non-conventional/nuclear means.

“If significant numbers of Russian forces were ­overrun —​­ if their lives were shattered as such —​­ that was a sort of precursor to a potential threat directly to Russian territory or the Russian state,” a senior US official was quoted as saying by CNN.

“In Kherson at that time there were increasing signs that Russian lines could collapse. Tens of thousands of Russian troops were potentially vulnerable,” the official added.

In addition to this theory, the Biden administration had access to new, sensitive intelligence—based on analysis, several indicators and developments—that pointed towards the possibility of a nuclear Armageddon.

<h2>Russia’s ‘Dirty Bomb’ theory</h2>

During the same period, Russian loyalists and propagandists started talking about the possibility of Ukraine using a ‘dirty bomb’ against Russia.

Western officials believed it was a false flag story that Russia could use as cover for launching its own nuclear attack.

Watch:&nbsp;How did Ukraine sink 25% of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Naval War?

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In October 2022, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu reportedly made a series of phone calls to defence officials in the US, the UK, France and Turkey, telling them that the Kremlin was “concerned about possible provocations by Kyiv involving the use of a dirty bomb.”

The US meanwhile started working with its allies to develop contingency plans and warn Russia about potential consequences.

<h2>Role of India and China</h2>

As per US officials, help was also sought from non-allies like India and China.

US officials say intervention from PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping helped avert a nuclear disaster in Ukraine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjez4Gv5uiEAxW_7zgGHQuvCpcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-advocates-for-ukraine-to-show-courage-in-negotiations-698401" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-advocates-for-ukraine-to-show-courage-in-negotiations-698401&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjez4Gv5uiEAxW_7zgGHQuvCpcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Pope encourages Ukraine to show ‘white flag’ courage in negotiations</a>

“I think we believe showing the international community the concern about this, particularly the concern from key countries for Russia and the Global South, was also a helpful, persuasive factor and showed them what the cost of all this could be,” a US official said.

“I think the fact that we know China weighed in, India weighed in, others weighed in, may have had some effect on their thinking. I can’t demonstrate this positively, but I think that’s our assessment,” a second official was quoted as saying.

India may have played a key role in discouraging Russia from launching a nuclear attack inside Ukraine in 2022 when President Vladimir Putin’s forces faced ‘one setback after another’ on the battlefield, according to a CNN report that cites US officials.

India may have played a key role in discouraging Russia from launching a nuclear attack inside Ukraine in 2022 when President Vladimir Putin’s forces faced ‘one setback after another’ on the battlefield, according to a CNN report that cites US officials. The report said intervention from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and nations like China may have forced Putin to drop the nuclear plans. Alarming intelligence In 2022, US officials grew worried that Russia might resort to using a tactical nuclear weapon in the face of growing challenges in Ukraine. It was when Ukrainian forces were advancing on Russian-occupied Kherson in the south. As per the report, Russia became concerned that its forces in Kherson could be surrounded and devastated if Ukrainian troops kept advancing. The US officials believed that such a heavy loss could trigger the Kremlin to resort to using non-conventional/nuclear means. “If significant numbers of Russian forces were overrun — if their lives were shattered as such — that was a sort of precursor to a potential threat directly to Russian territory or the Russian state,” a senior US official was quoted as saying by CNN. “In Kherson at that time there were increasing signs that Russian lines could collapse. Tens of thousands of Russian troops were potentially vulnerable,” the official added. In addition to this theory, the Biden administration had access to new, sensitive intelligence—based on analysis, several indicators and developments—that pointed towards the possibility of a nuclear Armageddon. Russia’s ‘Dirty Bomb’ theory During the same period, Russian loyalists and propagandists started talking about the possibility of Ukraine using a ‘dirty bomb’ against Russia. Western officials believed it was a false flag story that Russia could use as cover for launching its own nuclear attack. Watch: How did Ukraine sink 25% of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Naval War? × In October 2022, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu reportedly made a series of phone calls to defence officials in the US, the UK, France and Turkey, telling them that the Kremlin was “concerned about possible provocations by Kyiv involving the use of a dirty bomb.” The US meanwhile started working with its allies to develop contingency plans and warn Russia about potential consequences. Role of India and China As per US officials, help was also sought from non-allies like India and China. US officials say intervention from PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping helped avert a nuclear disaster in Ukraine. Also read: Pope encourages Ukraine to show ‘white flag’ courage in negotiations “I think we believe showing the international community the concern about this, particularly the concern from key countries for Russia and the Global South, was also a helpful, persuasive factor and showed them what the cost of all this could be,” a US official said. “I think the fact that we know China weighed in, India weighed in, others weighed in, may have had some effect on their thinking. I can’t demonstrate this positively, but I think that’s our assessment,” a second official was quoted as saying.

India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report

For more than 20 years, Vladimir Putin has been synonymous with Russian leadership. During his rule, there have been numerous opponents and vehement critics of the Kremlin. Some of these critics have died under mysterious circumstances. Who were the other critics of Putin apart from Navalny? What happened to them? Why did they die?

The mysterious fates of Putin's critics

Ksenia Karelina, a model&nbsp;and ballet dancer, is the latest target on Kremlin’s radar. The 32-year-old with dual Russian-American citizenship was arrested by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) on Tuesday (Feb 20) on grounds of suspected fundraising for the Ukrainian Army.

The FSB did not disclose the woman's identity, but the independent Russian-language media outlet Mediazona identified the individual detained as Ksenia Karelina.

Karelina, a resident of Los Angeles was detained in Yekaterinburg, Urals in Russia on charges of “treason”, as per Politico.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-bottom-as-worst-president-ever-biden-lands-at-14-in-new-survey-ahead-of-us-elections-692187">Trump hits bottom as worst president ever, Biden lands at 14 in new survey ahead of US elections</a>

According to FSB, she participated in fundraising efforts for Kyiv and was also part of pro-Ukraine public rallies.&nbsp;

The news of her arrest broke on Tuesday when several Russian news outlets released a video showing a woman in the courtroom with handcuffs and eyes covered. It is still unknown when the video was shot.&nbsp;

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❗🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇸🇺🇦 Russian authorities detained a citizen with dual nationality of Russia and the United States and residing in Los Angeles, Ksenia Karelina, on suspicion of treason. 
 
According to the Russian government, Karelina was dedicated to collecting funds for an unidentified… <a href="https://t.co/0Zn5jNJfDs">pic.twitter.com/0Zn5jNJfDs</a>
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformantofc) <a href="https://twitter.com/theinformantofc/status/1759936223953478121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Who is Ksenia Karelina? How the Russian-American model came under Kremlin’s radar</h2>

According to her Facebook page, Karelina attended the SP&nbsp;Diaghilev school in Yekaterinburg for ballet training. After obtaining a degree from Ural Federal University in 2013, she started her career in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2014.

Karelina's LinkedIn profile details her career as a manager at Ciel Spa Beverly Hills since 2019.

She became an American citizen back in 2021 and soon afterwards married an American man, whose identity is still unknown, as per Daily Mail. The media outlet also shared some pictures of her that she used to share on her social media.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/walmart-soars-on-strong-earnings-and-vizio-acquisition-report-692229">Walmart soars on strong earnings and Vizio acquisition: Report</a>

She was first arrested for minor offences, but later she was charged with ‘high treason’, as per the Russian courts’ database. A judge in Yekaterinburg declined an appeal against the pre-trial detention of Karelina on February 20.

The Pervy Otdel group, a team of lawyers handling espionage and treason cases, reported that Karelina was detained by police on January 27. It disclosed that the FSB arrested Karelina for transferring $51.80 from an American bank to the Ukrainian ‘Razom’ charity.

The FSB alleges that the funds Karelina contributed “were used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to purchase tactical medical supplies, equipment, attack tools, and ammunition".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/commercial-planes-go-on-a-wild-ride-after-atlantic-jet-streams-freak-winds-push-it-at-supersonic-speeds-692232">Commercial planes go on a wild ride after Atlantic jet stream's freak winds push it at supersonic speeds</a>

However, at the time Karelina donated to ‘Razom’ in February 2022, the platform was openly fundraising for medical supplies, as per the website announcement.&nbsp;

The court documents also revealed that Karelina was arrested for swearing in public near a movie theatre.&nbsp;

In Russia, treason accusations are pretty serious and carry hefty jail terms. In the past, a total of 63 people have been prosecuted for treason since 2023, and 37 others have been found guilty.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ksenia Karelina, a model and ballet dancer, is the latest target on Kremlin’s radar. The 32-year-old with dual Russian-American citizenship was arrested by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) on Tuesday (Feb 20) on grounds of suspected fundraising for the Ukrainian Army.

Ksenia Karelina, a model and ballet dancer, is the latest target on Kremlin’s radar. The 32-year-old with dual Russian-American citizenship was arrested by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) on Tuesday (Feb 20) on grounds of suspected fundraising for the Ukrainian Army. The FSB did not disclose the woman's identity, but the independent Russian-language media outlet Mediazona identified the individual detained as Ksenia Karelina. Karelina, a resident of Los Angeles was detained in Yekaterinburg, Urals in Russia on charges of “treason”, as per Politico. Also Read | Trump hits bottom as worst president ever, Biden lands at 14 in new survey ahead of US elections According to FSB, she participated in fundraising efforts for Kyiv and was also part of pro-Ukraine public rallies. The news of her arrest broke on Tuesday when several Russian news outlets released a video showing a woman in the courtroom with handcuffs and eyes covered. It is still unknown when the video was shot. ❗🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇸🇺🇦 Russian authorities detained a citizen with dual nationality of Russia and the United States and residing in Los Angeles, Ksenia Karelina, on suspicion of treason. According to the Russian government, Karelina was dedicated to collecting funds for an unidentified… pic.twitter.com/0Zn5jNJfDs — 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformantofc) February 20, 2024 × Who is Ksenia Karelina? How the Russian-American model came under Kremlin’s radar According to her Facebook page, Karelina attended the SP Diaghilev school in Yekaterinburg for ballet training. After obtaining a degree from Ural Federal University in 2013, she started her career in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2014. Karelina's LinkedIn profile details her career as a manager at Ciel Spa Beverly Hills since 2019. She became an American citizen back in 2021 and soon afterwards married an American man, whose identity is still unknown, as per Daily Mail. The media outlet also shared some pictures of her that she used to share on her social media. Also Read | Walmart soars on strong earnings and Vizio acquisition: Report She was first arrested for minor offences, but later she was charged with ‘high treason’, as per the Russian courts’ database. A judge in Yekaterinburg declined an appeal against the pre-trial detention of Karelina on February 20. The Pervy Otdel group, a team of lawyers handling espionage and treason cases, reported that Karelina was detained by police on January 27. It disclosed that the FSB arrested Karelina for transferring $51.80 from an American bank to the Ukrainian ‘Razom’ charity. The FSB alleges that the funds Karelina contributed “were used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to purchase tactical medical supplies, equipment, attack tools, and ammunition". Also Read | Commercial planes go on a wild ride after Atlantic jet stream's freak winds push it at supersonic speeds However, at the time Karelina donated to ‘Razom’ in February 2022, the platform was openly fundraising for medical supplies, as per the website announcement. The court documents also revealed that Karelina was arrested for swearing in public near a movie theatre. In Russia, treason accusations are pretty serious and carry hefty jail terms. In the past, a total of 63 people have been prosecuted for treason since 2023, and 37 others have been found guilty. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Ksenia Karelina? Russian-US ballerina accused of 'high treason' by Moscow

Alexei Navalny’s body has been found, which shows signs of bruises and use of force, reported several media outlets citing paramedics. On Friday (Feb 16), Russia’s prison service said the 47-year-old Putin critic died after a walk at the ‘Polar Wolf’ penal colony in Kharp – about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow.

Western leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have held Russia’s Vladimir Putin responsible for Navalny’s death.

"What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality no one should be fooled not in Russia not at home not anywhere in the world," said Biden.

Moscow has responded to these allegations by calling them “unacceptable and absolutely rabid.”

<h2>‘Cameras in the prison were not operating’</h2>

Meanwhile, Gulagu.net, a human rights group that focuses on the rights of prisoners in Russia, has claimed that cameras in the prison where Navalny was being held were not operating on the day of his death.

The rights group claims that the officials of the Federal Security Service (FSB) visited the prison two days before and dismantled listening devices and hidden cameras “that could have recorded what happened to Alexey Navalny on February 15-16.”

Watch:&nbsp;Alexei Navalny death: Navalny's team confirms death, family demands body 'immediately'

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The group further claimed that on the evening of February 16, the officials conducting the autopsy were directed to declare that bruises occurred only after Navalny’s death.

WION was not able to verify these claims independently.

<h2>The official version</h2>

Alexei Navalny’s mother was reportedly told by Russian authorities that her son died of ‘sudden death syndrome.’

"When Alexei's lawyer and mother arrived at the colony this morning, they were told that the cause of Navalny's death was sudden death syndrome," Ivan Zhdanov, who directs Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, said on social media platform X.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1WPNNH7fjwh_C3Ktq11u7O" data-ved="2ahUKEwjao7KD8LSEAxVryDgGHUCDBjkQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-mother-was-told-he-died-by-sudden-death-syndrome-says-leaders-team-691308" jsname="YKoRaf">Authorities told Alexei Navalny’s mother that he died due to ‘sudden death syndrome’</a>

According to details, 'sudden death syndrome" is a vague term for different cardiac syndromes that cause sudden cardiac arrest and death.

<h2>Brazil's Lula says should avoid accusations</h2>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Brazilian&nbsp;President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday (Feb 18) said&nbsp;a thorough investigation should be conducted&nbsp;into the death of&nbsp;Navalny before making any accusations.

Speaking at a press conference after attending an African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Lula said refraining from taking a stance on the death at this moment was a matter of "common sense."

"A citizen died in prison, I don't know if he was ill or had any issues," Lula said. "To make an accusation is to trivialize. I hope that a coroner will provide an explanation for why the individual died, that's all," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny’s body has been found, which shows signs of bruises and use of force, reported several media outlets citing paramedics. On Friday (Feb 16), Russia’s prison service said the 47-year-old Putin critic died after a walk at the ‘Polar Wolf’ penal colony in Kharp – about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow.

Alexei Navalny’s body has been found, which shows signs of bruises and use of force, reported several media outlets citing paramedics. On Friday (Feb 16), Russia’s prison service said the 47-year-old Putin critic died after a walk at the ‘Polar Wolf’ penal colony in Kharp – about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow. Western leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have held Russia’s Vladimir Putin responsible for Navalny’s death. "What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality no one should be fooled not in Russia not at home not anywhere in the world," said Biden. Moscow has responded to these allegations by calling them “unacceptable and absolutely rabid.” ‘Cameras in the prison were not operating’ Meanwhile, Gulagu.net, a human rights group that focuses on the rights of prisoners in Russia, has claimed that cameras in the prison where Navalny was being held were not operating on the day of his death. The rights group claims that the officials of the Federal Security Service (FSB) visited the prison two days before and dismantled listening devices and hidden cameras “that could have recorded what happened to Alexey Navalny on February 15-16.” Watch: Alexei Navalny death: Navalny's team confirms death, family demands body 'immediately' × The group further claimed that on the evening of February 16, the officials conducting the autopsy were directed to declare that bruises occurred only after Navalny’s death. WION was not able to verify these claims independently. The official version Alexei Navalny’s mother was reportedly told by Russian authorities that her son died of ‘sudden death syndrome.’ "When Alexei's lawyer and mother arrived at the colony this morning, they were told that the cause of Navalny's death was sudden death syndrome," Ivan Zhdanov, who directs Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, said on social media platform X. Also read: Authorities told Alexei Navalny’s mother that he died due to ‘sudden death syndrome’ According to details, 'sudden death syndrome" is a vague term for different cardiac syndromes that cause sudden cardiac arrest and death. Brazil's Lula says should avoid accusations Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday (Feb 18) said a thorough investigation should be conducted into the death of Navalny before making any accusations. Speaking at a press conference after attending an African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Lula said refraining from taking a stance on the death at this moment was a matter of "common sense." "A citizen died in prison, I don't know if he was ill or had any issues," Lula said. "To make an accusation is to trivialize. I hope that a coroner will provide an explanation for why the individual died, that's all," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny’s body found with ‘bruises’ as West holds Putin responsible

Joe Biden on Alexei Navalny Death: US President Joe Biden on Friday (Feb 16th) said he was "not surprised" by the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Addressing the press at the White House, the American President blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death, and said that it was proof of his (Putin's) "brutality".

<h2>A powerful voice for the truth (Joe Biden on&nbsp;Navalny's&nbsp;death)</h2>

Describing the&nbsp;Kremlin critic Navalny as a "powerful voice for the truth", Biden said "He bravely stood up to the corruption, the violence and all the bad things the (Vladimir) Putin government was doing."&nbsp;

Saying that he was "outraged", but "not surprised" by the news, Biden said that they do not yet know exactly what happened to the Russian opposition leader. However, he said that it was the fault of Putin and his "thugs".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970">'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death</a>

"Russian authorities are going to tell their own story," he said, adding "But make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Putin is responsible."&nbsp;

"What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality. No one should be fooled," said Biden in the televised remarks.

<h2>Will the US respond?</h2>

The US President said that he was "looking at options" on additional steps to punish Russia. However, he did not elaborate further.

Watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail

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Hailing Alexei Navalny's achievements, Biden said "Even in prison he was a powerful voice for the truth."&nbsp;

"God bless Alexei Navalny, his courage will not be forgotten," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Reason of Alexei Navalny's death</h2>

In a statement,&nbsp;Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the opposition leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results."

"Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added.

As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Taking to&nbsp;X, Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his demise&nbsp;within 24 hours, but&nbsp;no notifications have been made.&nbsp;His aide Leonid Volkov said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that Navalny's&nbsp;lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden on Alexei Navalny Death: US President Joe Biden on Friday (Feb 16th) said he was "not surprised" by the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Joe Biden on Alexei Navalny Death: US President Joe Biden on Friday (Feb 16th) said he was "not surprised" by the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Addressing the press at the White House, the American President blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death, and said that it was proof of his (Putin's) "brutality". A powerful voice for the truth (Joe Biden on Navalny's death) Describing the Kremlin critic Navalny as a "powerful voice for the truth", Biden said "He bravely stood up to the corruption, the violence and all the bad things the (Vladimir) Putin government was doing." Saying that he was "outraged", but "not surprised" by the news, Biden said that they do not yet know exactly what happened to the Russian opposition leader. However, he said that it was the fault of Putin and his "thugs". Also read | 'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death "Russian authorities are going to tell their own story," he said, adding "But make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Putin is responsible." "What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality. No one should be fooled," said Biden in the televised remarks. Will the US respond? The US President said that he was "looking at options" on additional steps to punish Russia. However, he did not elaborate further. Watch | Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail Hailing Alexei Navalny's achievements, Biden said "Even in prison he was a powerful voice for the truth." "God bless Alexei Navalny, his courage will not be forgotten," he added. Reason of Alexei Navalny's death In a statement, Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the opposition leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results." "Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added. As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Taking to X, Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his demise within 24 hours, but no notifications have been made. His aide Leonid Volkov said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that Navalny's lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death 'proof of Putin's brutality,' says US President Joe Biden

Alexei Navalny Death News:&nbsp;Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;has died in jail,&nbsp;as per reports by the state media.

Since December of last year, the 47-year-old Kremlin critic had&nbsp;been serving a 19-year term at a prison situated&nbsp;in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle.

Reports of Navalny's death comes almost&nbsp;a day after&nbsp;Michael Carpenter, the US&nbsp;Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe on X said that the Russian opposition leader has once again been "thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time".&nbsp;According to Carpenter, Navalny faced a 15-day stint in isolation.

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Reports indicate Alexey Navalny has been thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time. Navalny faces a 15-day stint in solitary confinement, adding to the 293 days he's already endured. We condemn this ongoing assault on <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@navalny</a>'s rights and we call for… <a href="https://t.co/DB3dzT70RJ">pic.twitter.com/DB3dzT70RJ</a>
— Michael Carpenter, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE (@USAmbOSCE) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbOSCE/status/1758159512849039525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Reports of death yet to be confirmed</h2>

As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Even as the world awaits confirmation, the reports of his death have evoked shock and sorrow.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposition-politician-alexei-navalny-is-dead-reports-690945">Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dies in prison: Reports</a>

On X, Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov, said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his death within 24 hours, but&nbsp;no notifications have been made.

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В течение суток родственников обязаны уведомить, если это правда. Уведомлений не было. Никаких комментариев у нас кроме этих нет. <a href="https://t.co/TWwUa53FH0">https://t.co/TWwUa53FH0</a>
— Ivan Zhdanov (@ioannZH) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioannZH/status/1758463748245790961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Navalny's aide Leonid Volkov said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that the opposition leader's&nbsp;lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence.

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Russian authorities publish a confession that they killed Alexey Navalny in prison. 
 
We do not have any way to confirm it or to prove this isn’t true. 
 
Navalny’s lawyer is on the way to Harp.
— Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) <a href="https://twitter.com/leonidvolkov/status/1758456557770101005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with&nbsp;German&nbsp;Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Navalny was "obviously killed by Putin".

"Obviously, he was killed by Putin, like thousands of others who have been tormented, tortured because of this one person. Putin doesn't care who dies, as long as he retains his position. And that is why he must not keep anything - Putin must lose everything, he must not retain anything and must be held accountable for what he has done," he said, as reported by Reuters.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris said her nation was&nbsp;working to confirm the reports of Alexei Navalny's death, adding that it would be a further sign of Russian President Vladimir Putin's brutality.

Ukraine's presidential aide Andriy Yermak on X declared that Russian President Putin is "afraid of any competition," and that "the lives of Russians are nothing to him."&nbsp;

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putin is the ultimate evil who is afraid of any competition. The lives of russians are nothing to him. 
 
Everyone who calls for negotiations must realize that he cannot be trusted. The only language he understands is force.
— Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndriyYermak/status/1758466812885217699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Calling it "terrible news," and a "huge tragedy," for the people of Russia, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a post on X said, "As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life."

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This is terrible news. As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life. 
 
My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy. <a href="https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh">https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh</a>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1758463245671690574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-life-of-defiance-and-mysterious-disappearance-690989">Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance</a>

France's Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné taking&nbsp;to&nbsp;X&nbsp;to pay&nbsp;condolences on behalf of his country wrote, "Alexei Navalny paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression."

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Alexei Navalny a payé de sa vie sa résistance à un système d’oppression. 
 
Sa mort en colonie pénitentiaire nous rappelle la réalité du régime de Vladimir Poutine. 
 
À sa famille, ses proches et au peuple russe, la France présente ses condoléances.
— Stéphane Séjourné (@steph_sejourne) <a href="https://twitter.com/steph_sejourne/status/1758459000817877102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Condemning the death, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;said that the Russian opposition leader paid for his courage with his life, and said Russia "is no longer a democracy, and has not been for a long time now."

"Anyone who voices criticism, who stands up for democracy, must fear for their safety and their lives," he said.

"It has not yet been conclusively confirmed, but we must assume with a high degree of probability that it is true, namely that Mr Navalny has died in a Russian prison. And that is something that is very depressing. I met Mr Navalny here in Berlin when he was in Germany trying to recover from the poisoning attack and I also spoke to him about the great courage it took to go back to the country," he further said.

Watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as per an AFP report, said that Navalny's death in prison&nbsp;was a warning to the world.&nbsp;"The death of Alexei Navalny during his detention is another sad page that acts as a warning to the international community," she&nbsp;said in a statement. She also offered her condolences and expressed a hope that "this disturbing event will be fully clarified".

Charles Michel, the&nbsp;President of the European Council, called the death an "ultimate sacrifice".

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Alexei <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@navalny</a> fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice. 
 
The EU holds the Russian regime for sole responsible for this tragic death. 
 
I extend my deepest condolences to his family. And to those who fight for democracy around…
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesMichel/status/1758461749747966150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Edgars Rinkēvičs, the President of&nbsp;Latvia, labelled the reported death a "brutal murder" and said: "Whatever your thoughts about Alexey @Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime."

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Whatever your thoughts about Alexey <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Navalny</a> as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime. My condolences to the family and friends.
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) <a href="https://twitter.com/edgarsrinkevics/status/1758456656730423305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Reacting to the news, former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as she arrived for the Munich Security Conference, said, "I think we have to find out more, but in any case, it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy."

"It would be a horrible thing. Starvation, lack of care under prison conditions, is that what he died from or you think it was an affirmative act? I think we have to find out more, but in any case it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy. Period," she added, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;

Joshua Fenton-Glynn, Cabinet Member, Adult Services and Wellbeing, UK said that "Navalny's bravery will inspire others."

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The bravery to speak out against a government completely comfortable with killing their opponents is truly unimaginable. Navalny’s bravery will inspire others. <a href="https://t.co/WP9Hl6onx0">https://t.co/WP9Hl6onx0</a>
— Josh Fenton-Glynn (@JoshFG) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshFG/status/1758456350458147298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>How did Navalny&nbsp;die? (Alexei Navalny Death Reason)</h2>

In a statement,&nbsp;Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the Russian leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results."

"Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny Death News: Alexei Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has died in jail, as per reports by the state media. Since December of last year, the 47-year-old Kremlin critic had been serving a 19-year term at a prison situated in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle.

Alexei Navalny Death News: Alexei Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has died in jail, as per reports by the state media. Since December of last year, the 47-year-old Kremlin critic had been serving a 19-year term at a prison situated in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle. Reports of Navalny's death comes almost a day after Michael Carpenter, the US Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe on X said that the Russian opposition leader has once again been "thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time". According to Carpenter, Navalny faced a 15-day stint in isolation. Reports indicate Alexey Navalny has been thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time. Navalny faces a 15-day stint in solitary confinement, adding to the 293 days he's already endured. We condemn this ongoing assault on @navalny's rights and we call for… pic.twitter.com/DB3dzT70RJ — Michael Carpenter, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE (@USAmbOSCE) February 15, 2024 × Reports of death yet to be confirmed As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Even as the world awaits confirmation, the reports of his death have evoked shock and sorrow. Also read | Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dies in prison: Reports On X, Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov, said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his death within 24 hours, but no notifications have been made. В течение суток родственников обязаны уведомить, если это правда. Уведомлений не было. Никаких комментариев у нас кроме этих нет. https://t.co/TWwUa53FH0 — Ivan Zhdanov (@ioannZH) February 16, 2024 × Navalny's aide Leonid Volkov said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that the opposition leader's lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence. Russian authorities publish a confession that they killed Alexey Navalny in prison. We do not have any way to confirm it or to prove this isn’t true. Navalny’s lawyer is on the way to Harp. — Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) February 16, 2024 × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Navalny was "obviously killed by Putin". "Obviously, he was killed by Putin, like thousands of others who have been tormented, tortured because of this one person. Putin doesn't care who dies, as long as he retains his position. And that is why he must not keep anything - Putin must lose everything, he must not retain anything and must be held accountable for what he has done," he said, as reported by Reuters. United States Vice President Kamala Harris said her nation was working to confirm the reports of Alexei Navalny's death, adding that it would be a further sign of Russian President Vladimir Putin's brutality. Ukraine's presidential aide Andriy Yermak on X declared that Russian President Putin is "afraid of any competition," and that "the lives of Russians are nothing to him." putin is the ultimate evil who is afraid of any competition. The lives of russians are nothing to him. Everyone who calls for negotiations must realize that he cannot be trusted. The only language he understands is force. — Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) February 16, 2024 × Calling it "terrible news," and a "huge tragedy," for the people of Russia, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a post on X said, "As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life." This is terrible news. As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy. https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 16, 2024 × Also read | Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance France's Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné taking to X to pay condolences on behalf of his country wrote, "Alexei Navalny paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression." Alexei Navalny a payé de sa vie sa résistance à un système d’oppression. Sa mort en colonie pénitentiaire nous rappelle la réalité du régime de Vladimir Poutine. À sa famille, ses proches et au peuple russe, la France présente ses condoléances. — Stéphane Séjourné (@steph_sejourne) February 16, 2024 × Condemning the death, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Russian opposition leader paid for his courage with his life, and said Russia "is no longer a democracy, and has not been for a long time now." "Anyone who voices criticism, who stands up for democracy, must fear for their safety and their lives," he said. "It has not yet been conclusively confirmed, but we must assume with a high degree of probability that it is true, namely that Mr Navalny has died in a Russian prison. And that is something that is very depressing. I met Mr Navalny here in Berlin when he was in Germany trying to recover from the poisoning attack and I also spoke to him about the great courage it took to go back to the country," he further said. Watch | Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail × Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as per an AFP report, said that Navalny's death in prison was a warning to the world. "The death of Alexei Navalny during his detention is another sad page that acts as a warning to the international community," she said in a statement. She also offered her condolences and expressed a hope that "this disturbing event will be fully clarified". Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, called the death an "ultimate sacrifice". Alexei @navalny fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice. The EU holds the Russian regime for sole responsible for this tragic death. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. And to those who fight for democracy around… — Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) February 16, 2024 × Edgars Rinkēvičs, the President of Latvia, labelled the reported death a "brutal murder" and said: "Whatever your thoughts about Alexey @Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime." Whatever your thoughts about Alexey @Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime. My condolences to the family and friends. — Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) February 16, 2024 × Reacting to the news, former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as she arrived for the Munich Security Conference, said, "I think we have to find out more, but in any case, it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy." "It would be a horrible thing. Starvation, lack of care under prison conditions, is that what he died from or you think it was an affirmative act? I think we have to find out more, but in any case it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy. Period," she added, as reported by Reuters. Joshua Fenton-Glynn, Cabinet Member, Adult Services and Wellbeing, UK said that "Navalny's bravery will inspire others." The bravery to speak out against a government completely comfortable with killing their opponents is truly unimaginable. Navalny’s bravery will inspire others. https://t.co/WP9Hl6onx0 — Josh Fenton-Glynn (@JoshFG) February 16, 2024 × How did Navalny die? (Alexei Navalny Death Reason) In a statement, Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the Russian leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results." "Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death

The Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has died in jail. Navalny was one of Putin’s most visible and persistent critics. He was being held in a jail in Arctic Circle where he had been sentenced to 19 years under a 'special regime'. The Kremlin said it had no information on the cause of death

Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, rejected European concerns on Tuesday regarding "Russian propaganda," claiming that everything that disagreed with the dominant narrative was now being labelled as such by the West.

During a meeting on Monday, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Poland issued a warning about an increase in Russian propaganda in European nations in advance of the June European Parliament elections. Peskov was questioned about this.

During a conference call with journalists, a Kremlin spokesman stated,&nbsp;"It is evident now that any media or online resources that do not fit the mould, do not function within the mainstream of information, and attempt to report events from multiple perspectives, are instantly identified as propaganda tools."

"This blatantly violates the principles of a free press and shows once more how willing the government is to punish media outlets they don't like. In modern Europe, this occurs frequently."

Western countries have frequently charged Russian agents of using the internet and social media to disseminate false or misleading material against them, to further Russia, or to try to influence public opinion against supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, rejected European concerns on Tuesday regarding "Russian propaganda," claiming that everything that disagreed with the dominant narrative was now being labelled as such by the West.

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, rejected European concerns on Tuesday regarding "Russian propaganda," claiming that everything that disagreed with the dominant narrative was now being labelled as such by the West. During a meeting on Monday, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Poland issued a warning about an increase in Russian propaganda in European nations in advance of the June European Parliament elections. Peskov was questioned about this. During a conference call with journalists, a Kremlin spokesman stated, "It is evident now that any media or online resources that do not fit the mould, do not function within the mainstream of information, and attempt to report events from multiple perspectives, are instantly identified as propaganda tools." "This blatantly violates the principles of a free press and shows once more how willing the government is to punish media outlets they don't like. In modern Europe, this occurs frequently." Western countries have frequently charged Russian agents of using the internet and social media to disseminate false or misleading material against them, to further Russia, or to try to influence public opinion against supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin dismisses Europe’s warnings about ‘Russian propaganda’

The Kremlin, on Tuesday (Feb 6) confirmed that Tucker Carlson has been granted permission to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Moscow rejected the former Fox News anchor’s claims that he was the only one among Western media figures trying to interview the Russian president amid the ongoing war.&nbsp;

<h2>‘One-sided’</h2>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin had agreed to the Carlson interview because the former Fox News host’s approach differs from the “one-sided” reporting of the Ukraine war by many Western news outlets.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-fox-news-host-tucker-carlson-to-interview-russian-president-vladimir-putin-687671">Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>

After weeks of speculation and media reports, Carlson on Tuesday (Feb 6) confirmed he will be interviewing Putin saying that everything got finalised after months of planning. “There are risks to doing an interview like this, obviously, so we’ve thought about it over many months,” he said.&nbsp;

This interview would mark the first time that the Russian president would talk to a Western journalist one-on-one since launching its invasion of Ukraine or what Moscow calls its “special military operation”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Not correct’</h2>

Kremlin said that in a four-minute promoting the expected interview, Carlson falsely asserted that he was the only one among the Western media trying to interview Putin. The former Fox News host claimed that “not a single Western journalist has bothered to interview” the Russian president during the Ukraine war.

This claim was not only rejected by several American journalists and prominent networks in the US but also by the Kremlin spokesperson.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-tucker-carlsons-end-on-fox-news-after-years-of-controversies-585820">Explained: How Tucker Carlson's years of controversies at Fox News ended in his ouster</a>

“Mr. Carlson is not correct, but he couldn’t have known that. We receive a lot of requests for interviews with the president,” said Peskov, during his daily briefing on Wednesday.&nbsp;

“When it comes to the countries of the collective West, the large network media, TV channels, (and) large newspapers can in no way boast of even trying to at least look impartial in terms of coverage,” he added. &nbsp;

The Russian president has “no desire to communicate with such media” because it’s “unlikely that there can be any benefit from this,” said the Kremlin spokesperson.&nbsp;

<h2>Why Tucker Carlson?</h2>

Peskov, on Tuesday, was also directly asked why Carlson was chosen to interview Putin to which he said the former Fox News host’s approach was “in no way pro-Russian, it is not pro-Ukrainian - it is pro-American”.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Tucker Carlson's exit costs FOX $690 million

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The interview is likely to be aired on Thursday (Feb 8), Russian news agency TASS said, citing reports by the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Kremlin, on Tuesday (Feb 6) confirmed that Tucker Carlson has been granted permission to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Moscow rejected the former Fox News anchor’s claims that he was the only one among Western media figures trying to interview the Russian president amid the ongoing war.

The Kremlin, on Tuesday (Feb 6) confirmed that Tucker Carlson has been granted permission to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Moscow rejected the former Fox News anchor’s claims that he was the only one among Western media figures trying to interview the Russian president amid the ongoing war. ‘One-sided’ Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin had agreed to the Carlson interview because the former Fox News host’s approach differs from the “one-sided” reporting of the Ukraine war by many Western news outlets. ALSO READ | Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin After weeks of speculation and media reports, Carlson on Tuesday (Feb 6) confirmed he will be interviewing Putin saying that everything got finalised after months of planning. “There are risks to doing an interview like this, obviously, so we’ve thought about it over many months,” he said. This interview would mark the first time that the Russian president would talk to a Western journalist one-on-one since launching its invasion of Ukraine or what Moscow calls its “special military operation”. ‘Not correct’ Kremlin said that in a four-minute promoting the expected interview, Carlson falsely asserted that he was the only one among the Western media trying to interview Putin. The former Fox News host claimed that “not a single Western journalist has bothered to interview” the Russian president during the Ukraine war. This claim was not only rejected by several American journalists and prominent networks in the US but also by the Kremlin spokesperson. ALSO READ | Explained: How Tucker Carlson's years of controversies at Fox News ended in his ouster “Mr. Carlson is not correct, but he couldn’t have known that. We receive a lot of requests for interviews with the president,” said Peskov, during his daily briefing on Wednesday. “When it comes to the countries of the collective West, the large network media, TV channels, (and) large newspapers can in no way boast of even trying to at least look impartial in terms of coverage,” he added. The Russian president has “no desire to communicate with such media” because it’s “unlikely that there can be any benefit from this,” said the Kremlin spokesperson. Why Tucker Carlson? Peskov, on Tuesday, was also directly asked why Carlson was chosen to interview Putin to which he said the former Fox News host’s approach was “in no way pro-Russian, it is not pro-Ukrainian - it is pro-American”. WATCH | Tucker Carlson's exit costs FOX $690 million The interview is likely to be aired on Thursday (Feb 8), Russian news agency TASS said, citing reports by the Wall Street Journal. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Carlson is wrong’: Kremlin denies Tucker’s claim that only he sought Putin interview amid Ukraine war

Russia is developing its relations with North Korea in all areas, including "sensitive" ones, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.

North Korea's foreign minister lauded comradely ties with Russia on Tuesday and then held rare talks in the Kremlin with President Vladimir Putin, who has been invited by Kim Jong Un to visit the reclusive nuclear-armed country.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia, North Korea leaders meet in Moscow, Putin set to visit North Korea

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Asked about the talks in Moscow, Peskov said the situation on the Korean peninsula was discussed, but that the main focus was on developing bilateral relations.

"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is our very important partner, and we are focussed on the further development of our relations in all areas, including in sensitive areas," Peskov told reporters.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-north-korea-supplied-russia-with-missiles-for-ukraine-attacks-676691">US claims North Korea supplied Russia with missiles for Ukraine attacks</a>

Putin has deepened ties with North Korea since sending troops into Ukraine in 2022, and the United States and its allies have condemned what they say have been significant North Korean missile deliveries to Russia to help its war effort.

Both Russia and North Korea have repeatedly dismissed the criticism. Moscow says it will develop ties with whatever countries it wants and that its cooperation with Pyongyang does not contravene international agreements.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-kim-putin-meet-train-traffic-between-north-korea-and-russia-spikes-643622">After Kim-Putin meet, train traffic between North Korea and Russia spikes</a>

Russia has gone out of its way to publicise the renaissance of its relationship, including military ties, with North Korea, which was formed in 1948 with the backing of the then-Soviet Union.

For Putin, who says Russia is locked in an existential battle with the West over Ukraine, courting Kim allows him to needle Washington and its Asian allies while securing a deep supply of artillery for the Ukraine war.

Russia is developing its relations with North Korea in all areas, including "sensitive" ones, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. North Korea's foreign minister lauded comradely ties with Russia on Tuesday and then held rare talks in the Kremlin with President Vladimir Putin, who has been invited by Kim Jong Un to visit the reclusive nuclear-armed country.

Russia is developing its relations with North Korea in all areas, including "sensitive" ones, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. North Korea's foreign minister lauded comradely ties with Russia on Tuesday and then held rare talks in the Kremlin with President Vladimir Putin, who has been invited by Kim Jong Un to visit the reclusive nuclear-armed country. WATCH | Russia, North Korea leaders meet in Moscow, Putin set to visit North Korea Asked about the talks in Moscow, Peskov said the situation on the Korean peninsula was discussed, but that the main focus was on developing bilateral relations. "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is our very important partner, and we are focussed on the further development of our relations in all areas, including in sensitive areas," Peskov told reporters. ALSO READ | US claims North Korea supplied Russia with missiles for Ukraine attacks Putin has deepened ties with North Korea since sending troops into Ukraine in 2022, and the United States and its allies have condemned what they say have been significant North Korean missile deliveries to Russia to help its war effort. Both Russia and North Korea have repeatedly dismissed the criticism. Moscow says it will develop ties with whatever countries it wants and that its cooperation with Pyongyang does not contravene international agreements. ALSO READ | After Kim-Putin meet, train traffic between North Korea and Russia spikes Russia has gone out of its way to publicise the renaissance of its relationship, including military ties, with North Korea, which was formed in 1948 with the backing of the then-Soviet Union. For Putin, who says Russia is locked in an existential battle with the West over Ukraine, courting Kim allows him to needle Washington and its Asian allies while securing a deep supply of artillery for the Ukraine war.

Russia is developing ties with N. Korea in all areas, including ‘sensitive’ ones: Kremlin

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny appeared on TV screen during a court hearing on Wednesday (Jan 10) for the first time since being imprisoned by Russian authorities.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny appeared on TV screen during a court hearing on Wednesday (Jan 10) for the first time since being imprisoned by Russian authorities. Navalny was transferred to a “special regime” penal colony, the highest security level of prisons in Russia, above the Arctic Circle last month. Previously, he had been imprisoned in the Vladimir region of central Russia, about 230 kilometres (140 miles) east of Moscow. During the hearing, where Navalny appeared via a video link, he joked if the prison department in Melekhovo had staged a naked party, referring to the gathering of scantily clad celebrities in Moscow last month that turned into a major scandal. In a message relayed on his Telegram app, Navalny said he had been shunted to a punishment cell for his attitude over a minor infraction. ”The thought that Putin will be satisfied with sticking me into a barracks in the far north and will stop torturing me in the punishment confinement was not only cowardly but naive as well,” he said in his usual sardonic manner. Watch | Gravitas: What Happened to 'Putin Critic' Alexei Navalny? × A day before (Jan 9), he heaped ironic praise on the polar conditions at the prison. "It has not been colder than -32°C yet. Nothing quite invigorates you like a walk in Yamal at 6:30 in the morning," he said in the message. "Even at this temperature, you can walk for more than half an hour only if you manage to grow a new nose, new ears and new fingers." Navalny mentioned a scene from the Academy-nominated 2015 film, The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. In the movie, DiCaprio's character shelters himself in the carcass of a horse. "I don't think that would have worked here. A dead horse would freeze in 15 minutes," said Navalny, referring to the scene. "We need an elephant here, a hot elephant, a fried one." Case against Navalny Navalny was sentenced in August last year to an additional 19 years in prison on top of the 11 1/2 years he was already serving. Also read | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes Navalny, who denies all charges against him is a former lawyer and gained popularity by publicly criticising the elite who are said to be close to President Vladimir Putin. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin critic Navalny makes first appearance on screen during court hearing since moving to new jail

The anticipated completion of Yandex's restructuring, a Nasdaq-listed Russian tech company is likely to be postponed until early 2024, Reuters reported.<o:p></o:p>

Often dubbed ‘Russia's Google’, Yandex has been in talks with the Kremlin for over a year to separate its Russian businesses from its Dutch parent company, Yandex NV. <o:p></o:p>

The restructuring, initially set&nbsp;for December, is a strategic move by Yandex NV to ensure certain businesses maintain access to Western markets amid sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine. <o:p></o:p>

While progress has been made, the company is now eyeing a resolution in the first quarter of 2024. <o:p></o:p>

The delay in restructuring indicates the challenges faced by Yandex and it remains impacted by geopolitical tensions following Russia's military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022.<o:p></o:p>

Yandex aims to divest its main revenue-generating Russian businesses, including search and ride-hailing operations, to recover shareholder funds. The company then plans to focus on developing four other business lines on the international stage. <o:p></o:p>

Approval from shareholders and the Russian government remains a prerequisite for any finalised deal. <o:p></o:p>

The company has been working for months on the restructuring to ensure compliance with Western sanctions while maintaining strategic business interests. <o:p></o:p>

Reuters cited an anonymous source, who revealed&nbsp;progress made in handing over documents to lawyers. The source further&nbsp;acknowledged uncertainty about the&nbsp;completion within the month. <o:p></o:p>

Another source indicated a revised goal to conclude the deal in the first quarter of 2024.<o:p></o:p>

In a related development, Russia's central bank registered an issuance of ordinary and preferred shares for a new entity named MKAO Yandex. This new company, formed in Kaliningrad as part of the ongoing restructuring, marks a crucial step in the transformation of Yandex's business structure. <o:p></o:p>

The registration aligns with the broader strategy to reposition key assets and streamline operations.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The anticipated completion of Yandex's restructuring, a Nasdaq-listed Russian tech company is likely to be postponed until early 2024, Reuters reported. Often dubbed ‘Russia's Google’, Yandex has been in talks with the Kremlin for over a year to separate its Russian businesses from its Dutch parent company, Yandex NV.

The anticipated completion of Yandex's restructuring, a Nasdaq-listed Russian tech company is likely to be postponed until early 2024, Reuters reported. Often dubbed ‘Russia's Google’, Yandex has been in talks with the Kremlin for over a year to separate its Russian businesses from its Dutch parent company, Yandex NV. The restructuring, initially set for December, is a strategic move by Yandex NV to ensure certain businesses maintain access to Western markets amid sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine. While progress has been made, the company is now eyeing a resolution in the first quarter of 2024. The delay in restructuring indicates the challenges faced by Yandex and it remains impacted by geopolitical tensions following Russia's military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022. Yandex aims to divest its main revenue-generating Russian businesses, including search and ride-hailing operations, to recover shareholder funds. The company then plans to focus on developing four other business lines on the international stage. Approval from shareholders and the Russian government remains a prerequisite for any finalised deal. The company has been working for months on the restructuring to ensure compliance with Western sanctions while maintaining strategic business interests. Reuters cited an anonymous source, who revealed progress made in handing over documents to lawyers. The source further acknowledged uncertainty about the completion within the month. Another source indicated a revised goal to conclude the deal in the first quarter of 2024. In a related development, Russia's central bank registered an issuance of ordinary and preferred shares for a new entity named MKAO Yandex. This new company, formed in Kaliningrad as part of the ongoing restructuring, marks a crucial step in the transformation of Yandex's business structure. The registration aligns with the broader strategy to reposition key assets and streamline operations. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Yandex's restructuring faces delay, expected to extend into 2024

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