Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov&nbsp;said that the S-400 contract is on track and&nbsp;the&nbsp;first batch of the air defence system will reach India by end of this year.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters after the BRICS foreign ministers'&nbsp;virtual&nbsp;meet, he said, "We see no changes regarding that and the Indian authorities confirm their adherence to this agreement".

India had signed the contract for the deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit on October 5, 2018. Russia is currently training Indian military specialists for the system. The concern is that India may attract&nbsp;American sanctions under the&nbsp;Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) law over the transaction of the system.

The FM also extended his country's support to India amid the Covid pandemic. He said, "Today we sent a new batch of Sputnik V&nbsp;vaccines, in addition to the steps to support India in the situation they found themselves into because of the Covid pandemic."

Amid the pandemic, Moscow sent humanitarian assistance to India. The last such assistance arrived on May 25&nbsp;with 9 tonnes or 225,000 packs of anti-COVID-19 medication. Both sides are collaborating on Covid vaccines as well, with India slated&nbsp;to produce the Russian vaccine Sputnik V.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the S-400 contract is on track and the first batch of the air defence system will reach India by end of this year.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the S-400 contract is on track and the first batch of the air defence system will reach India by end of this year. Speaking to reporters after the BRICS foreign ministers' virtual meet, he said, "We see no changes regarding that and the Indian authorities confirm their adherence to this agreement". India had signed the contract for the deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit on October 5, 2018. Russia is currently training Indian military specialists for the system. The concern is that India may attract American sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) law over the transaction of the system. The FM also extended his country's support to India amid the Covid pandemic. He said, "Today we sent a new batch of Sputnik V vaccines, in addition to the steps to support India in the situation they found themselves into because of the Covid pandemic." Amid the pandemic, Moscow sent humanitarian assistance to India. The last such assistance arrived on May 25 with 9 tonnes or 225,000 packs of anti-COVID-19 medication. Both sides are collaborating on Covid vaccines as well, with India slated to produce the Russian vaccine Sputnik V.

S-400 delivery on track; supporting India amid Covid, says Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

It was a hectic day for Indian diplomats as the country was hosting two high-profile leaders on the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US special envoy for climate John Kerry.&nbsp;

What makes this all the more crucial is the dynamics between Russia and the US. They are arch enemies. Their presidents call each other names but, their top diplomats were in New Delhi at the same time. Was this a coincidence? Possibly but, we're not surprised that their schedules overlapped.&nbsp;

World leaders are actively engaging with India. This is turning out to be the summer of high profile engagements.&nbsp;

Let's look at what happened today. Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry arrived in India's national capital on Monday. Both of them are on different missions. The Russian Foreign Minister was here to prepare the ground for an annual summit that will be held later this year. John Kerry was meeting different stakeholders to discuss climate goals. Let's start with the Russian mission.&nbsp;

Sergey Lavrov met India's External&nbsp;Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. They discussed a whole lot of issues, such as the UN Security Council, Afghanistan, West Asia, the Gulf, Myanmar, Asean, space, the Indo-pacific and vaccine production. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India and Russia vowed to deepen their defence cooperation. They are looking for ways to expand the production of Russian weapons in India and this despite, the threat of American sanctions.&nbsp;

Remember, the US sanctions countries that buy Russian weapons. India is a big buyer of Russian weapons. The latest purchase is the Russian S-400 missile defence system. The delivery is expected in December this year. Will the US sanction India?&nbsp;

There's no clarity yet. More importantly, no assurance from Washington that Delhi won't face sanctions. As for Delhi and Moscow, they say they remain committed to strong defence ties. &nbsp;

The other elephant in the room was China. Lavrov said Russia is watching the border situation in Ladakh. He addressed a joint press conference with India's S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

He was asked a pointed question. Is Russia working on a military alliance with China?&nbsp;

He said no but went on to speak about another military alliance in the region, the Quad. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India's position is clear. It will not engage in a Nato-like military alliance with the Quad and that's the challenge for Delhi, striking the right balance between Russia and the Quad. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Lavrov has already left India and landed in Pakistan, that's his next destination and that makes the India-Russia equation more intriguing. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, John Kerry, the US special envoy, is going to be in India for four days and he's not going to Pakistan. US President Joe Biden has appointed Kerry as his special envoy on the climate crisis. &nbsp;

It's a position that includes a seat on the US national security council. This council is the principal forum for the US president to discuss national security.&nbsp;

What does this mean? It means that US has put climate change on a par with national security priorities. So, what is Kerry doing in India? &nbsp;&nbsp;

Meeting representatives from the government, the private sector and NGOs on Tuesday. He met India's environment minister Prakash Javadekar and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.&nbsp;

The purpose was to get India to commit on climate action, and to cut back on the use of fossil fuels. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Remember, India too has been at the forefront of climate action and sustainable development goals.&nbsp;

Joe Biden has now formed an alliance of like-minded countries to take this forward. Kerry was all praises for India.&nbsp;

Calling India a world leader in deployment of renewable energy, Kerry said India is setting a 'very strong example' for other nations. So, that's how the day panned out for Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry.&nbsp;

You may be wondering if their paths crossed. Did Lavrov and Kerry meet in New Delhi? The answer is yes, they did!&nbsp;

They were staying in the same hotel. They met in the lobby. What did they talk about? Climate change. That's what the Russians have told the press. The Americans are much more guarded about this engagement. The US embassy in Delhi said the leaders 'ran into each other by happenstance’. Believe what you will. &nbsp;We'll give you a short backgrounder. When John Kerry was the US secretary of state in the Obama era, there was a lot of talk about the 'bromance' between him and Lavrov.&nbsp;

On several occasions, the leaders have exchanged gifts too. Once Kerry had gifted Lavrov two potatoes from Idaho. Why? Because the Russian Foreign Minister had mentioned them in an earlier conversation. Then, Lavrov had returned the favour with some tomatoes from Sochi. &nbsp;

He had even gifted a T-shirt to Kerry with symbols of victory. That was almost six years back. Now, their presidents are hurling abuses at each other. But why should that stop them from a quick catch-up in New Delhi?&nbsp;

It was a hectic day for Indian diplomats as the country was hosting two high-profile leaders on the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US special envoy for climate John Kerry.

It was a hectic day for Indian diplomats as the country was hosting two high-profile leaders on the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US special envoy for climate John Kerry. What makes this all the more crucial is the dynamics between Russia and the US. They are arch enemies. Their presidents call each other names but, their top diplomats were in New Delhi at the same time. Was this a coincidence? Possibly but, we're not surprised that their schedules overlapped. World leaders are actively engaging with India. This is turning out to be the summer of high profile engagements. Let's look at what happened today. Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry arrived in India's national capital on Monday. Both of them are on different missions. The Russian Foreign Minister was here to prepare the ground for an annual summit that will be held later this year. John Kerry was meeting different stakeholders to discuss climate goals. Let's start with the Russian mission. Sergey Lavrov met India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. They discussed a whole lot of issues, such as the UN Security Council, Afghanistan, West Asia, the Gulf, Myanmar, Asean, space, the Indo-pacific and vaccine production. India and Russia vowed to deepen their defence cooperation. They are looking for ways to expand the production of Russian weapons in India and this despite, the threat of American sanctions. Remember, the US sanctions countries that buy Russian weapons. India is a big buyer of Russian weapons. The latest purchase is the Russian S-400 missile defence system. The delivery is expected in December this year. Will the US sanction India? There's no clarity yet. More importantly, no assurance from Washington that Delhi won't face sanctions. As for Delhi and Moscow, they say they remain committed to strong defence ties. The other elephant in the room was China. Lavrov said Russia is watching the border situation in Ladakh. He addressed a joint press conference with India's S Jaishankar. He was asked a pointed question. Is Russia working on a military alliance with China? He said no but went on to speak about another military alliance in the region, the Quad. India's position is clear. It will not engage in a Nato-like military alliance with the Quad and that's the challenge for Delhi, striking the right balance between Russia and the Quad. Meanwhile, Lavrov has already left India and landed in Pakistan, that's his next destination and that makes the India-Russia equation more intriguing. Meanwhile, John Kerry, the US special envoy, is going to be in India for four days and he's not going to Pakistan. US President Joe Biden has appointed Kerry as his special envoy on the climate crisis. It's a position that includes a seat on the US national security council. This council is the principal forum for the US president to discuss national security. What does this mean? It means that US has put climate change on a par with national security priorities. So, what is Kerry doing in India? Meeting representatives from the government, the private sector and NGOs on Tuesday. He met India's environment minister Prakash Javadekar and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The purpose was to get India to commit on climate action, and to cut back on the use of fossil fuels. Remember, India too has been at the forefront of climate action and sustainable development goals. Joe Biden has now formed an alliance of like-minded countries to take this forward. Kerry was all praises for India. Calling India a world leader in deployment of renewable energy, Kerry said India is setting a 'very strong example' for other nations. So, that's how the day panned out for Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry. You may be wondering if their paths crossed. Did Lavrov and Kerry meet in New Delhi? The answer is yes, they did! They were staying in the same hotel. They met in the lobby. What did they talk about? Climate change. That's what the Russians have told the press. The Americans are much more guarded about this engagement. The US embassy in Delhi said the leaders 'ran into each other by happenstance’. Believe what you will. We'll give you a short backgrounder. When John Kerry was the US secretary of state in the Obama era, there was a lot of talk about the 'bromance' between him and Lavrov. On several occasions, the leaders have exchanged gifts too. Once Kerry had gifted Lavrov two potatoes from Idaho. Why? Because the Russian Foreign Minister had mentioned them in an earlier conversation. Then, Lavrov had returned the favour with some tomatoes from Sochi. He had even gifted a T-shirt to Kerry with symbols of victory. That was almost six years back. Now, their presidents are hurling abuses at each other. But why should that stop them from a quick catch-up in New Delhi?

Busy day for diplomacy in India as Lavrov, Kerry pay visit 

As the European Union considers sanctions against Russia, foreign minister Lavrov said that the country is ready to sever ties with the block.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-protest-navalny-aide-says-the-format-of-protest-will-change-362873/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tensions between Russia and the European Union have escalated over after Navalny's detention as he returned from Germany in last month after allegedly being poisoned in Russia.

Navalny was handed a two and half year jail term by for violating probation terms while he was in Germany recovering from the poisoning attack.

"We don't want to isolate ourselves from the world, but we need to be ready for that. If you want peace, prepare for war," foreign minister Lavrov said over EU's tough stance on Russia as sanctions loom.

Russian foreign ministry had earlier warned EU over taking any "rash steps" asserting that new sanctions "will inevitably be followed by a proportionate response". EU foreign ministers are set to meet on February 22 to discuss the sanctions even as &nbsp;EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said he will recommend sanctions during the meeting.

There have been large scale protests in Russia after Navalny's arrest as Russia's foreign ministry labelled Navalny's team "traitors". In a move to quell the protests, Russian lawmakers have approved the second reading of a bill to increase fines for disobeying police.

Protesters are currently fined $13.50(1,000 roubles) which is likely to rise to 4,000 rubles and reach 20,000 rubles for repeat violations under the proposed law.

As the European Union considers sanctions against Russia, foreign minister Lavrov said that the country is ready to sever ties with the block. Watch: Tensions between Russia and the European Union have escalated over after Navalny's detention as he returned from Germany in last month after allegedly being poisoned in Russia.

As the European Union considers sanctions against Russia, foreign minister Lavrov said that the country is ready to sever ties with the block. Watch: Tensions between Russia and the European Union have escalated over after Navalny's detention as he returned from Germany in last month after allegedly being poisoned in Russia. Navalny was handed a two and half year jail term by for violating probation terms while he was in Germany recovering from the poisoning attack. "We don't want to isolate ourselves from the world, but we need to be ready for that. If you want peace, prepare for war," foreign minister Lavrov said over EU's tough stance on Russia as sanctions loom. Russian foreign ministry had earlier warned EU over taking any "rash steps" asserting that new sanctions "will inevitably be followed by a proportionate response". EU foreign ministers are set to meet on February 22 to discuss the sanctions even as EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said he will recommend sanctions during the meeting. There have been large scale protests in Russia after Navalny's arrest as Russia's foreign ministry labelled Navalny's team "traitors". In a move to quell the protests, Russian lawmakers have approved the second reading of a bill to increase fines for disobeying police. Protesters are currently fined $13.50(1,000 roubles) which is likely to rise to 4,000 rubles and reach 20,000 rubles for repeat violations under the proposed law.

'If you want peace, prepare for war': Russia ready to cut ties with EU over sanctions, asserts Lavrov

Speaking yet again on the Indo Pacific vision, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, in response to a question recalled his conversation with his "good friend" External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. "Our Indian colleagues fully understand that some countries would like to use the Indo-Pacific concept in a manner which is not inclusive and is confrontational," he said.

Pointing out Russian concerns on Indo-Pacific vision especially on it "undermining the central role of ASEAN in the Asia-Pacific region", he explained that, "I know that India is not going to move this Indo-Pacific cooperation in a way which would be not positive and constructive." Indo Pacific vision is backed by India and Washington, along with other countries such as Japan and Australia. The Chinese are suspicious of it, believing it is aimed at encircling it.&nbsp;

Highlighting the absence of no common Indo Pacific vision, the Russian foreign minister said, "We don’t believe that it is just a terminological change" because "if you take it literally, from the geographical point of view, then 'Indo'&nbsp;means all littoral states of the Indian Ocean, but East Africa, we are told, is not included in the Indo-Pacific strategy. The Persian Gulf, which is a part of the Indian Ocean, is not included in the Indo-Pacific strategy" but "what is included, as the American sponsors of this concept say repeatedly, is the 'Quad'&nbsp;— India, Australia, Japan and USA”.&nbsp;

Interestingly, he pointed out to his previous statement on Indo pacific, clarifying, "Some of my previous statements on this issue have been widely discussed in India, by media which are not very friendly towards the Indian Government, but we don’t want any misunderstanding with our friends — the Indian people."

He had in December said, that "India is currently an object of the Western countries’ persistent, aggressive and devious policy" on the "anti-China games by promoting Indo Pacific strategies", something that was seen as harsh criticism.

While he did reiterate Russian views on the Indo Pacific, he reaffirmed the long-standing Moscow-New Delhi ties. Calling India, "very close, very strategic, very special, and very privileged partner", Lavrov said, "take the spheres of economy, innovation, military-technical and High-Tech cooperation. India is one of our closest partners on all these issues."

India and Russia have a special and privileged strategic partnership. Russia and India have an annual summit-level mechanism that alternates between the two countries. The only other country with which India shares this mechanism is Japan.

He made remarks on the current India China standoff as well, saying, "we are doing the utmost to make sure that India and China, our two great friends and brothers, live in peace with each other."

All the three countries are part of the BRICS, SCO and RIC groupings. While Russia was the host of RIC or Russia, India and China grouping in 2020, this year India will be hosting meetings of the grouping. He also assured that "in no way our closest cooperation and partnership with India is going to be affected" vis a vis Moscow's ties with China.

Speaking yet again on the Indo Pacific vision, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, in response to a question recalled his conversation with his "good friend" External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

Speaking yet again on the Indo Pacific vision, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, in response to a question recalled his conversation with his "good friend" External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. "Our Indian colleagues fully understand that some countries would like to use the Indo-Pacific concept in a manner which is not inclusive and is confrontational," he said. Pointing out Russian concerns on Indo-Pacific vision especially on it "undermining the central role of ASEAN in the Asia-Pacific region", he explained that, "I know that India is not going to move this Indo-Pacific cooperation in a way which would be not positive and constructive." Indo Pacific vision is backed by India and Washington, along with other countries such as Japan and Australia. The Chinese are suspicious of it, believing it is aimed at encircling it. Highlighting the absence of no common Indo Pacific vision, the Russian foreign minister said, "We don’t believe that it is just a terminological change" because "if you take it literally, from the geographical point of view, then 'Indo' means all littoral states of the Indian Ocean, but East Africa, we are told, is not included in the Indo-Pacific strategy. The Persian Gulf, which is a part of the Indian Ocean, is not included in the Indo-Pacific strategy" but "what is included, as the American sponsors of this concept say repeatedly, is the 'Quad' — India, Australia, Japan and USA”. Interestingly, he pointed out to his previous statement on Indo pacific, clarifying, "Some of my previous statements on this issue have been widely discussed in India, by media which are not very friendly towards the Indian Government, but we don’t want any misunderstanding with our friends — the Indian people." He had in December said, that "India is currently an object of the Western countries’ persistent, aggressive and devious policy" on the "anti-China games by promoting Indo Pacific strategies", something that was seen as harsh criticism. While he did reiterate Russian views on the Indo Pacific, he reaffirmed the long-standing Moscow-New Delhi ties. Calling India, "very close, very strategic, very special, and very privileged partner", Lavrov said, "take the spheres of economy, innovation, military-technical and High-Tech cooperation. India is one of our closest partners on all these issues." India and Russia have a special and privileged strategic partnership. Russia and India have an annual summit-level mechanism that alternates between the two countries. The only other country with which India shares this mechanism is Japan. He made remarks on the current India China standoff as well, saying, "we are doing the utmost to make sure that India and China, our two great friends and brothers, live in peace with each other." All the three countries are part of the BRICS, SCO and RIC groupings. While Russia was the host of RIC or Russia, India and China grouping in 2020, this year India will be hosting meetings of the grouping. He also assured that "in no way our closest cooperation and partnership with India is going to be affected" vis a vis Moscow's ties with China.

Russian FM calls India 'very close partner'; says discussed Indo-Pacific with 'good friend' Jaishankar

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;on Wednesday said he warned his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that there would be "an enormous price to pay" if Moscow is offering bounties to kill US&nbsp;soldiers or other Western troops in Afghanistan.

Pompeo’s warning is the first known rebuke from a senior American official to Russia over the bounties program, and it runs counter to President Trump’s insistence that the intelligence from US&nbsp;government agencies over the matter is a “hoax.”

The New York Times in June reported that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing coalition forces in Afghanistan, including American troops, citing US&nbsp;intelligence officials.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pompeo-warns-russia-against-bounties-on-us-soldiers-320174/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Donald Trump said he was not told about the information because many US&nbsp;intelligence officials doubted its veracity, although several US&nbsp;and European sources contradicted his comments.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zakharova?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zakharova</a> 💬In a 📞telephone conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a>, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov referred to allegations of “collusion between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russian</a> special services and the Taliban” as malicious speculation, and asked <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Washington?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Washington</a> for evidence, but nothing was provided. <a href="https://t.co/cHTaEr7sDX">pic.twitter.com/cHTaEr7sDX</a>
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mfa_russia/status/1293910144376430592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty,&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;declined to say whether he believed the intelligence was credible or if he thought Trump should have been briefed, but said Washington would not put up with such behavior.

Also read-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-briefed-because-russia-bounty-reports-uncorroborated-white-house-309949">Trump not briefed because Russia bounty reports uncorroborated: White House</a>

"If the Russians are offering money to kill Americans, or for that matter other Westerns as well, there will be an enormous price to pay. That's what I shared with foreign minister Lavrov,"&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;said in the interview, conducted during his official visit to the Czech Republic.

"I know our military has talked to their senior leaders as well. We won't brook that, we won't tolerate,"&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;said.

Last month, US and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said that the United States had acquired fresh reporting backing up the allegations that Russia had encouraged Taliban-affiliated militants to kill US and allied soldiers in Afghanistan.

The intelligence reporting comes as the United States has been engaged in negotiating with the Taliban as well as the Afghan government to get a stalled peace agreement, struck in February for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, moving.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said he warned his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that there would be "an enormous price to pay" if Moscow is offering bounties to kill US soldiers or other Western troops in Afghanistan.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said he warned his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that there would be "an enormous price to pay" if Moscow is offering bounties to kill US soldiers or other Western troops in Afghanistan. Pompeo’s warning is the first known rebuke from a senior American official to Russia over the bounties program, and it runs counter to President Trump’s insistence that the intelligence from US government agencies over the matter is a “hoax.” The New York Times in June reported that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing coalition forces in Afghanistan, including American troops, citing US intelligence officials. President Donald Trump said he was not told about the information because many US intelligence officials doubted its veracity, although several US and European sources contradicted his comments. #Zakharova 💬In a 📞telephone conversation with @SecPompeo, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov referred to allegations of “collusion between #Russian special services and the Taliban” as malicious speculation, and asked #Washington for evidence, but nothing was provided. pic.twitter.com/cHTaEr7sDX — MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) August 13, 2020 × In an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pompeo declined to say whether he believed the intelligence was credible or if he thought Trump should have been briefed, but said Washington would not put up with such behavior. Also read-Trump not briefed because Russia bounty reports uncorroborated: White House "If the Russians are offering money to kill Americans, or for that matter other Westerns as well, there will be an enormous price to pay. That's what I shared with foreign minister Lavrov," Pompeo said in the interview, conducted during his official visit to the Czech Republic. "I know our military has talked to their senior leaders as well. We won't brook that, we won't tolerate," Pompeo said. Last month, US and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said that the United States had acquired fresh reporting backing up the allegations that Russia had encouraged Taliban-affiliated militants to kill US and allied soldiers in Afghanistan. The intelligence reporting comes as the United States has been engaged in negotiating with the Taliban as well as the Afghan government to get a stalled peace agreement, struck in February for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, moving.

If Russians offer money to kill Americans, there will be enormous price to pay: Pompeo

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said&nbsp;"no concrete fact" has emerged after German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Russian intelligence agencies of hacking her.

"Five years have passed. Not a single concrete fact has been provided," Russian foreign minister Lavrov said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-says-have-hard-evidence-on-russian-hackers-targeting-her-298466">Also Read:&nbsp;Merkel says have 'hard evidence' on Russian hackers targeting her</a>

German Chancellor Merkel had told the country's parliament earlier that her government has "hard evidence that Russian forces" were targeting her in hacking action while saying that it "pained her".

"They suddenly said in the Bundestag... that all of this is outrageous and it had been done by Russians," Lavrov said, adding that "there are no facts in relation to Russia".

"I can honestly say that it pains me. Every day I try to build a better relationship with Russia and on the other hand, there is such hard evidence that Russian forces are doing this," Merkel had told lawmakers, adding that it was "outrageous" spying attempts by Russia.

A German newspaper had earlier reported that Russian military intelligence had obtained information on Merkel during a hack on German parliament in 2015.

Merkel while lamenting on ties with Russia, stated that "this is not new", adding that it "doesn't make it easier to foster a better relationship with Moscow."

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said "no concrete fact" has emerged after German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Russian intelligence agencies of hacking her.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said "no concrete fact" has emerged after German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Russian intelligence agencies of hacking her. "Five years have passed. Not a single concrete fact has been provided," Russian foreign minister Lavrov said. Also Read: Merkel says have 'hard evidence' on Russian hackers targeting her German Chancellor Merkel had told the country's parliament earlier that her government has "hard evidence that Russian forces" were targeting her in hacking action while saying that it "pained her". "They suddenly said in the Bundestag... that all of this is outrageous and it had been done by Russians," Lavrov said, adding that "there are no facts in relation to Russia". "I can honestly say that it pains me. Every day I try to build a better relationship with Russia and on the other hand, there is such hard evidence that Russian forces are doing this," Merkel had told lawmakers, adding that it was "outrageous" spying attempts by Russia. A German newspaper had earlier reported that Russian military intelligence had obtained information on Merkel during a hack on German parliament in 2015. Merkel while lamenting on ties with Russia, stated that "this is not new", adding that it "doesn't make it easier to foster a better relationship with Moscow."

Not a single concrete fact has been provided: Russia on Merkel hacking row

India's external affairs minister S&nbsp;Jaishankar met Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Moscow today.

&nbsp;Jaishankar&nbsp;told his Russian counterpart that he had started his diplomatic career in the Russian capital.

"I look forward for productive talks,"&nbsp;Jaishankar&nbsp;told Lavrov as the Indian delegation met their hosts.

PM Modi will be visiting Vladivostok next week for the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok from September 4 to 6. The Indian prime minister will also be meeting President Putin at the 20th annual bilateral summit.

Jaishankar who is on a two-day visit to Moscow ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official engagement had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-a-complex-relationship-with-china-a-relationship-with-great-future-s-jaishankar-in-moscow-246164">addressed the Valdai Club</a> on Tuesday&nbsp;where he discussed the "Indo-Pacific concept" and hoped that Russia will have its own "version of Indo-pacific".

"All interested powers look at it with an open mind, treat the Indo-Pacific as part of the changing world and look at it as an old concept that has found a new relevance and join the debate."

"There is an Indo-Pacific message in Vladivostok," he added.

On the first day, S Jaishankar unveiled a Gandhi statue at the Indian Embassy premises on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of 'father of nation' Mahatma Gandhi.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Moscow today. Jaishankar told his Russian counterpart that he had started his diplomatic career in the Russian capital.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Moscow today. Jaishankar told his Russian counterpart that he had started his diplomatic career in the Russian capital. "I look forward for productive talks," Jaishankar told Lavrov as the Indian delegation met their hosts. PM Modi will be visiting Vladivostok next week for the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok from September 4 to 6. The Indian prime minister will also be meeting President Putin at the 20th annual bilateral summit. Jaishankar who is on a two-day visit to Moscow ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official engagement had addressed the Valdai Club on Tuesday where he discussed the "Indo-Pacific concept" and hoped that Russia will have its own "version of Indo-pacific". "All interested powers look at it with an open mind, treat the Indo-Pacific as part of the changing world and look at it as an old concept that has found a new relevance and join the debate." "There is an Indo-Pacific message in Vladivostok," he added. On the first day, S Jaishankar unveiled a Gandhi statue at the Indian Embassy premises on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of 'father of nation' Mahatma Gandhi.

Jaishankar meets Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Moscow

External affairs minister S Jaishankar will hold talks with Russian Foriegn minister Sergey Lavrov in Russian capital Moscow on Wednesday on the developing situation in Afghanistan &amp; Iran and situation in gulf. Both countries have stakes in the west asia and any development can impact India's energy interest. 
&nbsp; 
"They will discuss... efforts to preserve the joint comprehensive plan of action on Iranian nuclear programme, developments in the persion gulf area and situation in Afghanistan", Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of russian foriegn ministry said. 
&nbsp; 
The visit comes even just ahead of PM Modi's visit to Russia in the first week of September to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum. 
&nbsp; 
"They will focus on the preparations for the Indian delegation's participation in the 5th eastern economic forum and the annual summit. Important thematic sections include trade, investment , military, science and technology cooperation, the use of national currencies for mutual payments and prospective projects in space exploration and energy", Zakharova added. 
&nbsp; 
India and Russia hold annual summit, the last happened in 2018 at Delhi when the mega S400 deal was announced.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Russia will also be helping India in its first manned mission to space —Gaganyaan.&nbsp;Russia's space agency Roscosmos&nbsp;will training four Indian astronauts of which three will be selected to go onboard India's human spaceflight programme. 
&nbsp; 
Moscow has supported India on Kashmir. It was&nbsp;the first member of the permanent five of the United Nations security council to back New Delhi's decision to remove the special status&nbsp;for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. 
&nbsp; 
The&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;ministry of foreign affairs, in response to a question, said," change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two union territories are carried out within the&nbsp;framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India".

External affairs minister S Jaishankar will hold talks with Russian Foriegn minister Sergey Lavrov in Russian capital Moscow on Wednesday on the developing situation in Afghanistan & Iran and situation in gulf.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar will hold talks with Russian Foriegn minister Sergey Lavrov in Russian capital Moscow on Wednesday on the developing situation in Afghanistan & Iran and situation in gulf. Both countries have stakes in the west asia and any development can impact India's energy interest. "They will discuss... efforts to preserve the joint comprehensive plan of action on Iranian nuclear programme, developments in the persion gulf area and situation in Afghanistan", Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of russian foriegn ministry said. The visit comes even just ahead of PM Modi's visit to Russia in the first week of September to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum. "They will focus on the preparations for the Indian delegation's participation in the 5th eastern economic forum and the annual summit. Important thematic sections include trade, investment , military, science and technology cooperation, the use of national currencies for mutual payments and prospective projects in space exploration and energy", Zakharova added. India and Russia hold annual summit, the last happened in 2018 at Delhi when the mega S400 deal was announced. Russia will also be helping India in its first manned mission to space —Gaganyaan. Russia's space agency Roscosmos will training four Indian astronauts of which three will be selected to go onboard India's human spaceflight programme. Moscow has supported India on Kashmir. It was the first member of the permanent five of the United Nations security council to back New Delhi's decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Russia ministry of foreign affairs, in response to a question, said," change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two union territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India".

Afghanistan, Iran to dominate Jaishankar-Lavrov talks in Moscow

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to "accelerate" its efforts to salvage the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-deal-parties-not-ready-to-launch-dispute-mechanism-against-iran-prefer-more-diplomacy-european-union-236356">2015 nuclear deal</a>, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

"Europe must accelerate its efforts to realise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-prime-minister-blasts-european-union-for-trying-to-save-iran-nuclear-deal-236278">Iran's legitimate interests</a> and bring about a ceasefire (in Washington's) economic war" against Iran, Rouhani told Macron, according to the government's official website.

"Iran is determined to keep open all options" for preserving the landmark treaty, he added.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French leader Emmanuel Macron agreed on Thursday on the need to "consolidate efforts" to save the Iran nuclear deal following months of soaring tensions, the Kremlin said.

In a phone call, Putin and Macron agreed the Iran deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was an "important factor in ensuring security in the Middle East and maintaining a non-proliferation regime," the Kremlin said in a statement.

"Both sides stressed the advisability of consolidating efforts of all countries that are interested in preserving the Comprehensive Plan," it added.

US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the accord negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama with five other world powers under which Iran drastically scaled back its nuclear programme.

Trump instead imposed sweeping sanctions prohibiting Iranian oil exports in a bid to reduce the clerical regime's regional clout.

In Germany, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said "it would be a mistake to blame" Iran for the situation.

He said it was very important to reach "a common position of all the remaining parties of the JCPOA ... and we will not achieve a result if it is claimed that the safeguarding of this agreement depends solely on Iran".

His German counterpart Heiko Maas said that "we have always made it clear that we do not understand the exit of the United States from the JCPOA".

He added that "we expect Iran to respect its commitments -&nbsp;what has happened in recent days in Tehran is not acceptable".

Putin and Macron also discussed ways to settle a separatist conflict in Ukraine as the country is set to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to "accelerate" its efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to "accelerate" its efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. "Europe must accelerate its efforts to realise Iran's legitimate interests and bring about a ceasefire (in Washington's) economic war" against Iran, Rouhani told Macron, according to the government's official website. "Iran is determined to keep open all options" for preserving the landmark treaty, he added. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French leader Emmanuel Macron agreed on Thursday on the need to "consolidate efforts" to save the Iran nuclear deal following months of soaring tensions, the Kremlin said. In a phone call, Putin and Macron agreed the Iran deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was an "important factor in ensuring security in the Middle East and maintaining a non-proliferation regime," the Kremlin said in a statement. "Both sides stressed the advisability of consolidating efforts of all countries that are interested in preserving the Comprehensive Plan," it added. US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the accord negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama with five other world powers under which Iran drastically scaled back its nuclear programme. Trump instead imposed sweeping sanctions prohibiting Iranian oil exports in a bid to reduce the clerical regime's regional clout. In Germany, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said "it would be a mistake to blame" Iran for the situation. He said it was very important to reach "a common position of all the remaining parties of the JCPOA ... and we will not achieve a result if it is claimed that the safeguarding of this agreement depends solely on Iran". His German counterpart Heiko Maas said that "we have always made it clear that we do not understand the exit of the United States from the JCPOA". He added that "we expect Iran to respect its commitments - what has happened in recent days in Tehran is not acceptable". Putin and Macron also discussed ways to settle a separatist conflict in Ukraine as the country is set to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday.

Accelerate efforts to salvage nuclear deal: Rouhani to Macron in phone call

The Kremlin Wednesday expressed concern that tensions over Iran keep escalating despite assurances from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/us-iran-tensions-trump-administration-orders-non-emergency-embassy-staff-to-leave-iraq-218924">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo </a>during a visit to Russia that Washington was not seeking war.

"So far we notice the continued escalation of tensions around this subject," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, a day after Pompeo met with President Vladimir Putin.

"We are saddened to see the decisions taken by the Iranian side," Peskov said&nbsp;while arguing that Washington has been provoking Iran.&nbsp;

Speaking in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi on Tuesday, Pompeo had assured Russia that his country did not want war with Iran, despite a spike in tensions that has seen the Pentagon dispatch nuclear-capable bombers to the region.

But Peskov sought to play down those statements.

"There were no assurances from Pompeo," Putin's spokesman told reporters.&nbsp;

"And one can hardly talk about some sort of assurances. There is an obvious situation which unfortunately tends to escalate further."

Washington has ramped up pressure on Tehran in recent days, accusing Iran of planning "imminent" attacks in the region, and bolstering the American military presence in the Gulf.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-military-says-no-increased-iran-threat-in-syria-or-iraq-218944/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A State Department advisory announcing the partial embassy closures warned of numerous terrorist and insurgent groups active in Iraq, including "anti-US sectarian militias" who could "threaten US citizens and Western companies throughout Iraq."

The US last year shut its consulate in the protest-hit southern Iraqi city of Basra, blaming "indirect fire" by Iran-backed forces.

Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency(IEA) said on Wednesday that global tensions over US sanctions on Iran had produced less crude in line with their pact.

The Paris-based IEA said that while geopolitics and industry disruptions were clouding the outlook it believes that the market balance is set to flip from surplus into deficit, a development that would favour efforts by oil producing nations to keep prices high.

With fresh economic data and forecasts now available, the IEA trimmed its forecast for growth in global oil demand this year to an increase of 1.3 mbd, primarily due to a slow start of the year.

However, it said: "slower demand growth is likely to be short-lived, as we believe that the pace will pick up during the rest of the year."

The Kremlin Wednesday expressed concern that tensions over Iran keep escalating despite assurances from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a visit to Russia that Washington was not seeking war.

The Kremlin Wednesday expressed concern that tensions over Iran keep escalating despite assurances from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a visit to Russia that Washington was not seeking war. "So far we notice the continued escalation of tensions around this subject," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, a day after Pompeo met with President Vladimir Putin. "We are saddened to see the decisions taken by the Iranian side," Peskov said while arguing that Washington has been provoking Iran. Speaking in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi on Tuesday, Pompeo had assured Russia that his country did not want war with Iran, despite a spike in tensions that has seen the Pentagon dispatch nuclear-capable bombers to the region. But Peskov sought to play down those statements. "There were no assurances from Pompeo," Putin's spokesman told reporters. "And one can hardly talk about some sort of assurances. There is an obvious situation which unfortunately tends to escalate further." Washington has ramped up pressure on Tehran in recent days, accusing Iran of planning "imminent" attacks in the region, and bolstering the American military presence in the Gulf. A State Department advisory announcing the partial embassy closures warned of numerous terrorist and insurgent groups active in Iraq, including "anti-US sectarian militias" who could "threaten US citizens and Western companies throughout Iraq." The US last year shut its consulate in the protest-hit southern Iraqi city of Basra, blaming "indirect fire" by Iran-backed forces. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency(IEA) said on Wednesday that global tensions over US sanctions on Iran had produced less crude in line with their pact. The Paris-based IEA said that while geopolitics and industry disruptions were clouding the outlook it believes that the market balance is set to flip from surplus into deficit, a development that would favour efforts by oil producing nations to keep prices high. With fresh economic data and forecasts now available, the IEA trimmed its forecast for growth in global oil demand this year to an increase of 1.3 mbd, primarily due to a slow start of the year. However, it said: "slower demand growth is likely to be short-lived, as we believe that the pace will pick up during the rest of the year."

No assurances from Pompeo on Iran: Russia

Russia said on Tuesday it was ready to facilitate the start of dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition but warned the United States against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-un-resolution-calling-for-venezuela-elections-196300">intervening in Caracas' internal affairs</a>.

Russia has sided with President Nicolas Maduro in his stand-off with opposition leader Juan Guaido. Maduro retains control of state institutions including the military, but most Western countries, including the United States, have recognised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-the-military-which-is-supporting-dictator-maduro-venezuela-opposition-leader-guaido-196840">Guaido as Venezuela's president</a>.

"We have been maintaining very important contacts with the government of this country and stand ready to provide a kind service in order to facilitate the process of finding ways out of the situation," Tass news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

He also said Russia had made some proposals to Venezuela on settling its crisis but gave no details.

Moscow has invested billions of dollars into Venezuela's economy and oil production.

On Tuesday opposition supporters returned to the streets nationwide to keep the heat on Maduro and demand that he allow humanitarian aid into Venezuela, where food and medicine shortages are rife.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a telephone call on Tuesday evening that Washington should avoid any interference, including military, in Venezuela's internal affairs.

Lavrov also said Russia was ready for consultations on the situation in Venezuela in line with the United Nations charter.

At the United Nations, the United States is pushing the Security Council to formally call for free, fair and credible presidential elections in Venezuela with international observers, diplomats said on Saturday, a move that prompted Russia to propose a rival draft resolution.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia described the US draft resolution on Tuesday as "completely unbalanced." When asked if he would put the Russian draft resolution to a vote, he said: "We're just discussing it."

It was also unclear if or when the US draft Security Council resolution could be put to a vote. A council resolution needs nine votes and no vetoes by the United States, Britain, France, Russia or China to pass.

Russia said on Tuesday it was ready to facilitate the start of dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition but warned the United States against intervening in Caracas' internal affairs.

Russia said on Tuesday it was ready to facilitate the start of dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition but warned the United States against intervening in Caracas' internal affairs. Russia has sided with President Nicolas Maduro in his stand-off with opposition leader Juan Guaido. Maduro retains control of state institutions including the military, but most Western countries, including the United States, have recognised Guaido as Venezuela's president. "We have been maintaining very important contacts with the government of this country and stand ready to provide a kind service in order to facilitate the process of finding ways out of the situation," Tass news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. He also said Russia had made some proposals to Venezuela on settling its crisis but gave no details. Moscow has invested billions of dollars into Venezuela's economy and oil production. On Tuesday opposition supporters returned to the streets nationwide to keep the heat on Maduro and demand that he allow humanitarian aid into Venezuela, where food and medicine shortages are rife. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a telephone call on Tuesday evening that Washington should avoid any interference, including military, in Venezuela's internal affairs. Lavrov also said Russia was ready for consultations on the situation in Venezuela in line with the United Nations charter. At the United Nations, the United States is pushing the Security Council to formally call for free, fair and credible presidential elections in Venezuela with international observers, diplomats said on Saturday, a move that prompted Russia to propose a rival draft resolution. Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia described the US draft resolution on Tuesday as "completely unbalanced." When asked if he would put the Russian draft resolution to a vote, he said: "We're just discussing it." It was also unclear if or when the US draft Security Council resolution could be put to a vote. A council resolution needs nine votes and no vetoes by the United States, Britain, France, Russia or China to pass.

Russia ready to help Venezuela resolve crisis, warns US against meddling

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that his country was eager to work with Egypt to boost airline security, three years after a bomb attack downed a Russian plane, killing more than 200 holidaymakers.

In a column published in the Egyptian state newspaper al-Ahram ahead of a visit by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to Moscow next week, Lavrov praised what he described as a "multifaceted partnership" with Egypt.

"It is important today to continue joint efforts that target supporting the safety of both countries' citizens, including aboard airplanes," Lavrov said in a commentary, published in Arabic.

Similar remarks appeared on the Russian news agency TASS.

Russia halted civilian air traffic to Egypt in October 2015 after Islamist militants detonated a bomb on a Russian Metrojet flight departing from the tourist resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, killing all 224 people on board.

Since then Egypt has allowed Russian experts to inspect its airport security arrangements several times and the two countries have signed an agreement covering civil aviation security.

Flights between Moscow and Cairo resumed in April, but Egypt hopes to secure the return of Russian flights to its Red Sea resorts.

The bombing and the Russian suspension were blows to Egypt's tourism industry, a key source of hard currency alongside remittances from Egyptians abroad and Suez Canal revenues.

The industry has been struggling after the upheaval triggered by a 2011 uprising that ended Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule.

Sisi, who has met Russian President Vladimir Putin several times since he became president in 2014, is due to visit Russia on Wednesday.

Russia is a key trading partner for Egypt, which is a main regional US&nbsp;ally and the most populous country in the Arab world.

Lavrov said relations between Russia and Egypt were strong, noting a $6.5 billion annual trade between the two countries.

Russia last year signed an agreement with Egypt to build a nuclear power plant at Dabaa and another deal earlier this year to set up an industrial zone near the Suez Canal.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that his country was eager to work with Egypt to boost airline security, three years after a bomb attack downed a Russian plane, killing more than 200 holidaymakers.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that his country was eager to work with Egypt to boost airline security, three years after a bomb attack downed a Russian plane, killing more than 200 holidaymakers. In a column published in the Egyptian state newspaper al-Ahram ahead of a visit by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to Moscow next week, Lavrov praised what he described as a "multifaceted partnership" with Egypt. "It is important today to continue joint efforts that target supporting the safety of both countries' citizens, including aboard airplanes," Lavrov said in a commentary, published in Arabic. Similar remarks appeared on the Russian news agency TASS. Russia halted civilian air traffic to Egypt in October 2015 after Islamist militants detonated a bomb on a Russian Metrojet flight departing from the tourist resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, killing all 224 people on board. Since then Egypt has allowed Russian experts to inspect its airport security arrangements several times and the two countries have signed an agreement covering civil aviation security. Flights between Moscow and Cairo resumed in April, but Egypt hopes to secure the return of Russian flights to its Red Sea resorts. The bombing and the Russian suspension were blows to Egypt's tourism industry, a key source of hard currency alongside remittances from Egyptians abroad and Suez Canal revenues. The industry has been struggling after the upheaval triggered by a 2011 uprising that ended Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule. Sisi, who has met Russian President Vladimir Putin several times since he became president in 2014, is due to visit Russia on Wednesday. Russia is a key trading partner for Egypt, which is a main regional US ally and the most populous country in the Arab world. Lavrov said relations between Russia and Egypt were strong, noting a $6.5 billion annual trade between the two countries. Russia last year signed an agreement with Egypt to build a nuclear power plant at Dabaa and another deal earlier this year to set up an industrial zone near the Suez Canal.

Lavrov says Russia keen to boost airline security with Egypt

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday Moscow had started delivering the S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria and warned Western powers of trying to undermine UN-led efforts to end the seven-year conflict.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had said on Monday the system would be delivered to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces in two weeks despite strong Israeli and United States objections. A week previously, Moscow had accused Israel of indirectly causing the downing of a Russian military jet in Syria.

"The delivery started already and as President (Vladimir)Putin said, after that incident ... the measures that we will take will be devoted to ensuring 100 per cent safety and security of our men," Lavrov told a news conference at the United Nations.

Russia, along with Iran, has helped Assad recover huge amounts of lost territory in Syria without persuading him to agree to any political reforms. It has also pushed its own talks with Iran and Turkey, known as the Astana process, as UN-led peace negotiations have stalled.

Some diplomats have said the Israeli incident and a Turkish Russian deal to suspend an offensive on the last rebel-held stronghold of Idlib could provide a window to push for the implementation of UN&nbsp;Security Council resolution 2254 that covers ending conflict in Syria.

The UN&nbsp;Security Council, which includes Russia and the United States, has mandated UN&nbsp;envoy Staffan de Mistura to get a deal on a new constitution, new elections and a reform of Syria's governance.

De Mistura's first task is the formation of a constitutional committee to decide whom to pick. He has said he will select about 50 people, including supporters of the government, the opposition and independents to participate, but so far the Syrian government has rejected the idea.

Meeting in New York on Thursday, foreign ministers from the United States, Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Britain and Saudi Arabia called on de Mistura to convene the constitutional committee and report back on progress by the end of October.

Lavrov accused the group of trying to undermine the Astana efforts and putting pressure on de Mistura so that they could impose their own resolution of the conflict, describing it as "a grave mistake."

"This is aimed at undermining all that was done at Astana process and not the fact the Syrians decide what country they are going to live in but the architecture agreed on by foreign powers," Lavrov said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday Moscow had started delivering the S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria and warned Western powers of trying to undermine UN-led efforts to end the seven-year conflict.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday Moscow had started delivering the S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria and warned Western powers of trying to undermine UN-led efforts to end the seven-year conflict. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had said on Monday the system would be delivered to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces in two weeks despite strong Israeli and United States objections. A week previously, Moscow had accused Israel of indirectly causing the downing of a Russian military jet in Syria. "The delivery started already and as President (Vladimir)Putin said, after that incident ... the measures that we will take will be devoted to ensuring 100 per cent safety and security of our men," Lavrov told a news conference at the United Nations. Russia, along with Iran, has helped Assad recover huge amounts of lost territory in Syria without persuading him to agree to any political reforms. It has also pushed its own talks with Iran and Turkey, known as the Astana process, as UN-led peace negotiations have stalled. Some diplomats have said the Israeli incident and a Turkish Russian deal to suspend an offensive on the last rebel-held stronghold of Idlib could provide a window to push for the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2254 that covers ending conflict in Syria. The UN Security Council, which includes Russia and the United States, has mandated UN envoy Staffan de Mistura to get a deal on a new constitution, new elections and a reform of Syria's governance. De Mistura's first task is the formation of a constitutional committee to decide whom to pick. He has said he will select about 50 people, including supporters of the government, the opposition and independents to participate, but so far the Syrian government has rejected the idea. Meeting in New York on Thursday, foreign ministers from the United States, Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Britain and Saudi Arabia called on de Mistura to convene the constitutional committee and report back on progress by the end of October. Lavrov accused the group of trying to undermine the Astana efforts and putting pressure on de Mistura so that they could impose their own resolution of the conflict, describing it as "a grave mistake." "This is aimed at undermining all that was done at Astana process and not the fact the Syrians decide what country they are going to live in but the architecture agreed on by foreign powers," Lavrov said.

Russia begins missile system delivery to Syria, warns West on peace talks

As US President Trump prepares <a href="http://wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-to-take-place-in-singapores-capella-hotel-on-sentosa-island-142478">to meet North Korean leader Kim</a> Jong-un, President Putin said Russia had proposed a "roadmap" for resolving the Korean Peninsula issue.

Russia's foreign minister Sergei <a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-kims-singapore-summit-to-be-guarded-by-gurkhas-142378">Lavrov had med Kim in Pyongyang</a> last week and extended an invite to the North Korean leader to meet Putin at the Kremlin. Lavrov had reportedly extended “warmest regards and best wishes to Kim".

In a television interview to a Chinese media channel, Putin said: "We have proposed a roadmap for resolving the Korean Peninsula issue. China has done a lot to ease the situation in the region. We are very glad about this and we will give our full support."

During the interview, Putin said North Korea must realise the Korean Peninsula needs to be "denuclearised", adding that "tragedies in Libya and Iraq" should not be repeated.

"We also saw that the DPRK(North Korea) leadership has made unprecedented efforts to eliminate regional tensions, which, to be honest, was unexpected to me," he added.&nbsp;

Putin backed Kim's demand to secure a "guarantee" as it denuclearises, which has often been rejected by the Trump administration.

"When the leaders of the DPRK noted that if they are to realize complete denuclearization, the country's security must be guaranteed. &nbsp;It goes without saying that they demand guarantees," the Russian president said.

On the impending Trump-Kim meeting, Putin said: "I hope the wise and mature decisions of US President Trump to establish direct contact with DPRK top leader Kim Jong-un will be implemented." He added that he hoped some "positive results" will result from the meeting.

Expanding on Western sanctions, a defiant Putin said Western countries were aimed at hindering Russia's development but will be in vain.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5RyIBBEPGww" width="560"></iframe>

Expanding on Western sanctions, a defiant Putin said Western countries were aimed at hindering Russia's development but will be in vain.

As US President Trump prepares to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, President Putin said Russia had proposed a "roadmap" for resolving the Korean Peninsula issue. Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had med Kim in Pyongyang last week and extended an invite to the North Korean leader to meet Putin at the Kremlin. Lavrov had reportedly extended “warmest regards and best wishes to Kim". In a television interview to a Chinese media channel, Putin said: "We have proposed a roadmap for resolving the Korean Peninsula issue. China has done a lot to ease the situation in the region. We are very glad about this and we will give our full support." During the interview, Putin said North Korea must realise the Korean Peninsula needs to be "denuclearised", adding that "tragedies in Libya and Iraq" should not be repeated. "We also saw that the DPRK(North Korea) leadership has made unprecedented efforts to eliminate regional tensions, which, to be honest, was unexpected to me," he added. Putin backed Kim's demand to secure a "guarantee" as it denuclearises, which has often been rejected by the Trump administration. "When the leaders of the DPRK noted that if they are to realize complete denuclearization, the country's security must be guaranteed. It goes without saying that they demand guarantees," the Russian president said. On the impending Trump-Kim meeting, Putin said: "I hope the wise and mature decisions of US President Trump to establish direct contact with DPRK top leader Kim Jong-un will be implemented." He added that he hoped some "positive results" will result from the meeting. Expanding on Western sanctions, a defiant Putin said Western countries were aimed at hindering Russia's development but will be in vain.

'Russia has proposed a roadmap for resolving Korean Peninsula issue,' says Putin

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met North Korea leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Thursday and has invited him to visit Russia.

"Come to Russia, we'll be very happy to see you," Lavrov told Kim in remarks released by the Russian foreign ministry.

Lavrov also passed on best wishes to Kim from President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, saying he wished him success in the "major undertakings that have been initiated on the Korean peninsula", the ministry said in a statement.

Lavrov who travelled to Pyongyang on Thursday told Kim that Moscow supported peace and progress on the Korean peninsula and highly valued a declaration signed by Pyongyang and Seoul.

It remains unclear whether Kim has accepted the invitation. Should he decide to go, it will represent the first visit by a North Korean leader to Russia since his father Kim Jong Il visited Russia in August 2011.

As per reports, Russia is particularly interested in projects involving the construction of gas pipelines and railways connecting the two Koreas to Russia.&nbsp

Lavrov's visit to Pyongyang, which was announced on Wednesday, comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity to organise a landmark summit between Donald Trump and Kim, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also meeting Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol in New York late Wednesday.

Last month North Korea's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho held rare talks with Lavrov in Moscow as Pyongyang moves to improve strained ties with global powers.

Lavrov who travelled to Pyongyang on Thursday told Kim that Moscow supported peace and progress on the Korean peninsula and highly valued a declaration signed by Pyongyang and Seoul

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met North Korea leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Thursday and has invited him to visit Russia. "Come to Russia, we'll be very happy to see you," Lavrov told Kim in remarks released by the Russian foreign ministry. Lavrov also passed on best wishes to Kim from President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, saying he wished him success in the "major undertakings that have been initiated on the Korean peninsula", the ministry said in a statement. Lavrov who travelled to Pyongyang on Thursday told Kim that Moscow supported peace and progress on the Korean peninsula and highly valued a declaration signed by Pyongyang and Seoul. It remains unclear whether Kim has accepted the invitation. Should he decide to go, it will represent the first visit by a North Korean leader to Russia since his father Kim Jong Il visited Russia in August 2011. As per reports, Russia is particularly interested in projects involving the construction of gas pipelines and railways connecting the two Koreas to Russia. Lavrov's visit to Pyongyang, which was announced on Wednesday, comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity to organise a landmark summit between Donald Trump and Kim, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also meeting Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol in New York late Wednesday. Last month North Korea's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho held rare talks with Lavrov in Moscow as Pyongyang moves to improve strained ties with global powers.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov invites Kim Jong-Un to Russia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-to-challenge-the-appointment-of-kg-bopaiah-as-pro-tem-speaker-in-the-sc-137972">Karnataka crisis: Congress to challenge KG Bopaiah's appointment as pro-tem Speaker in Supreme Court</a>

Congress to challenge the appointment of KG Bopaiah as pro-tem Speaker in the Supreme Court on Friday. According to television reports, Congress is moving Supreme Court to challenge the Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision to appoint KG Bopiah as pro-tem speaker ahead of the floor test on Saturday 4 pm.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-pm-modis-visit-to-jk-pakistan-summons-indian-high-commissioner-over-unprovoked-ceasefire-violations-along-loc-137934">Pakistan summons Indian High Commissioner over 'unprovoked ceasefire violations' along LoC</a>

As PM Modi prepares to visit J&K on Saturday, Pakistan today summoned Indian High Commissioner over "unprovoked ceasefire violations" allegedly carried out by Indian forces along the Line of Control(LoC).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-allows-karti-chidambaram-to-travel-abroad-137929">Supreme Court allows Karti Chidambaram to travel abroad</a>

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, to travel to offshore locations in United Kingdom, Germany and Spain with certain conditions, including that he would not open or close a bank account abroad.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-offering-200-billion-package-to-slash-us-trade-gap-137953">China denies offering $200 billion </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-offering-200-billion-package-to-slash-us-trade-gap-137953">package</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-offering-200-billion-package-to-slash-us-trade-gap-137953"> to slash US trade gap</a>

China denied on Friday that it had offered a package to slash the US trade deficit by up to $200 billion, hours after it dropped an anti-dumping probe into US sorghum imports in a conciliatory gesture as top negotiators meet in Washington.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congo-faces-very-high-risk-from-ebola-outbreak-who--137926">Congo faces 'very high' risk from Ebola outbreak: WHO</a>

Democratic Republic of Congo faces a "very high" public health risk from Ebola because the disease has been confirmed in a patient in a big city, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, raising its assessment from "high" previously.

&nbsp

Karnataka crisis: Congress to challenge KG Bopaiah's appointment as pro-tem Speaker in Supreme Court Congress to challenge the appointment of KG Bopaiah as pro-tem Speaker in the Supreme Court on Friday. According to television reports, Congress is moving Supreme Court to challenge the Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision to appoint KG Bopiah as pro-tem speaker ahead of the floor test on Saturday 4 pm. Pakistan summons Indian High Commissioner over 'unprovoked ceasefire violations' along LoC As PM Modi prepares to visit J&K on Saturday, Pakistan today summoned Indian High Commissioner over "unprovoked ceasefire violations" allegedly carried out by Indian forces along the Line of Control(LoC). Supreme Court allows Karti Chidambaram to travel abroad The Supreme Court on Friday allowed Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, to travel to offshore locations in United Kingdom, Germany and Spain with certain conditions, including that he would not open or close a bank account abroad. China denies offering $200 billion package to slash US trade gap China denied on Friday that it had offered a package to slash the US trade deficit by up to $200 billion, hours after it dropped an anti-dumping probe into US sorghum imports in a conciliatory gesture as top negotiators meet in Washington. Congo faces 'very high' risk from Ebola outbreak: WHO Democratic Republic of Congo faces a "very high" public health risk from Ebola because the disease has been confirmed in a patient in a big city, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, raising its assessment from "high" previously.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Friday unveiled who will be in his new cabinet.

The following is a list of the ministers in the new Russian new government

Prime minister

Dmitry Medvedev - 52. Was reappointed to the position he has held since 2012. Served as Russian president from 2008 to 2012.

Deputy Prime ministers

Konstantin Chuyuchenko - 52, Government Chief of Staff and Deputy Prime Minister. Was Kremlin aide from 2008.

Anton Siluanov - 55, First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister. Held the finance minister position since the end of 2011.

Dmitry Kobak - 59, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for energy and industry sectors. Has been a deputy prime minister from 2008.

Vitaly Mutko - 59, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for construction and regional development. From 2012 to 2016 was Sports Minister than was appointment to Deputy Prime Minister position later.

Yuri Borisov - 61, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for defence industry complex. Was Deputy Defence Minister since 2012.

Maxim Akimov - 48, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for transport and communications. Was First Deputy Government Chief of Staff in previous government.

Alexei Gordeyev - 63, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for agro-industrial complex. He was Agriculture Minister from 1999 to 2009. After this was governor of Voronezh Region and Putin's Envoy in the Central Russian region.

Tatiana Golikova - 52, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for welfare. Was the head of Russia's Audit Chamber since 2013, also a former Minister of Health and Social Development.

Olga Golodets - 56, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for culture and sport. Was Deputy Prime Minister in the previous government since 2012.

Oleg Trutnev - 62, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Russian Far East development. Was Deputy Prime Minister since 2013.

Ministers

Finance Minister - Anton Siluanov

Energy Minister - Alexander Novak, 46. Held this position since 2012.

Foreign Minister - Sergei Lavrov, 68. Held this position from 2004.

Defence Minister - Sergei Shoigu, 62. Held this position since 2012.

Economy Minister - Maxim Oreshkin, 35. Held this position since 2016.

Industry and Trade Minister - Denis Manturov, 49. Held this position since 2012.

Agriculture Minister - Dmitry Patrushev, 40 years. Held the position of Chairman of the board of directors of Russian Agricultural Bank.

Sport Minister - Pavel Kolobkov, 48. Held this position from 2016.

Minister of Internal Affairs - Vladimir Kolokoltsev, 57. Held this position from 2012.

Emergencies Minister - Yevgeny Zinichev, 51. Held the position of Deputy Director of Federal Security Service.

Transport Minister - Yevgeny Ditrikh, 45. Held the position of Deputy Transport Minister since 2015.

Education Minister - Olga Vasilieva, 58. Held this position from 2016.

Science and Higher Education Minister - Mikhail Kotukov, 41. Held the position of the head of Federal Agency for Scientific Organizations.

Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology - Dmitry Kobylkin, 46. Held the position of governor of Yamalo-Nenets district since 2010.

Minister of Health - Veronika Skvortsova, 57. Held this position from 2016.

Minister of Labour and Social Development - Maxim Topilin, 51. Held this position since 2012.

Justice Minister - Alexander Konovalov, 49. Held this position from 2008.

Culture Minister - Vladimir Medinskiy, 48. Held this position from 2012.

Minister of Construction - Vladimir Yakushev, 49. Held the position of governor of the Tyumen Region since 2005.

Minister of Communications - Konstantin Noskov, 39. Held the position of head of Government Analytical Centre since 2012.

Minister for development of the Far East - Alexander Kozlov, 36. Held the position of governor of Amur Region since 2015.

Minister for development of the North Caucasus - Sergey Chebotarev. According to publicly-available information, he held the position of Deputy Head of Presidential administration's department of trans-regional and cultural ties with foreign countries.

Dmitry Medvedev was reappointed to the position he has held since 2012

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Friday unveiled who will be in his new cabinet. The following is a list of the ministers in the new Russian new government Prime minister Dmitry Medvedev - 52. Was reappointed to the position he has held since 2012. Served as Russian president from 2008 to 2012. Deputy Prime ministers Konstantin Chuyuchenko - 52, Government Chief of Staff and Deputy Prime Minister. Was Kremlin aide from 2008. Anton Siluanov - 55, First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister. Held the finance minister position since the end of 2011. Dmitry Kobak - 59, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for energy and industry sectors. Has been a deputy prime minister from 2008. Vitaly Mutko - 59, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for construction and regional development. From 2012 to 2016 was Sports Minister than was appointment to Deputy Prime Minister position later. Yuri Borisov - 61, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for defence industry complex. Was Deputy Defence Minister since 2012. Maxim Akimov - 48, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for transport and communications. Was First Deputy Government Chief of Staff in previous government. Alexei Gordeyev - 63, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for agro-industrial complex. He was Agriculture Minister from 1999 to 2009. After this was governor of Voronezh Region and Putin's Envoy in the Central Russian region. Tatiana Golikova - 52, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for welfare. Was the head of Russia's Audit Chamber since 2013, also a former Minister of Health and Social Development. Olga Golodets - 56, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for culture and sport. Was Deputy Prime Minister in the previous government since 2012. Oleg Trutnev - 62, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Russian Far East development. Was Deputy Prime Minister since 2013. Ministers Finance Minister - Anton Siluanov Energy Minister - Alexander Novak, 46. Held this position since 2012. Foreign Minister - Sergei Lavrov, 68. Held this position from 2004. Defence Minister - Sergei Shoigu, 62. Held this position since 2012. Economy Minister - Maxim Oreshkin, 35. Held this position since 2016. Industry and Trade Minister - Denis Manturov, 49. Held this position since 2012. Agriculture Minister - Dmitry Patrushev, 40 years. Held the position of Chairman of the board of directors of Russian Agricultural Bank. Sport Minister - Pavel Kolobkov, 48. Held this position from 2016. Minister of Internal Affairs - Vladimir Kolokoltsev, 57. Held this position from 2012. Emergencies Minister - Yevgeny Zinichev, 51. Held the position of Deputy Director of Federal Security Service. Transport Minister - Yevgeny Ditrikh, 45. Held the position of Deputy Transport Minister since 2015. Education Minister - Olga Vasilieva, 58. Held this position from 2016. Science and Higher Education Minister - Mikhail Kotukov, 41. Held the position of the head of Federal Agency for Scientific Organizations. Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology - Dmitry Kobylkin, 46. Held the position of governor of Yamalo-Nenets district since 2010. Minister of Health - Veronika Skvortsova, 57. Held this position from 2016. Minister of Labour and Social Development - Maxim Topilin, 51. Held this position since 2012. Justice Minister - Alexander Konovalov, 49. Held this position from 2008. Culture Minister - Vladimir Medinskiy, 48. Held this position from 2012. Minister of Construction - Vladimir Yakushev, 49. Held the position of governor of the Tyumen Region since 2005. Minister of Communications - Konstantin Noskov, 39. Held the position of head of Government Analytical Centre since 2012. Minister for development of the Far East - Alexander Kozlov, 36. Held the position of governor of Amur Region since 2015. Minister for development of the North Caucasus - Sergey Chebotarev. According to publicly-available information, he held the position of Deputy Head of Presidential administration's department of trans-regional and cultural ties with foreign countries.

Lavrov and Shoigu retain ministerial positions in Russia's new cabinet

Russia, Turkey and Iran need to help Syria's government clear its country of terrorists, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday during a trilateral meeting in Moscow with his counterparts from Turkey and Iran.

"I am sure that it is necessary today to help the Syrians to finish clearing the country of terrorists and we all are helping the Syrian government to make this happen faster," said Lavrov.

"I am sure that it is necessary today to help the Syrians to finish clearing the country of terrorists and we all are helping the Syrian government to make this happen faster," noted Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif.

"I agree with Javad Zarif that best solution is the political solution and any military solution is illegal and unsustainable,"&nbsp;said Turkey's Foreign Minister Melvut Cavusoglu.

Turkish Foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu added that any military solution in Syria would be illegal and unsustainable. Cavusoglu said the three countries could work together to help the Syrian people and there needed to be a new push to reach a political solution.

Declarations of some Syrian opposition figures are damaging efforts to inject new life into Geneva peace process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei&nbsp;Lavrov said, adding that there can be no preconditions for Geneva talks.

Russia, Iran and Turkey agreed that Syria peace process must continue despite Western missile strikes,&nbsp;Lavrov&nbsp;said after meeting his Iranian and Turkish counterparts in Moscow.

"This attack (on Syria by U.S., Great Britain and France) of course has thrown back the efforts to advance in the political process. Nevertheless, today we have firmly confirmed that these efforts must be continued, we agreed on concrete steps which all three of our countries will take both collectively and individually to return all of us to the path of stable progress towards the goals of Resolution 2254," Lavrov noted.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Russia, Iran and Turkey need to work in coordination with the United Nations to ensure the legitimacy of any political solution in Syria.

"We need to convene and launch the constitutional committee in the near future. We discussed how we should work with the United Nations in this respect to legitimize the political process. We talked with the UN special envoy on Syria and we need to work closer with him and to involve the United Nations more actively," Cavusoglu added.

Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday that demands by US President Donald Trump to change Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers were unacceptable.

Trump has said that unless European allies fix the "terrible flaws" in the Iran nuclear deal by May 12, he will refuse to extend US&nbsp;sanctions relief for oil-producing Iran.

Turkish Foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu added that any military solution in Syria would be illegal and unsustainable

Russia, Turkey and Iran need to help Syria's government clear its country of terrorists, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday during a trilateral meeting in Moscow with his counterparts from Turkey and Iran. "I am sure that it is necessary today to help the Syrians to finish clearing the country of terrorists and we all are helping the Syrian government to make this happen faster," said Lavrov. "I am sure that it is necessary today to help the Syrians to finish clearing the country of terrorists and we all are helping the Syrian government to make this happen faster," noted Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif. "I agree with Javad Zarif that best solution is the political solution and any military solution is illegal and unsustainable," said Turkey's Foreign Minister Melvut Cavusoglu. Turkish Foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu added that any military solution in Syria would be illegal and unsustainable. Cavusoglu said the three countries could work together to help the Syrian people and there needed to be a new push to reach a political solution. Declarations of some Syrian opposition figures are damaging efforts to inject new life into Geneva peace process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, adding that there can be no preconditions for Geneva talks. Russia, Iran and Turkey agreed that Syria peace process must continue despite Western missile strikes, Lavrov said after meeting his Iranian and Turkish counterparts in Moscow. "This attack (on Syria by U.S., Great Britain and France) of course has thrown back the efforts to advance in the political process. Nevertheless, today we have firmly confirmed that these efforts must be continued, we agreed on concrete steps which all three of our countries will take both collectively and individually to return all of us to the path of stable progress towards the goals of Resolution 2254," Lavrov noted. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Russia, Iran and Turkey need to work in coordination with the United Nations to ensure the legitimacy of any political solution in Syria. "We need to convene and launch the constitutional committee in the near future. We discussed how we should work with the United Nations in this respect to legitimize the political process. We talked with the UN special envoy on Syria and we need to work closer with him and to involve the United Nations more actively," Cavusoglu added. Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday that demands by US President Donald Trump to change Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers were unacceptable. Trump has said that unless European allies fix the "terrible flaws" in the Iran nuclear deal by May 12, he will refuse to extend US sanctions relief for oil-producing Iran.

Russia, Turkey and Iran need to help clear Syria of terrorists: Russian Foreign Minister

The spy row escalated into a full-blown&nbsp;expulsion drama in Russia as German foreign minister <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/spy-poisoning-row-britain-has-one-month-to-reduce-diplomatic-presence-says-russia-127345">Heiko Maas said today that Moscow</a> had decided to expel four German diplomats in a tit-for-tat response after Germany ordered the expulsion of four Russian diplomats.

Russia expelled diplomats from 23 countries on Friday.

The Russian foreign ministry said it had summoned the heads of missions from 23 countries to tell them that some other their diplomats had to leave the country.

Poland said that Russia was expelling four of their diplomats. Among the other countries that had similarly been told to pull their envoys were the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Finland and Lithuania.&nbsp;

Thirteen Ukrainian diplomats were also ordered to leave.

"This decision by Moscow is not a surprise," said Heiko Maas in a statement while announcing the expulsion of German diplomats from Russia.

"We did not take our decision to sent back Russian diplomats lightly," Maas said, adding that it was "a necessary and appropriate political signal."

Berlin still remains open to dialogue with Russia, the statement added.

During the day, Dutch ambassador Renee Jones-Bos had said that Russia has expelled two diplomats over the spy row. 
&nbsp; 
Russia had announced the expulsion of 60 US diplomats on Thursday and had decided to close the US consulate in Saint Petersburg nearly a week after President Trump ordered the expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats and the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle.

The Western nations have accused Putin's regime of being involved in the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in a nerve agent attack in the English city of Salisbury on March 4.

Russia has however denied any involvement in the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yPh5wwMAu48" width="560"></iframe>

During the day, Dutch ambassador Renee Jones-Bos had said that Russia has expelled two diplomats over the spy row.

The spy row escalated into a full-blown expulsion drama in Russia as German foreign minister Heiko Maas said today that Moscow had decided to expel four German diplomats in a tit-for-tat response after Germany ordered the expulsion of four Russian diplomats. Russia expelled diplomats from 23 countries on Friday. The Russian foreign ministry said it had summoned the heads of missions from 23 countries to tell them that some other their diplomats had to leave the country. Poland said that Russia was expelling four of their diplomats. Among the other countries that had similarly been told to pull their envoys were the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Finland and Lithuania. Thirteen Ukrainian diplomats were also ordered to leave. "This decision by Moscow is not a surprise," said Heiko Maas in a statement while announcing the expulsion of German diplomats from Russia. "We did not take our decision to sent back Russian diplomats lightly," Maas said, adding that it was "a necessary and appropriate political signal." Berlin still remains open to dialogue with Russia, the statement added. During the day, Dutch ambassador Renee Jones-Bos had said that Russia has expelled two diplomats over the spy row. Russia had announced the expulsion of 60 US diplomats on Thursday and had decided to close the US consulate in Saint Petersburg nearly a week after President Trump ordered the expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats and the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle. The Western nations have accused Putin's regime of being involved in the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in a nerve agent attack in the English city of Salisbury on March 4. Russia has however denied any involvement in the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

After expelling Dutch diplomats, Russia orders 4 German diplomats to leave

Russia on Friday summoned ambassadors of nine nations while declaring that Britain has one month to reduce diplomatic presence.

"The ambassadors will be handed protest notes and told about the Russian side's retaliatory measures," the foreign ministry said in a statement as ambassadors were seen arriving at the Russian foreign ministry.&nbsp

As the tit-for-tat diplomacy over expulsion continued, Dutch ambassador Renee Jones-Bos said Russia has expelled two diplomats over the spy row.

Dutch Ambassador Renee Jones-Bos told TASS state news agency: "Two of my colleagues are leaving Moscow. But we (the embassy) are staying here."

Russia had announced the expulsion of US 60 diplomats on Thursday and had decided to close the US consulate in Saint Petersburg after President Trump had ordered the expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats and the subsequent closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle.

More than 150 Russian diplomats have been ordered out of the US, EU members, NATO countries and other nations in a coordinated action against Moscow.&nbsp

The Western nations have accused Putin's regime of being involved in the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in a nerve agent attack in the English city of Salisbury on March 4.

Reports said on Thursday that Skripal's daughter Yulia was out of danger but Sergei was still in critical condition.

&nbsp

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CX11TEq3sWE" width="560"></iframe>

More than 150 Russian diplomats have been ordered out of the US, EU members, NATO countries and other nations in a coordinated action against Moscow.

Russia on Friday summoned ambassadors of nine nations while declaring that Britain has one month to reduce diplomatic presence. "The ambassadors will be handed protest notes and told about the Russian side's retaliatory measures," the foreign ministry said in a statement as ambassadors were seen arriving at the Russian foreign ministry. As the tit-for-tat diplomacy over expulsion continued, Dutch ambassador Renee Jones-Bos said Russia has expelled two diplomats over the spy row. Dutch Ambassador Renee Jones-Bos told TASS state news agency: "Two of my colleagues are leaving Moscow. But we (the embassy) are staying here." Russia had announced the expulsion of US 60 diplomats on Thursday and had decided to close the US consulate in Saint Petersburg after President Trump had ordered the expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats and the subsequent closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle. More than 150 Russian diplomats have been ordered out of the US, EU members, NATO countries and other nations in a coordinated action against Moscow. The Western nations have accused Putin's regime of being involved in the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in a nerve agent attack in the English city of Salisbury on March 4. Reports said on Thursday that Skripal's daughter Yulia was out of danger but Sergei was still in critical condition.

Spy poisoning row: Britain has one month to reduce diplomatic presence, says Russia

After the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-diplomats-expelled-the-full-list-of-countries-that-have-ordered-officials-back-to-russia-37183">US and EU expelled over 100 Russian</a> diplomats due to the alleged poisoning of an ex-spy in Salisbury, England, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said the move to expel diplomats was the result of "colossal pressure" by US.

President Trump on Monday had authorised expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats and closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle, it was followed by several other European nations including France, Ukraine, Germany who expelled Russian diplomats - a move which wasn't witnessed even during the height of the Cold War.

Moscow reacted saying it will "respond appropriately" to the US expulsion of Russian diplomats. 

The Russian foreign ministry said that not a single country has provided any evidence that Russia was behind the poisoning of the former Russian spy and his daughter, RIA reported.

&nbsp;

 
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HbhISFm8oec" width="560"></iframe> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Russian foreign ministry said that not a single country has provided any evidence that Russia was behind the poisoning of the former Russian spy and his daughter

After the US and EU expelled over 100 Russian diplomats due to the alleged poisoning of an ex-spy in Salisbury, England, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said the move to expel diplomats was the result of "colossal pressure" by US. President Trump on Monday had authorised expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats and closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle, it was followed by several other European nations including France, Ukraine, Germany who expelled Russian diplomats - a move which wasn't witnessed even during the height of the Cold War. Moscow reacted saying it will "respond appropriately" to the US expulsion of Russian diplomats. The Russian foreign ministry said that not a single country has provided any evidence that Russia was behind the poisoning of the former Russian spy and his daughter, RIA reported.

Expulsion of diplomats due to colossal pressure by US: Russian foreign minister Lavrov

The United States and Russia have agreed to work together and continue diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis over North Korea&#39;s nuclear missile programme, the US State Department said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke over the phone Tuesday, a day after the US announced sanctions against North Korea.&nbsp;

&ldquo;The two discussed concerns related to the DPRK&rsquo;s destabilizing nuclear program and emphasized that neither the United States nor Russia accepts the DPRK as a nuclear power,&rdquo; US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement, using the acronym for North Korea&rsquo;s official name, the Democratic People&rsquo;s Republic of Korea.

The move follows mixed signals from Washington on how President Donald Trump plans to fulfil his promise to &quot;take care of&quot; the North.

On Tuesday, Russia reiterated an offer to mediate to ease tensions between Washington and Pyongyang that have raised fears of a new conflict on the peninsula.

Lavrov told Tillerson &ldquo;Washington&rsquo;s aggressive rhetoric&rdquo; and beefing up of its military presence in the region had heightened tension and was unacceptable.

Tillerson stressed that they do not intend to&nbsp;go to war with North Korea and will use every measure possible for defence but hopes that diplomacy will produce a resolution.

However, in October Trump told Tillerson that this was a waste of time which was followed by talks between the secretary of state with no pre-conditions by saying that no negotiations could be held until North Korea improves its behaviour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Korea has test-fired 15 missiles so far in 2017 and conducted its sixth underground nuclear test in September.

The United States has placed sanctions on two North Koreans who it says are part of the country&#39;s nuclear missile programme, while Russia has reiterated its offer to mediate between the two countries.&nbsp;

The UN had on Friday imposed new sanctions on North Korea in response to its ICMB test conducted last month, which Pyongyang said put all of the US mainlands within range of its nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

North Korea has also argued that the nuclear weapon tests are a self-defensive deterrence, not in contradiction of international law. It also warned other countries that those who would support the sanctions would pay a &#39;heavy price&#39;.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke over the phone a day after the US announced sanctions against North Korea

The United States and Russia have agreed to work together and continue diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis over North Korea's nuclear missile programme, the US State Department said on Wednesday. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke over the phone Tuesday, a day after the US announced sanctions against North Korea. “The two discussed concerns related to the DPRK’s destabilizing nuclear program and emphasized that neither the United States nor Russia accepts the DPRK as a nuclear power,” US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement, using the acronym for North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The move follows mixed signals from Washington on how President Donald Trump plans to fulfil his promise to "take care of" the North. On Tuesday, Russia reiterated an offer to mediate to ease tensions between Washington and Pyongyang that have raised fears of a new conflict on the peninsula. Lavrov told Tillerson “Washington’s aggressive rhetoric” and beefing up of its military presence in the region had heightened tension and was unacceptable. Tillerson stressed that they do not intend to go to war with North Korea and will use every measure possible for defence but hopes that diplomacy will produce a resolution. However, in October Trump told Tillerson that this was a waste of time which was followed by talks between the secretary of state with no pre-conditions by saying that no negotiations could be held until North Korea improves its behaviour. North Korea has test-fired 15 missiles so far in 2017 and conducted its sixth underground nuclear test in September. The United States has placed sanctions on two North Koreans who it says are part of the country's nuclear missile programme, while Russia has reiterated its offer to mediate between the two countries. The UN had on Friday imposed new sanctions on North Korea in response to its ICMB test conducted last month, which Pyongyang said put all of the US mainlands within range of its nuclear weapons. North Korea has also argued that the nuclear weapon tests are a self-defensive deterrence, not in contradiction of international law. It also warned other countries that those who would support the sanctions would pay a 'heavy price'.

US, Russia agree to work on diplomatic solution to North Korea crisis

Russian and US experts will meet in the coming days to determine the routes and timing for a total rebel withdrawal from eastern Aleppo, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.

&quot;During the Russian-American consultations the concrete route and timeframe for the withdrawal of all fighters from eastern Aleppo will be agreed upon,&quot; the Russian diplomat said, indicating that the talks in Geneva would likely start on Tuesday or Wednesday.

&quot;As soon as these routes and timeframes are agreed on, a ceasefire can come into effect,&quot; Lavrov said.&nbsp;

The discussions would be based on proposals made by US Secretary of State John Kerry in Rome on Friday, he said. &nbsp;

Russia&#39;s top diplomat also denounced a proposed UN resolution demanding a temporary ceasefire in Aleppo, calling it a &quot;provocative step&quot;.

The UN Security Council will on Monday vote on the resolution, drafted by Egypt, New Zealand and Spain, that calls for a truce of at least seven days.

&quot;Taking into account all aspects and the current development of the situation, the draft resolution -- coming against the backdrop of the Russian-American initiative -- is, for the most part, a provocative step that undermines Russian-American efforts,&quot; Lavrov told a press conference.

Despite concessions by those who drafted the text -- an early version demanded a 10-day truce -- it looks likely Moscow will use its veto to torpedo the measure.

The forces of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and their allies are continuing to advance on Aleppo&#39;s rebel-held districts, after taking control of some 60 percent of the city so far, according to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights.&nbsp;

Since the start of the Syrian regime&#39;s latest offensive in eastern Aleppo on November 15, at least 311 civilians have been killed, 42 of them children, the Britain-based monitor says. At the same time, rebel fire has killed nearly 70 people in the city&#39;s government-held west.

Russia has been flying air raids in Syria since September 2015, intervening at the request of Assad, Moscow&#39;s longtime ally.

(AFP)

A ceasefire can come into effect once the outline for the total pullout is prepared by the two countries, the Russian foreign minister said

Russian and US experts will meet in the coming days to determine the routes and timing for a total rebel withdrawal from eastern Aleppo, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday. "During the Russian-American consultations the concrete route and timeframe for the withdrawal of all fighters from eastern Aleppo will be agreed upon," the Russian diplomat said, indicating that the talks in Geneva would likely start on Tuesday or Wednesday. "As soon as these routes and timeframes are agreed on, a ceasefire can come into effect," Lavrov said. The discussions would be based on proposals made by US Secretary of State John Kerry in Rome on Friday, he said. Russia's top diplomat also denounced a proposed UN resolution demanding a temporary ceasefire in Aleppo, calling it a "provocative step". The UN Security Council will on Monday vote on the resolution, drafted by Egypt, New Zealand and Spain, that calls for a truce of at least seven days. "Taking into account all aspects and the current development of the situation, the draft resolution -- coming against the backdrop of the Russian-American initiative -- is, for the most part, a provocative step that undermines Russian-American efforts," Lavrov told a press conference. Despite concessions by those who drafted the text -- an early version demanded a 10-day truce -- it looks likely Moscow will use its veto to torpedo the measure. The forces of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and their allies are continuing to advance on Aleppo's rebel-held districts, after taking control of some 60 percent of the city so far, according to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights. Since the start of the Syrian regime's latest offensive in eastern Aleppo on November 15, at least 311 civilians have been killed, 42 of them children, the Britain-based monitor says. At the same time, rebel fire has killed nearly 70 people in the city's government-held west. Russia has been flying air raids in Syria since September 2015, intervening at the request of Assad, Moscow's longtime ally. (AFP)

Russia, US to prepare timescale for rebel withdrawal from Aleppo

&quot;Russia has nothing to do with this. Neither does the Syrian Arab Republic or its airforce,&quot; Lavrov told reporters at a joint news conference after meeting his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in the Mediterranean resort town of Alanya.

Four Turkish soldiers were killed and nine others were wounded in an air strike on November 24 during a Turkish-backed rebel operation in northern Syria.

Lavrov also said that Russia was ready to speak with all parties in the Syrian conflict.

&quot;Never have we refused contacts with any of the opposition groups. Indeed, it was on our insistance that the clause about the necessity to hold dialogue with all key, political opposition groups was included in the resolution 2254 proposed by the international Syria Support Group,&quot; Lavrov said.

Both Turkey and Russia, two of the main backers of opposing sides in Syria&#39;s civil war, said they agreed on the need for a halt to fighting and the provision of aid in Aleppo but deep divisions remain between the two countries over the conflict.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Turkey&#39;s stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was unchanged.

&quot;Our President (Recep Tayyip Erdogan&#39;s) position on (Syrian President Bashar) Assad is clear. We know that Assad is responsible of killing 600,000 people. Sometimes we might have different opinions. This is natural but we agree with Russia on need for ceasefire, humanitarian and political transition,&quot; Cavusoglu said.

Russia is the main backer of Assad, while Turkey supports the rebels fighting to oust him. The rebels have come under siege in eastern Aleppo after rapid advances by Syrian government forces in recent days, bringing them to the brink of a major defeat.

&quot;A ceasefire must be achieved in all of Syria, notably in Aleppo,&quot; Cavusoglu said adding Turkey was in agreement with Russia in broad terms on the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid and political transition.

Syrian rebels on Wednesday (November 30) vowed to fight on in east Aleppo in the face of sudden government advances that have cut the city&#39;s opposition sector by a third.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed the situation in Aleppo with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin by phone for the third time in a week on Wednesday and agreed on the need for a ceasefire, sources in Erdogan&#39;s office said.

While remaining divided on Assad&#39;s future, Ankara and Moscow have been trying to find common ground on Syria since a rapprochement in August.

(Reuters)

Four Turkish soldiers were killed and nine wounded in an air strike on November 24 during a Turkish-backed rebel operation in northern Syria

"Russia has nothing to do with this. Neither does the Syrian Arab Republic or its airforce," Lavrov told reporters at a joint news conference after meeting his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in the Mediterranean resort town of Alanya. Four Turkish soldiers were killed and nine others were wounded in an air strike on November 24 during a Turkish-backed rebel operation in northern Syria. Lavrov also said that Russia was ready to speak with all parties in the Syrian conflict. "Never have we refused contacts with any of the opposition groups. Indeed, it was on our insistance that the clause about the necessity to hold dialogue with all key, political opposition groups was included in the resolution 2254 proposed by the international Syria Support Group," Lavrov said. Both Turkey and Russia, two of the main backers of opposing sides in Syria's civil war, said they agreed on the need for a halt to fighting and the provision of aid in Aleppo but deep divisions remain between the two countries over the conflict. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Turkey's stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was unchanged. "Our President (Recep Tayyip Erdogan's) position on (Syrian President Bashar) Assad is clear. We know that Assad is responsible of killing 600,000 people. Sometimes we might have different opinions. This is natural but we agree with Russia on need for ceasefire, humanitarian and political transition," Cavusoglu said. Russia is the main backer of Assad, while Turkey supports the rebels fighting to oust him. The rebels have come under siege in eastern Aleppo after rapid advances by Syrian government forces in recent days, bringing them to the brink of a major defeat. "A ceasefire must be achieved in all of Syria, notably in Aleppo," Cavusoglu said adding Turkey was in agreement with Russia in broad terms on the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid and political transition. Syrian rebels on Wednesday (November 30) vowed to fight on in east Aleppo in the face of sudden government advances that have cut the city's opposition sector by a third. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed the situation in Aleppo with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin by phone for the third time in a week on Wednesday and agreed on the need for a ceasefire, sources in Erdogan's office said. While remaining divided on Assad's future, Ankara and Moscow have been trying to find common ground on Syria since a rapprochement in August. (Reuters)

Attack on Turkish soldiers not carried out by Russia or Syria, Lavrov says

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