US President Joe Biden has approved sending additional forces to Eastern Europe amid the ongoing fear of Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Moscow has denounced the step as “destructive”.

US troop deployment to Eastern Europe a destructive step, says Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the West has ignored Moscow's key security requests amid tensions over Ukraine's possible membership in NATO.

NATO yet to adequately address Russia's security demands, says Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin is accusing the West of ignoring Moscow's security concerns. The Russian President says the West's response to Moscow's demands is far from adequate.

Russia: President Putin accuses West of ignoring Moscow's security concerns

Russian soldiers have surrounded Ukraine on all sides. Moscow has moved blood supplies near Ukraine's border and boosted its troop levels. Is Vladimir Putin poised to attack Ukraine? Palki Sharma tells you more

Gravitas: Ukraine crisis: Moscow boosts troop levels around Ukrainian border

The French President Emmanuel Macron has been leading diplomatic talks, speaking to both Moscow and Kyiv, while other Western nations fine tune their strategy.

What does French President Macron want from Ukraine crisis?

The United States and Britain are stepping up efforts to keep Moscow under pressure. Both countries are preparing new devastating sanctions against Russian individuals.

US, UK prepare new sanctions against Russia next week

Is Russia engineering a change of guard in Kyiv? The United Kingdom has claimed the Kremlin is looking to install a pro-Russian leader as Ukraine's President. Is Moscow planning to strike the Ukrainian Government from within? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine Crisis: Kremlin planning regime change in Kiev?

United States has rejected Russia's demands. Moscow is responding by stepping up its deployments along the Ukraine border. More troops and military equipment are being deployed. Palki Sharma brings you the latest.

Gravitas: Ukraine crisis: United States rejects Russia's demands

Tensions on the Russia-Ukraine border continue to simmer. The united west has now threatened to impose never seen before sanctions on Moscow if Russia were to carry out an invasion into Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine tensions: What are the possible sanctions on Moscow?

The tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been rising unabated. It seems to be the right time to deescalate before the situation leads to war. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Along with congratulating new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his appointment, US President Joe Biden on Friday spoke about various issues, including efforts needed to check military buildup by Russia near Ukraine, the White House said. &nbsp;

Ukraine&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;on Friday said that the opportunities of talks with Russia may come up as diplomatic efforts have been undertaken by the US to de-escalate tensions. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-human-rights-day-us-imposes-sanctions-on-myanmar-china-north-korea-435962" hreflang="en">On Human Rights Day, US imposes sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea</a>

In a Twitter post, Biden, said, "Today, I spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to congratulate him on his appointment." &nbsp;

The White House said, “Biden reaffirmed his support for robust US-German relations and desire to further strengthen transatlantic cooperation." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The two leaders also discussed issues including "continued efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic, counter the threat of climate change and address Russia’s escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine," it said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-allows-abortion-providers-to-challenge-texas-law-in-federal-court-435920" hreflang="en">US Supreme Court allows abortion providers to challenge Texas law in federal court</a>

Creating fears of a possible invasion, Moscow has increased the number of troops near Ukraine's border. &nbsp;

Zelenskyy, in an interview aired by Ukrainian TV channel 1+1 on Friday, said that ‘thanks to the US’, one more platform for talks with Russia may surface, along with the Normandy format, which involves France and Germany. &nbsp;

“I see the support for this path from both our European partners and the US," Zelenskyy said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been rising unabated. It seems to be the right time to deescalate before the situation leads to war. Along with congratulating new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his appointment, US President Joe Biden on Friday spoke about various issues, including efforts needed to check military buildup by Russia near Ukraine, the White House said.

The tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been rising unabated. It seems to be the right time to deescalate before the situation leads to war. Along with congratulating new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his appointment, US President Joe Biden on Friday spoke about various issues, including efforts needed to check military buildup by Russia near Ukraine, the White House said. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday said that the opportunities of talks with Russia may come up as diplomatic efforts have been undertaken by the US to de-escalate tensions. Also Read: On Human Rights Day, US imposes sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea In a Twitter post, Biden, said, "Today, I spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to congratulate him on his appointment." The White House said, “Biden reaffirmed his support for robust US-German relations and desire to further strengthen transatlantic cooperation." The two leaders also discussed issues including "continued efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic, counter the threat of climate change and address Russia’s escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine," it said. Also Read: US Supreme Court allows abortion providers to challenge Texas law in federal court Creating fears of a possible invasion, Moscow has increased the number of troops near Ukraine's border. Zelenskyy, in an interview aired by Ukrainian TV channel 1+1 on Friday, said that ‘thanks to the US’, one more platform for talks with Russia may surface, along with the Normandy format, which involves France and Germany. “I see the support for this path from both our European partners and the US," Zelenskyy said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine-Russia tensions: Biden talks to Germany's Scholz as Kyiv leader looks for talks with Moscow

The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Moscow values its relationship deeply with New Delhi, adding that it will continue to develop ties with India.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks on New Delhi-Moscow relations

Representatives from NATO, it's 30 member states and the Russian federation are all set to meet in Brussels to discuss Moscow's build-up on the Ukrainian border. The meeting could possibly be one of the most significant and defining moments in relations between NATO and Russia since the breakup of the soviet union.

Russia and NATO member states to meet over Moscow's build-up on Ukraine border

The president of Iran is preparing to visit Russia after receiving an invitation from his counterpart in Moscow, this will be the first meeting between the presidents of Iran and Russia since 2017.

Russia-Iran meet | Putin invites Ebrahim Raisi for meeting in Moscow

The centre of Moscow dazzled with thousands of lights as the city prepared to welcome the new year. More than 4,000 light installations were used to decorate Moscow for the New Year.

Moscow dazzles with thousands of lights as city prepares to welcome New Year 2022

Themed Christmas trees set the mood for the festive season, as designer trees from around the world light up Moscow's Christmas festival.

Designer Christmas trees from around the world light up Moscow's Christmas festival

Google was slapped with a hefty fine on Friday by a Moscow court. This was done as the tech giant failed to delete content which is termed illegal. Google has been fined with an amount of $98 million, the court's press service said on Telegram.&nbsp;

According to the Interfax news agency, the fine was calculated as a percentage of Google's annual earnings.

Meta has a hearing in court later today due to the same charges. The company has also been threatened with a revenue-based fine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-shows-china-is-helping-saudi-arabia-build-its-own-ballistic-missiles-report-439499">Also read |&nbsp;US intel shows China is helping Saudi Arabia build its own ballistic missiles: Report</a>

This is not the first time that such a hefty fine has been imposed. Earlier, in November, a Russian court imposed a $28,085 fine on Alphabet Inc.'s Google for failing to delete illegal content. At that time, it also fined Russia's messaging service Telegram 49,440 Euros.&nbsp;

Earlier, Apple and Google had removed a voting app created by Putin's critic Alexei Navalny's allies during Russia's parliamentary elections. Navalny had accused the tech companies of being "liars and hypocrites" and behaving as Putin's "accomplices".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Google was slapped with a hefty fine on Friday by a Moscow court. This was done as the tech giant failed to delete content which is termed illegal. Google has been fined with an amount of $98 million, the court's press service said on Telegram.

Google was slapped with a hefty fine on Friday by a Moscow court. This was done as the tech giant failed to delete content which is termed illegal. Google has been fined with an amount of $98 million, the court's press service said on Telegram. According to the Interfax news agency, the fine was calculated as a percentage of Google's annual earnings. Meta has a hearing in court later today due to the same charges. The company has also been threatened with a revenue-based fine. Also read | US intel shows China is helping Saudi Arabia build its own ballistic missiles: Report This is not the first time that such a hefty fine has been imposed. Earlier, in November, a Russian court imposed a $28,085 fine on Alphabet Inc.'s Google for failing to delete illegal content. At that time, it also fined Russia's messaging service Telegram 49,440 Euros. Earlier, Apple and Google had removed a voting app created by Putin's critic Alexei Navalny's allies during Russia's parliamentary elections. Navalny had accused the tech companies of being "liars and hypocrites" and behaving as Putin's "accomplices". (With inputs from agencies)

Moscow court fines Google $98 million for not removing illegal content

Russia's ambassador to the European Union was quoted as declaring on Thursday that the country is not planning a military invasion of Ukraine, after Moscow alarmed the West with a large soldier build-up near the Ukrainian border.

In an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt, Vladimir Chizhov stated that Russia intended to support Russian-speaking people and compatriots in other countries, but that Moscow has never stated that it wished to use military methods to do so.

"Russia has no intention of attacking any country.I can tell you that no Russian soldiers are ready to invade Ukraine at this time," Vladimir Chizhov said. 
 
Watch | Tensions run high between Russia and West over Ukraine; no in-person meet between Biden, Putin

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tensions-run-high-between-russia-and-west-over-ukraine-no-in-person-meet-between-biden-putin-439108/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a standoff with the US over Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia had no place to retreat and would be obliged to respond harshly unless the West withdrew its "aggressive line."&nbsp;

Putin delivered his remarks to military officers as Russia sought for a quick response from the US and NATO to its demands for a binding set of security guarantees from the West presented last week.&nbsp;

Russia's ambassador to the European Union was quoted as declaring on Thursday that the country is not planning a military invasion of Ukraine, after Moscow alarmed the West with a large soldier build-up near the Ukrainian border.

Russia's ambassador to the European Union was quoted as declaring on Thursday that the country is not planning a military invasion of Ukraine, after Moscow alarmed the West with a large soldier build-up near the Ukrainian border. In an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt, Vladimir Chizhov stated that Russia intended to support Russian-speaking people and compatriots in other countries, but that Moscow has never stated that it wished to use military methods to do so. "Russia has no intention of attacking any country.I can tell you that no Russian soldiers are ready to invade Ukraine at this time," Vladimir Chizhov said. Watch | Tensions run high between Russia and West over Ukraine; no in-person meet between Biden, Putin In a standoff with the US over Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia had no place to retreat and would be obliged to respond harshly unless the West withdrew its "aggressive line." Putin delivered his remarks to military officers as Russia sought for a quick response from the US and NATO to its demands for a binding set of security guarantees from the West presented last week.

Moscow is not planning an attack against any country: Russian envoy

People in Moscow are being treated to a spectacular display of holiday trees from around the world the project is called the gallery of designer Christmas trees and it's a new addition to the Russian capital's traditional journey to the Christmas festival.

Designer trees from around the world light up Moscow's Christmas festival

Amid the ongoing crisis between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he was ready for any format of talks with Russia but would like to see a strong western sanctions policy against Moscow to avoid further escalation.

Ukraine President Zelensky says it is ready for talks with Russia but favours sanctions

Is Russia pushing the world towards the brink of nuclear war? Moscow says it may be forced to deploy mid-range nuclear missiles in Europe. Palki Sharma tells you how tensions between Russia & Europe are growing.

Gravitas: Is Russia pushing the world towards the brink of nuclear war?

Will Russia invade Ukraine in January 2022? US intelligence has found that Moscow could be planning a "multi-front offensive" involving up to 175,000 troops. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Will Russia invade Ukraine in January 2022?

The 'Hello Teddy!" exhibition in Moscow is a celebration of the classic cuddly toy. More than 500 exhibitors are showcasing their bears. The event is now in its 12th year and organisers say there is nothing like it anywhere else.

'Hello Teddy' welcomes you to world's largest teddy bear exhibition in Moscow

Two people killed and three have been injured in a shooting that took place in a public service office in Moscow’s southeast on Tuesday. The Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has confirmed the attack.

Two people killed, three injured in shooting in Moscow, shooter detained by Police

Two people have lost their lives in a shooting incident that took place at Moscow, Sputnik news reported. Police have detained a man.

As per the report, the shooting took place at Ryazansky multi functional public services centre. As per the early report,&nbsp;the&nbsp;deceased included a woman working at the centre and an visitor.

Moscow mayor has made a tweet in Russian and has offered condolences to the victims.

Russian news agencies, citing sources in the interior ministry, reported a child had been injured in the shooting.&nbsp;

The capital's investigators launched a criminal case into the shooting, they also reported.&nbsp;

Mass shootings in Russia are rare but the country was rocked by two separate tragic killing sprees -- one at a school, another at a university -- this year, spurring lawmakers to tighten laws regulating access to guns.

In one high-profile public shooting in 2019, a gunman opened fire near the FSB domestic intelligence agency headquarters in central Moscow, killing an officer and wounding five people.

Other high-profile shooting cases have taken place in Russia's army.&nbsp;

In November 2020, a 20-year-old soldier killed three fellow servicemen at a military base near the city of Voronezh.&nbsp;

In a similar attack in 2019, a young recruit shot dead eight servicemen.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two people have lost their lives in a shooting incident that took place at Moscow, Sputnik news reported. Police have detained a man. As per the report, the shooting took place at Ryazansky multi functional public services centre.

Two people have lost their lives in a shooting incident that took place at Moscow, Sputnik news reported. Police have detained a man. As per the report, the shooting took place at Ryazansky multi functional public services centre. As per the early report, the deceased included a woman working at the centre and an visitor. Moscow mayor has made a tweet in Russian and has offered condolences to the victims. Russian news agencies, citing sources in the interior ministry, reported a child had been injured in the shooting. The capital's investigators launched a criminal case into the shooting, they also reported. Mass shootings in Russia are rare but the country was rocked by two separate tragic killing sprees -- one at a school, another at a university -- this year, spurring lawmakers to tighten laws regulating access to guns. In one high-profile public shooting in 2019, a gunman opened fire near the FSB domestic intelligence agency headquarters in central Moscow, killing an officer and wounding five people. Other high-profile shooting cases have taken place in Russia's army. In November 2020, a 20-year-old soldier killed three fellow servicemen at a military base near the city of Voronezh. In a similar attack in 2019, a young recruit shot dead eight servicemen. (With inputs from agencies)

Shooting in Moscow, two dead, a man detained

According to reports, CIA Director William Burns spoke with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow about Russia’s military buildup on its border with Ukraine in an effort to gauge the Kremlin’s intentions in the region.

CIA Director Willian Burns meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow

India and Russia are expected to hold first 2+2 dialogue later this month. The talks will feature foreign and defense ministers of both countries. For the dialogue, Indian Defense minister Rajnath Singh and Indian External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be travelling to Russia. The mechanism was announced in April of this year, with Russia becoming the 4th country with which India has this mechanism. India already has 2+2 mechanism with US, Japan and Australia.

"I think the 2+2 dialogue will be a very important addition to the architecture of dialogue (that) already exists. The dialogue is expected to take place in Moscow, possibly by mid-November", Ambassador Bala Venkatesh Varma told Russian media in his last interview in his capacity as India's envoy to the country.

Both, India and Russia are expected to announce joint commission on technology and science, military-technical cooperation for the next decade 2021-2031.

Defense forms a key pillar of the relationship, and India has participated in each and every major Russian exercise.--INDRA Navy, INDRA Army, Zapad, and Peace Mission. The happens ahead of Russian President Putin's India visit later this year.

Ambassador Varma said,"There will be a bilateral summit between India-Russia. Both sides are actively working on it. There is a high possibility that the Summit is taking place in December."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-monitoring-reports-of-unusual-russian-troop-activity-near-ukraine-pentagon-425982">US monitoring reports of ‘unusual’ Russian troop activity near Ukraine: Pentagon</a>

One of the key areas of focus has been on Afghanistan. India participated in Moscow format of talks on Afghanistan last month, and has invited Russia for the National Security Advisor level talks on November 10.

New Delhi has invited 5 countries for the talks-- Russia, Pakistan, China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Envoy Varma explained, "General Patrushev has been invited and there’s a very strong possibility that he may actually visit. We are still awaiting confirmation, but he will be a very welcome participant in the dialogue."

In September, secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation General Nikolay Patrushev had visited Delhi to hold talks with NSA Ajit Doval on situation in Afghanistan.

India and Russia are expected to hold first 2+2 dialogue later this month. The talks will feature foreign and defense ministers of both countries. For the dialogue, Indian Defense minister Rajnath Singh and Indian External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be travelling to Russia.

India and Russia are expected to hold first 2+2 dialogue later this month. The talks will feature foreign and defense ministers of both countries. For the dialogue, Indian Defense minister Rajnath Singh and Indian External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be travelling to Russia. The mechanism was announced in April of this year, with Russia becoming the 4th country with which India has this mechanism. India already has 2+2 mechanism with US, Japan and Australia. "I think the 2+2 dialogue will be a very important addition to the architecture of dialogue (that) already exists. The dialogue is expected to take place in Moscow, possibly by mid-November", Ambassador Bala Venkatesh Varma told Russian media in his last interview in his capacity as India's envoy to the country. Both, India and Russia are expected to announce joint commission on technology and science, military-technical cooperation for the next decade 2021-2031. Defense forms a key pillar of the relationship, and India has participated in each and every major Russian exercise.--INDRA Navy, INDRA Army, Zapad, and Peace Mission. The happens ahead of Russian President Putin's India visit later this year. Ambassador Varma said,"There will be a bilateral summit between India-Russia. Both sides are actively working on it. There is a high possibility that the Summit is taking place in December." Also Read | US monitoring reports of ‘unusual’ Russian troop activity near Ukraine: Pentagon One of the key areas of focus has been on Afghanistan. India participated in Moscow format of talks on Afghanistan last month, and has invited Russia for the National Security Advisor level talks on November 10. New Delhi has invited 5 countries for the talks-- Russia, Pakistan, China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Envoy Varma explained, "General Patrushev has been invited and there’s a very strong possibility that he may actually visit. We are still awaiting confirmation, but he will be a very welcome participant in the dialogue." In September, secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation General Nikolay Patrushev had visited Delhi to hold talks with NSA Ajit Doval on situation in Afghanistan.

First India-Russia 2+2 dialogue later this month in Moscow: Ambassador Varma

Moscow has brought in its strictest COVID-19 lockdown measures in more than a year as nationwide one-day pandemic deaths and infections hit new highs.

The Russian capital has now shut shops, schools and restaurants for 11 days in a bid to battle the deadly coronavirus. Like Moscow, some regions decided to begin with their partial lockdowns on Thursday or even earlier.

However, the residents in Moscow are allowed to leave their homes, unlike the lockdown in summer 2020. The Kremlin has blamed the rising cases on vaccine hesitancy.

Russia has reported a record 1,159 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. The official data reveals 40,096 new infections in 85 regions of Russia, which is another record.&nbsp;

Russia's overall COVID-19 death toll&nbsp;is officially more than 230,000. This is the highest in Europe and one of the highest in the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-in-russia-may-be-more-contagious-report-422780">Also read |&nbsp;New virus variant in Russia may be more contagious: Report</a>

At the State Duma lower house of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker, urged that all lawmakers should get vaccinated. "Imagine the consequences for the country if parliament stops working," Volodin told the lower house. "Every day we're seeing how our...colleagues are ending up in hospital beds," he said.

Many Russians are reluctant to get vaccinated. As of October 22, official data revealed that 49.1 million Russians were fully vaccinated.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, reports have revealed that a new coronavirus variant had emerged which may be more contagious than Delta.

Russia's RIA news agency quoted a researcher as saying that AY.4.2 variant could spread widely leading to an increase in the number of coronavirus cases. Other cities in Russia including Voronezh have also been hit due to the fast-spreading virus.

Moscow has brought in its strictest COVID-19 lockdown measures in more than a year as nationwide one-day pandemic deaths and infections hit new highs. The Russian capital has now shut shops, schools and restaurants for 11 days in a bid to battle the deadly coronavirus.

Moscow has brought in its strictest COVID-19 lockdown measures in more than a year as nationwide one-day pandemic deaths and infections hit new highs. The Russian capital has now shut shops, schools and restaurants for 11 days in a bid to battle the deadly coronavirus. Like Moscow, some regions decided to begin with their partial lockdowns on Thursday or even earlier. However, the residents in Moscow are allowed to leave their homes, unlike the lockdown in summer 2020. The Kremlin has blamed the rising cases on vaccine hesitancy. Russia has reported a record 1,159 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. The official data reveals 40,096 new infections in 85 regions of Russia, which is another record. Russia's overall COVID-19 death toll is officially more than 230,000. This is the highest in Europe and one of the highest in the world. Also read | New virus variant in Russia may be more contagious: Report At the State Duma lower house of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker, urged that all lawmakers should get vaccinated. "Imagine the consequences for the country if parliament stops working," Volodin told the lower house. "Every day we're seeing how our...colleagues are ending up in hospital beds," he said. Many Russians are reluctant to get vaccinated. As of October 22, official data revealed that 49.1 million Russians were fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, reports have revealed that a new coronavirus variant had emerged which may be more contagious than Delta. Russia's RIA news agency quoted a researcher as saying that AY.4.2 variant could spread widely leading to an increase in the number of coronavirus cases. Other cities in Russia including Voronezh have also been hit due to the fast-spreading virus.

Lockdown imposed in Moscow as COVID-19 cases surge amid slow vaccination rate

A Twitter spat between Pakistan’s human rights minister and her daughter had its echoes during the Moscow&nbsp;consultations on Afghanistan, when Pakistan's special envoy on Afghanistan and other officials were found discussing about the tiff, which was heard by scores of others as the diplomats forgot to switch off their mikes.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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ROLF moment. Pakistani diplomats forget to turn off mike at Moscow format talks involving Taliban. Found discussing Pak Human rights minister Shireen Mazari &amp; her daughter's twitter spat. <a href="https://t.co/9dpIOx1zS6">pic.twitter.com/9dpIOx1zS6</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1450887208102076423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“Shuru se inka style yehi hai, aggressive (This has been her style all along, aggressive),” Pakistani diplomat Mohammad Sadiq was purportedly heard saying in Urdu.&nbsp;

The row between Pakistan’s human rights minister Shireen Mazar and her daughter Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, a lawyer by profession, has taken the Islamic nation by storm. The argument centred around whether the government’s alleged “use of magic” to run the state's affairs should be part of public discourse. 
 
Watch

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Imaan was reiterating an allegation that&nbsp;is being pushed forward by the government's critics that Prime Minister Imran Khan relies on witchcraft and divination to make key decisions regarding the affairs of the state.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-russia-calls-for-humanitarian-aid-as-it-hosts-taliban-422322">Afghanistan: Russia calls for humanitarian aid as it hosts Taliban</a>

The jibe was perceived by many, including her mother, to be targeting the prime minister's spouse, who was a spiritual person before her marriage to Imran Khan.

“The country has been made a mockery of with (the use of) witchcraft — how can it be that we do not talk about those who practice it,” Imaan had said in her tweet.

In response, Shireen said, “I am ashamed you would resort to such low, personalised, unsubstantiated attacks — especially since as a lawyer you should know (that) without any proof hurling such accusations is defamation.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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I am ashamed you would resort to such low personalised unsubstantiated attacks esp since as a lawyer u shd know without any proof hurling such accusations is defamation. When all substantive issue-based criticism fails this level of a base personal attack is plain shameful. <a href="https://t.co/drbLN5bq9w">https://t.co/drbLN5bq9w</a>
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1450724121801854977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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What followed was a flurry of tweets in reply to the exchange.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Twitter spat between Pakistan’s human rights minister and her daughter had its echoes during the Moscow consultations on Afghanistan, when Pakistan's special envoy on Afghanistan and other officials were found discussing about the tiff, which was heard by scores of others as the diplomats forgot to switch off their mikes.

A Twitter spat between Pakistan’s human rights minister and her daughter had its echoes during the Moscow consultations on Afghanistan, when Pakistan's special envoy on Afghanistan and other officials were found discussing about the tiff, which was heard by scores of others as the diplomats forgot to switch off their mikes. ROLF moment. Pakistani diplomats forget to turn off mike at Moscow format talks involving Taliban. Found discussing Pak Human rights minister Shireen Mazari & her daughter's twitter spat. pic.twitter.com/9dpIOx1zS6 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 20, 2021 × “Shuru se inka style yehi hai, aggressive (This has been her style all along, aggressive),” Pakistani diplomat Mohammad Sadiq was purportedly heard saying in Urdu. The row between Pakistan’s human rights minister Shireen Mazar and her daughter Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, a lawyer by profession, has taken the Islamic nation by storm. The argument centred around whether the government’s alleged “use of magic” to run the state's affairs should be part of public discourse. Watch Imaan was reiterating an allegation that is being pushed forward by the government's critics that Prime Minister Imran Khan relies on witchcraft and divination to make key decisions regarding the affairs of the state. Also read | Afghanistan: Russia calls for humanitarian aid as it hosts Taliban The jibe was perceived by many, including her mother, to be targeting the prime minister's spouse, who was a spiritual person before her marriage to Imran Khan. “The country has been made a mockery of with (the use of) witchcraft — how can it be that we do not talk about those who practice it,” Imaan had said in her tweet. In response, Shireen said, “I am ashamed you would resort to such low, personalised, unsubstantiated attacks — especially since as a lawyer you should know (that) without any proof hurling such accusations is defamation.” I am ashamed you would resort to such low personalised unsubstantiated attacks esp since as a lawyer u shd know without any proof hurling such accusations is defamation. When all substantive issue-based criticism fails this level of a base personal attack is plain shameful. https://t.co/drbLN5bq9w — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) October 20, 2021 × What followed was a flurry of tweets in reply to the exchange. (With inputs from agencies)

Goof-up: Pak diplomats discussing minister’s Twitter spat forget to turn off mike during Moscow talks

The Moscow format meeting is all set to begin today (October 20) in Russia. This is the first Moscow format dialogue since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August.

India, Taliban to meet at Moscow format in Russia on October 20

The crucial Moscow format summit on the Afghanistan crisis is underway, representatives of 10 countries are in attendance and so is the Taliban administration. As Moscow holds the meet over the Afghan crisis, Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister stated that he recognises Taliban's efforts.

Moscow Summit | Sergey Lavrov: We recognise Taliban's efforts

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