Director of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, said that Moscow will collaborate with the US to track down cybercriminals.

Bortnikov told the RIA news agency that the security service would abide by the agreements struck during the recent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden. On June 16, both leaders met in Geneva.&nbsp;

"We are taking action within the framework of those agreements that were reached by our presidents. So let us work together, we hope for reciprocity," Bortnikov told reporters when asked about the countries' cooperation on combating hacker attacks.

Cybersecurity was one of the key issues to discuss at the Russia-US summit in Geneva last week in light of several high-profile hacking attacks committed recently against US infrastructure. While some claimed Russian involvement, Moscow has repeatedly denied all the accusations.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Director of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, said that Moscow will collaborate with the US to track down cybercriminals. Bortnikov told the RIA news agency that the security service would abide by the agreements struck during the recent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden.

Director of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, said that Moscow will collaborate with the US to track down cybercriminals. Bortnikov told the RIA news agency that the security service would abide by the agreements struck during the recent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden. On June 16, both leaders met in Geneva. "We are taking action within the framework of those agreements that were reached by our presidents. So let us work together, we hope for reciprocity," Bortnikov told reporters when asked about the countries' cooperation on combating hacker attacks. Cybersecurity was one of the key issues to discuss at the Russia-US summit in Geneva last week in light of several high-profile hacking attacks committed recently against US infrastructure. While some claimed Russian involvement, Moscow has repeatedly denied all the accusations. (With inputs from agencies)

Moscow will work with the US against hackers: Russian security chief 

Pine bark, sea pebble, cones, expanded clay and horse manure - these are just some out of dozens of surfaces which Russians are been dared to walk with their bare feet as they adventure through the newly-opened 'Barefoot trail' in the Moscow region.

From ridged rocks to horse manure: Russians step on newly-open barefoot trail

German federal prosecutors said Monday they had arrested a Russian scientist accused of passing sensitive information from a German university to Moscow in return for cash.

They said in a statement the suspect, identified only as Ilnur N, had been taken into custody on Friday on suspicion of "working for a Russian secret service since early October 2020 at the latest".

Ilnur N. was employed until the time of his arrest as a research assistant for a natural sciences and technology department at an unnamed German university.

Federal prosecutors believe he met at least three times with a member of Russian intelligence between October 2020 and June 2021. On two occasions he allegedly "passed on information from the university's dominion".

He is suspected of accepting cash payments in exchange for his services.

German authorities searched his home and workplace in the course of the arrest.

The suspect on Saturday appeared before a judge who remanded him in custody.

The case comes at a time of highly strained relations between Russia and Germany on a number of fronts including the ongoing detention of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who received treatment in Berlin after near-fatal poisoning.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has also worked to maintain a sanctions regime over Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula, the scene of ongoing fighting between pro-Russia separatists and local forces.

However, despite international criticism, Berlin has forged ahead with plans to finish the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, set to double natural gas supplies from Russia to Germany.

German federal prosecutors said Monday they had arrested a Russian scientist accused of passing sensitive information from a German university to Moscow in return for cash.

German federal prosecutors said Monday they had arrested a Russian scientist accused of passing sensitive information from a German university to Moscow in return for cash. They said in a statement the suspect, identified only as Ilnur N, had been taken into custody on Friday on suspicion of "working for a Russian secret service since early October 2020 at the latest". Ilnur N. was employed until the time of his arrest as a research assistant for a natural sciences and technology department at an unnamed German university. Federal prosecutors believe he met at least three times with a member of Russian intelligence between October 2020 and June 2021. On two occasions he allegedly "passed on information from the university's dominion". He is suspected of accepting cash payments in exchange for his services. German authorities searched his home and workplace in the course of the arrest. The suspect on Saturday appeared before a judge who remanded him in custody. The case comes at a time of highly strained relations between Russia and Germany on a number of fronts including the ongoing detention of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who received treatment in Berlin after near-fatal poisoning. Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has also worked to maintain a sanctions regime over Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula, the scene of ongoing fighting between pro-Russia separatists and local forces. However, despite international criticism, Berlin has forged ahead with plans to finish the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, set to double natural gas supplies from Russia to Germany.

Germany arrests Russian scientist over ‘spying’ for Moscow

Myanmar military junta chief arrived in Moscow on Sunday to attend a security conference. This marks his second known trip abroad since a military coup in Myanmar.

Myanmar's junta leader arrives in Moscow for security conference

Moscow has reported a record surge in the number of Coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. The Russian capital has recorded over 9,000 new COVID-19 infections along with 78 people losing their lives.

Moscow COVID-19 cases soar to record high, new variants suspected behind surge

Mayor of Russian capital Moscow said on Thursday that new variants of coronavirus were suspected of causing jump in the number of cases.

"It's most likely we are facing new, more aggressive variants which spread more quickly," said mayor Sergei Sobyanin during a video conference with government officials battling the pandemic.

Sobyanin noted that daily infections in the capital had soared from 3,000 to 7,000 within a few days and were expected to hit more than 9,000 on Friday.

"It's tripling, there's an enormous dynamic that we have not seen during the previous waves," Sobyanin added. 
The mayor had on Wednesday ordered mandatory vaccinations for Moscow residents working in the service industry, citing a "dramatic" rise in coronavirus infections.

60 per cent of all service industry workers in Moscow were ordered to be fully vaccinated by August 15. This amounts to just over two million people.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told the video conference the number of cases across Russia had climbed an average of 30 percent in recent weeks and people aged 30-40 were particularly affected.

"The proportion of the Indian (Delta) variant has clearly progressed over the last two weeks," added Anna Popova, head of the health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mayor of Russian capital Moscow said on Thursday that new variants of coronavirus were suspected of causing jump in the number of cases. "It's most likely we are facing new, more aggressive variants which spread more quickly," said mayor Sergei Sobyanin during a video conference with government officials battling the pandemic.

Mayor of Russian capital Moscow said on Thursday that new variants of coronavirus were suspected of causing jump in the number of cases. "It's most likely we are facing new, more aggressive variants which spread more quickly," said mayor Sergei Sobyanin during a video conference with government officials battling the pandemic. Sobyanin noted that daily infections in the capital had soared from 3,000 to 7,000 within a few days and were expected to hit more than 9,000 on Friday. "It's tripling, there's an enormous dynamic that we have not seen during the previous waves," Sobyanin added. The mayor had on Wednesday ordered mandatory vaccinations for Moscow residents working in the service industry, citing a "dramatic" rise in coronavirus infections. 60 per cent of all service industry workers in Moscow were ordered to be fully vaccinated by August 15. This amounts to just over two million people. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told the video conference the number of cases across Russia had climbed an average of 30 percent in recent weeks and people aged 30-40 were particularly affected. "The proportion of the Indian (Delta) variant has clearly progressed over the last two weeks," added Anna Popova, head of the health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor. (With inputs from agencies)

Moscow mayor says new variant is behind Covid spike

A few weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin assured that the country will not make <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> mandatory, the capital city Moscow has ordered a contradictory order due to a 'dramatic' case rise.

"We simply must do everything to carry out mass vaccinations in the shortest possible time and stop this terrible disease, stop the deaths of thousands of people," said Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Wednesday.

Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/no-vladimir-youre-cold-blooded-said-a-us-president-391713">No, Vladimir, you're cold-blooded, said a US president</a>

Authorities have recorded an alarming increase in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases in the past few weeks. Due to this, Sobyanin has made vaccinations mandatory for the people working in the service industry.

This has come at a time when the country is focused on the president’s meeting with his US counterpart, Joe Biden. The meet has taken the focus off the covid crisis that is brewing in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hackers-have-found-a-safe-haven-in-russia-to-attack-foreign-nations-us-media-reports-391864" hreflang="en">Hackers have found a safe haven in Russia to attack foreign nations: US media</a>

Putin has always claimed that Russia has handled the coronavirus pandemic better than any other country, but the Moscow Mayor has now claimed that the situation "continues to unfold dramatically".

"In connection with the extremely difficult epidemiological situation, the Chief State Sanitary Doctor for the city of Moscow today adopted a decree on the compulsory vaccination of workers in the service sector," Sobyanin said.

A few weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin assured that the country will not make coronavirus vaccines mandatory, the capital city Moscow has ordered a contradictory order due to a 'dramatic' case rise.

A few weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin assured that the country will not make coronavirus vaccines mandatory, the capital city Moscow has ordered a contradictory order due to a 'dramatic' case rise. "We simply must do everything to carry out mass vaccinations in the shortest possible time and stop this terrible disease, stop the deaths of thousands of people," said Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Wednesday. Have a look | No, Vladimir, you're cold-blooded, said a US president Authorities have recorded an alarming increase in coronavirus cases in the past few weeks. Due to this, Sobyanin has made vaccinations mandatory for the people working in the service industry. This has come at a time when the country is focused on the president’s meeting with his US counterpart, Joe Biden. The meet has taken the focus off the covid crisis that is brewing in the country. Also read | Hackers have found a safe haven in Russia to attack foreign nations: US media Putin has always claimed that Russia has handled the coronavirus pandemic better than any other country, but the Moscow Mayor has now claimed that the situation "continues to unfold dramatically". "In connection with the extremely difficult epidemiological situation, the Chief State Sanitary Doctor for the city of Moscow today adopted a decree on the compulsory vaccination of workers in the service sector," Sobyanin said.

Moscow makes vaccines mandatory, ahead of Biden-Putin meet

A ten Altai Saker falcon chicks, born in the nursery near Moscow, were transported to Siberia, where they will continue their lives in the nests of wild falcons.

Russian birds nursery sends rare saker falcons back to Siberian's wilds

Two riders from the Yakutsk region in Russia's Siberia are on a year-long horseback journey to Moscow, and aim to trek further into Europe.

Ride of their life: Siberian horsemen saddle up for transcontinental trek

A Russian court has fined Google and Facebook for failing to delete banned content that Moscow deems illegal. Russia has already placed a punitive slowdown on US social network Twitter for not deleting banned content.

Russia fines Google & Facebook for failing to delete banned content

Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed on Sunday the parade that marked 76th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in Second World War. The parade on Moscow's Red Square featured over 12,000 troops and more than 190 90 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft under cloudy skies

Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, stood beside Soviet war veterans on a review platform set up on Red Square.

<img alt="Russia Red Square parade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d23ddd19-5096-489f-b2d4-ec3de2a6220d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_99L3BK_0.jpg" />

This year's parade has come amid tension with the West over several issues. The relations were strained after Russia's military buildup near its border with Ukraine. It was soon followed by tit-for-tat action by Russia and number of countries including the US that involved expulsion of diplomats. The issue of Putin-critic Alexei Navalny's jailing has been a point of friction as well with US President Joe Biden himself warning Russia in recent months.

The victory parade this year precedes parliamentary elections in September&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed on Sunday the parade that marked 76th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in Second World War. The parade on Moscow's Red Square featured over 12,000 troops and more than 190 90 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft under cloudy skies Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, stood beside Soviet war veterans on a review platform set up on Red Square.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed on Sunday the parade that marked 76th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in Second World War. The parade on Moscow's Red Square featured over 12,000 troops and more than 190 90 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft under cloudy skies Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, stood beside Soviet war veterans on a review platform set up on Red Square. This year's parade has come amid tension with the West over several issues. The relations were strained after Russia's military buildup near its border with Ukraine. It was soon followed by tit-for-tat action by Russia and number of countries including the US that involved expulsion of diplomats. The issue of Putin-critic Alexei Navalny's jailing has been a point of friction as well with US President Joe Biden himself warning Russia in recent months. The victory parade this year precedes parliamentary elections in September (With inputs from agencies)

Russia remembers victory over Nazi Germany with parade on Red Square

Moscow announced on Monday it was expelling a Ukrainian embassy worker, the latest in a wave of diplomatic expulsions that have embroiled Russian and European diplomats, while Kiev vowed to respond in kind.

The expulsion came amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Kiev over an uptick in fighting between Ukraine's army and pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that due to "unfriendly actions taken by the Ukrainian side... an employee of the Ukrainian embassy in Russia was declared persona non grata".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow">Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow</a>

It added that the diplomat, who was not named, must leave Russia by the end of April.

The ministry warned Ukraine that further measures would be taken against embassy staff in Moscow "in the event of continuing hostile actions" against Russian diplomats in Ukraine.

Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko told AFP that "in the near future" Kiev will announce the expulsion of a Russian diplomat.

Nikolenko said that the expulsion of the Ukrainian diplomat is "another provocation of the Russian side...devoid of logic, without any reasons behind it".&nbsp;

Ukraine last week expelled a Russian diplomat in response to Moscow's order for a Ukrainian consul in Russia's second city Saint Petersburg to leave the country.

According to Russia's security agency, the consul was trying to obtain sensitive information from a Russian national.

Recent weeks have seen a wave of expulsions of Russian officials from European countries and the United States over claims of hacking and espionage.

Romania on Monday said it was removing a Russian diplomat in solidarity with the Czech Republic, which recently ordered out 18 Russian embassy staff over a deadly explosion at an ammunition depot in 2014.

Russia earlier Monday expelled an Italian naval attache responding to a similar move by Rome last month in the fallout of a spying scandal.

Kiev has been fighting pro-Russia separatists in its eastern breakaway regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula.

At least 31 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020, while the separatists say 22 of their fighters have died.

Moscow announced on Monday it was expelling a Ukrainian embassy worker, the latest in a wave of diplomatic expulsions that have embroiled Russian and European diplomats, while Kiev vowed to respond in kind.

Moscow announced on Monday it was expelling a Ukrainian embassy worker, the latest in a wave of diplomatic expulsions that have embroiled Russian and European diplomats, while Kiev vowed to respond in kind. The expulsion came amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Kiev over an uptick in fighting between Ukraine's army and pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine. Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that due to "unfriendly actions taken by the Ukrainian side... an employee of the Ukrainian embassy in Russia was declared persona non grata". Also read: Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow It added that the diplomat, who was not named, must leave Russia by the end of April. The ministry warned Ukraine that further measures would be taken against embassy staff in Moscow "in the event of continuing hostile actions" against Russian diplomats in Ukraine. Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko told AFP that "in the near future" Kiev will announce the expulsion of a Russian diplomat. Nikolenko said that the expulsion of the Ukrainian diplomat is "another provocation of the Russian side...devoid of logic, without any reasons behind it". Ukraine last week expelled a Russian diplomat in response to Moscow's order for a Ukrainian consul in Russia's second city Saint Petersburg to leave the country. According to Russia's security agency, the consul was trying to obtain sensitive information from a Russian national. Recent weeks have seen a wave of expulsions of Russian officials from European countries and the United States over claims of hacking and espionage. Romania on Monday said it was removing a Russian diplomat in solidarity with the Czech Republic, which recently ordered out 18 Russian embassy staff over a deadly explosion at an ammunition depot in 2014. Russia earlier Monday expelled an Italian naval attache responding to a similar move by Rome last month in the fallout of a spying scandal. Kiev has been fighting pro-Russia separatists in its eastern breakaway regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula. At least 31 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020, while the separatists say 22 of their fighters have died.

Russia expels Ukrainian diplomat in ongoing spat

The activities of jailed opposition activist Alexey Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) have been restricted on Tuesday by the Moscow City Court within the framework of the claim to label it as an extremist organisation, Russian news agency Sputnik quoted a court spokesman as saying.&nbsp;

"A judge of the Moscow City Court considered the plaintiff's petition to take preliminary protection measures. On April 27, the judge issued a ruling on implementation of preliminary protection measures in the form of a ban on certain activities of the FBK and the Citizens' Rights Protection Foundation NGO [also labelled as a foreign agent]," the spokesman said. 
 
Watch | Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny says he will end hunger strike 
&nbsp;

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FBK director Ivan Zhdanov said on Twitter that the court had banned the group from posting content on the internet, using state media, organising protests, participating in elections and using bank deposits.

Earlier Tuesday the Moscow city court's press service told reporters a judge had agreed to a "ban on certain activities" for the FBK without clarifying what they were as the case is being heard behind closed doors.

Navalny's organisations are facing an extremist label that would put them on par with the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda, banning their activities in Russia.

On Monday, the Moscow prosecutor's office said it ordered Navalny's nationwide network of regional offices to stop working while the court decided on the request for the designation.

The regional offices said they would stop their operations immediately to protect their employees and supporters.

The FBK routinely releases investigations into alleged graft by officials at all levels of government, often accompanied by YouTube videos.

Navalny's regional offices support his graft investigations and his Smart Voting strategy, which directs voters to cast their ballots for candidates best placed to defeat Kremlin-linked opponents.&nbsp;

The 44-year-old opposition figure was arrested in January after returning to Russia from Germany, where he had spent months recovering from a poisoning attack he blames on President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

He is serving two-and-a-half years in a penal colony outside of Moscow for violating parole terms on old fraud charges he and his allies say are politically motivated.&nbsp;

Authorities have ratcheted up pressure against his allies since his return to Russia, with many top aides having left the country or been placed under house arrest.

(With inputs from agencies)

The activities of jailed opposition activist Alexey Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) have been restricted on Tuesday by the Moscow City Court within the framework of the claim to label it as an extremist organisation, Russian news agency Sputnik quoted a court spokesman as saying.

The activities of jailed opposition activist Alexey Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) have been restricted on Tuesday by the Moscow City Court within the framework of the claim to label it as an extremist organisation, Russian news agency Sputnik quoted a court spokesman as saying. "A judge of the Moscow City Court considered the plaintiff's petition to take preliminary protection measures. On April 27, the judge issued a ruling on implementation of preliminary protection measures in the form of a ban on certain activities of the FBK and the Citizens' Rights Protection Foundation NGO [also labelled as a foreign agent]," the spokesman said. Watch | Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny says he will end hunger strike FBK director Ivan Zhdanov said on Twitter that the court had banned the group from posting content on the internet, using state media, organising protests, participating in elections and using bank deposits. Earlier Tuesday the Moscow city court's press service told reporters a judge had agreed to a "ban on certain activities" for the FBK without clarifying what they were as the case is being heard behind closed doors. Navalny's organisations are facing an extremist label that would put them on par with the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda, banning their activities in Russia. On Monday, the Moscow prosecutor's office said it ordered Navalny's nationwide network of regional offices to stop working while the court decided on the request for the designation. The regional offices said they would stop their operations immediately to protect their employees and supporters. The FBK routinely releases investigations into alleged graft by officials at all levels of government, often accompanied by YouTube videos. Navalny's regional offices support his graft investigations and his Smart Voting strategy, which directs voters to cast their ballots for candidates best placed to defeat Kremlin-linked opponents. The 44-year-old opposition figure was arrested in January after returning to Russia from Germany, where he had spent months recovering from a poisoning attack he blames on President Vladimir Putin. He is serving two-and-a-half years in a penal colony outside of Moscow for violating parole terms on old fraud charges he and his allies say are politically motivated. Authorities have ratcheted up pressure against his allies since his return to Russia, with many top aides having left the country or been placed under house arrest. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian court restricts activities of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation

Russia held a memorial service on Monday (April 26) to mark the 35th anniversary of Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which permanently poisoned swathes of eastern Europe.

Moscow holds ceremony to mark 35th anniversary of Chernobyl disaster

Russia said on Monday that it was expelling an Italian diplomat as a reponse to "unfriendly" removal of two Russian officials from Rome over espionage scandal. Russian foreign ministry said it had summoned Italian ambassador and had informed him that Russia was declaring Rome's naval attache in Moscow a "persona non grata". The naval attache would have 24 hours to leave the country.

Last month, Rome had announced that it was expelling two Russian officials after an Italian navy captain was caught by police selling confidential military documents to a Russian embassy official.

The navy officer, Walter Biot, worked in the office of the Chief of the Defence Staff, and reportedly passed on dossiers to the Russians in return for 5,000 euros (around $6,000).

Italy immediately condemned expulsion of its naval attache in Moscow. It described it as "unfounded and unjust because it is in retaliation for a legitimate measure taking by the Italian authorities in defence of their own security".

Recent weeks have seen a wave of expulsions of Russian officials from European countries and the United States over claims of hacking and espionage. Tensions have spiralled in particular with Czech Republic.

Prague had accused Russian military intelligence of being behind a deadly explosion at an ammunition depot in 2014

Recent weeks have seen a wave of expulsions of Russian officials from European countries and the United States over claims of hacking and espionage.

Prague expelled 18 Russian diplomats over the allegations and Moscow retaliated by kicking out 20 Czech embassy staff.

Romania said Monday it would expel a Russian diplomat in solidarity with the Czech Republic, following similar decisions taken by Slovakia and the Baltic states.

Russia said on Monday that it was expelling an Italian diplomat as a reponse to "unfriendly" removal of two Russian officials from Rome over espionage scandal. Russian foreign ministry said it had summoned Italian ambassador and had informed him that Russia was declaring Rome's naval attache in Moscow a "persona non grata".

Russia said on Monday that it was expelling an Italian diplomat as a reponse to "unfriendly" removal of two Russian officials from Rome over espionage scandal. Russian foreign ministry said it had summoned Italian ambassador and had informed him that Russia was declaring Rome's naval attache in Moscow a "persona non grata". The naval attache would have 24 hours to leave the country. Last month, Rome had announced that it was expelling two Russian officials after an Italian navy captain was caught by police selling confidential military documents to a Russian embassy official. The navy officer, Walter Biot, worked in the office of the Chief of the Defence Staff, and reportedly passed on dossiers to the Russians in return for 5,000 euros (around $6,000). Italy immediately condemned expulsion of its naval attache in Moscow. It described it as "unfounded and unjust because it is in retaliation for a legitimate measure taking by the Italian authorities in defence of their own security". Recent weeks have seen a wave of expulsions of Russian officials from European countries and the United States over claims of hacking and espionage. Tensions have spiralled in particular with Czech Republic. Prague had accused Russian military intelligence of being behind a deadly explosion at an ammunition depot in 2014 Recent weeks have seen a wave of expulsions of Russian officials from European countries and the United States over claims of hacking and espionage. Prague expelled 18 Russian diplomats over the allegations and Moscow retaliated by kicking out 20 Czech embassy staff. Romania said Monday it would expel a Russian diplomat in solidarity with the Czech Republic, following similar decisions taken by Slovakia and the Baltic states.

Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow

Moscow City court is expected to rule on a request from Moscow prosecutor to officially outlaw Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) as an extremist organisation.

FBK is the backbone of Navalny's political movement. The ruling is expected to come in a few days.

If the ruling is delivered, it will give the authorities legal power to arrest and jail Navalny's supporters and block bank accounts just for being activists in the foundation.

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Supporters of Navalny are defiant in the face of the possible ruling.

Leonid Volkov, chief of staff of Navalny's team, said on Sunday the group would continue its work, including investigations into corruption.

"We are not going to give up," Volkov said in an online broadcast. Volkov lives in Lithuania.

Navalny was jailed in February for 2-1/2 years on charges he called politically motivated. On Friday, he said he would start gradually ending a hunger strike after getting medical care.

Navalny's allies have pressed ahead with his "smart voting" strategy, supporting politicians outside of pro-Kremlin United Russia party they believe to be well placed to beat the ruling party candidates and urging Russians to vote for them.

Russians are set to vote in general elections in September.

(With inputs from agencies)

Moscow City court is expected to rule on a request from Moscow prosecutor to officially outlaw Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) as an extremist organisation.

Moscow City court is expected to rule on a request from Moscow prosecutor to officially outlaw Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) as an extremist organisation. FBK is the backbone of Navalny's political movement. The ruling is expected to come in a few days. If the ruling is delivered, it will give the authorities legal power to arrest and jail Navalny's supporters and block bank accounts just for being activists in the foundation. × Supporters of Navalny are defiant in the face of the possible ruling. Leonid Volkov, chief of staff of Navalny's team, said on Sunday the group would continue its work, including investigations into corruption. "We are not going to give up," Volkov said in an online broadcast. Volkov lives in Lithuania. Navalny was jailed in February for 2-1/2 years on charges he called politically motivated. On Friday, he said he would start gradually ending a hunger strike after getting medical care. Navalny's allies have pressed ahead with his "smart voting" strategy, supporting politicians outside of pro-Kremlin United Russia party they believe to be well placed to beat the ruling party candidates and urging Russians to vote for them. Russians are set to vote in general elections in September. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian court may declare Alexei Navalny's group an extremist outfit

Russia on Sunday said it would retaliate against the Czech government's "unprecedented" decision to expel 18 Russian diplomats identified as secret agents and summoned the Czech ambassador.

"We will take retaliatory measures that will force the authors of this provocation to understand their full responsibility for destroying the basis of normal relations between our countries," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

The ministry did not specify which measures would be taken, but called the Czech announcement "absurd".

A source told AFP on Sunday that the Czech ambassador in Russia had been summoned to the foreign ministry.

The Russian foreign ministry did not release any details.

On Saturday, Czech authorities said they would expel 18 Russian diplomats identified by local intelligence as secret agents of the Russian SVR and GRU security services suspected of involvement in a 2014 explosion.

Czech police also said they were seeking two Russians in connection with the blast that killed two people, and who carried passports used by suspects in the attempted poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in 2018.

Moscow called the announcement a "hostile step" and alleged it bore a "trace" of involvement by Washington.

"In their desire to please the United States against the background of recent US sanctions against Russia, Czech authorities in this respect even outdid their masters from across the pond," the ministry added.

Earlier this week the United States announced sanctions and the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats in retaliation for what Washington said was the Kremlin's US election interference, a massive cyber attack and other hostile activity.

Russia on Sunday said it would retaliate against the Czech government's "unprecedented" decision to expel 18 Russian diplomats identified as secret agents and summoned the Czech ambassador.

Russia on Sunday said it would retaliate against the Czech government's "unprecedented" decision to expel 18 Russian diplomats identified as secret agents and summoned the Czech ambassador. "We will take retaliatory measures that will force the authors of this provocation to understand their full responsibility for destroying the basis of normal relations between our countries," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. The ministry did not specify which measures would be taken, but called the Czech announcement "absurd". A source told AFP on Sunday that the Czech ambassador in Russia had been summoned to the foreign ministry. The Russian foreign ministry did not release any details. On Saturday, Czech authorities said they would expel 18 Russian diplomats identified by local intelligence as secret agents of the Russian SVR and GRU security services suspected of involvement in a 2014 explosion. Czech police also said they were seeking two Russians in connection with the blast that killed two people, and who carried passports used by suspects in the attempted poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in 2018. Moscow called the announcement a "hostile step" and alleged it bore a "trace" of involvement by Washington. "In their desire to please the United States against the background of recent US sanctions against Russia, Czech authorities in this respect even outdid their masters from across the pond," the ministry added. Earlier this week the United States announced sanctions and the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats in retaliation for what Washington said was the Kremlin's US election interference, a massive cyber attack and other hostile activity.

Moscow summons Czech envoy after 'unprecedented' expulsions

For decades, Russia was America's enemy number 1. But with the rise of China, the U.S-Russia rivalry has entered a new phase - with China in Moscow's corner as an undeclared ally. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Can Russia & US bury the hatchet?

Stoltenberg called Moscow's recent troop deployment the biggest military buildup since the conflict in eastern Ukraine began.

'Russia must end military buildup': NATO

Moscow has accused the United States and other NATO countries of turning Ukraine into a "powder keg ". Russia also added that countries are increasing their arms supplies to Ukraine.

Moscow accuses US, NATO nations of turning Ukraine into 'powder keg'

US has now issued warning to Russia over its troop build-up. United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned Russia of consequences if it escalates tensions on the Ukrainian border.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken issues warning to Moscow

Weather report from Moscow streets was suddenly interrupted by a four-legged heckler. A dog stole the microphone from the reporter of a Russian broadcaster. A golden retriever jumped at Nadezhda Serezhkina, grabbed the microphone and ran away - during LIVE broadcast.

Dog steals microphone & hearts

India and Russia are discussing the possibility of ‘additional’ production of Russian military equipment in India, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a news conference on Tuesday while on a visit to New Delhi.

Lavrov and India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar&nbsp;assessed ‘positively’ the economic cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow and noted new opportunities in the Russian far east during the discussion.&nbsp;

In a joint appearance with Lavrov, Jaishankar said they both talked about connectivity, including the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.

Earlier in the day, Lavrov, who is on a two-day visit, held delegation-level talks with Jaishankar. Much of the discussion between the two ministers covered the preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s visit for the annual summit to be held in India later this year.&nbsp;

"Our bilateral cooperation remains energetic and forward-looking. We talked about the longstanding partnership in the nuclear space and defence sectors. We assess positively our economic cooperation noting new opportunities in the Russian far east. We spoke of connectivity including the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor," Jaishankar said.

"We also found an appetite for greater investment in each other by both the countries. Russian support for our Gaganyaan programme has progressed for which deeply appreciate. Our defence requirement in the past year was expeditiously addressed," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

India and Russia are discussing the possibility of ‘additional’ production of Russian military equipment in India, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a news conference on Tuesday while on a visit to New Delhi.

India and Russia are discussing the possibility of ‘additional’ production of Russian military equipment in India, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a news conference on Tuesday while on a visit to New Delhi. Lavrov and India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assessed ‘positively’ the economic cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow and noted new opportunities in the Russian far east during the discussion. In a joint appearance with Lavrov, Jaishankar said they both talked about connectivity, including the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor. Earlier in the day, Lavrov, who is on a two-day visit, held delegation-level talks with Jaishankar. Much of the discussion between the two ministers covered the preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s visit for the annual summit to be held in India later this year. "Our bilateral cooperation remains energetic and forward-looking. We talked about the longstanding partnership in the nuclear space and defence sectors. We assess positively our economic cooperation noting new opportunities in the Russian far east. We spoke of connectivity including the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor," Jaishankar said. "We also found an appetite for greater investment in each other by both the countries. Russian support for our Gaganyaan programme has progressed for which deeply appreciate. Our defence requirement in the past year was expeditiously addressed," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Russia discussing Moscow’s military manufacturing in India: Lavrov

In Moscow, you can now pay with your face. Several Cafes & supermarkets are adopting this new technology. But how does facial recognition really work & what are the security risks?

Gravitas: The future of shopping

Russia's ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov arrived in Moscow on Sunday after being recalled for emergency consultations over the worst crisis in relations with the United States in years.

Moscow recalls its envoy to US for emergency consultation after 'killer' row

Russia's ambassador to the United States landed in Moscow on Sunday after being recalled for emergency consultations over the worst crisis in relations with the United States in years.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on television earlier this week called the Russian leader a 'killer' spurring a terse quip from Vladimir Putin who responded that, 'it takes one to know one'.&nbsp;

The exchange pushed diplomatic relations to a new low even after Moscow's ties with Washington were already at rock bottom over election meddling allegations and the Kremlin's decision to jail opposition figure Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;

Russia's envoy to the United States Anatoly Antonov landed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport Sunday morning, Russian news agencies reported, after he was recalled last week over the spat. &nbsp;

Before takeoff in New York, he told agencies he would stay in Moscow 'as along as necessary' and that several meetings were scheduled.&nbsp;

"The Russian side has always stressed that we are interested in the development of Russian-American relations to the same extent as our American colleagues are," he was quoted as saying by TASS.&nbsp;

Moscow, which rarely returns ambassadors, last summoned its envoy in the US in 1998 over a Western bombing campaign in Iraq.&nbsp;

In 2014, after the US said Russia would face repercussions for annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, Putin held back on recalling Moscow's envoy, describing the measure as a 'last resort'. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia's ambassador to the United States landed in Moscow on Sunday after being recalled for emergency consultations over the worst crisis in relations with the United States in years.

Russia's ambassador to the United States landed in Moscow on Sunday after being recalled for emergency consultations over the worst crisis in relations with the United States in years. US President Joe Biden on television earlier this week called the Russian leader a 'killer' spurring a terse quip from Vladimir Putin who responded that, 'it takes one to know one'. The exchange pushed diplomatic relations to a new low even after Moscow's ties with Washington were already at rock bottom over election meddling allegations and the Kremlin's decision to jail opposition figure Alexei Navalny. Russia's envoy to the United States Anatoly Antonov landed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport Sunday morning, Russian news agencies reported, after he was recalled last week over the spat. Before takeoff in New York, he told agencies he would stay in Moscow 'as along as necessary' and that several meetings were scheduled. "The Russian side has always stressed that we are interested in the development of Russian-American relations to the same extent as our American colleagues are," he was quoted as saying by TASS. Moscow, which rarely returns ambassadors, last summoned its envoy in the US in 1998 over a Western bombing campaign in Iraq. In 2014, after the US said Russia would face repercussions for annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, Putin held back on recalling Moscow's envoy, describing the measure as a 'last resort'. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's US envoy Anatoly Antonov returns to Moscow after 'killer' row 

Russian investigators said on Thursday they will examine the lyrics of the country's entry to this year's Eurovision song contest after it angered conservative groups.

Manizha Sangin, known as Manizha, is set to perform the song "Russian Woman" at the annual competition in The Netherlands in&nbsp;May.

It praises the strength of Russian women, urging them to be more independent and to resist sexist views on beauty, age and bearing children.

The 29-year-old singer, who was born in ex-Soviet Tajikistan but now lives in Russia, is also an activist for women's and refugees' rights.

The Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes in Russia, said it had received a request from a public organisation to probe Manizha's entry for "possible illegal statements".

IC spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko told news agency RIA Novosti that the request will be examined in accordance with the law.

The Russian Union of Orthodox Women published an open letter on Thursday calling for a ban on Manizha's music video and her participation at Eurovision.

The letter says her lyrics incite "hatred towards men, which undermines the foundations of a traditional family".

Earlier this week a site devoted to war veterans, "Veteranskie Vesti", published an open letter to IC head Alexander Bastrykin asking him to initiate criminal proceedings into the song.

The organisation describes itself as independent but partners with Russia's interior and defence ministries and the FSB security agency.

In the letter, the group said Manizha's pop tune "aims to seriously insult and humiliate the human dignity of Russian women".

Russian investigators said on Thursday they will examine the lyrics of the country's entry to this year's Eurovision song contest after it angered conservative groups.

Russian investigators said on Thursday they will examine the lyrics of the country's entry to this year's Eurovision song contest after it angered conservative groups. Manizha Sangin, known as Manizha, is set to perform the song "Russian Woman" at the annual competition in The Netherlands in May. It praises the strength of Russian women, urging them to be more independent and to resist sexist views on beauty, age and bearing children. The 29-year-old singer, who was born in ex-Soviet Tajikistan but now lives in Russia, is also an activist for women's and refugees' rights. The Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes in Russia, said it had received a request from a public organisation to probe Manizha's entry for "possible illegal statements". IC spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko told news agency RIA Novosti that the request will be examined in accordance with the law. The Russian Union of Orthodox Women published an open letter on Thursday calling for a ban on Manizha's music video and her participation at Eurovision. The letter says her lyrics incite "hatred towards men, which undermines the foundations of a traditional family". Earlier this week a site devoted to war veterans, "Veteranskie Vesti", published an open letter to IC head Alexander Bastrykin asking him to initiate criminal proceedings into the song. The organisation describes itself as independent but partners with Russia's interior and defence ministries and the FSB security agency. In the letter, the group said Manizha's pop tune "aims to seriously insult and humiliate the human dignity of Russian women".

Moscow to probe 'Russian Woman' Eurovision song for 'illegal' lyrics

Russia's ambassador in the United States will depart Washington on Saturday (March 20) for urgent consultations in Moscow, the embassy has said.

Moscow's strained relationship with Washington hit a new low Wednesday when Russia called back its ambassador over comments made by US President Joe Biden who likened his Russian counterpart to a "killer".

Russia on Wednesday refuted US intelligence allegations that Putin had likely directed efforts to try to swing the 2020 presidential election in Donald Trump's favour, terming them baseless.

A 15-page American intelligence report, released on Tuesday, said several Trump's top lieutenants played into Moscow's hands by amplifying claims made against then-candidate Joe Biden by Russian-linked Ukrainian figures in the run-up to the November 3 presidential election.

"On March 20, Ambassador of Russia to the United States Anatoly Antonov is leaving for Moscow for consultations," the embassy said in a statement early Thursday.

Antonov planned to discuss "ways to rectify Russia-US ties, which are in crisis," it said. It added that "certain ill-considered statements of high-ranking US officials have put the already excessively confrontational relations under the threat of collapse."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-calls-us-allegations-over-putin-directed-election-meddling-baseless-371074">Also read |&nbsp;Russia calls US allegations over Putin-directed election meddling 'baseless'</a>

In an interview with ABC News, Biden was asked about a US intelligence report that Russian President Vladimir Putin tried to harm his candidacy in the November 2020 election and promote that of Donald Trump.

Biden, to this end, said, "He will pay a price."

And when asked if he thought Putin, who has been accused of ordering the poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny and other rivals, is a "killer," Biden said: "I do."

The comments were aired as the US Commerce Department announced it was toughening export restrictions imposed on Russia as punishment for jailed Kremlin critic Navalny's poisoning.

On Thursday, Konstantin Kosachev, a deputy head at the Russian parliament's upper house, said that Washington should apologise. "Such statements are unacceptable in any circumstances and will inevitably sharply damage our bilateral ties," he wrote on Facebook.

Washington is expected to impose sanctions on Moscow as soon as next week because of the allegations. Those sanctions could also address the cyber hack blamed on Russia that used US company SolarWinds Corp to penetrate American government networks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-recalls-washington-envoy-for-consultations-371250">Also read |&nbsp;Russia recalls Washington envoy for consultations&nbsp;</a>

Russia has already denied any involvement in that hack.

(with inputs from agencies)

Russia's ambassador in the United States will depart Washington on Saturday (March 20) for urgent consultations in Moscow, the embassy has said. Moscow's strained relationship with Washington hit a new low Wednesday when Russia called back its ambassador over comments made by US President Joe Biden who likened his Russian counterpart to a "killer".

Russia's ambassador in the United States will depart Washington on Saturday (March 20) for urgent consultations in Moscow, the embassy has said. Moscow's strained relationship with Washington hit a new low Wednesday when Russia called back its ambassador over comments made by US President Joe Biden who likened his Russian counterpart to a "killer". Russia on Wednesday refuted US intelligence allegations that Putin had likely directed efforts to try to swing the 2020 presidential election in Donald Trump's favour, terming them baseless. A 15-page American intelligence report, released on Tuesday, said several Trump's top lieutenants played into Moscow's hands by amplifying claims made against then-candidate Joe Biden by Russian-linked Ukrainian figures in the run-up to the November 3 presidential election. "On March 20, Ambassador of Russia to the United States Anatoly Antonov is leaving for Moscow for consultations," the embassy said in a statement early Thursday. Antonov planned to discuss "ways to rectify Russia-US ties, which are in crisis," it said. It added that "certain ill-considered statements of high-ranking US officials have put the already excessively confrontational relations under the threat of collapse." Also read | Russia calls US allegations over Putin-directed election meddling 'baseless' In an interview with ABC News, Biden was asked about a US intelligence report that Russian President Vladimir Putin tried to harm his candidacy in the November 2020 election and promote that of Donald Trump. Biden, to this end, said, "He will pay a price." And when asked if he thought Putin, who has been accused of ordering the poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny and other rivals, is a "killer," Biden said: "I do." The comments were aired as the US Commerce Department announced it was toughening export restrictions imposed on Russia as punishment for jailed Kremlin critic Navalny's poisoning. On Thursday, Konstantin Kosachev, a deputy head at the Russian parliament's upper house, said that Washington should apologise. "Such statements are unacceptable in any circumstances and will inevitably sharply damage our bilateral ties," he wrote on Facebook. Washington is expected to impose sanctions on Moscow as soon as next week because of the allegations. Those sanctions could also address the cyber hack blamed on Russia that used US company SolarWinds Corp to penetrate American government networks. Also read | Russia recalls Washington envoy for consultations Russia has already denied any involvement in that hack. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia's Washington envoy to return to Moscow on March 20

Russia has rubbished reports that have emerged in the media that Moscow had tried to keep India out of the Afghan peace negotiations. Russian Embassy in India has said that such reports are based on ill-informed sources.

Russia denies trying to keep India out of Afghan peace talks

Moscow has restricted the use of Twitter by slowing down its speed for users in the country over what it said was the social media platform's failure to remove "illegal" content.

Russia's media watchdog Wednesday said in a statement its decision to restrict Twitter's services was intended to "protect Russian citizens" and force the company to comply with Russian law.&nbsp;

Russian authorities in recent years have been tightening control over the internet in the name of fighting extremism, terrorism and protecting minors.

The Roskomandzor watchdog said the disruption would begin on Wednesday and comprise a "slowdown in service speed" on all mobile users and 50 per cent of desktop users. It added that since 2017 it had sent Twitter "over 28,000 initial and repeated requests" to delete links to child pornography, information on drug use and calls for minors to commit suicide.

The watchdog warned that if Twitter ignores Russian law it could face further restrictions, including a complete ban in the country.

Twitter, like other US social media, is used widely inside Russia by allies of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny whose jailing last month prompted nationwide protests.

"The slowing down will be applied on a 100% of mobile devices and on 50% of non-mobile devices," the regulator said in a statement on its website.

"If (Twitter) continues to ignore the requirements of the law, the enforcement measures will be continued in line with the response regulations (all the way to blocking)," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sues-google-facebook-twitter-for-not-deleting-protest-content-report-369132">Also read |&nbsp;Russia sues Google, Facebook, Twitter for not deleting protest content: Report</a>

Wednesday's move comes amid mounting efforts by Moscow to exert greater influence over US social media platforms and frustrations over what authorities say is their failure to follow Russian laws.

Moscow in recent months has put Western tech giants like Facebook and Twitter under increasing pressure for failing to take down calls to participate in anti-government demonstrations. It has already banned a number of websites that refused to cooperate with authorities, such as the video platform Dailymotion and professional networking website LinkedIn.

Last December, parliament's lower house backed big new fines on platforms that fail to delete banned content and another bill that would allow them to be restricted if they "discriminate" against Russian media.

In 2019, a law was passed for the development of a "sovereign internet" aimed at isolating Russia from the worldwide web, a move activists fear will tighten government control of cyberspace and stifle free speech.

(with inputs from agencies)

Moscow has restricted the use of Twitter by slowing down its speed for users in the country over what it said was the social media platform's failure to remove "illegal" content.

Moscow has restricted the use of Twitter by slowing down its speed for users in the country over what it said was the social media platform's failure to remove "illegal" content. Russia's media watchdog Wednesday said in a statement its decision to restrict Twitter's services was intended to "protect Russian citizens" and force the company to comply with Russian law. Russian authorities in recent years have been tightening control over the internet in the name of fighting extremism, terrorism and protecting minors. The Roskomandzor watchdog said the disruption would begin on Wednesday and comprise a "slowdown in service speed" on all mobile users and 50 per cent of desktop users. It added that since 2017 it had sent Twitter "over 28,000 initial and repeated requests" to delete links to child pornography, information on drug use and calls for minors to commit suicide. The watchdog warned that if Twitter ignores Russian law it could face further restrictions, including a complete ban in the country. Twitter, like other US social media, is used widely inside Russia by allies of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny whose jailing last month prompted nationwide protests. "The slowing down will be applied on a 100% of mobile devices and on 50% of non-mobile devices," the regulator said in a statement on its website. "If (Twitter) continues to ignore the requirements of the law, the enforcement measures will be continued in line with the response regulations (all the way to blocking)," it said. Also read | Russia sues Google, Facebook, Twitter for not deleting protest content: Report Wednesday's move comes amid mounting efforts by Moscow to exert greater influence over US social media platforms and frustrations over what authorities say is their failure to follow Russian laws. Moscow in recent months has put Western tech giants like Facebook and Twitter under increasing pressure for failing to take down calls to participate in anti-government demonstrations. It has already banned a number of websites that refused to cooperate with authorities, such as the video platform Dailymotion and professional networking website LinkedIn. Last December, parliament's lower house backed big new fines on platforms that fail to delete banned content and another bill that would allow them to be restricted if they "discriminate" against Russian media. In 2019, a law was passed for the development of a "sovereign internet" aimed at isolating Russia from the worldwide web, a move activists fear will tighten government control of cyberspace and stifle free speech. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia says disrupting Twitter over 'illegal' content

President Vladimir Putin called on Thursday for the internet in Russia to be bound by moral rules to stop society fraying and railed against what he said was its role in drawing children into opposition street protests, prostitution and drugs.

The comments come amid mounting efforts by Moscow to exert greater influence over U.S. social media giants and frustrations over what authorities say is their failure to follow Russian laws.

Last December, parliament`s lower house backed big new fines on platforms that fail to delete banned content and another bill that would allow U.S. social media giants to be restricted if they "discriminate" against Russian media.

"The internet has already penetrated into all spheres of our lives ... it must obey not just the laws of formal, legal rules, but also the moral laws of the society in which we live, otherwise this society will collapse from the inside," he said.

As tens of thousands rallied to protest the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny earlier this year, Moscow accused U.S. social networks of failing to take down fake posts about anti-Kremlin demonstrations earlier this year.

Authorities also accused the opposition of getting children to take part in unsanctioned opposition protests, something the opposition says is a deliberate smear and untrue.

"We encounter (online) child pornography, child prostitution, drug dealing where it is precisely children and teenagers who are the target audience," Putin said.

"Drawing them out onto the street to be hooligans, fight with the police, and then hiding behind the children, actually putting them in front," he continued in televised comments.

Separately on Thursday, the Vedomosti newspaper reported that the Russian government was discussing a possible new tax on global IT firms that use Russian data to analyse user behaviour and offer contextual advertising.

The funds gathered from the tax would be used to support domestic IT companies, it said. The measure was discussed at a government meeting with the IT industry last week that was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, it said.

A decision on introducing the tax is expected by halfway through this year, Vedomosti cited an unnamed source at the meeting as saying.

President Vladimir Putin called on Thursday for the internet in Russia to be bound by moral rules to stop society fraying and railed against what he said was its role in drawing children into opposition street protests, prostitution and drugs.

President Vladimir Putin called on Thursday for the internet in Russia to be bound by moral rules to stop society fraying and railed against what he said was its role in drawing children into opposition street protests, prostitution and drugs. The comments come amid mounting efforts by Moscow to exert greater influence over U.S. social media giants and frustrations over what authorities say is their failure to follow Russian laws. Last December, parliament`s lower house backed big new fines on platforms that fail to delete banned content and another bill that would allow U.S. social media giants to be restricted if they "discriminate" against Russian media. "The internet has already penetrated into all spheres of our lives ... it must obey not just the laws of formal, legal rules, but also the moral laws of the society in which we live, otherwise this society will collapse from the inside," he said. As tens of thousands rallied to protest the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny earlier this year, Moscow accused U.S. social networks of failing to take down fake posts about anti-Kremlin demonstrations earlier this year. Authorities also accused the opposition of getting children to take part in unsanctioned opposition protests, something the opposition says is a deliberate smear and untrue. "We encounter (online) child pornography, child prostitution, drug dealing where it is precisely children and teenagers who are the target audience," Putin said. "Drawing them out onto the street to be hooligans, fight with the police, and then hiding behind the children, actually putting them in front," he continued in televised comments. Separately on Thursday, the Vedomosti newspaper reported that the Russian government was discussing a possible new tax on global IT firms that use Russian data to analyse user behaviour and offer contextual advertising. The funds gathered from the tax would be used to support domestic IT companies, it said. The measure was discussed at a government meeting with the IT industry last week that was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, it said. A decision on introducing the tax is expected by halfway through this year, Vedomosti cited an unnamed source at the meeting as saying.

Putin calls for internet bound by moral rules, criticises opposition rallies

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