A major firefighting operation is underway in Moscow’s northern commuter belt after a suspected explosion and fire at a power station.

Russia fire: Huge blaze erupts near Moscow, 11 people killed

A huge blaze broke out Thursday at a gas-fired power station just outside Moscow sending a plume of smoke and flames 50 metres (165 feet) into the sky, Russian television showed.

The fire at Power Station No. 27 broke out around 11:00 am on Thursday around 20 kilometres (13 miles) from Moscow.

The emergencies ministry said that 11 people received medical treatment including five people with minor burns but no one was hospitalised. There was no risk of the fire spreading to nearby residential areas, it said.

The energy ministry said a high-pressure gas pipe supplying fuel was burning outside the power station itself.

Russian television reported that the cause of the fire "could have been an explosion".

The smoke and flames were visible from the capital and the emergencies ministry said that the fire blazed over an area of 800 square metres (8,600 square feet).

The plume of fire subsided after authorities switched off the gas supply but black smoke continued to billow as gas already released continued to burn.&nbsp;

The emergencies ministry said the fire would be localised shortly.

One witness, Sofiya Fesenko, watching the fire from her flat in Mytishi, said on Russian television that hot water flowed from cold taps after the fire broke out.&nbsp;

"We saw smoke covering half the sky," she said.

The emergency services sent in helicopters to drop water and fire-fighting trains to tackle the blaze, with more than 150 firefighters at the scene.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on Twitter that the city was sending 50 of its fire engines to the power station.&nbsp;

The authorities warned drivers not to use nearby highways as the smoke hindered traffic and one highway leading to Moscow's ring road was closed entirely.

The power station was built at the end of the Soviet era and opened in 1996. Its four reactors supply to part of Moscow and the Moscow region with electricity and centralised hot water and heating.

The energy ministry said electricity supplies to the public would not be affected and the fire did not damage generation equipment at the station.

Russia is economically dependent on its vast oil and gas reserves.

A huge blaze broke out Thursday at a gas-fired power station just outside Moscow sending a plume of smoke and flames 50 metres (165 feet) into the sky, Russian television showed.

A huge blaze broke out Thursday at a gas-fired power station just outside Moscow sending a plume of smoke and flames 50 metres (165 feet) into the sky, Russian television showed. The fire at Power Station No. 27 broke out around 11:00 am on Thursday around 20 kilometres (13 miles) from Moscow. The emergencies ministry said that 11 people received medical treatment including five people with minor burns but no one was hospitalised. There was no risk of the fire spreading to nearby residential areas, it said. The energy ministry said a high-pressure gas pipe supplying fuel was burning outside the power station itself. Russian television reported that the cause of the fire "could have been an explosion". The smoke and flames were visible from the capital and the emergencies ministry said that the fire blazed over an area of 800 square metres (8,600 square feet). The plume of fire subsided after authorities switched off the gas supply but black smoke continued to billow as gas already released continued to burn. The emergencies ministry said the fire would be localised shortly. One witness, Sofiya Fesenko, watching the fire from her flat in Mytishi, said on Russian television that hot water flowed from cold taps after the fire broke out. "We saw smoke covering half the sky," she said. The emergency services sent in helicopters to drop water and fire-fighting trains to tackle the blaze, with more than 150 firefighters at the scene. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on Twitter that the city was sending 50 of its fire engines to the power station. The authorities warned drivers not to use nearby highways as the smoke hindered traffic and one highway leading to Moscow's ring road was closed entirely. The power station was built at the end of the Soviet era and opened in 1996. Its four reactors supply to part of Moscow and the Moscow region with electricity and centralised hot water and heating. The energy ministry said electricity supplies to the public would not be affected and the fire did not damage generation equipment at the station. Russia is economically dependent on its vast oil and gas reserves.

Huge fire erupts at power station outside Moscow

A major fire broke out at a power station in the Moscow region on Thursday, injuring six to nine people. Watch video to know more.

Large Fire Breaks Out At Power Station Near Moscow

Thousands of people rallied in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgian-protesters-slam-putinism-raise-pressure-on-oligarch-229847">Georgia</a> on Tuesday as prosecutors said they would arrest an opposition leader over mass anti-government protests that have rocked the Caucasus nation for almost a week.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgian-protesters-slam-putinism-raise-pressure-on-oligarch-229847">Tbilisi protests</a> erupted after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat, a controversial move in a country where ties with Moscow remain strained after a brief war in 2008.

Since then the rallies, which erupted Thursday, have morphed into a broader movement against billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be calling the shots in the country as leader of the ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgians-angry-over-russian-lawmakers-visit-try-to-storm-parliament-229107">Georgian Dream party</a>.

On Tuesday, prosecutors said they had charged Nika Melia, an opposition MP and a leader of ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement party (UNM) with organising "mass violence" outside the parliament building.

The office of Georgia's Prosecutor General said in a statement that it has "appealed to parliament to strip Melia of a parliamentarian's immunity from prosecution and place him in pre-trial detention."

If found guilty, Melia could face up to nine years behind bars.

More than 20 opposition parties issued a statement denouncing Melia's announced arrest as "political persecution and start of repressions against the opposition."

On Tuesday evening, thousands of protesters gathered for the sixth consecutive day in front of Georgia's parliament building, demanding the resignation of the interior minister whom they accuse of using excessive force against the largely peaceful rally.

On Thursday, protesters briefly attempted to storm the parliament building but were pushed back by police and the rally continued peacefully until riot police used rubber bullets and tear gas, injuring scores of demonstrators.

Ivanishvili has accused opposition leaders of inciting protesters to storm parliament, a claim they have denied.

Thousands of people rallied in Georgia on Tuesday as prosecutors said they would arrest an opposition leader over mass anti-government protests that have rocked the Caucasus nation for almost a week.

Thousands of people rallied in Georgia on Tuesday as prosecutors said they would arrest an opposition leader over mass anti-government protests that have rocked the Caucasus nation for almost a week. The Tbilisi protests erupted after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat, a controversial move in a country where ties with Moscow remain strained after a brief war in 2008. Since then the rallies, which erupted Thursday, have morphed into a broader movement against billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be calling the shots in the country as leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party. On Tuesday, prosecutors said they had charged Nika Melia, an opposition MP and a leader of ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement party (UNM) with organising "mass violence" outside the parliament building. The office of Georgia's Prosecutor General said in a statement that it has "appealed to parliament to strip Melia of a parliamentarian's immunity from prosecution and place him in pre-trial detention." If found guilty, Melia could face up to nine years behind bars. More than 20 opposition parties issued a statement denouncing Melia's announced arrest as "political persecution and start of repressions against the opposition." On Tuesday evening, thousands of protesters gathered for the sixth consecutive day in front of Georgia's parliament building, demanding the resignation of the interior minister whom they accuse of using excessive force against the largely peaceful rally. On Thursday, protesters briefly attempted to storm the parliament building but were pushed back by police and the rally continued peacefully until riot police used rubber bullets and tear gas, injuring scores of demonstrators. Ivanishvili has accused opposition leaders of inciting protesters to storm parliament, a claim they have denied.

Thousands rally in Georgia as opposition leader faces arrest

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday hosted Chinese leader Xi Jinping for Kremlin talks that reflected increasingly close ties between the two countries that were communist rivals during the Cold War.

Putin and Xi meet pandas and visit Bolshoi

At least two people were missing on Saturday after blasts at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blast-at-central-explosives-plant-injures-19-authorities-warn-of-more-explosions-223393">explosives plant Kristall in the central Russian town of Dzerzhinsk</a>, Interfax and RIA news agencies reported.

"As we understand, two went missing," deputy governor Dmitry Krasnov was quoted by RIA as saying in a statement broadcast by Russian state TV channel Rossiya 24.

Some 22 people were injured, Interfax news agency reported citing a source. An official at the local health ministry said earlier that most of the injured have fragment wounds.

Dzerzhinsk is close to the city of Nizhny Novgorod, about 400 km (250 miles) east of Moscow. Founded in Soviet times, the Kristall scientific institute is one of the major Russian developers of explosives technology for military and civilian use. The plant is part of Russia's Rostec, a state conglomerate which has been affected by Western sanctions over Russian policy towards Ukraine.

According to TASS news agency, 27 people requested medical help after the blasts, the local health ministry said.

A section of the building where the blasts occurred was partially destroyed and a fire broke out at the facility, where explosives and ammunition, including aerial bombs, were stored, Russian news agencies said.

A neighbouring building also caught fire, RIA reported citing a source.

Rossiya 24 TV showed smoke rising from the plant.

At least two people were missing on Saturday after blasts at the explosives plant Kristall in the central Russian town of Dzerzhinsk, Interfax and RIA news agencies reported.

At least two people were missing on Saturday after blasts at the explosives plant Kristall in the central Russian town of Dzerzhinsk, Interfax and RIA news agencies reported. "As we understand, two went missing," deputy governor Dmitry Krasnov was quoted by RIA as saying in a statement broadcast by Russian state TV channel Rossiya 24. Some 22 people were injured, Interfax news agency reported citing a source. An official at the local health ministry said earlier that most of the injured have fragment wounds. Dzerzhinsk is close to the city of Nizhny Novgorod, about 400 km (250 miles) east of Moscow. Founded in Soviet times, the Kristall scientific institute is one of the major Russian developers of explosives technology for military and civilian use. The plant is part of Russia's Rostec, a state conglomerate which has been affected by Western sanctions over Russian policy towards Ukraine. According to TASS news agency, 27 people requested medical help after the blasts, the local health ministry said. A section of the building where the blasts occurred was partially destroyed and a fire broke out at the facility, where explosives and ammunition, including aerial bombs, were stored, Russian news agencies said. A neighbouring building also caught fire, RIA reported citing a source. Rossiya 24 TV showed smoke rising from the plant.

Two people missing after blasts at Russian military plant, 22 injured

A delegation of Taliban officials is set to attend a two-day meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-invites-taliban-and-afghan-politicians-to-moscow-meeting-222049/amp">Afghan politicians</a> in Moscow this week, officials confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid troubled peace talks between the United States and the militants.

In a statement, the Taliban said that the group is to attend a conference marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia on May 28, followed by discussions with Afghan politicians about the future of the country on May 29.

The 14-member Taliban delegation is led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in what will be his first international trip since being freed from a Pakistani prison last October.

Meanwhile, among the Afghan politicians, former President Hamid Karzai and chairman of the High Peace Council (HPC) Mohammad Karim Khalili are expected to participate in Tuesday's meeting that focuses on ending the 18-year long war in Afghanistan.

A spokesman for the Afghan president's office told Al Jazeera that the Afghan ambassador in Moscow would also attend Tuesday`s ceremony but it was unclear whether he would meet the Taliban delegation.

The Taliban, which has been in peace negotiations with Washington since last year, has repeatedly refused to meet President Ashraf Ghani`s government, calling it a "puppet" of the West.

An "intra-Afghan dialogue" that was to be held in Doha in April was cancelled after the Taliban objected to a new delegation of Afghan officials selected to attend the talks.

After six rounds of talks between the US and the Taliban in Doha ended earlier this month, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that "faster progress" was needed as "the conflict rages" and "innocent people die".

The Taliban and the Afghan government have said that they have agreed a "draft framework" on an agreement for the US troop withdrawal and a guarantee that the Taliban would not harbour "terrorist" groups or allow them to use Afghanistan as a staging ground for global attacks.

A delegation of Taliban officials is set to attend a two-day meeting with Afghan politicians in Moscow this week, officials confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid troubled peace talks between the United States and the militants.

A delegation of Taliban officials is set to attend a two-day meeting with Afghan politicians in Moscow this week, officials confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid troubled peace talks between the United States and the militants. In a statement, the Taliban said that the group is to attend a conference marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia on May 28, followed by discussions with Afghan politicians about the future of the country on May 29. The 14-member Taliban delegation is led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in what will be his first international trip since being freed from a Pakistani prison last October. Meanwhile, among the Afghan politicians, former President Hamid Karzai and chairman of the High Peace Council (HPC) Mohammad Karim Khalili are expected to participate in Tuesday's meeting that focuses on ending the 18-year long war in Afghanistan. A spokesman for the Afghan president's office told Al Jazeera that the Afghan ambassador in Moscow would also attend Tuesday`s ceremony but it was unclear whether he would meet the Taliban delegation. The Taliban, which has been in peace negotiations with Washington since last year, has repeatedly refused to meet President Ashraf Ghani`s government, calling it a "puppet" of the West. An "intra-Afghan dialogue" that was to be held in Doha in April was cancelled after the Taliban objected to a new delegation of Afghan officials selected to attend the talks. After six rounds of talks between the US and the Taliban in Doha ended earlier this month, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that "faster progress" was needed as "the conflict rages" and "innocent people die". The Taliban and the Afghan government have said that they have agreed a "draft framework" on an agreement for the US troop withdrawal and a guarantee that the Taliban would not harbour "terrorist" groups or allow them to use Afghanistan as a staging ground for global attacks.

Taliban, Afghan officials to meet in Moscow for peace talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-afghan-officials-to-meet-in-moscow-for-peace-talks-222143">A&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;delegation met a group of senior Afghan politicians </a>in Moscow on Tuesday, insisting that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed, amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war.

The delegation, led by chief&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;negotiator Mullah Baradar Akhund, met politicians, including senior regional leaders and candidates challenging President Ashraf Ghani in this year's presidential election.

"The Islamic Emirate wants peace but the first step is to remove obstacles to peace and end the occupation of Afghanistan," Baradar said, appearing openly on television in what appeared to be a calculated move to establish his legitimacy as one of the main public faces of the&nbsp;Taliban.

The&nbsp;Taliban, ousted by US-backed forces weeks after September&nbsp;11, 2001, attacks on the United States, refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate.

Mohammad Karim Khalili, head of the High Peace Council, the main body charged with pursuing peace efforts, said dozens of people were being killed in fighting every day and it was time for a "dignified and just mechanism" to end the bloodshed.

Taliban&nbsp;officials have been talking to US&nbsp;diplomats for months about the terms of withdrawal of more than 23,000 US and NATO coalition troops from Afghanistan and have reached a draft agreement on some issues but no new date for the next round of talks has been set and many obstacles remain.

Chief among these is the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;refusal to deal directly with President Ashraf Ghani's Western-backed government in Kabul, which they dismiss as a "puppet" regime.

Meetings between the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;delegation and political figures not formally associated with the government have been seen as a way of preparing the way for full negotiations later. But those contacts are regarded with deep suspicion by many Afghan officials who see them as undermining the legitimacy of the government while reinforcing the position of the&nbsp;Taliban.

The group of politicians attending the ceremony to mark the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia included many of Ghani's most powerful political adversaries.

Atta Mohammad Noor, the former governor of the northern province of Balkh and a leader of the mainly ethnic Tajik Jamiat-e Islami party, said it was in the interests of all sides to establish a good understanding.

"We want to have good relations with the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and we expect peace from them," he said.

However, the presidential election in September is expected to put Afghanistan's political system under heavy strain following bitterly disputed parliamentary elections last year that drew widespread accusations of cheating.

A Taliban delegation met a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow on Tuesday, insisting that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed, amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war.

A Taliban delegation met a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow on Tuesday, insisting that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed, amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war. The delegation, led by chief Taliban negotiator Mullah Baradar Akhund, met politicians, including senior regional leaders and candidates challenging President Ashraf Ghani in this year's presidential election. "The Islamic Emirate wants peace but the first step is to remove obstacles to peace and end the occupation of Afghanistan," Baradar said, appearing openly on television in what appeared to be a calculated move to establish his legitimacy as one of the main public faces of the Taliban. The Taliban, ousted by US-backed forces weeks after September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate. Mohammad Karim Khalili, head of the High Peace Council, the main body charged with pursuing peace efforts, said dozens of people were being killed in fighting every day and it was time for a "dignified and just mechanism" to end the bloodshed. Taliban officials have been talking to US diplomats for months about the terms of withdrawal of more than 23,000 US and NATO coalition troops from Afghanistan and have reached a draft agreement on some issues but no new date for the next round of talks has been set and many obstacles remain. Chief among these is the Taliban refusal to deal directly with President Ashraf Ghani's Western-backed government in Kabul, which they dismiss as a "puppet" regime. Meetings between the Taliban delegation and political figures not formally associated with the government have been seen as a way of preparing the way for full negotiations later. But those contacts are regarded with deep suspicion by many Afghan officials who see them as undermining the legitimacy of the government while reinforcing the position of the Taliban. The group of politicians attending the ceremony to mark the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia included many of Ghani's most powerful political adversaries. Atta Mohammad Noor, the former governor of the northern province of Balkh and a leader of the mainly ethnic Tajik Jamiat-e Islami party, said it was in the interests of all sides to establish a good understanding. "We want to have good relations with the Taliban and we expect peace from them," he said. However, the presidential election in September is expected to put Afghanistan's political system under heavy strain following bitterly disputed parliamentary elections last year that drew widespread accusations of cheating.

Taliban say 'occupation' must end for Afghan peace as delegates meet in Moscow

Russian military parades across Red Square, Moscow as the nation marks the 74th anniversary of the 1945 soviet victory. Watch this video to know more.

Russia showcases its military might

Russia's victory parade is taking place in Moscow. 48% Russians are expected to attend the victory day parade. Watch this video to know more.

Live: 13,000 soldiers march in heart of Moscow

"Several people were injured" when a passenger plane made an emergency landing at Moscow's busiest airport and caught fire, Russian state news agency TASS reported.

The Interfax agency reported that the plane, a Russian-made Superjet-100, had just taken off from Sheremetyevo airport on a domestic route when the crew issued a distress signal.

"It attempted an emergency landing but did not succeed the first time, and on the second time the landing gear hit (the ground), then the nose did, and it caught fire," a source told Interfax.

The agencies did not immediately say how many people were on board and TASS did not specify the number of injured. It said ambulances were sent to the scene of the landing and the passengers were evacuated.

Russian television showed a column of smoke towering over the plane. Other images showed the aircraft on fire as it attempted to land, then passengers leaving by a forward door.

According to the Ria Novosti news agency, the plane had been headed to the far northwest city of Murmansk in Russia. It said initial indications suggested an electrical fault might have caused the fire while the plane was in the air.

"Several people were injured" when a passenger plane made an emergency landing at Moscow's busiest airport and caught fire, Russian state news agency TASS reported.

"Several people were injured" when a passenger plane made an emergency landing at Moscow's busiest airport and caught fire, Russian state news agency TASS reported. The Interfax agency reported that the plane, a Russian-made Superjet-100, had just taken off from Sheremetyevo airport on a domestic route when the crew issued a distress signal. "It attempted an emergency landing but did not succeed the first time, and on the second time the landing gear hit (the ground), then the nose did, and it caught fire," a source told Interfax. The agencies did not immediately say how many people were on board and TASS did not specify the number of injured. It said ambulances were sent to the scene of the landing and the passengers were evacuated. Russian television showed a column of smoke towering over the plane. Other images showed the aircraft on fire as it attempted to land, then passengers leaving by a forward door. According to the Ria Novosti news agency, the plane had been headed to the far northwest city of Murmansk in Russia. It said initial indications suggested an electrical fault might have caused the fire while the plane was in the air.

'Several injured' in passenger plane emergency landing in Moscow

&nbsp;Amid mounting political and civil unrest in Venezuela, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is likely to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on May 6, state media reported on Thursday.

The meeting is likely to take place in Finland`s northern city of Rovaniemi on the sidelines of Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting on May 6-7, reported TASS.

The development holds prominence as Russia and the US have taken diametrically opposed stands in Venezuela`s political crisis that was heightened after country`s opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a military uprising against<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj84beFrP_hAhUo7nMBHRJQDiIQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2JkaFDz6DVfgMDsVgcctlG"> President Nicolas Maduro</a> on Tuesday.

The two countries have traded warnings against interfering in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-says-attempted-coup-under-way-214775&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNuqzsq__hAhVG63MBHcapB7Y4FBAWMAV6BAgAEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XjbR71dZvPMMbXAtwcYkb"> Venezuela. </a>Pompeo released a statement urging Moscow to "cease support for Nicolas Maduro and join other nations, including the overwhelming majority of countries in the Western Hemisphere, who seek a better future for the Venezuelan people.

"In a telephonic conversation between the two top diplomats on Wednesday, Lavrov responded by saying that Washington`s interference in Venezuela`s affairs was a destructive approach fraught with "the most serious consequences," according to Sputnik.

Venezuela has been in the throes of a political crisis, which was accelerated when Guaido declared himself as the President of the nation in January.

The US immediately recognised him as the interim President, demanding Maduro to step down.

Maduro continues to hold on to his post despite several countries calling for his resignation.

Venezuela is also facing an acute economic and humanitarian crisis at the moment, which is worsened by repeated sanctions from the US.

Countries like Cuba, China, Russia, and Turkey amongst others have slammed international interference in Venezuelan affairs, throwing their weight behind Maduro.&nbsp;

Amid mounting political and civil unrest in Venezuela, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is likely to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on May 6, state media reported on Thursday.

Amid mounting political and civil unrest in Venezuela, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is likely to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on May 6, state media reported on Thursday. The meeting is likely to take place in Finland`s northern city of Rovaniemi on the sidelines of Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting on May 6-7, reported TASS. The development holds prominence as Russia and the US have taken diametrically opposed stands in Venezuela`s political crisis that was heightened after country`s opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a military uprising against President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday. The two countries have traded warnings against interfering in Venezuela. Pompeo released a statement urging Moscow to "cease support for Nicolas Maduro and join other nations, including the overwhelming majority of countries in the Western Hemisphere, who seek a better future for the Venezuelan people. "In a telephonic conversation between the two top diplomats on Wednesday, Lavrov responded by saying that Washington`s interference in Venezuela`s affairs was a destructive approach fraught with "the most serious consequences," according to Sputnik. Venezuela has been in the throes of a political crisis, which was accelerated when Guaido declared himself as the President of the nation in January. The US immediately recognised him as the interim President, demanding Maduro to step down. Maduro continues to hold on to his post despite several countries calling for his resignation. Venezuela is also facing an acute economic and humanitarian crisis at the moment, which is worsened by repeated sanctions from the US. Countries like Cuba, China, Russia, and Turkey amongst others have slammed international interference in Venezuelan affairs, throwing their weight behind Maduro.

Venezuela standoff: Top diplomats of Russia, US likely to meet on May 6

May Day, which many countries recognise as the International Workers’ Day, surprisingly coincides with another event, which is traditionally celebrated in Europe to welcome the arrival of the spring. Europeans and Americans often celebrate the day with maypole dance.

Russia celebrates International Labour Day, traditional rally in Moscow

Military tanks and other vehicles carrying missile launchers and weapons paraded through the streets of the Russian capital on Monday (April 29) as the country prepares to stage its annual Victory Day parade on Red Square.

Russian military might on display at WWII parade rehearsal in Moscow

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-election-poroshenko-concedes-defeat-congratulates-zelensky-212435&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiPtpW97-LhAhUq7XMBHU5dDT4QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0vYBzJDZpZwkulf53pbLe4">Ukraine's election </a>has catapulted Volodymyr Zelensky, a 41-year-old standup comedian and television star with no political experience, into the nation's top job.

As a leader of a country dependent on international aid and battling separatists,<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/as-comedian-eyes-presidency-ukraine-braces-for-uncertain-future-212184&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiPtpW97-LhAhUq7XMBHU5dDT4QFggUMAU&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Tc9WQEPRJrVL6K8SPc7eM"> Zelensky</a> will have to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, deep economic problems and possibly rebellious elites.

Here is a look at the main challenges facing Ukraine's sixth president:

War with separatists&nbsp;

Voters expect the new commander-in-chief to end a five-year war with Moscow-backed separatists in the industrial east.

The conflict has claimed some 13,000 lives since 2014 and is a huge burden on the economy and society.

Despite numerous attempts to staunch the bloodletting, the conflict regularly claims the lives of soldiers and civilians, and a solution is nowhere in sight.

Zelensky's rival Petro Poroshenko accused the comic of lacking the gravitas and stamina to stand up to Putin.

But analysts say Zelensky could use his outsider status to strike a political deal with the Kremlin, which has said it does not want to deal with Poroshenko.

"Zelensky will look for diplomatic solutions and try to avoid settling the conflict through military means," said Ukrainian political expert Mykola Davydyuk.

In a major faux pas during Friday's debate with Poroshenko, Zelensky called the separatists "rebels", sparking the military's anger.

"We do not have 'rebels'," Ukraine's General Staff said on Twitter. "We have Russian aggression."

Zelensky said he would not resort to force to take back Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

Struggling economy&nbsp;

After a popular uprising ousted a Kremlin-backed regime in 2014, the new Ukrainian government secured a $17.5 billion deal led by the International Monetary Fund to buttress the struggling economy.

But the disbursement of the funds has often been delayed as Poroshenko's government has struggled to push through reforms required by the IMF, including anti-corruption measures and raising household gas prices.

Zelensky said he will continue cooperating with the IMF and promised to do whatever is necessary to service the country's debt.

Analysts warn that he is facing a huge challenge as Ukraine's debt obligations peak in the next few years.

"In the next three years Ukraine will have to pay off more than $20 billion in state debt," said Oleksandr Parashchiy, head of research at Concorde Capital, a Kiev-based investment bank.&nbsp;

"It's not exactly clear where the money would come from."

Economic growth is also slowing down, added Parashchiy. "He'll have to do something with that, too."

Zelensky does not have a firm economic programme, though his team does include Poroshenko's former finance minister, Oleksandr Danylyuk.

The young president will also have to rein in oligarchs who wield huge influence and prove to supporters he is not in the employ of tycoon Igor Kolomoysky, whose channel broadcast his shows.

Hostile establishment&nbsp;

Zelensky will also have to demonstrate his ability to negotiate with various political forces to push through much-needed reforms.

He does not have a proper political party of his own and will likely face huge resistance in parliament where Poroshenko's faction has the most seats.

"It would be very hard for Zelensky to secure parliament's support," said Anatoliy Oktysyuk, an analyst with Democracy House, a Kiev-based think tank.

"He will have a hostile parliament on his hands."

Parliamentary elections are set to take place in October.

Poroshenko and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who was knocked out of the presidential race during the first round of voting last month, may be looking for revenge during the legislative polls.

Analyst Davydyuk said assembling the right team will be crucial for the neophyte president.&nbsp;

"The main challenge for Zelensky is neither the army nor the war with Russia," he said.

"It is putting together a team: who will be his chief of staff, his deputies, who will fill the key positions."

Analysts say Ukrainians expect radical change quickly so Zelensky will have to move fast before he faces a possible legitimacy crisis.

"Everyone will criticise him," Oktysyuk said. "I have a feeling Zelensky will soon fizzle out and everything might end with impeachment."

 
&nbsp;

Ukraine's election has catapulted Volodymyr Zelensky, a 41-year-old standup comedian and television star with no political experience, into the nation's top job.

Ukraine's election has catapulted Volodymyr Zelensky, a 41-year-old standup comedian and television star with no political experience, into the nation's top job. As a leader of a country dependent on international aid and battling separatists, Zelensky will have to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, deep economic problems and possibly rebellious elites. Here is a look at the main challenges facing Ukraine's sixth president: War with separatists Voters expect the new commander-in-chief to end a five-year war with Moscow-backed separatists in the industrial east. The conflict has claimed some 13,000 lives since 2014 and is a huge burden on the economy and society. Despite numerous attempts to staunch the bloodletting, the conflict regularly claims the lives of soldiers and civilians, and a solution is nowhere in sight. Zelensky's rival Petro Poroshenko accused the comic of lacking the gravitas and stamina to stand up to Putin. But analysts say Zelensky could use his outsider status to strike a political deal with the Kremlin, which has said it does not want to deal with Poroshenko. "Zelensky will look for diplomatic solutions and try to avoid settling the conflict through military means," said Ukrainian political expert Mykola Davydyuk. In a major faux pas during Friday's debate with Poroshenko, Zelensky called the separatists "rebels", sparking the military's anger. "We do not have 'rebels'," Ukraine's General Staff said on Twitter. "We have Russian aggression." Zelensky said he would not resort to force to take back Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. Struggling economy After a popular uprising ousted a Kremlin-backed regime in 2014, the new Ukrainian government secured a $17.5 billion deal led by the International Monetary Fund to buttress the struggling economy. But the disbursement of the funds has often been delayed as Poroshenko's government has struggled to push through reforms required by the IMF, including anti-corruption measures and raising household gas prices. Zelensky said he will continue cooperating with the IMF and promised to do whatever is necessary to service the country's debt. Analysts warn that he is facing a huge challenge as Ukraine's debt obligations peak in the next few years. "In the next three years Ukraine will have to pay off more than $20 billion in state debt," said Oleksandr Parashchiy, head of research at Concorde Capital, a Kiev-based investment bank. "It's not exactly clear where the money would come from." Economic growth is also slowing down, added Parashchiy. "He'll have to do something with that, too." Zelensky does not have a firm economic programme, though his team does include Poroshenko's former finance minister, Oleksandr Danylyuk. The young president will also have to rein in oligarchs who wield huge influence and prove to supporters he is not in the employ of tycoon Igor Kolomoysky, whose channel broadcast his shows. Hostile establishment Zelensky will also have to demonstrate his ability to negotiate with various political forces to push through much-needed reforms. He does not have a proper political party of his own and will likely face huge resistance in parliament where Poroshenko's faction has the most seats. "It would be very hard for Zelensky to secure parliament's support," said Anatoliy Oktysyuk, an analyst with Democracy House, a Kiev-based think tank. "He will have a hostile parliament on his hands." Parliamentary elections are set to take place in October. Poroshenko and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who was knocked out of the presidential race during the first round of voting last month, may be looking for revenge during the legislative polls. Analyst Davydyuk said assembling the right team will be crucial for the neophyte president. "The main challenge for Zelensky is neither the army nor the war with Russia," he said. "It is putting together a team: who will be his chief of staff, his deputies, who will fill the key positions." Analysts say Ukrainians expect radical change quickly so Zelensky will have to move fast before he faces a possible legitimacy crisis. "Everyone will criticise him," Oktysyuk said. "I have a feeling Zelensky will soon fizzle out and everything might end with impeachment."

From comic to commander-in-chief: challenges for new Ukraine leader

Russia on Friday dismissed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-mueller-report-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it-211667">Mueller report again</a>, stating that it does not show any kind of proof of meddling by Moscow in the 2016 US elections.

"As a whole, the report as before does not present any reasonable proof at all that Russia allegedly meddled in the electoral process in the US," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, saying it contained "no new information".

"We regret that documents of such quality have a direct influence on the development of US-Russian bilateral relations which are not in the best shape as it is," Peskov added.

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The US Department of Justice released a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/redacted-mueller-report-released-by-us-justice-department-211618">redacted version on Thursday</a> of special counsel Robert Mueller's report.

The report officially titled 'Report On The Investigation Into Russian Interference In The 2016 Presidential Election' runs nearly in 400 pages.&nbsp;

However, some pages of the 400-page report were blacked out by Attorney General Bill Barr to protect ongoing investigations and for other reasons.

The Attorney General, however, said Russians did try to interfere in the US presidential elections. Barr while releasing the report also clarified that the president did not obstruct justice and that the White House freely cooperated in the report.

Also, Mueller did not make a conclusion on whether Trump, whose presidency has been overshadowed by the Russia investigation, had committed obstruction of justice but did not exonerate him either.

(With inputs from AFP)

Russia on Friday dismissed the Mueller report again, stating that it does not show any kind of proof of meddling by Moscow in the 2016 US elections. "As a whole, the report as before does not present any reasonable proof at all that Russia allegedly meddled in the electoral process in the US," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, saying it contained "no new information".

Russia on Friday dismissed the Mueller report again, stating that it does not show any kind of proof of meddling by Moscow in the 2016 US elections. "As a whole, the report as before does not present any reasonable proof at all that Russia allegedly meddled in the electoral process in the US," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, saying it contained "no new information". "We regret that documents of such quality have a direct influence on the development of US-Russian bilateral relations which are not in the best shape as it is," Peskov added. The US Department of Justice released a redacted version on Thursday of special counsel Robert Mueller's report. The report officially titled 'Report On The Investigation Into Russian Interference In The 2016 Presidential Election' runs nearly in 400 pages. However, some pages of the 400-page report were blacked out by Attorney General Bill Barr to protect ongoing investigations and for other reasons. The Attorney General, however, said Russians did try to interfere in the US presidential elections. Barr while releasing the report also clarified that the president did not obstruct justice and that the White House freely cooperated in the report. Also, Mueller did not make a conclusion on whether Trump, whose presidency has been overshadowed by the Russia investigation, had committed obstruction of justice but did not exonerate him either. (With inputs from AFP)

Mueller report shows 'no reasonable proof' of Russian meddling: Kremlin

US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun will visit Moscow this week to discuss Pyongyang's denuclearisation, the US&nbsp;State Department said in a statement on Tuesday.

Biegun will meet with Russian officials in Moscow on Wednesday and Thursday "to discuss efforts to advance the final, fully verified denuclearisation of North Korea," the department said, but gave no further details.

The Trump administration is still seeking to reach a denuclearisation deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un following two summits between Kim and US President Donald Trump that have so far failed to solidify an agreement. Trump administration officials have floated the possibility of a third summit.

Meanwhile, RIA news agency last month reported that Kim planned to visit Russia for talks this spring or summer. Earlier on Tuesday, Yonhap news agency reported that plans were underway for a summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The United States in March also imposed a new round of sanctions over North Korea's nuclear weapons program, following the collapse of talks between Trump and Kim in February.

US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun will visit Moscow this week to discuss Pyongyang's denuclearisation, the US State Department said in a statement on Tuesday.

US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun will visit Moscow this week to discuss Pyongyang's denuclearisation, the US State Department said in a statement on Tuesday. Biegun will meet with Russian officials in Moscow on Wednesday and Thursday "to discuss efforts to advance the final, fully verified denuclearisation of North Korea," the department said, but gave no further details. The Trump administration is still seeking to reach a denuclearisation deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un following two summits between Kim and US President Donald Trump that have so far failed to solidify an agreement. Trump administration officials have floated the possibility of a third summit. Meanwhile, RIA news agency last month reported that Kim planned to visit Russia for talks this spring or summer. Earlier on Tuesday, Yonhap news agency reported that plans were underway for a summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The United States in March also imposed a new round of sanctions over North Korea's nuclear weapons program, following the collapse of talks between Trump and Kim in February.

US envoy to North Korea to visit Moscow, discuss denuclearisation

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on Russia to "cease its unconstructive behaviour" by supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a phone call with his Russian counterpart, the State Department said on Monday.

Spokesman Robert Palladino said Pompeo had spoken to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about Venezuela on Monday.

"The secretary told Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov that the United States and regional countries will not stand idly by as Russia exacerbates tensions in Venezuela," Palladino said in a statement.

The call appears to have been prompted by reports of the arrival on Sunday in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, of two Russian air force planes carrying a Russian defence official and nearly 100 troops, amid strengthening ties between Caracas and Moscow.

The State Department statement did not refer to the arrival of the Russian passenger jet and a military cargo plane, although it condemned Russian military support for the "illegitimate regime of Nicolas Maduro."&nbsp;

Russia has warned the United States and neighbours against military intervention in Venezuela.

During the call with Lavrov, Pompeo urged Moscow to join the United States and regional countries in backing opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The Trump administration has imposed crippling sanctions on the OPEC nation's oil industry. On Friday it sanctioned its development bank, Bandes, in efforts to choke off financial flows to Maduro's government and called on Venezuelan military leaders to abandon him.

Maduro has denounced the sanctions as US intervention and has won diplomatic backing from Russia, China and Cuba.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on Russia to "cease its unconstructive behaviour" by supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a phone call with his Russian counterpart, the State Department said on Monday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on Russia to "cease its unconstructive behaviour" by supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a phone call with his Russian counterpart, the State Department said on Monday. Spokesman Robert Palladino said Pompeo had spoken to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about Venezuela on Monday. "The secretary told Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov that the United States and regional countries will not stand idly by as Russia exacerbates tensions in Venezuela," Palladino said in a statement. The call appears to have been prompted by reports of the arrival on Sunday in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, of two Russian air force planes carrying a Russian defence official and nearly 100 troops, amid strengthening ties between Caracas and Moscow. The State Department statement did not refer to the arrival of the Russian passenger jet and a military cargo plane, although it condemned Russian military support for the "illegitimate regime of Nicolas Maduro." Russia has warned the United States and neighbours against military intervention in Venezuela. During the call with Lavrov, Pompeo urged Moscow to join the United States and regional countries in backing opposition leader Juan Guaido. The Trump administration has imposed crippling sanctions on the OPEC nation's oil industry. On Friday it sanctioned its development bank, Bandes, in efforts to choke off financial flows to Maduro's government and called on Venezuelan military leaders to abandon him. Maduro has denounced the sanctions as US intervention and has won diplomatic backing from Russia, China and Cuba.

Pompeo urges Moscow in phone call to cease 'unconstructive behaviour' in Venezuela

Moscow bound Boeing 737-800 forced to land in Northern Russia

Thousands rally on Moscow streets against restrictive Internet

Thousands of people rallied against Russia's increasingly restrictive internet policies Sunday which some say will eventually lead to "total censorship" and isolate the country from the world.

The mass rally in Moscow and smaller events in other cities across the country was called after the Russian lower house of parliament backed a bill to stop Russian internet traffic from being routed on foreign servers, in a bid to boost cybersecurity.

The move was labelled by critics as the latest attempt to control online content under President Vladimir Putin, with some fearing the country is on track to completely isolate its network like in North Korea.

Activists counting people said more than 15,000 people have turned up to listen to internet and media rights activists as well as music performers who have complained of government pressure in recent months.

"The government is battling freedom, including freedom on the internet, I can tell you this as somebody who spent a month in jail for a tweet," one of the rally speakers Sergei Boiko, an internet freedom activist from Siberia, said.

Police detained several people without explanation. An AFP correspondent saw a man being dragged away by arms and legs near the entrance to the rally.

The popular Telegram messaging app, which Russian authorities have been unsuccessfully trying to block for many months, called on its users to attend the rally last week.&nbsp;

A message in Russian on its official account said that the bill on internet centralisation aims to "cut off Russia from the rest of the world, after which they can block foreign social networks and messengers."

The goal of the bill is "total censorship," it said.

The bill has not yet been voted on in key second reading.

A petition against the bill launched by the Roskomsvoboda internet freedoms group calls on Russians to appeal to lawmakers to strike the bill down, "otherwise soon we will be living in anti-utopias of Orwell," it says.

Thousands of people rallied against Russia's increasingly restrictive internet policies Sunday which some say will eventually lead to "total censorship" and isolate the country from the world.

Thousands of people rallied against Russia's increasingly restrictive internet policies Sunday which some say will eventually lead to "total censorship" and isolate the country from the world. The mass rally in Moscow and smaller events in other cities across the country was called after the Russian lower house of parliament backed a bill to stop Russian internet traffic from being routed on foreign servers, in a bid to boost cybersecurity. The move was labelled by critics as the latest attempt to control online content under President Vladimir Putin, with some fearing the country is on track to completely isolate its network like in North Korea. Activists counting people said more than 15,000 people have turned up to listen to internet and media rights activists as well as music performers who have complained of government pressure in recent months. "The government is battling freedom, including freedom on the internet, I can tell you this as somebody who spent a month in jail for a tweet," one of the rally speakers Sergei Boiko, an internet freedom activist from Siberia, said. Police detained several people without explanation. An AFP correspondent saw a man being dragged away by arms and legs near the entrance to the rally. The popular Telegram messaging app, which Russian authorities have been unsuccessfully trying to block for many months, called on its users to attend the rally last week. A message in Russian on its official account said that the bill on internet centralisation aims to "cut off Russia from the rest of the world, after which they can block foreign social networks and messengers." The goal of the bill is "total censorship," it said. The bill has not yet been voted on in key second reading. A petition against the bill launched by the Roskomsvoboda internet freedoms group calls on Russians to appeal to lawmakers to strike the bill down, "otherwise soon we will be living in anti-utopias of Orwell," it says.

Thousands protest Russia's 'internet isolation'

Security staff at Moscow's main airport confiscated a "mortar shell" from a US embassy staffer on Saturday, in what the foreign ministry described as a "provocation," local media reported.

Security staff at Sheremetyevo airport, the biggest in Russia, found an object resembling a mortar shell while checking the man's luggage, the Ria Rovosti agency reported, citing a foreign ministry source.

"Bomb disposal experts confirmed that it was a shell with a detonator but no explosives," the source said, adding that it amounted to a "provocation".

The United States appeared to be testing Russia's security not just abroad but inside the country's borders, the foreign ministry source told Ria Novosti.

The US embassy staffer told staff the object was for his personal collection and he was allowed to take a later plane to New York, having missed his original flight. The individual concerned had links with the US army, the ministry source said.

Moscow said it had contacted the US embassy and was waiting for an explanation.

Security staff at Moscow's main airport confiscated a "mortar shell" from a US embassy staffer on Saturday, in what the foreign ministry described as a "provocation," local media reported.

Security staff at Moscow's main airport confiscated a "mortar shell" from a US embassy staffer on Saturday, in what the foreign ministry described as a "provocation," local media reported. Security staff at Sheremetyevo airport, the biggest in Russia, found an object resembling a mortar shell while checking the man's luggage, the Ria Rovosti agency reported, citing a foreign ministry source. "Bomb disposal experts confirmed that it was a shell with a detonator but no explosives," the source said, adding that it amounted to a "provocation". The United States appeared to be testing Russia's security not just abroad but inside the country's borders, the foreign ministry source told Ria Novosti. The US embassy staffer told staff the object was for his personal collection and he was allowed to take a later plane to New York, having missed his original flight. The individual concerned had links with the US army, the ministry source said. Moscow said it had contacted the US embassy and was waiting for an explanation.

Moscow airport staff find 'mortar shell' on US embassy staffer

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said the Russian special services had ended the work of hundreds of spies and informers in the country last year.&nbsp;

In a speech to the officers of the FSB security service, which he led before becoming president, Putin said foreign intelligence agencies were stepping up activity in Russia.

"Thanks to successfully executed special operations, the activity of 129 spies and 465 informers was stopped" in 2018, he said.&nbsp;

"Foreign intelligence agencies are striving to increase their activity in the Russian space, looking for access by any means to political, economic, scientific, technological information," he added.&nbsp;

The FSB's work "must be efficient, especially regarding the production of Russian weapons systems," Putin said.

Russia's security and intelligence agencies have rarely been out of global headlines in recent years.&nbsp;

Moscow is accused of interfering in foreign elections, and ordering the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal in the English town of Salisbury.

After Washington pulled out of the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces deal this year, Putin said Russia would seek to develop new medium-range missiles.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said the Russian special services had ended the work of hundreds of spies and informers in the country last year. In a speech to the officers of the FSB security service, which he led before becoming president, Putin said foreign intelligence agencies were stepping up activity in Russia.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said the Russian special services had ended the work of hundreds of spies and informers in the country last year. In a speech to the officers of the FSB security service, which he led before becoming president, Putin said foreign intelligence agencies were stepping up activity in Russia. "Thanks to successfully executed special operations, the activity of 129 spies and 465 informers was stopped" in 2018, he said. "Foreign intelligence agencies are striving to increase their activity in the Russian space, looking for access by any means to political, economic, scientific, technological information," he added. The FSB's work "must be efficient, especially regarding the production of Russian weapons systems," Putin said. Russia's security and intelligence agencies have rarely been out of global headlines in recent years. Moscow is accused of interfering in foreign elections, and ordering the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal in the English town of Salisbury. After Washington pulled out of the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces deal this year, Putin said Russia would seek to develop new medium-range missiles.

Putin says Russia cracking down on foreign spies

India has highlighted to Russia how a MiG-21 brought down a Pakistani F-16 in its recent skirmish with Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Mig-21 is a Russian-made plane first produced in 1959. The F-16 is American-made and was first produced in 1978.&nbsp;

In an interview to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Indian Ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma said, &nbsp;"India was forced to defend its interests, including through the use of MiG-21 fighter aircraft supplied by Russia, which brought down the Pakistani F-16."

In response to India's counter-terrorism operation in Pakistan on Tuesday, Islamabad launched a large-scale air force raid into Indian airspace. The Pakistani operation was aimed at Indian military installations.

In the skirmish that followed, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16. Abhinandan's MiG-21 Bison was later shot down and he was captured.&nbsp;

The MiG-21 Bison is a single engine, single-seater, multi-role fighter aircraft of Russian origin and forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force.

India is the largest operator of the MiG-21, which also played an important role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

Ambassador Varma also clarified that there is no Russian offer to mediate between India and Pakistan and even if Moscow proposes one, New Delhi will not accept it.

"I want to emphasise that we did not receive a formal offer of mediation. And even we do, we will not accept it. So far, no country has offered to mediate in resolving the conflict," Varma said.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Foreign Office said Friday, after a call by Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, that Moscow had offered to mediate between India and Pakistan.

Varma, in the interview, thanked Moscow for its support to a proposal last week to list Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council 1267 committee.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to PM Modi on Thursday expressing his deep condolences on the Pulwama terror attack and conveying his solidarity with New Delhi in its fight against terrorism.

President Putin also invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok later this year. This is for the second time this year, PM Modi and President Putin spoke to each other.

India has highlighted to Russia how a MiG-21 brought down a Pakistani F-16 in its recent skirmish with Pakistan. The Mig-21 is a Russian-made plane first produced in 1959.

India has highlighted to Russia how a MiG-21 brought down a Pakistani F-16 in its recent skirmish with Pakistan. The Mig-21 is a Russian-made plane first produced in 1959. The F-16 is American-made and was first produced in 1978. In an interview to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Indian Ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma said, "India was forced to defend its interests, including through the use of MiG-21 fighter aircraft supplied by Russia, which brought down the Pakistani F-16." In response to India's counter-terrorism operation in Pakistan on Tuesday, Islamabad launched a large-scale air force raid into Indian airspace. The Pakistani operation was aimed at Indian military installations. In the skirmish that followed, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16. Abhinandan's MiG-21 Bison was later shot down and he was captured. The MiG-21 Bison is a single engine, single-seater, multi-role fighter aircraft of Russian origin and forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force. India is the largest operator of the MiG-21, which also played an important role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Ambassador Varma also clarified that there is no Russian offer to mediate between India and Pakistan and even if Moscow proposes one, New Delhi will not accept it. "I want to emphasise that we did not receive a formal offer of mediation. And even we do, we will not accept it. So far, no country has offered to mediate in resolving the conflict," Varma said. Pakistan's Foreign Office said Friday, after a call by Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, that Moscow had offered to mediate between India and Pakistan. Varma, in the interview, thanked Moscow for its support to a proposal last week to list Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council 1267 committee. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to PM Modi on Thursday expressing his deep condolences on the Pulwama terror attack and conveying his solidarity with New Delhi in its fight against terrorism. President Putin also invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok later this year. This is for the second time this year, PM Modi and President Putin spoke to each other.

Russia has not offered to mediate between India & Pakistan: Indian envoy to Russia

A Russian court on Monday jailed two members of the Islamic State group for 15 years for planning attacks on a mall and public transport in Moscow, news agencies reported.

Bakhtiyor Makhmudov and Zafarkhon Rakhmatov from &nbsp;Muslim-majority Tajikistan will serve their sentences in a "strict regime camp", a court statement said.&nbsp;

Russia's FSB security service arrested the duo in December 2017, accusing them of planning suicide bombings over the New Year and during a forthcoming presidential election campaign.

The pair pleaded guilty, the RIA Novosti news agency said.

Almost 2,900 Russian jihadists, mainly from Muslim-majority republics in the south of the federation, have fought in Iraq and Syria, according to the FSB.&nbsp;

Several thousand others from ex-Soviet Central Asian countries are also believed to have fought in conflicts there.

In 2017, Russia was hit by several terrorist attacks, the most serious of which left 15 dead and many injured in the metro of second city Saint Petersburg.

A Russian court on Monday jailed two members of the Islamic State group for 15 years for planning attacks on a mall and public transport in Moscow, news agencies reported.

A Russian court on Monday jailed two members of the Islamic State group for 15 years for planning attacks on a mall and public transport in Moscow, news agencies reported. Bakhtiyor Makhmudov and Zafarkhon Rakhmatov from Muslim-majority Tajikistan will serve their sentences in a "strict regime camp", a court statement said. Russia's FSB security service arrested the duo in December 2017, accusing them of planning suicide bombings over the New Year and during a forthcoming presidential election campaign. The pair pleaded guilty, the RIA Novosti news agency said. Almost 2,900 Russian jihadists, mainly from Muslim-majority republics in the south of the federation, have fought in Iraq and Syria, according to the FSB. Several thousand others from ex-Soviet Central Asian countries are also believed to have fought in conflicts there. In 2017, Russia was hit by several terrorist attacks, the most serious of which left 15 dead and many injured in the metro of second city Saint Petersburg.

Russia jails IS pair for 15 years over planned attacks

A group of 27 Russian children whose mothers are being held in Iraq for belonging to the Islamic State group arrived home in Russia Sunday.

The children landed at Ramenskoye airport, near Moscow, on Sunday evening, said a spokesman for the Ministry of Emergency Situations, quoted by TASS agency.

"Twenty-seven Russian children have been repatriated from Baghdad," a Russian foreign ministry official said earlier. &nbsp;

Thirty other children had been sent back to Moscow in late December.

The fathers of the children were killed during three years of fighting between the jihadists and Iraqi troops, the official said.

Anna Kuznetsova, Russia's envoy for the rights of children, confirmed the report, according to the TASS state news agency.

She said the 27 children were aged from four to 13 and were from 10 different regions in Russia.

IS seized large swathes of Iraq in a lightning 2014 offensive before the government dislodged the jihadists from urban centres and eventually declared victory in December 2017.&nbsp;

The Kremlin announced in early January that 115 Russian children aged under ten -- along with eight aged between 11 and 17 -- were still in Iraq.&nbsp;

Iraqi law allows detainees to be held with their offspring until the age of three, but older children have to live with relatives. &nbsp;

In November, Kheda Saratova -- an adviser to Chechnya's authoritarian leader Ramzan Kadyrov -- estimated "around 2,000" widows and children of Russian IS fighters were still in Iraq and neighbouring Syria. &nbsp;

Around one hundred women and children -- mostly from Caucasus republics -- have returned to Russia so far.&nbsp;

Nearly 4,500 Russian citizens went abroad to fight "on the side of terrorists", Russia's FSB domestic intelligence agency said last year.&nbsp;

More than 300 people, including around 100 foreign women, have been sentenced to death in Iraq for belonging to the Islamic State, while others have been sentenced to life in prison.&nbsp;

Most of those convicted are Turks or originate from former republics of the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

A group of 27 Russian children whose mothers are being held in Iraq for belonging to the Islamic State group arrived home in Russia Sunday. The children landed at Ramenskoye airport, near Moscow, on Sunday evening, said a spokesman for the Ministry of Emergency Situations, quoted by TASS agency.

A group of 27 Russian children whose mothers are being held in Iraq for belonging to the Islamic State group arrived home in Russia Sunday. The children landed at Ramenskoye airport, near Moscow, on Sunday evening, said a spokesman for the Ministry of Emergency Situations, quoted by TASS agency. "Twenty-seven Russian children have been repatriated from Baghdad," a Russian foreign ministry official said earlier. Thirty other children had been sent back to Moscow in late December. The fathers of the children were killed during three years of fighting between the jihadists and Iraqi troops, the official said. Anna Kuznetsova, Russia's envoy for the rights of children, confirmed the report, according to the TASS state news agency. She said the 27 children were aged from four to 13 and were from 10 different regions in Russia. IS seized large swathes of Iraq in a lightning 2014 offensive before the government dislodged the jihadists from urban centres and eventually declared victory in December 2017. The Kremlin announced in early January that 115 Russian children aged under ten -- along with eight aged between 11 and 17 -- were still in Iraq. Iraqi law allows detainees to be held with their offspring until the age of three, but older children have to live with relatives. In November, Kheda Saratova -- an adviser to Chechnya's authoritarian leader Ramzan Kadyrov -- estimated "around 2,000" widows and children of Russian IS fighters were still in Iraq and neighbouring Syria. Around one hundred women and children -- mostly from Caucasus republics -- have returned to Russia so far. Nearly 4,500 Russian citizens went abroad to fight "on the side of terrorists", Russia's FSB domestic intelligence agency said last year. More than 300 people, including around 100 foreign women, have been sentenced to death in Iraq for belonging to the Islamic State, while others have been sentenced to life in prison. Most of those convicted are Turks or originate from former republics of the Soviet Union.

Russia 'repatriates' 27 Islamic State children from Iraq

Gravitas: Intra-Afghan peace talks in Moscow

At least seven people, four of them children, were killed on Sunday after a bus came off the road and overturned in Russia, according to officials.&nbsp;

The bus had been carrying children from the western city of Smolensk to the Kaluga region, south of Moscow, media reported.

"As a result of a road accident, seven people were killed, four of whom were minors. Twenty-four people were taken to hospital," the Kaluga region interior ministry said in a statement.

Most of those hospitalised were also children, Russian agencies quoted officials as saying.

Pictures released by local police showed the blue bus overturned in snow at the side of the road, with its windscreen shattered.

A criminal case had been opened against the driver of the vehicle, the ministry added.

Russia ranks among the world's worst countries for road deaths, mainly due to alcoholism, the poor condition of the roads and failure to follow traffic regulations.

The number of road deaths has declined in recent years but still remains around 20,000 annually.&nbsp;

At least seven people, four of them children, were killed on Sunday after a bus came off the road and overturned in Russia, according to officials. The bus had been carrying children from the western city of Smolensk to the Kaluga region, south of Moscow, media reported.

At least seven people, four of them children, were killed on Sunday after a bus came off the road and overturned in Russia, according to officials. The bus had been carrying children from the western city of Smolensk to the Kaluga region, south of Moscow, media reported. "As a result of a road accident, seven people were killed, four of whom were minors. Twenty-four people were taken to hospital," the Kaluga region interior ministry said in a statement. Most of those hospitalised were also children, Russian agencies quoted officials as saying. Pictures released by local police showed the blue bus overturned in snow at the side of the road, with its windscreen shattered. A criminal case had been opened against the driver of the vehicle, the ministry added. Russia ranks among the world's worst countries for road deaths, mainly due to alcoholism, the poor condition of the roads and failure to follow traffic regulations. The number of road deaths has declined in recent years but still remains around 20,000 annually.

Four children, three adults killed in Russia bus crash: Officials

Afghanistan has said that peace talks being hosted by Russia next week will not help the peace process and that Moscow should respect an Afghan-led and owned peace process, amid reports that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-serious-about-afghan-withdrawal-taliban-194468">Taliban have refused</a> to meet with Afghan government representatives at the meet.&nbsp;

The meeting will be held in Moscow on Tuesday, February 5.

Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Sebghat Ahmadi said: “Holding such meetings will not help us in reaching peace. We did not and do not see such meetings as necessary and will not attend this meeting,” TOLO News reported.

“We hope that Russia like other countries will express its commitment on recognizing Afghanistan’s role as leader and owner of the peace process,” Ahmadi added.

The Afghan High Peace Council (HPC) said they support any action that facilitates face-to-face talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.“No doubt, we welcome the moves which are being taken for starting peace negotiations, facilitating peace process and supporting the process,” HPC spokesman Sayed Ehsan Taheri said.

Russia's move comes after US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad announced last week that the United States and Taliban have agreed in principle to chalk out a framework for a deal that could end the 17-year old conflict in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Khalilzad said the Taliban would guarantee that Afghanistan will never be used as a base for terrorism in return for a full American withdrawal from the country and that Taliban concessions must include a ceasefire and agreement to hold talks with the Afghan government.

On January 29, Russia`s special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov visited Pakistan to discuss the Afghan peace process and held talks with Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership at the Foreign office meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying that Russia is closely working with Pakistan regarding the Afghan peace process and fighting all terror groups operating in the region.

“We are closely cooperating with Pakistan on counter-terrorism efforts and Afghanistan peace. We are worried about the expansion of Daesh activities there,” Zakharova said.

In November last year, Moscow had hosted a meeting on Afghan peace and reconciliation process, which was attended by representatives of the Taliban and envoys from 11 countries including the United States and a delegation of the High Peace Council.

The upcoming peace talks in Moscow will be attended by the second deputy of chief executive of the National Unity Government Mohammad Mohaqiq, Jamiat-e-Islami party leader Mohammad Ismail Khan, the former governor of Balkh Atta Mohammad Noor, and former president Hamid Karzai, along with representatives of the Taliban.

The Moscow talks came after officials from over 40 countries attended the International Contact Group meeting in London, this week, including US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and President Ashraf Ghani’s Special Representative on Regional Affairs for Consensus on Peace Umer Daudzai, to announce their support to the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has said that peace talks being hosted by Russia next week will not help the peace process and that Moscow should respect an Afghan-led and owned peace process, amid reports that the Taliban have refused to meet with Afghan government representatives at the meet.

Afghanistan has said that peace talks being hosted by Russia next week will not help the peace process and that Moscow should respect an Afghan-led and owned peace process, amid reports that the Taliban have refused to meet with Afghan government representatives at the meet. The meeting will be held in Moscow on Tuesday, February 5. Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Sebghat Ahmadi said: “Holding such meetings will not help us in reaching peace. We did not and do not see such meetings as necessary and will not attend this meeting,” TOLO News reported. “We hope that Russia like other countries will express its commitment on recognizing Afghanistan’s role as leader and owner of the peace process,” Ahmadi added. The Afghan High Peace Council (HPC) said they support any action that facilitates face-to-face talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.“No doubt, we welcome the moves which are being taken for starting peace negotiations, facilitating peace process and supporting the process,” HPC spokesman Sayed Ehsan Taheri said. Russia's move comes after US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad announced last week that the United States and Taliban have agreed in principle to chalk out a framework for a deal that could end the 17-year old conflict in Afghanistan. Khalilzad said the Taliban would guarantee that Afghanistan will never be used as a base for terrorism in return for a full American withdrawal from the country and that Taliban concessions must include a ceasefire and agreement to hold talks with the Afghan government. On January 29, Russia`s special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov visited Pakistan to discuss the Afghan peace process and held talks with Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership at the Foreign office meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying that Russia is closely working with Pakistan regarding the Afghan peace process and fighting all terror groups operating in the region. “We are closely cooperating with Pakistan on counter-terrorism efforts and Afghanistan peace. We are worried about the expansion of Daesh activities there,” Zakharova said. In November last year, Moscow had hosted a meeting on Afghan peace and reconciliation process, which was attended by representatives of the Taliban and envoys from 11 countries including the United States and a delegation of the High Peace Council. The upcoming peace talks in Moscow will be attended by the second deputy of chief executive of the National Unity Government Mohammad Mohaqiq, Jamiat-e-Islami party leader Mohammad Ismail Khan, the former governor of Balkh Atta Mohammad Noor, and former president Hamid Karzai, along with representatives of the Taliban. The Moscow talks came after officials from over 40 countries attended the International Contact Group meeting in London, this week, including US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and President Ashraf Ghani’s Special Representative on Regional Affairs for Consensus on Peace Umer Daudzai, to announce their support to the Afghan peace process.

Talks hosted by Russia will not help in the peace process: Afghanistan

Russia on Wednesday denied it was rubbing its hands or gloating after Britain's parliament rejected<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/voting-down-brexit-deal-could-lead-to-breakup-of-united-kingdom-theresa-may-190291&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjg4Mfxo_LfAhVTk3AKHVRRBYQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1oSK5IW_Bz0Cz4WNkaqciD"> Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s deal on leaving the European Union.

On Tuesday, British MPs voted massively against the withdrawal agreement signed by May and EU leaders, raising fears of a disorderly "no-deal" <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/may-says-brexit-deal-defeat-could-topple-uk-government-182705&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjg4Mfxo_LfAhVTk3AKHVRRBYQQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3PFs1uihqlyWwOVJgzAXQ1">Brexit</a>.

Speaking in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted his country did not want to interfere in Britain's affairs and said Russia was prepared to deal with any scenario.

"We will not say and are not saying anything about Brexit, even though some people are constantly saying and writing that Russia is rubbing its hands and gloating. Nothing of the kind," he told reporters.

"We have always said — long before the idea of Brexit took shape — that a united, strong and most importantly independent European Union is in our interests," he added.

"Let's see what happens. Naturally, we will be ready to cooperate both with the European Union and Britain if it all ends with (Britain's) exiting the EU."

Ties between the two countries collapsed following the poisoning of former Russian double-agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the British city of Salisbury last year.&nbsp;

London has accused the Russian government of being behind an attack that later led to the death of a British citizen. Moscow has denied the charges.

Russia on Wednesday denied it was rubbing its hands or gloating after Britain's parliament rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's deal on leaving the European Union.

Russia on Wednesday denied it was rubbing its hands or gloating after Britain's parliament rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's deal on leaving the European Union. On Tuesday, British MPs voted massively against the withdrawal agreement signed by May and EU leaders, raising fears of a disorderly "no-deal" Brexit. Speaking in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted his country did not want to interfere in Britain's affairs and said Russia was prepared to deal with any scenario. "We will not say and are not saying anything about Brexit, even though some people are constantly saying and writing that Russia is rubbing its hands and gloating. Nothing of the kind," he told reporters. "We have always said — long before the idea of Brexit took shape — that a united, strong and most importantly independent European Union is in our interests," he added. "Let's see what happens. Naturally, we will be ready to cooperate both with the European Union and Britain if it all ends with (Britain's) exiting the EU." Ties between the two countries collapsed following the poisoning of former Russian double-agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the British city of Salisbury last year. London has accused the Russian government of being behind an attack that later led to the death of a British citizen. Moscow has denied the charges.

Russia says not 'gloating' over Brexit vote

A court in Moscow ruled on Wednesday that four Ukrainian sailors seized by Russia last year off the coast of Crimea should be kept in pre-trial detention until April 24, Russian news agencies reported.

Russia seized three Ukrainian navy vessels and their combined crew of 24 on November 25 near Russian-annexed Crimea. Moscow accuses them of illegally entering Russian waters, something Kiev denies.

In similar rulings on Tuesday, the court extended the detention of the other 20 Ukrainians until April 24 and, in the case of four of them, until April 26.

The United States and European Union have called on Russia to release the men, but the Kremlin has said they must be put on trial. No date has been set for a trial.

Moscow could hand over the men as part of a prisoner swap deal with Ukraine later this year, a Russian diplomatic source was quoted as saying last week by the pro-Kremlin Izvestia newspaper.

A court in Moscow ruled on Wednesday that four Ukrainian sailors seized by Russia last year off the coast of Crimea should be kept in pre-trial detention until April 24, Russian news agencies reported.

A court in Moscow ruled on Wednesday that four Ukrainian sailors seized by Russia last year off the coast of Crimea should be kept in pre-trial detention until April 24, Russian news agencies reported. Russia seized three Ukrainian navy vessels and their combined crew of 24 on November 25 near Russian-annexed Crimea. Moscow accuses them of illegally entering Russian waters, something Kiev denies. In similar rulings on Tuesday, the court extended the detention of the other 20 Ukrainians until April 24 and, in the case of four of them, until April 26. The United States and European Union have called on Russia to release the men, but the Kremlin has said they must be put on trial. No date has been set for a trial. Moscow could hand over the men as part of a prisoner swap deal with Ukraine later this year, a Russian diplomatic source was quoted as saying last week by the pro-Kremlin Izvestia newspaper.

Russia rules to hold jailed Ukrainian sailors until April 24: Agencies

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