At&nbsp;least&nbsp;10&nbsp;people were killed after a passenger van suspected of transporting two dozen undocumented migrants was in a&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;road&nbsp;accident, state officials and a witness said Wednesday.

Texas&nbsp;Department of Public Security (DPS) troopers said in a statement they were investigating a "major crash"&nbsp;near&nbsp;Falfurrias, a few miles from the Mexican&nbsp;border&nbsp;in the state's southeast.

A Ford passenger van was speeding north on a highway when, according to a witness, around 4 pm (2100 GMT) the driver "veered off the roadway, striking a metal utility pole and a stop sign.

"The driver and nine passengers were pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash," the&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;Highway Patrol said in a statement.

Brooks County Sheriff Urbino Martinez said there were 30 people in the vehicle at the time of the&nbsp;accident, according to the New York Times.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-agent-used-photos-of-female-staff-as-bait-in-a-sex-trafficking-sting-402927">Also read |&nbsp;FBI agent used photos of female staff as bait in a sex trafficking sting</a>

"It appears that they are undocumented immigrants, but we have to work with consulates," DPS spokesman Sergeant Nathan Brandley told AFP.

Earlier the DPS said that 20 people had been transferred to hospital following the crash.

Smugglers often use overcrowded vehicles to ship migrants from the&nbsp;border.

In March, an alleged smuggler was charged after 13 people died in a collision between a heavy truck and a crowded vehicle in southern California.&nbsp;

Migrant arrivals to the United States had declined markedly at the onset of the pandemic but began to pick up slightly in 2020, before surging since President Joe Biden took office.

Republicans accuse Biden of causing the spike in arrivals by relaxing the draconian migration policies imposed by his predecessor Donald Trump.

At least 10 people were killed after a passenger van suspected of transporting two dozen undocumented migrants was in a Texas road accident, state officials and a witness said Wednesday.

At least 10 people were killed after a passenger van suspected of transporting two dozen undocumented migrants was in a Texas road accident, state officials and a witness said Wednesday. Texas Department of Public Security (DPS) troopers said in a statement they were investigating a "major crash" near Falfurrias, a few miles from the Mexican border in the state's southeast. A Ford passenger van was speeding north on a highway when, according to a witness, around 4 pm (2100 GMT) the driver "veered off the roadway, striking a metal utility pole and a stop sign. "The driver and nine passengers were pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash," the Texas Highway Patrol said in a statement. Brooks County Sheriff Urbino Martinez said there were 30 people in the vehicle at the time of the accident, according to the New York Times. Also read | FBI agent used photos of female staff as bait in a sex trafficking sting "It appears that they are undocumented immigrants, but we have to work with consulates," DPS spokesman Sergeant Nathan Brandley told AFP. Earlier the DPS said that 20 people had been transferred to hospital following the crash. Smugglers often use overcrowded vehicles to ship migrants from the border. In March, an alleged smuggler was charged after 13 people died in a collision between a heavy truck and a crowded vehicle in southern California. Migrant arrivals to the United States had declined markedly at the onset of the pandemic but began to pick up slightly in 2020, before surging since President Joe Biden took office. Republicans accuse Biden of causing the spike in arrivals by relaxing the draconian migration policies imposed by his predecessor Donald Trump.

At least 10 dead in Texas road accident near Mexico border

Russia's capital city Moscow may have a serious competitor. A bustling metropolis has been built in Zvenigorod on the city's outskirts and it's got plans to expand. But Muscovites shouldn't be worried, as this new city is only 55 square metres big, and it's made out of Lego.

Vast Lego city built on outskirts of Moscow

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's assessment of Russia as only having nuclear weapons and oil was wide of the mark and betrayed a lack of knowledge about the country.

Biden made the remark on Tuesday during a speech in which he warned that if the United States ended up in a "real shooting war" with a "major power" it could be the result of a significant cyber attack on the country, highlighting what Washington sees as growing threats posed by Russia and China.

Biden boasted that the US&nbsp;intelligence services were superior to their Russian counterparts and said Putin had "a real problem."

"... He’s sitting on top of an economy that has nuclear weapons and oil wells and nothing else. Nothing else. Their economy is, what?, the eighth smallest in the world now, largest in the world? He knows he’s in real trouble, which makes him even more dangerous, in my view," said Biden.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it looked as though Biden, who gave the speech while visiting the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), had tailored his message for his country's intelligence community and wanted to make an impression.

Peskov said the United States was an opponent of Russia even though efforts to normalise ties were underway. Senior US&nbsp;and Russian officials began talks on Wednesday on strategic nuclear stability.

Peskov also rejected Biden's allegations that Russia was already interfering in the United States' 2022 mid-term elections.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that US President Joe Biden's assessment of Russia as only having nuclear weapons and oil was wide of the mark and betrayed a lack of knowledge about the country.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that US President Joe Biden's assessment of Russia as only having nuclear weapons and oil was wide of the mark and betrayed a lack of knowledge about the country. Biden made the remark on Tuesday during a speech in which he warned that if the United States ended up in a "real shooting war" with a "major power" it could be the result of a significant cyber attack on the country, highlighting what Washington sees as growing threats posed by Russia and China. Biden boasted that the US intelligence services were superior to their Russian counterparts and said Putin had "a real problem." "... He’s sitting on top of an economy that has nuclear weapons and oil wells and nothing else. Nothing else. Their economy is, what?, the eighth smallest in the world now, largest in the world? He knows he’s in real trouble, which makes him even more dangerous, in my view," said Biden. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it looked as though Biden, who gave the speech while visiting the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), had tailored his message for his country's intelligence community and wanted to make an impression. Peskov said the United States was an opponent of Russia even though efforts to normalise ties were underway. Senior US and Russian officials began talks on Wednesday on strategic nuclear stability. Peskov also rejected Biden's allegations that Russia was already interfering in the United States' 2022 mid-term elections.

Kremlin says Biden is wrong to say that Russia only has nuclear weapons and oil

US climate envoy John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Moscow to discuss climate change. The two leaders said they will cooperate on the issues of common concern despite strangulations.

Lavrov-Kerry Meet: Leaders say they will cooperate on climate crisis

Russia on Tuesday reported the highest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-embarking-on-dangerous-and-unethical-experiment-says-lancet-on-july-19-reopening-plans-397870">coronavirus</a> fatalities since the pandemic began with over 24,700 COVID-19 cases.

The death toll due to the virus in 24 hours rose to 780 as the country grapples with the virus.&nbsp;Health officials say the Delta variant is the dominant strain in Russia.

The country's capital Moscow which has been the epicentre of the virus reported nearly 5,000 cases.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-cases-is-again-surging-in-russia-and-these-are-the-reasons-395788/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The vaccination drive in the country has been running slowly with just 13 per cent of the population reportedly being&nbsp;vaccinated although the country had unveiled the Sputnik V vaccine last August.

There have been 144,492 casualties due to the virus in Russia with 5,783,333 cases.

On Sunday the country had reported over 25,000 COVID-19 cases with 5,410 reported in capital Moscow and 749 deaths.

Moscow's mayor Sergei Sobyanin had said earlier that the situation was stabilising although hospitalisations was still high as the country continued to combat the contagious Delta variant.

The Russian capital has ramped up its vaccination drive with 100,000 people being inoculated daily. Moscow's mayor had said last weekend that at least 3.5 million Muscovites would receive at least the first dose of the vaccine.

Authorities in Moscow have ordered only vaccinated people to visit restaurants.&nbsp;

Reports say at least 66 per cent of the cases since early July have been linked to the Delta variant as the country battles the third wave. The latest wave has come as the country has been hit by a massive heatwave.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia on Tuesday reported the highest coronavirus fatalities since the pandemic began with over 24,700 COVID-19 cases. The death toll due to the virus in 24 hours rose to 780 as the country grapples with the virus.

Russia on Tuesday reported the highest coronavirus fatalities since the pandemic began with over 24,700 COVID-19 cases. The death toll due to the virus in 24 hours rose to 780 as the country grapples with the virus. Health officials say the Delta variant is the dominant strain in Russia. The country's capital Moscow which has been the epicentre of the virus reported nearly 5,000 cases. Watch: The vaccination drive in the country has been running slowly with just 13 per cent of the population reportedly being vaccinated although the country had unveiled the Sputnik V vaccine last August. There have been 144,492 casualties due to the virus in Russia with 5,783,333 cases. On Sunday the country had reported over 25,000 COVID-19 cases with 5,410 reported in capital Moscow and 749 deaths. Moscow's mayor Sergei Sobyanin had said earlier that the situation was stabilising although hospitalisations was still high as the country continued to combat the contagious Delta variant. The Russian capital has ramped up its vaccination drive with 100,000 people being inoculated daily. Moscow's mayor had said last weekend that at least 3.5 million Muscovites would receive at least the first dose of the vaccine. Authorities in Moscow have ordered only vaccinated people to visit restaurants. Reports say at least 66 per cent of the cases since early July have been linked to the Delta variant as the country battles the third wave. The latest wave has come as the country has been hit by a massive heatwave. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia reports highest daily COVID-19 death toll amid third wave

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-regions-run-low-on-vaccines-as-covid-19-cases-jump-394148">Russia </a>reported over 21,650&nbsp;coronavirus cases which was the highest since January amid the European Championship matches as capital Moscow continued to witness virus surge.

The Russian capital which has been the epicentre of the virus since last year recorded over 7,200 cases and 124 deaths in the last 24 hours with St. Petersburg which is set to host the European Championships quarter-final on Friday recording&nbsp;1,335 new cases and 110 fatalities.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-update-russia-recorded-12505-new-cases-in-24-hours-390972/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities in Moscow tightened restrictions allowing only <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-anti-vaxxers-are-rushing-to-buy-fake-covid-19-jab-certificates-in-russia-393907">vaccinated</a> people to be served in cafes as authorities scrambled to combat the virus.

Reports say hospitalisation and patients in ICU have grown exponentially as Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the situation was "extremely difficult".

The Moscow mayor had earlier said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=+Russia+registers+record+high+COVID-19+cases%2C+deaths">Delta </a>variant was the dominant strain in the capital.

Saint Petersburg which has hosted six Euro 2020 matches is set to host the quarter-final encounter on Friday with health officials worried over the virus numbers.

Russia has reportedly inoculated just over 21 million people in a population of 146 million as Moscow authorities ordered mandatory jabs for service sector employees.

However, reports said several regions in Russia have been experiencing a shortage of vaccines despite the country having produced the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in August last year.

Russia has over 5.5 million coronavirus cases with 133,893 deaths due to the virus. On Sunday, the country had reported 619 fatalities which was the highest since December last year.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia reported over 21,650 coronavirus cases which was the highest since January amid the European Championship matches as capital Moscow continued to witness virus surge.

Russia reported over 21,650 coronavirus cases which was the highest since January amid the European Championship matches as capital Moscow continued to witness virus surge. The Russian capital which has been the epicentre of the virus since last year recorded over 7,200 cases and 124 deaths in the last 24 hours with St. Petersburg which is set to host the European Championships quarter-final on Friday recording 1,335 new cases and 110 fatalities. Watch: Authorities in Moscow tightened restrictions allowing only vaccinated people to be served in cafes as authorities scrambled to combat the virus. Reports say hospitalisation and patients in ICU have grown exponentially as Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the situation was "extremely difficult". The Moscow mayor had earlier said the Delta variant was the dominant strain in the capital. Saint Petersburg which has hosted six Euro 2020 matches is set to host the quarter-final encounter on Friday with health officials worried over the virus numbers. Russia has reportedly inoculated just over 21 million people in a population of 146 million as Moscow authorities ordered mandatory jabs for service sector employees. However, reports said several regions in Russia have been experiencing a shortage of vaccines despite the country having produced the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in August last year. Russia has over 5.5 million coronavirus cases with 133,893 deaths due to the virus. On Sunday, the country had reported 619 fatalities which was the highest since December last year. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia: Moscow, St. Petersburg register record COVID-19 fatalities

Moscow on Sunday recorded the worst daily coronavirus death toll so far for a Russian city, as countries across the Asia-Pacific region extended or reimposed restrictions to tackle fresh waves of infections.

The pandemic has now killed close to four million people across the world but vaccination drives have brought down infection numbers in many wealthy countries, though the Delta strain of the virus remains a concern.

The variant is now in 85 countries and is the most contagious of any Covid-19 strain identified, according to the World Health Organization.

Still, in much of Europe and the United States curbs on daily life are easing as vaccination programmes bear fruit, although Russia is grappling with a deadly third wave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-airs-old-election-grievances-at-campaign-style-rally-394254">Also Read |&nbsp;Trump airs old election grievances at campaign-style rally</a>

The Russian capital on Sunday recorded 144 Covid-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, a day after Saint Petersburg set the previous highest figure.

Saint Petersburg has hosted six Euro 2020 matches and is due to host a quarter-final on Friday, with spectator numbers capped at half but still upwards of 26,000 people.

Russia as a whole has seen an explosion of new infections since mid-June driven by the Delta variant.

The dramatic rise in cases comes as officials in Moscow are pushing vaccine-sceptical Russians to get inoculated after lifting most anti-virus restrictions late last year.

"To stop the pandemic, one thing is needed: rapid, large-scale vaccinations. Nobody has invented any other solution," Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin told state-run television on Saturday.

'Up in smoke'

The Delta variant is also feeding fresh outbreaks in Southeast Asia and Australia where authorities have brought back or prolonged restrictions.

More than five million Sydney residents endured their first full day of a two-week lockdown Sunday to contain an outbreak of the strain.

Restaurants, bars and cafes were shuttered and stay-at-home orders were issued, leaving the city centre virtually deserted.

"Given how contagious this strain of&nbsp;the virus is, we do anticipate that&nbsp;in the next few days case numbers&nbsp;are likely to increase even beyond&nbsp;what we have seen today," New South Wales state Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

More than 110 Covid-19 cases have been reported in Sydney since a driver for an international flight crew tested positive in mid-June for the Delta variant.

The flare-up has been a shock for a place that had returned to relative normality after months with few local cases.

Professional musician Blain Cunneen, 27, said his work -- performing gigs, studio sessions and teaching students -- had gone "up in smoke" overnight.

"All that was starting to operate again almost as normal... very suddenly overnight I got a bunch of emails and texts about everything being cancelled," he told AFP.

Australia's northern city of Darwin also entered a separate snap 48-hour lockdown on Sunday after a handful of cases were linked to a coronavirus outbreak on a remote gold mine.

"The Northern Territory is now facing its biggest threat since the Covid crisis began," Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner said.

Restrictions reimposed

Similar spikes in infections have recently been seen across Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

Thailand will from Monday reimpose restrictions on restaurants, construction sites and gatherings in the capital Bangkok as it tries to contain a wave of infections.

The country's latest wave kicked off in April when a cluster was found in upscale Bangkok clubs.

Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha has said he plans to fully reopen the country by October, but this would require hitting a target of vaccinating 50 million Thais in four months.

In neighbouring Malaysia, the prime minister announced that a nationwide lockdown in place for about a month already will continue, and he gave no date for the lifting of restrictions.

His government had previously said the strict curbs would be eased in stages, as long as there was a drop in infections, intensive care bed use and a rise in vaccination rates.

Bangladesh also said it would impose a new national lockdown from Monday, with offices shut for a week and only medical-related transport allowed.&nbsp;

Moscow on Sunday recorded the worst daily coronavirus death toll so far for a Russian city, as countries across the Asia-Pacific region extended or reimposed restrictions to tackle fresh waves of infections.

Moscow on Sunday recorded the worst daily coronavirus death toll so far for a Russian city, as countries across the Asia-Pacific region extended or reimposed restrictions to tackle fresh waves of infections. The pandemic has now killed close to four million people across the world but vaccination drives have brought down infection numbers in many wealthy countries, though the Delta strain of the virus remains a concern. The variant is now in 85 countries and is the most contagious of any Covid-19 strain identified, according to the World Health Organization. Still, in much of Europe and the United States curbs on daily life are easing as vaccination programmes bear fruit, although Russia is grappling with a deadly third wave. Also Read | Trump airs old election grievances at campaign-style rally The Russian capital on Sunday recorded 144 Covid-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, a day after Saint Petersburg set the previous highest figure. Saint Petersburg has hosted six Euro 2020 matches and is due to host a quarter-final on Friday, with spectator numbers capped at half but still upwards of 26,000 people. Russia as a whole has seen an explosion of new infections since mid-June driven by the Delta variant. The dramatic rise in cases comes as officials in Moscow are pushing vaccine-sceptical Russians to get inoculated after lifting most anti-virus restrictions late last year. "To stop the pandemic, one thing is needed: rapid, large-scale vaccinations. Nobody has invented any other solution," Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin told state-run television on Saturday. 'Up in smoke' The Delta variant is also feeding fresh outbreaks in Southeast Asia and Australia where authorities have brought back or prolonged restrictions. More than five million Sydney residents endured their first full day of a two-week lockdown Sunday to contain an outbreak of the strain. Restaurants, bars and cafes were shuttered and stay-at-home orders were issued, leaving the city centre virtually deserted. "Given how contagious this strain of the virus is, we do anticipate that in the next few days case numbers are likely to increase even beyond what we have seen today," New South Wales state Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. More than 110 Covid-19 cases have been reported in Sydney since a driver for an international flight crew tested positive in mid-June for the Delta variant. The flare-up has been a shock for a place that had returned to relative normality after months with few local cases. Professional musician Blain Cunneen, 27, said his work -- performing gigs, studio sessions and teaching students -- had gone "up in smoke" overnight. "All that was starting to operate again almost as normal... very suddenly overnight I got a bunch of emails and texts about everything being cancelled," he told AFP. Australia's northern city of Darwin also entered a separate snap 48-hour lockdown on Sunday after a handful of cases were linked to a coronavirus outbreak on a remote gold mine. "The Northern Territory is now facing its biggest threat since the Covid crisis began," Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner said. Restrictions reimposed Similar spikes in infections have recently been seen across Southeast Asia. Thailand will from Monday reimpose restrictions on restaurants, construction sites and gatherings in the capital Bangkok as it tries to contain a wave of infections. The country's latest wave kicked off in April when a cluster was found in upscale Bangkok clubs. Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha has said he plans to fully reopen the country by October, but this would require hitting a target of vaccinating 50 million Thais in four months. In neighbouring Malaysia, the prime minister announced that a nationwide lockdown in place for about a month already will continue, and he gave no date for the lifting of restrictions. His government had previously said the strict curbs would be eased in stages, as long as there was a drop in infections, intensive care bed use and a rise in vaccination rates. Bangladesh also said it would impose a new national lockdown from Monday, with offices shut for a week and only medical-related transport allowed.

Moscow Covid deaths spike as Asia-Pacific countries lockdown

Observing a surge in coronavirus cases, authorities in Moscow have decided to reimpose <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/work-from-home-employees-are-quitting-instead-of-returning-to-the-office-389202">work-from-home</a> restrictions nationwide.

The order has come as the country saw a surge in coronavirus cases, presumably due to the new Delta variant which is labelled as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization and is believed to be more transmissible.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tokyo-olympics-2020-who-is-accountable-if-the-covid-19-virus-spreads-393995">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tokyo-olympics-2020-who-is-accountable-if-the-covid-19-virus-spreads-393995/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Moscow’s mayor Sergei Sobyanin ordered all businesses to reduce the employees working from an office by 30 per cent from June 28 to avoid further spread of the deadly coronavirus.

While vaccinated employees are not included in this order, everyone above the age of 65 and those battling pre-existing chronic diseases have been ordered to strictly stick to work from home.

Moscow is believed to Russia’s epicenter at the moment and has reported record covid deaths in the past few days. Sobyanin reported that 90 per cent of the new cases in Moscow are from the Delta variant.

Observing a surge in coronavirus cases, authorities in Moscow have decided to reimpose work-from-home restrictions nationwide. The order has come as the country saw a surge in coronavirus cases, presumably due to the new Delta variant which is labelled as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization and is believed to be more transmissible.

Observing a surge in coronavirus cases, authorities in Moscow have decided to reimpose work-from-home restrictions nationwide. The order has come as the country saw a surge in coronavirus cases, presumably due to the new Delta variant which is labelled as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization and is believed to be more transmissible. WATCH | Moscow’s mayor Sergei Sobyanin ordered all businesses to reduce the employees working from an office by 30 per cent from June 28 to avoid further spread of the deadly coronavirus. While vaccinated employees are not included in this order, everyone above the age of 65 and those battling pre-existing chronic diseases have been ordered to strictly stick to work from home. Moscow is believed to Russia’s epicenter at the moment and has reported record covid deaths in the past few days. Sobyanin reported that 90 per cent of the new cases in Moscow are from the Delta variant.

COVID-19: Moscow orders work-from-home amid rise in Delta variant cases

The Russian capital Moscow on Tuesday reported its hottest temperature in over 100 years in the month of June,&nbsp;with the mercury hitting&nbsp;34.7°C.

Russia’s meteorological service, Roshydromet forecasted the temperatures to remain on the high side for the next two days. According to reports, the capital city's temperature was the highest in 120 years as Muscovites struggled with the heatwave.

Roshydromet said the record-breaking temperature was due to "global climate change".

St.Petersburg also recorded a high temperature of 34°C which was the hottest since 1998.

The country's health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor had urged authorities to reduce working hours if the temperatures rose above 28.5C.&nbsp;

There were several reports of Moscovites bathing in the fountains and people reaching out for ice-creams as the mercury hit record levels.

Both Moscow and St.Petersburg has been hit hard with the virus amid the heatwave sweeping the two big cities.

Russia has experienced&nbsp;high temperatures in the past with Verkhoyansk recording 38°C in June last year even as forest fires blitzed Siberia amid floods in the country.

In July 2010, the Russian capital was hit with&nbsp;38 degrees Celsius temperature as the country was plunged with heatwave and fires with several people dying in the extreme heat. The heatwave&nbsp;devastated&nbsp;the economy and wiped&nbsp;out crop production.

Last year Russia's&nbsp;snow cradle Siberia was hit with massive wildfires as temperatures rose to record-breaking levels at&nbsp;38C as forest fires ravaged large areas.

The Russian capital Moscow on Tuesday reported its hottest temperature in over 100 years in the month of June, with the mercury hitting 34.7°C. Russia’s meteorological service, Roshydromet forecasted the temperatures to remain on the high side for the next two days.

The Russian capital Moscow on Tuesday reported its hottest temperature in over 100 years in the month of June, with the mercury hitting 34.7°C. Russia’s meteorological service, Roshydromet forecasted the temperatures to remain on the high side for the next two days. According to reports, the capital city's temperature was the highest in 120 years as Muscovites struggled with the heatwave. Roshydromet said the record-breaking temperature was due to "global climate change". St.Petersburg also recorded a high temperature of 34°C which was the hottest since 1998. The country's health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor had urged authorities to reduce working hours if the temperatures rose above 28.5C. There were several reports of Moscovites bathing in the fountains and people reaching out for ice-creams as the mercury hit record levels. Both Moscow and St.Petersburg has been hit hard with the virus amid the heatwave sweeping the two big cities. Russia has experienced high temperatures in the past with Verkhoyansk recording 38°C in June last year even as forest fires blitzed Siberia amid floods in the country. In July 2010, the Russian capital was hit with 38 degrees Celsius temperature as the country was plunged with heatwave and fires with several people dying in the extreme heat. The heatwave devastated the economy and wiped out crop production. Last year Russia's snow cradle Siberia was hit with massive wildfires as temperatures rose to record-breaking levels at 38C as forest fires ravaged large areas.

Moscow records highest June temperature in 120 years

Vladimir Putin visited Moscow's 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' on the 80th anniversary of the German invasion. How does Putin see the Soviet resistance? Is he planning to revive Russia's glory days? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Putin marks 80 years of German invasion

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.

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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;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jailed-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-says-he-will-end-hunger-strike-379805/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

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