Moscow’s Sechenov University has completed tests on volunteers of the world’s first vaccine against COVID-19. The Russian embassy in India tweeted. “Sechenov University has successfully completed tests on volunteers of the world’s first vaccine against #COVID19. The #vaccine is safe. The volunteers will be discharged on July 15 and July 20,” chief researcher Elena Smolyarchuk told TASS".

Has Russia won the COVID-19 vaccine? Varsity claims 'world's 1st COVID-19 vaccine

Russia's Sechenov University claims making vaccine against COVID-19

Doctors and nurses have won praise for their efforts to contain Moscow's coronavirus crisis, but a monument unveiled on Friday celebrates different frontline workers: delivery men and women.

Moscow dedicates monument to delivery agents who fed Moscow through lockdown

As Russia prepares for this week's vote on Russian President Vladamir Putin's constitutional reforms, WION takes you to a Russian city located 1300 km east of Moscow Nizhny Tagil. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Russian Constitutional Amendments 2020 | Nizhny Tagil | Vladamir Putin

Residents of the Russian capital emerged Tuesday from a strict coronavirus lockdown, a day after Moscow authorities announced they would lift key restrictions

Moscow, center of Russia’s Coronavirus crisis eases lockdown restrictions

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is all set for a virtual meeting today with a Chinese counterpart at the RIC trilateral. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is in Moscow. Watch report.

India-China standoff: Russia to chair virtual summit today, S. Jaishankar to attend virtual RIC meet

A portrait of Russia's Second World War foe Adolf Hitler appeared on a central Moscow street on Monday (June 22) as an artist marked the anniversary of the Nazi invasion of Russia.

Hitler's portrait defaced as Russian artist tests public opinion of WW2 enemy

A 75-member Indian contingent rehearsed in Russia's Moscow on June 22. They have come to Moscow to participate in the 75th Victory Day Parade.

Rehearsal by Indian contingent takes place ahead of 75th Victory Day Parade at Moscow

Russia has invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend a grand military parade in Moscow on June 24 marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second World War, diplomatic sources said.

It is learnt that notwithstanding the escalating tension between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, the defence minister's office is positively considering the invitation due to India's decades-old military ties with Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-pushes-idea-of-russian-backed-summit-to-stabilise-world-307122">Also read|&nbsp;Putin pushes idea of Russian-backed summit to stabilise world</a>

The defence minister's office is positively considering the invitation, the sources said.

India is sending a tri-services contingent to participate in the military parade at Red Square in Moscow.

The Indian parade will be led by a colonel rank officer. The 75-member Indian team will participate in the parade alongside armed forces personnel from at least 11 countries including China.&nbsp;

Russia has invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend a grand military parade in Moscow on June 24 marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second World War, diplomatic sources said.

Russia has invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend a grand military parade in Moscow on June 24 marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second World War, diplomatic sources said. It is learnt that notwithstanding the escalating tension between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, the defence minister's office is positively considering the invitation due to India's decades-old military ties with Russia. Also read| Putin pushes idea of Russian-backed summit to stabilise world The defence minister's office is positively considering the invitation, the sources said. India is sending a tri-services contingent to participate in the military parade at Red Square in Moscow. The Indian parade will be led by a colonel rank officer. The 75-member Indian team will participate in the parade alongside armed forces personnel from at least 11 countries including China.

Rajnath Singh invited to grand military parade in Moscow on June 24

Visitors rushed to Moscow zoo on Tuesday (June 16) for a long-waited reopening as coronavirus-related restrictions get further lifted in Russia. To enter the zoo, people are required to wear masks and maintain a 'snow leopard distance' between each other.

Keep snow leopard distance - Moscow zoo reopens after easing of lockdown

Russians got a taste of open-air cinema under balmy twilit skies on Thursday when a Moscow drive-in movie theatre re-opened for business after the city's coronavirus lockdown ended. 
 
On the bill was 'My Spy', a U.S. action-comedy and, with regular cinemas still closed three days after the two-month lockdown was lifted, scores of moviegoers parked up to watch.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/singer-kelly-clarkson-files-for-divorce-from-husband-brandon-blackstock-305405" hreflang="en">Singer Kelly Clarkson files for divorce from husband Brandon Blackstock</a> 
 
"I want to go out in the open air. This is a great opportunity to watch a movie with friends under the sky," said one, who gave his name only as Pavel. 
 
Olga Zinyakova, president of Karo, the movie chain that is running the 100-vehicle-capacity site in northwest Moscow, said it would be exploring how it could open more drive-in theatres even after all coronavirus-related restrictions are lifted.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/shows-that-went-off-air-amid-anti-racism-protests-305075" hreflang="en">Shows that went off-air amid anti-racism protests</a> 
 
"We feel that this format has undeservedly been forgotten," she said. Even if regular movie theatres reopen as planned next month, Karo estimates that revenues across Russia`s cinema chains will fall between 35% and 40% this year. 
 
According to recommendations by the country's consumer health watchdog, theatre audience members will have remain at least 1.5 metres (five feet) apart and employees will have to disinfect cinemas between screenings.

Russians got a taste of open-air cinema under balmy twilit skies on Thursday when a Moscow drive-in movie theatre re-opened for business after the city's coronavirus lockdown ended.

Russians got a taste of open-air cinema under balmy twilit skies on Thursday when a Moscow drive-in movie theatre re-opened for business after the city's coronavirus lockdown ended. On the bill was 'My Spy', a U.S. action-comedy and, with regular cinemas still closed three days after the two-month lockdown was lifted, scores of moviegoers parked up to watch. Also read: Singer Kelly Clarkson files for divorce from husband Brandon Blackstock "I want to go out in the open air. This is a great opportunity to watch a movie with friends under the sky," said one, who gave his name only as Pavel. Olga Zinyakova, president of Karo, the movie chain that is running the 100-vehicle-capacity site in northwest Moscow, said it would be exploring how it could open more drive-in theatres even after all coronavirus-related restrictions are lifted. In pics: Shows that went off-air amid anti-racism protests "We feel that this format has undeservedly been forgotten," she said. Even if regular movie theatres reopen as planned next month, Karo estimates that revenues across Russia`s cinema chains will fall between 35% and 40% this year. According to recommendations by the country's consumer health watchdog, theatre audience members will have remain at least 1.5 metres (five feet) apart and employees will have to disinfect cinemas between screenings.

With US spy comedy on bill, Moscow drive-in cinema re-opens

WION India’s first International news channel hosted a first of its kind ‘Global Editors Summit’ with editors from top news agencies across the globe. This summit helps you understand the impact of the pandemic on the media, changing technologies, business models, and best practices by news agencies globally. WION's Palki Sharma spoke to Tatiana Kukhareva, Deputy Head Sputnik News Websites, and Radio Moscow.

WION Global Editors Summit: "Our reporters don't go out until utterly necessary" | Tatiana Kukhareva

Moscow on Tuesday lifted a strict anti-coronavirus lockdown after more than two months of restrictions as Russia reported over 6,000 deaths.

Moscow lifts COVID-19 lockdown, beauty salons reopen

Moscow's Orthodox Churches reopened to believers on Saturday after being closed for nearly two months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Church services reopen with social distancing measures in Moscow

The politics over G7 expansion is heating up. Russia is insisting on the inclusion of China in the revived bloc. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Moscow is unrelenting.

Gravitas: Politics over G7 expansion heats up

The number of cases have not reduced at all in Russia. Total positive cases rise by more than 10,699 in the past 24 hours.

After this new tally, Russia's total toll of coronavirus cases stands at&nbsp;187,859 now,&nbsp;the coronavirus crisis response centre said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-the-covid-19-pandemic-deepens-virus-symptoms-multiply-297322">Also read:&nbsp;As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply</a>

Although, the highest peak was on Thursday when the country recorded 11,231 new cases, this is the sixth consecutive day when the number of cases have increased by more than 10,000.

It also reported 98 new fatalities from COVID-19, bringing the total death toll in Russia to 1,723. However, the mortality rate in Russia is still less than the rest of the European countries.

Russia ranks fourth in the overall number of reported cases in Europe and fifth in the world, according to an AFP tally. Russian health officials have reported that they have conducted almost 5&nbsp;million tests.

Moscow has been an epicentre in Russia, even though the government closed the borders of the capital in the initial phase. There are more than 92,600 cases in Moscow, as on Friday.

The number of cases have not reduced at all in Russia. Total positive cases rise by more than 10,699 in the past 24 hours. After this new tally, Russia's total toll of coronavirus cases stands at 187,859 now, the coronavirus crisis response centre said on Friday.

The number of cases have not reduced at all in Russia. Total positive cases rise by more than 10,699 in the past 24 hours. After this new tally, Russia's total toll of coronavirus cases stands at 187,859 now, the coronavirus crisis response centre said on Friday. Also read: As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply Although, the highest peak was on Thursday when the country recorded 11,231 new cases, this is the sixth consecutive day when the number of cases have increased by more than 10,000. It also reported 98 new fatalities from COVID-19, bringing the total death toll in Russia to 1,723. However, the mortality rate in Russia is still less than the rest of the European countries. Russia ranks fourth in the overall number of reported cases in Europe and fifth in the world, according to an AFP tally. Russian health officials have reported that they have conducted almost 5 million tests. Moscow has been an epicentre in Russia, even though the government closed the borders of the capital in the initial phase. There are more than 92,600 cases in Moscow, as on Friday.

Russia records over 10,600 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hours

People in isolation, looking for animal companionship, have started to adopt dogs. And many dogs have made new friends in the volunteers who walk the pets of elderly people.

Abandoned pets find new homes in Moscow

In Russia, Moscow introduces the pass system to stopt the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) across the country. Russia has reported more than 13,500 positive cases so far.

Russia: Moscow introduces pass system to stop coronavirus spread

Moscow, with its more than 12 million people, went into lockdown on Monday while other parts of Russia moved to introduce similar steps to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

The enforcement of the strict new rules, which Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin suddenly announced late Sunday, coincided with the beginning of a "non-working" week declared by President Vladimir Putin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-cases-cross-1500-mark-russia-starts-building-a-dedicated-covid-19-hospital-289468">As cases cross 1,500 mark, Russia starts building a dedicated COVID-19 hospital</a>

"The situation is certainly serious and everyone should take this very seriously," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Moscow, which has become the epicentre of the contagion in Russia, announced the new measures after many Muscovites failed to heed recommendations to self-isolate and instead went to parks for barbecues at the weekend.

On Monday, Red Square in the heart of Moscow was eerily empty, while the streets of Europe's most populous city were quiet even though traffic could still be seen on the roads.

Patriarch Ponds, a popular central park, was deserted in the morning except for a lone woman walking her corgi. Police cars drove slowly through the streets, looking out for Muscovites breaking the rules.&nbsp;

Anna, a 36-year-old web designer living in south Moscow, said the lockdown would be hard for her and her five-year-old daughter.&nbsp;

"But I don't want Arina to get sick," she told AFP while on her way to buy some bread. "So of course we will observe the quarantine."

But some were in no hurry to take the new rules to heart. Three teenagers flouted social distancing rules, walking and laughing together.

"Staying home with our parents will kill us quicker than the coronavirus," said one teen as the others nodded.

Regions eye lockdowns&nbsp;

Muscovites are now only allowed to leave their homes in cases of a medical emergency, to travel to jobs judged essential, and to go to local grocery stores and pharmacies which need to enforce social distancing.

People are also allowed to take out the trash and walk their dogs.

Over the past 24 hours, Russia has recorded 302 new cases -- the biggest daily increase so far -- taking the national tally to 1,835 cases of coronavirus and nine deaths.

But the real number of infected people is believed to be higher and critics have rounded on authorities for not proposing tougher measures sooner.

At a government meeting, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin asked regional authorities to prepare for Moscow-style lockdowns, saying it was important to pre-empt a major outbreak.

At least eight regions including the Western exclave region of Kaliningrad have already imposed or were preparing to impose strict quarantines.&nbsp;

Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov was the first regional leader to announce a lockdown last week, banning non-residents from entering the once restive region.

Masked men in black uniforms were policing streets in Chechnya armed with white clubs, according to a video published by independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta.

In a rare televised address last Wednesday, Putin announced that Russians would not be required to go to work this week, but would still get paid.

He also postponed an upcoming public vote on constitutional reforms that would allow him to stay in power until 2036.

'Pray at home'&nbsp;

The powerful Russian Orthodox Church, which had initially said authorities had no right to close churches, finally fell into line on Sunday, with Patriarch Kirill calling on the faithful to pray at home.

"You can be saved without going to church," he told believers in an address.

The new isolation rules, which will be policed by a vast system of facial-recognition cameras in Moscow, came into force as Russia also closed its borders.

&nbsp;

Moscow, with its more than 12 million people, went into lockdown on Monday while other parts of Russia moved to introduce similar steps to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

Moscow, with its more than 12 million people, went into lockdown on Monday while other parts of Russia moved to introduce similar steps to curb the coronavirus outbreak. The enforcement of the strict new rules, which Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin suddenly announced late Sunday, coincided with the beginning of a "non-working" week declared by President Vladimir Putin. Also read | As cases cross 1,500 mark, Russia starts building a dedicated COVID-19 hospital "The situation is certainly serious and everyone should take this very seriously," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Moscow, which has become the epicentre of the contagion in Russia, announced the new measures after many Muscovites failed to heed recommendations to self-isolate and instead went to parks for barbecues at the weekend. On Monday, Red Square in the heart of Moscow was eerily empty, while the streets of Europe's most populous city were quiet even though traffic could still be seen on the roads. Patriarch Ponds, a popular central park, was deserted in the morning except for a lone woman walking her corgi. Police cars drove slowly through the streets, looking out for Muscovites breaking the rules. Anna, a 36-year-old web designer living in south Moscow, said the lockdown would be hard for her and her five-year-old daughter. "But I don't want Arina to get sick," she told AFP while on her way to buy some bread. "So of course we will observe the quarantine." But some were in no hurry to take the new rules to heart. Three teenagers flouted social distancing rules, walking and laughing together. "Staying home with our parents will kill us quicker than the coronavirus," said one teen as the others nodded. Regions eye lockdowns Muscovites are now only allowed to leave their homes in cases of a medical emergency, to travel to jobs judged essential, and to go to local grocery stores and pharmacies which need to enforce social distancing. People are also allowed to take out the trash and walk their dogs. Over the past 24 hours, Russia has recorded 302 new cases -- the biggest daily increase so far -- taking the national tally to 1,835 cases of coronavirus and nine deaths. But the real number of infected people is believed to be higher and critics have rounded on authorities for not proposing tougher measures sooner. At a government meeting, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin asked regional authorities to prepare for Moscow-style lockdowns, saying it was important to pre-empt a major outbreak. At least eight regions including the Western exclave region of Kaliningrad have already imposed or were preparing to impose strict quarantines. Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov was the first regional leader to announce a lockdown last week, banning non-residents from entering the once restive region. Masked men in black uniforms were policing streets in Chechnya armed with white clubs, according to a video published by independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta. In a rare televised address last Wednesday, Putin announced that Russians would not be required to go to work this week, but would still get paid. He also postponed an upcoming public vote on constitutional reforms that would allow him to stay in power until 2036. 'Pray at home' The powerful Russian Orthodox Church, which had initially said authorities had no right to close churches, finally fell into line on Sunday, with Patriarch Kirill calling on the faithful to pray at home. "You can be saved without going to church," he told believers in an address. The new isolation rules, which will be policed by a vast system of facial-recognition cameras in Moscow, came into force as Russia also closed its borders.

Moscow begins lockdown during tougher push to curb coronavirus

Moscow's central shopping mall "TSUM" provided employees with stylish masks with a transparent protective screen, so the boutique shop assistants stay protected while looking stylish.

Luxury Moscow store issues employees with stylish masks

Moscow traffic police have launched spot checks on the city's taxis to ensure drivers wear face masks and regularly disinfect their vehicles.&nbsp;

The inspections, which rolled out Thursday, focus on drivers serving rail stations and airports, city traffic police spokeswoman Olga Dygalo said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-linked-disinformation-campaign-fueling-coronavirus-alarm-us-282159">Russia-linked disinformation campaign fueling coronavirus alarm: US</a>

Traffic police are carrying out checks along with officials from the state health watchdog, which issued the rules to drivers.

Russia has recorded 199 cases of the coronavirus, according to the most recent official figures published Thursday.

Moscow health officials on Thursday reported the first death of a patient infected with COVID-19 but said the 79-year-old woman died of pneumonia, later changing the cause of death to a blood clot.

Watch: Handshakes optional: Russia hosts major chess tournament amid coronavirus outbreak

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/handshakes-optional-russia-hosts-major-chess-tournament-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-287181/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Under the new regulations, drivers are expected to change face masks every three hours and use sanitiser products to clean their hands and disinfect their vehicles twice a day, focusing on seat belt fastenings, door handles and the steering wheel.

They are also expected to air their cars regularly.

Fulfilling the requirements is no easy task as face masks are scarce in Moscow after residents stocked up in bulk, Russian media reported.

The inspections will also check whether taxi drivers have undergone short daily health checks before beginning work as required, Dygalo told AFP.&nbsp;

Transport companies that flout the rules could be fined 30,000 rubles ($383).

Russia closed its borders to foreigners on Wednesday in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Moscow city officials have limited public gatherings of more than 50 people and schools across the country will close for three weeks from Monday. 
&nbsp;

Moscow traffic police have launched spot checks on the city's taxis to ensure drivers wear face masks and regularly disinfect their vehicles. The inspections, which rolled out Thursday, focus on drivers serving rail stations and airports, city traffic police spokeswoman Olga Dygalo said.

Moscow traffic police have launched spot checks on the city's taxis to ensure drivers wear face masks and regularly disinfect their vehicles. The inspections, which rolled out Thursday, focus on drivers serving rail stations and airports, city traffic police spokeswoman Olga Dygalo said. Also read: Russia-linked disinformation campaign fueling coronavirus alarm: US Traffic police are carrying out checks along with officials from the state health watchdog, which issued the rules to drivers. Russia has recorded 199 cases of the coronavirus, according to the most recent official figures published Thursday. Moscow health officials on Thursday reported the first death of a patient infected with COVID-19 but said the 79-year-old woman died of pneumonia, later changing the cause of death to a blood clot. Watch: Handshakes optional: Russia hosts major chess tournament amid coronavirus outbreak Under the new regulations, drivers are expected to change face masks every three hours and use sanitiser products to clean their hands and disinfect their vehicles twice a day, focusing on seat belt fastenings, door handles and the steering wheel. They are also expected to air their cars regularly. Fulfilling the requirements is no easy task as face masks are scarce in Moscow after residents stocked up in bulk, Russian media reported. The inspections will also check whether taxi drivers have undergone short daily health checks before beginning work as required, Dygalo told AFP. Transport companies that flout the rules could be fined 30,000 rubles ($383). Russia closed its borders to foreigners on Wednesday in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. Moscow city officials have limited public gatherings of more than 50 people and schools across the country will close for three weeks from Monday.

Moscow traffic police to check taxi drivers for masks, sanitiser

Russia announced new steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus on Monday, including closing its border with Belarus, but hopes to avoid taking "tougher measures".

Moscow has already shut its border with China and limited flights with Iran and South Korea. Russia announced last week it was limiting flights to the European Union.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-linked-disinformation-campaign-fueling-coronavirus-alarm-us-282159">Russia-linked disinformation campaign fueling coronavirus alarm: US</a>

"Proactive preventative measures we already took in February have reduced the spread of the new coronavirus in Russia," Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

Russia has recorded 63 cases of COVID-19 but no deaths, according to official figures.

"We should do all we can so that the situation does not develop like in other countries," Mishustin said.

The prime minister announced a task force was being created to lead Russia's response to the pandemic.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-russia-temporarily-bans-entry-of-chinese-nationals-281698">Coronavirus Outbreak: Russia temporarily bans entry of Chinese nationals</a>

A new 24-hour online alert system will alert Russians with updates via social media and a dedicated hotline will be active soon, the prime minister said.

"We are deliberately introducing all the current restrictions in order to avoid tougher measures in the future," he added.

Russians have been advised to avoid public transport during rush hour and shaking hands.

Last week Moscow said it was building a special medical centre inspired by a rapidly built Chinese facility to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Russia announced new steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus on Monday, including closing its border with Belarus, but hopes to avoid taking "tougher measures".

Russia announced new steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus on Monday, including closing its border with Belarus, but hopes to avoid taking "tougher measures". Moscow has already shut its border with China and limited flights with Iran and South Korea. Russia announced last week it was limiting flights to the European Union. Also Read: Russia-linked disinformation campaign fueling coronavirus alarm: US "Proactive preventative measures we already took in February have reduced the spread of the new coronavirus in Russia," Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. Russia has recorded 63 cases of COVID-19 but no deaths, according to official figures. "We should do all we can so that the situation does not develop like in other countries," Mishustin said. The prime minister announced a task force was being created to lead Russia's response to the pandemic. Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: Russia temporarily bans entry of Chinese nationals A new 24-hour online alert system will alert Russians with updates via social media and a dedicated hotline will be active soon, the prime minister said. "We are deliberately introducing all the current restrictions in order to avoid tougher measures in the future," he added. Russians have been advised to avoid public transport during rush hour and shaking hands. Last week Moscow said it was building a special medical centre inspired by a rapidly built Chinese facility to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Russia to launch task force to contain covid-19 pandemic

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been the leader of Russia for 20 years now. In that entire time, all throughout he has maintained a firm grip on the country.

And now, with the new Constitutional amendments, it looks like Putin is bound to touch the pinnacle of power - an authoritarian as described by the West or a nationalist who doesn't take no for an answer.

Perhaps the best adjective to describe the Russian President is power - at least that's what he likes to project. This week, Russia watchers had a close eye on Russia's state Duma.

The point of discussion was the landmark constitutional amendments that Russian Parliament plans to make. 
 
Among a long list of proposals, there is one that stands out - an end to the Constitutional term limits for&nbsp;Presidents. Putin gave his endorsement to the plan on Tuesday. Russia's Parliament approved it on Wednesday. Something that would allow Vladimir Putin to run for President once again in 2024 when his Presidential term expires.&nbsp;The amendment allows him to stay in power for two more terms (until 2036, when he will be 84).&nbsp;

Back in January, Putin had announced plans to make some fundamental changes to the Russian Constitution. He wants a ban on handing over Russian territory to foreign powers - something that could strengthen Moscow's grip on Crimea.

Putin also wants a marriage to be defined as a union of man and woman - a move that would rule out marriage between homosexuals.

The Russian President wants the new amendments to be ironclad. He has proposed a referendum to allow citizens to approve the changes. A nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments is planned for April 22.

But, this is a vote that the Russian president is favoured to win - many even term the referendum just a formality. Russia watchers say that neither the legal system nor the voters present a serious challenge to Putin's plans.

 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been the leader of Russia for 20 years now. In that entire time, all throughout he has maintained a firm grip on the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been the leader of Russia for 20 years now. In that entire time, all throughout he has maintained a firm grip on the country. And now, with the new Constitutional amendments, it looks like Putin is bound to touch the pinnacle of power - an authoritarian as described by the West or a nationalist who doesn't take no for an answer. Perhaps the best adjective to describe the Russian President is power - at least that's what he likes to project. This week, Russia watchers had a close eye on Russia's state Duma. The point of discussion was the landmark constitutional amendments that Russian Parliament plans to make. Among a long list of proposals, there is one that stands out - an end to the Constitutional term limits for Presidents. Putin gave his endorsement to the plan on Tuesday. Russia's Parliament approved it on Wednesday. Something that would allow Vladimir Putin to run for President once again in 2024 when his Presidential term expires. The amendment allows him to stay in power for two more terms (until 2036, when he will be 84). Back in January, Putin had announced plans to make some fundamental changes to the Russian Constitution. He wants a ban on handing over Russian territory to foreign powers - something that could strengthen Moscow's grip on Crimea. Putin also wants a marriage to be defined as a union of man and woman - a move that would rule out marriage between homosexuals. The Russian President wants the new amendments to be ironclad. He has proposed a referendum to allow citizens to approve the changes. A nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments is planned for April 22. But, this is a vote that the Russian president is favoured to win - many even term the referendum just a formality. Russia watchers say that neither the legal system nor the voters present a serious challenge to Putin's plans.

Explained: How Vladimir Putin could stay Russian President for two more terms

Turkey and Russia agreed to a cease-fire agreement in Syria's Idlib region on Thursday after talks in Moscow by their two leaders said a conflict that displaced nearly a million people in three months.

Turkey, Russia announces Idlib ceasefire after Moscow meeting between Erdogan & Putin

moscow

Moscow, News on Moscow, stories on Moscow, articles on Moscow, Moscow stories at Wion, Moscow news, Moscow latest news