Russian national Maria Butina, who was jailed in the United States in April after admitting to working as a Russian agent, arrived in Moscow on Saturday (October 26), greeted by her father and Russian journalists who handed her flowers.

Maria Butina deported to Russia; 'Hero's welcome in Moscow

President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia would aim to double trade with Africa over the next five years, at the opening of a summit aimed at reviving Moscow's ties with the continent.

"We currently export to Africa $25 billion worth of food -- which is more than we export in arms, at $15 billion. In the next four to five years I think we should be able to double this trade, at least," he told African leaders at the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

"In Africa, there are very many potential partners with good prospects."

Putin said the current level of trade between Moscow and the continent was "not enough".&nbsp;

"African countries are attracting ever more attention from Russian businesses," the president added, highlighting a number of major Russian companies that were already working on the continent.&nbsp;

Dozens of African leaders are in Sochi for the first Russia-Africa Summit, as Moscow seeks greater influence on a continent where the West and China have a firm foothold.

The two-day event will see more than 3,000 delegates prepare deals and discuss topics from nuclear technology to mineral extraction.

President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia would aim to double trade with Africa over the next five years, at the opening of a summit aimed at reviving Moscow's ties with the continent.

President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia would aim to double trade with Africa over the next five years, at the opening of a summit aimed at reviving Moscow's ties with the continent. "We currently export to Africa $25 billion worth of food -- which is more than we export in arms, at $15 billion. In the next four to five years I think we should be able to double this trade, at least," he told African leaders at the Black Sea resort of Sochi. "In Africa, there are very many potential partners with good prospects." Putin said the current level of trade between Moscow and the continent was "not enough". "African countries are attracting ever more attention from Russian businesses," the president added, highlighting a number of major Russian companies that were already working on the continent. Dozens of African leaders are in Sochi for the first Russia-Africa Summit, as Moscow seeks greater influence on a continent where the West and China have a firm foothold. The two-day event will see more than 3,000 delegates prepare deals and discuss topics from nuclear technology to mineral extraction.

Russia aims to double trade with Africa in 5 years: Putin

Iran has released a Russian journalist detained for suspected links to Israeli intelligence and she was on her way to Moscow, Russia's embassy in Tehran said on Thursday.

Yulia Yuzik, 38, was arrested in Tehran last week.

An Iranian government spokesman said she was being held over alleged visa violations but the Russian embassy said she had been accused of working for Israeli security services.

"As a result of joint efforts of the Russian foreign ministry and the Russian embassy in Tehran, Iran decided to release Russian citizen Yulia Yuzik," the embassy said on Twitter.

It said she was flying back to Moscow.

Boris Voitsekhovskiy, identified by Russian media as Yuzik's ex-husband, said on Facebook that she had landed in the Russian capital.

Russia summoned the Iranian ambassador last week to clarify the circumstances of the arrest.

Yuzik has worked for a number of publications including the Russian version of Newsweek.

She has written two books including "Beslan Dictionary", based on testimony from survivors of the 2004 school massacre that claimed at least 330 lives, more than half of them children.

Iran has released a Russian journalist detained for suspected links to Israeli intelligence and she was on her way to Moscow, Russia's embassy in Tehran said on Thursday.

Iran has released a Russian journalist detained for suspected links to Israeli intelligence and she was on her way to Moscow, Russia's embassy in Tehran said on Thursday. Yulia Yuzik, 38, was arrested in Tehran last week. An Iranian government spokesman said she was being held over alleged visa violations but the Russian embassy said she had been accused of working for Israeli security services. "As a result of joint efforts of the Russian foreign ministry and the Russian embassy in Tehran, Iran decided to release Russian citizen Yulia Yuzik," the embassy said on Twitter. It said she was flying back to Moscow. Boris Voitsekhovskiy, identified by Russian media as Yuzik's ex-husband, said on Facebook that she had landed in the Russian capital. Russia summoned the Iranian ambassador last week to clarify the circumstances of the arrest. Yuzik has worked for a number of publications including the Russian version of Newsweek. She has written two books including "Beslan Dictionary", based on testimony from survivors of the 2004 school massacre that claimed at least 330 lives, more than half of them children.

Iran releases Russian journalist detained for suspected links to Israeli intelligence

Russia on Monday said it was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-russians-over-2018-elections-interference-252904">"bewildered" by fresh US sanctions</a> and vowed to retaliate following what it called an "anti-Russian attack".&nbsp;

The foreign ministry said the new sanctions on several Russians &nbsp;-- including a businessman tied to President Vladimir Putin and a disinformation operation accused of conspiring to manipulate the US 2018 midterm election -- "will not go unanswered."&nbsp;

"We urge American politicians to stop this useless sanctions game, the result of which is zero, and to return to the position of common sense," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

The financial sanctions, which target Russian financier Evgeny Prigozhin, some of his assets and the so-called Internet Research Agency, are the first to be taken under an executive order signed last year President Donald Trump seeking to punish foreign actors accused of interfering in US elections.&nbsp;

The US Treasury announced the sanctions on Monday.

The foreign ministry said the sanctions were part of an "internal political crisis" in the United States in which "Russian issues are deliberately used by part of the Washington establishment as a tool to achieve their own opportunistic goals."&nbsp;

The sanctions marked the third time the US had added Prigozhin's name to its list of foreign nationals formally barred from the US financial system, a move which freezes him out of much of the global financial system as well.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-want-access-to-trumps-phone-calls-with-russian-president-putin-others-252704">US prosecutors last year indicted the Internet Research Agency as well as alleged employees</a>, charging them with a broad conspiracy to influence the 2016 elections by spreading disinformation in the United States via social media.

The US Treasury said Monday the agency had announced its intention to do likewise in the 2018 midterms by seeking to discredit candidates it viewed as hostile to Moscow.

There was no evidence they were successful in preventing voting, altering vote counts or disrupting vote tallying, the Treasury said.

Russia on Monday said it was "bewildered" by fresh US sanctions and vowed to retaliate following what it called an "anti-Russian attack". The foreign ministry said the new sanctions on several Russians -- including a businessman tied to President Vladimir Putin and a disinformation operation accused of conspiring to manipulate the US 2018 midterm election -- "will not go unanswered.

Russia on Monday said it was "bewildered" by fresh US sanctions and vowed to retaliate following what it called an "anti-Russian attack". The foreign ministry said the new sanctions on several Russians -- including a businessman tied to President Vladimir Putin and a disinformation operation accused of conspiring to manipulate the US 2018 midterm election -- "will not go unanswered." "We urge American politicians to stop this useless sanctions game, the result of which is zero, and to return to the position of common sense," the ministry said in a statement. The financial sanctions, which target Russian financier Evgeny Prigozhin, some of his assets and the so-called Internet Research Agency, are the first to be taken under an executive order signed last year President Donald Trump seeking to punish foreign actors accused of interfering in US elections. The US Treasury announced the sanctions on Monday. The foreign ministry said the sanctions were part of an "internal political crisis" in the United States in which "Russian issues are deliberately used by part of the Washington establishment as a tool to achieve their own opportunistic goals." The sanctions marked the third time the US had added Prigozhin's name to its list of foreign nationals formally barred from the US financial system, a move which freezes him out of much of the global financial system as well. US prosecutors last year indicted the Internet Research Agency as well as alleged employees, charging them with a broad conspiracy to influence the 2016 elections by spreading disinformation in the United States via social media. The US Treasury said Monday the agency had announced its intention to do likewise in the 2018 midterms by seeking to discredit candidates it viewed as hostile to Moscow. There was no evidence they were successful in preventing voting, altering vote counts or disrupting vote tallying, the Treasury said.

Moscow vows to retaliate over new 'anti-Russian' United States sanctions

More than 20,000 Russians took to the streets of Moscow on Sunday to demand the release of protesters jailed over the summer in what opponents of the Kremlin say is a campaign to stifle dissent. Watch this video to know more.

Thousands rally in Moscow to demand release of jailed protesters

A Taliban delegation held talks with Russian officials in Moscow after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">US negotiations with the Afghan insurgents</a> collapsed, the Russian foreign ministry said Saturday.

"The Russian president's special representative for Afghanistan ... , Zamir Kabulov, hosted a Taliban delegation in Moscow," a ministry spokesman said, quoted by RIA Novosti state-funded news agency.

No date for the talks was given.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/american-trust-in-pakistan-and-taliban-difficult-to-comprehend-249470">American trust in Pakistan and Taliban difficult to comprehend</a>

"The Russian side stressed the need to relaunch negotiations between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-us-taliban-talks-cancelled-impact-on-india-248667">United States and the Taliban </a>movement," the spokesman said.

"For their part, the Taliban confirmed their willingness to pursue dialogue with Washington," he added.

Until a week ago expectation had steadily mounted of a US-Taliban deal that would see the US drawdown of troop levels in Afghanistan and the Taliban offer security guarantees to keep extremist groups out.

But last Saturday, Trump revealed he had cancelled an unprecedented meeting between the Taliban and himself in the United States and declared the talks with the militants "dead".

With more than 13,000 US troops still in Afghanistan, Trump has been eager to end America's longest war, launched 18 years ago after the September 11 attacks.

But fears are now growing of increased violence with presidential elections set for September 28 in Afghanistan.

The vote, the fourth since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, has already been delayed twice this year.

Government forces and Taliban have been engaged in heavy exchanges across the nation, with the militants vowing to continue fighting and make the US regret walking away from talks.&nbsp;

Russia has been trying to influence the peace negotiations and staged two meetings in Moscow with Afghan political leaders at the start of the year.

A Taliban delegation held talks with Russian officials in Moscow after US negotiations with the Afghan insurgents collapsed, the Russian foreign ministry said Saturday.

A Taliban delegation held talks with Russian officials in Moscow after US negotiations with the Afghan insurgents collapsed, the Russian foreign ministry said Saturday. "The Russian president's special representative for Afghanistan ... , Zamir Kabulov, hosted a Taliban delegation in Moscow," a ministry spokesman said, quoted by RIA Novosti state-funded news agency. No date for the talks was given. Also read: American trust in Pakistan and Taliban difficult to comprehend "The Russian side stressed the need to relaunch negotiations between the United States and the Taliban movement," the spokesman said. "For their part, the Taliban confirmed their willingness to pursue dialogue with Washington," he added. Until a week ago expectation had steadily mounted of a US-Taliban deal that would see the US drawdown of troop levels in Afghanistan and the Taliban offer security guarantees to keep extremist groups out. But last Saturday, Trump revealed he had cancelled an unprecedented meeting between the Taliban and himself in the United States and declared the talks with the militants "dead". With more than 13,000 US troops still in Afghanistan, Trump has been eager to end America's longest war, launched 18 years ago after the September 11 attacks. But fears are now growing of increased violence with presidential elections set for September 28 in Afghanistan. The vote, the fourth since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, has already been delayed twice this year. Government forces and Taliban have been engaged in heavy exchanges across the nation, with the militants vowing to continue fighting and make the US regret walking away from talks. Russia has been trying to influence the peace negotiations and staged two meetings in Moscow with Afghan political leaders at the start of the year.

Moscow holds talks with Taliban as US peace deal collapses: Russian foreign ministry

A popular Russian rapper on Tuesday deleted a music video singing the praises of Moscow authorities ahead of contentious elections after it gathered almost 1.5 million dislikes on YouTube.

Timati, a 36-year-old rapper known for his fervent support of President Vladimir Putin, posted the video, titled simply "Moscow", shortly before Muscovites were set to vote in elections for city parliament on Sunday that had caused mass protests.

"I don't go to rallies, I don't bullshit," the song goes, apparently referring to weeks of protests in Moscow after the authorities barred opposition candidates from running in the polls.

Lyrics in the clip praise the Russian capital as a wealthy city that has become "world standard" and "doesn't hold gay parades."

"I will down a burger for Sobyanin," the song says, referring to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, a Putin ally who has been in charge since 2010 and is detested by the opposition for refusing permission for rallies and cracking down on protesters.

Timati, who is ranked the seventh wealthiest celebrity under 40 in Russia by Forbes magazine, made the video together with another rapper, Guf.

The video had gained 1.48 million dislikes when Timati took it down on Tuesday, writing on Instagram that he did not intend any offence.

"I'm deleting the video to stop this wave of negativity," he wrote. "I made a record. Only I didn't have such a goal."

In Instagram comments, Russians mocked Timati, accusing him of being a sellout and getting paid by the authorities to make propaganda.

"The world's first government rapper. I'm sorry for his fans," one commentator wrote.

"Did you also return the money to those who ordered (the video)?" asked another.

"I am proud of our young people who understand politics," he says.

"I'm sorry that I don't follow the political situation in the country."

According to Wikipedia, the video is the 30th most disliked in YouTube history and the most disliked Russian music video.

The Russian opposition has accused celebrities of engaging in paid propaganda before.

Last year a wave of nearly identical messages praising the positive changes in Moscow appeared on celebrities' social media ahead of the mayoral polls swept by Sobyanin.

Other Russian rappers have performed at opposition protests and expressed solidarity with people arrested over the summer.

A popular Russian rapper on Tuesday deleted a music video singing the praises of Moscow authorities ahead of contentious elections after it gathered almost 1.5 million dislikes on YouTube.

A popular Russian rapper on Tuesday deleted a music video singing the praises of Moscow authorities ahead of contentious elections after it gathered almost 1.5 million dislikes on YouTube. Timati, a 36-year-old rapper known for his fervent support of President Vladimir Putin, posted the video, titled simply "Moscow", shortly before Muscovites were set to vote in elections for city parliament on Sunday that had caused mass protests. "I don't go to rallies, I don't bullshit," the song goes, apparently referring to weeks of protests in Moscow after the authorities barred opposition candidates from running in the polls. Lyrics in the clip praise the Russian capital as a wealthy city that has become "world standard" and "doesn't hold gay parades." "I will down a burger for Sobyanin," the song says, referring to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, a Putin ally who has been in charge since 2010 and is detested by the opposition for refusing permission for rallies and cracking down on protesters. Timati, who is ranked the seventh wealthiest celebrity under 40 in Russia by Forbes magazine, made the video together with another rapper, Guf. The video had gained 1.48 million dislikes when Timati took it down on Tuesday, writing on Instagram that he did not intend any offence. "I'm deleting the video to stop this wave of negativity," he wrote. "I made a record. Only I didn't have such a goal." In Instagram comments, Russians mocked Timati, accusing him of being a sellout and getting paid by the authorities to make propaganda. "The world's first government rapper. I'm sorry for his fans," one commentator wrote. "Did you also return the money to those who ordered (the video)?" asked another. "I am proud of our young people who understand politics," he says. "I'm sorry that I don't follow the political situation in the country." According to Wikipedia, the video is the 30th most disliked in YouTube history and the most disliked Russian music video. The Russian opposition has accused celebrities of engaging in paid propaganda before. Last year a wave of nearly identical messages praising the positive changes in Moscow appeared on celebrities' social media ahead of the mayoral polls swept by Sobyanin. Other Russian rappers have performed at opposition protests and expressed solidarity with people arrested over the summer.

Russian rapper deletes pro-Moscow video with 1.5 million dislikes

Russians vote Sunday in local elections after weeks of opposition protests that led to the biggest police crackdown on dissent in nearly a decade.

Elections take place after Moscow and Kiev carried out a long-awaited swap of 70 prisoners on Saturday, a deal hailed as a first step towards ending five years of conflict after Moscow's annexation of Crimea.

Municipal and regional polls will be held across the country, but most attention will be focused on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-to-hold-new-protest-march-246854">Moscow</a> parliament vote following the arrests and jailings of independent would-be candidates and their supporters.

Analysts say the results of the vote will be keenly watched ahead of parliamentary elections in 2021 and will help shape Russia's political future, as President Vladimir Putin enters his third decade in power.

In recent weeks, tens of thousands have taken part in Moscow protests demanding a fair vote after allies of opposition leader Alexei Navalny were barred from the election. Rap stars and prominent bloggers backed the demonstrations.

Authorities responded with a police crackdown the biggest since a wave of protests in 2011-12 against Putin's return to the Kremlin after a stint as prime minister.

Tatyana Stanovaya, head of the R.Politik analysis firm, said the campaign exposed a growing rift between authorities bent on preserving the status quo and Russians wanting political change.

"The Moscow parliament elections have become a litmus test of the authorities' ability to accept this new reality," Stanovaya told AFP.&nbsp;

Authorities briefly jailed nearly all opposition politicians seeking to get on the ballot in Moscow.

Several people were also imprisoned for alleged violence against police, even though opposition supporters said their rallies were peaceful.

Smart voting

Some 7.2 million people are eligible to elect 45 lawmakers in the Moscow parliament, which is dominated by the ruling United Russia party.

But not a single candidate is formally running on the United Russia ticket as the party's popularity hits rock bottom.

Navalny has put forward a "Smart Voting" plan urging Muscovites to support those who have the highest chances of beating pro-Kremlin candidates. Most of them are Communists.

The 43-year-old lawyer described the vote as a referendum on whether Russians trust authorities and the ruling party.

"The only way to say 'NO' is coordinated voting for the strongest competitors of the United Russia candidates," he wrote.

"'Smart voting' is a protest," said Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer for Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund who refused food for more than a month after her exclusion from the ballot.

The 31-year-old has emerged as the brightest star in a new generation of political challengers, with videos of her resisting authorities going viral.&nbsp;

The chief of the central election commission, Ella Pamfilova, said that a dozen opposition candidates were disqualified because they did not provide the right papers or faked some of their supporters' signatures.

Russians will elect governors in 16 regions, and elections to legislative assemblies will take place in 13 regions.

The race for the governor's seat in Saint Petersburg has become the most controversial campaign outside Moscow, with the Kremlin backing the unpopular acting city chief Alexander Beglov.&nbsp;

Polling stations in Moscow will be open from 0500 GMT to 1700 GMT.

Russians vote Sunday in local elections after weeks of opposition protests that led to the biggest police crackdown on dissent in nearly a decade. Elections take place after Moscow and Kiev carried out a long-awaited swap of 70 prisoners on Saturday, a deal hailed as a first step towards ending five years of conflict after Moscow's annexation of Crimea.

Russians vote Sunday in local elections after weeks of opposition protests that led to the biggest police crackdown on dissent in nearly a decade. Elections take place after Moscow and Kiev carried out a long-awaited swap of 70 prisoners on Saturday, a deal hailed as a first step towards ending five years of conflict after Moscow's annexation of Crimea. Municipal and regional polls will be held across the country, but most attention will be focused on the Moscow parliament vote following the arrests and jailings of independent would-be candidates and their supporters. Analysts say the results of the vote will be keenly watched ahead of parliamentary elections in 2021 and will help shape Russia's political future, as President Vladimir Putin enters his third decade in power. In recent weeks, tens of thousands have taken part in Moscow protests demanding a fair vote after allies of opposition leader Alexei Navalny were barred from the election. Rap stars and prominent bloggers backed the demonstrations. Authorities responded with a police crackdown the biggest since a wave of protests in 2011-12 against Putin's return to the Kremlin after a stint as prime minister. Tatyana Stanovaya, head of the R.Politik analysis firm, said the campaign exposed a growing rift between authorities bent on preserving the status quo and Russians wanting political change. "The Moscow parliament elections have become a litmus test of the authorities' ability to accept this new reality," Stanovaya told AFP. Authorities briefly jailed nearly all opposition politicians seeking to get on the ballot in Moscow. Several people were also imprisoned for alleged violence against police, even though opposition supporters said their rallies were peaceful. Smart voting Some 7.2 million people are eligible to elect 45 lawmakers in the Moscow parliament, which is dominated by the ruling United Russia party. But not a single candidate is formally running on the United Russia ticket as the party's popularity hits rock bottom. Navalny has put forward a "Smart Voting" plan urging Muscovites to support those who have the highest chances of beating pro-Kremlin candidates. Most of them are Communists. The 43-year-old lawyer described the vote as a referendum on whether Russians trust authorities and the ruling party. "The only way to say 'NO' is coordinated voting for the strongest competitors of the United Russia candidates," he wrote. "'Smart voting' is a protest," said Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer for Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund who refused food for more than a month after her exclusion from the ballot. The 31-year-old has emerged as the brightest star in a new generation of political challengers, with videos of her resisting authorities going viral. The chief of the central election commission, Ella Pamfilova, said that a dozen opposition candidates were disqualified because they did not provide the right papers or faked some of their supporters' signatures. Russians will elect governors in 16 regions, and elections to legislative assemblies will take place in 13 regions. The race for the governor's seat in Saint Petersburg has become the most controversial campaign outside Moscow, with the Kremlin backing the unpopular acting city chief Alexander Beglov. Polling stations in Moscow will be open from 0500 GMT to 1700 GMT.

Russians go to polls after summer of protests

A long-awaited exchange of prisoners between Moscow and Kiev has begun, Russian state television reported on Saturday, broadcasting footage of buses leaving a jail in the capital.

"Buses have left the Lefortovo jail within the framework of preparations for a prisoner exchange," the Rossiya 24 news channel said.

AFP journalists at the scene saw two buses with tinted windows leaving the high-security prison in Moscow under a police convoy.

The channel said the buses had arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport, where there is a terminal for government flights.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the "large-scale" prisoner exchange with Ukraine was being finalised.

The Russian leader said the swap would be "a huge step towards normalising relations" with Kiev.

It would be the first major exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia since the conflict over eastern Ukraine broke out in 2014.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raised the prospect of a prisoner swap after the comedian-turned-politician swept to power in May.

His election has revived peace efforts, with the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France expected to meet this month for talks.&nbsp;

Last week media reports said the prisoner exchange was imminent and some Ukrainian prisoners had been moved to Moscow from their jails.&nbsp;

The apparent preparations then stalled.

It is unclear who will be part of the swap and Moscow has been tight-lipped.

But reports have suggested up to 35 prisoners on both sides could be exchanged.

The head of the defence team for 24 Ukrainian sailors captured by Russia last year said they would be part of the exchange.

"According to my information, they were put on a bus. All 24 of them," Nikolai Polozov told AFP, adding that he expected them to arrive in Ukraine "in the next few hours".

Russia has been holding the sailors since seizing three vessels last November in the most dangerous direct clash between Russia and Ukraine in years.

Among those who could be released by Russia could be film director and activist Oleg Sentsov, 43, who has become Ukraine's most famous political prisoner.&nbsp;

He was arrested in 2014 and has been serving a 20-year sentence in a Russian Arctic penal colony for planning "terrorist attacks" in Moscow-annexed Crimea.

Reports emerged last week that Sentsov had been moved to Moscow.

Ukraine could hand over Kyrylo Vyshynsky, a journalist at Russia's RIA Novosti state news agency who was released on bail late last month pending a trial for "high treason".

A Ukrainian court this week also released from detention a man investigators have described as a key witness in the downing of flight MH17.

The release of Vladimir Tsemakh, an alleged air defence specialist for pro-Russian separatists, prompted concern from the Netherlands that he may avoid questioning.

Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

A long-awaited exchange of prisoners between Moscow and Kiev has begun, Russian state television reported on Saturday, broadcasting footage of buses leaving a jail in the capital.

A long-awaited exchange of prisoners between Moscow and Kiev has begun, Russian state television reported on Saturday, broadcasting footage of buses leaving a jail in the capital. "Buses have left the Lefortovo jail within the framework of preparations for a prisoner exchange," the Rossiya 24 news channel said. AFP journalists at the scene saw two buses with tinted windows leaving the high-security prison in Moscow under a police convoy. The channel said the buses had arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport, where there is a terminal for government flights. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the "large-scale" prisoner exchange with Ukraine was being finalised. The Russian leader said the swap would be "a huge step towards normalising relations" with Kiev. It would be the first major exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia since the conflict over eastern Ukraine broke out in 2014. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raised the prospect of a prisoner swap after the comedian-turned-politician swept to power in May. His election has revived peace efforts, with the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France expected to meet this month for talks. Last week media reports said the prisoner exchange was imminent and some Ukrainian prisoners had been moved to Moscow from their jails. The apparent preparations then stalled. It is unclear who will be part of the swap and Moscow has been tight-lipped. But reports have suggested up to 35 prisoners on both sides could be exchanged. The head of the defence team for 24 Ukrainian sailors captured by Russia last year said they would be part of the exchange. "According to my information, they were put on a bus. All 24 of them," Nikolai Polozov told AFP, adding that he expected them to arrive in Ukraine "in the next few hours". Russia has been holding the sailors since seizing three vessels last November in the most dangerous direct clash between Russia and Ukraine in years. Among those who could be released by Russia could be film director and activist Oleg Sentsov, 43, who has become Ukraine's most famous political prisoner. He was arrested in 2014 and has been serving a 20-year sentence in a Russian Arctic penal colony for planning "terrorist attacks" in Moscow-annexed Crimea. Reports emerged last week that Sentsov had been moved to Moscow. Ukraine could hand over Kyrylo Vyshynsky, a journalist at Russia's RIA Novosti state news agency who was released on bail late last month pending a trial for "high treason". A Ukrainian court this week also released from detention a man investigators have described as a key witness in the downing of flight MH17. The release of Vladimir Tsemakh, an alleged air defence specialist for pro-Russian separatists, prompted concern from the Netherlands that he may avoid questioning. Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

Preparations for Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange underway: Report

The head of Russia's central election committee was attacked at night by a masked assailant who climbed into her house and hit her with a taser, Russian police said Friday.

The head of Russia's central election committee was attacked at night by a masked assailant who climbed into her house and hit her with a taser, Russian police said Friday. The attack on 65-year-old Ella Pamfilova, at around 1:30 am (Thursday 2330 GMT) came ahead of contentious regional elections on Sunday, which have prompted large protests in Moscow. Police described the attack in a village outside Moscow as "armed assault," saying the offender "entered the house's conservatory via a window and hit the owner with an electric shocker several times, after which he fled". Pamfilova on Friday took part in a press conference and television footage did not show any visible injuries. She told journalists that she is ok. "I'll survive," she was quoted as saying by Interfax. Police have launched a probe into the attack. State media immediately speculated that the attack could be foul play related to elections for Moscow city parliament, criticised by the opposition after authorities barred most independent candidates from standing. "What was it, a robbery or carrying out of an order to disrupt the election?" asked state-controlled Rossiya 24 channel. Meanwhile, top opposition leader Alexei Navalny claimed that the attack was "fake". Electoral officials including Pamfilova have backed the decision to bar opposition candidates, saying the signatures of supporters they gathered to run were invalid. This led to the biggest political crisis in years, with large protests gathering in the capital since July to demand that the opposition be allowed to run. Following mass detentions, several people have been sentenced to long prison terms for attacking police during the rallies. "I hope the culprits are found quickly," wrote one of the rejected opposition candidates, Lyubov Sobol. "Pamfilova should certainly be put on trial for election falsifications. But I'm against extrajudicial punishment."

Armed assault on Russian election chief: Police

A court in Ukraine on Thursday released from pre-trial detention a man suspected of involvement in the downing of flight MH17, amid speculation he might be used in a prisoner swap with Russia.

Ukraine captured Vladimir Tsemakh, accused of fighting for pro-Russian separatists, in June, but he is believed to be a person of interest in the downing of MH17.&nbsp;

European lawmakers described him as a "key suspect" and asked Kyiv to make him available for testimony in the probe.

An AFP journalist was present as appellate court judge Yury Sliva in Kyiv ruled to release Tsemakh, cautioning him to remain available for questioning and not attempt to flee.

Tsemakh is a Ukrainian who is believed to have been in charge of air defence in the forces of the separatist Donetsk People's Republic near Snizhne in eastern Ukraine.

This is where Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 came down in 2014, killing 298 people, most of them Dutch citizens.

Through his involvement in MH17 has never been confirmed by Ukraine, 40 European lawmakers on Wednesday asked President Volodymyr Zelensky to make sure he is available to be questioned by the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team.

Russian and Ukrainian media have reported that Moscow is demanding that Tsemakh be handed over to Russia as part of an expected prisoner swap between the two countries.&nbsp;

Several high-profile Ukrainian prisoners are to be released from Russian jails under the swap, but the process had stalled amid reports that some Ukrainians have already been moved to Moscow from their prisons.

Dutch MEP Kati Piri said demanding the exchange of Tsemakh is a "strange request" which "suggests that the Russian government wants to prevent this suspect from appearing in court".

A Ukrainian source close to the talks told AFP that the exchange will happen "soon," possibly this week, but refused to comment on whether Tsemakh is among the individuals prepared for the swap.

The MH17 Boeing jet en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down by a BUK anti-aircraft missile.&nbsp;

Dutch investigators say the projectile originated from the Russian military's 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade after it was transported to Snizhne from Russia's south-west Kursk region.

Tsemakh's release provoked criticism in Ukraine, with some predicting there would be consequences for the attempts by Ukraine's new president to build relations with the European Union.

"Ukraine is becoming a de facto co-conspirator in the MH17 crime," wrote journalist Petro Shuklinov on Facebook.&nbsp;

Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

A court in Ukraine on Thursday released from pre-trial detention a man suspected of involvement in the downing of flight MH17, amid speculation he might be used in a prisoner swap with Russia.

A court in Ukraine on Thursday released from pre-trial detention a man suspected of involvement in the downing of flight MH17, amid speculation he might be used in a prisoner swap with Russia. Ukraine captured Vladimir Tsemakh, accused of fighting for pro-Russian separatists, in June, but he is believed to be a person of interest in the downing of MH17. European lawmakers described him as a "key suspect" and asked Kyiv to make him available for testimony in the probe. An AFP journalist was present as appellate court judge Yury Sliva in Kyiv ruled to release Tsemakh, cautioning him to remain available for questioning and not attempt to flee. Tsemakh is a Ukrainian who is believed to have been in charge of air defence in the forces of the separatist Donetsk People's Republic near Snizhne in eastern Ukraine. This is where Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 came down in 2014, killing 298 people, most of them Dutch citizens. Through his involvement in MH17 has never been confirmed by Ukraine, 40 European lawmakers on Wednesday asked President Volodymyr Zelensky to make sure he is available to be questioned by the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team. Russian and Ukrainian media have reported that Moscow is demanding that Tsemakh be handed over to Russia as part of an expected prisoner swap between the two countries. Several high-profile Ukrainian prisoners are to be released from Russian jails under the swap, but the process had stalled amid reports that some Ukrainians have already been moved to Moscow from their prisons. Dutch MEP Kati Piri said demanding the exchange of Tsemakh is a "strange request" which "suggests that the Russian government wants to prevent this suspect from appearing in court". A Ukrainian source close to the talks told AFP that the exchange will happen "soon," possibly this week, but refused to comment on whether Tsemakh is among the individuals prepared for the swap. The MH17 Boeing jet en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down by a BUK anti-aircraft missile. Dutch investigators say the projectile originated from the Russian military's 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade after it was transported to Snizhne from Russia's south-west Kursk region. Tsemakh's release provoked criticism in Ukraine, with some predicting there would be consequences for the attempts by Ukraine's new president to build relations with the European Union. "Ukraine is becoming a de facto co-conspirator in the MH17 crime," wrote journalist Petro Shuklinov on Facebook. Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

Ukraine court releases MH17 'suspect' pending trial

Indian students can be found studying medicine throughout Russia. Earlier, exchanges were limited to institutes in and around Moscow but with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Indians in large numbers started going to Central Asian Countries. 
 
Many came back home with degrees but still got no jobs as medical degrees were not being accepted back at home. This rule remains but&nbsp;students still flock Russian universities. Now they can sit for an additional exam and do a year of internship to make the transition as a full-fledged medical professional in India. Vladivostok is also home to many Indian students. After opening up in 1992, it has seen a steady rise in Indian fraternity. I had an opportunity to bump into a batch of students from India at Far Eastern Federal University. The students love Russia despite language and food problems. The Russian food is almost bland in comparison to regular Indian food but the ambience at the FEFU campus and neat environment of Vladivostok make up for the food and host of other issues. Education in Russia is affordable if compared to the West. Almost all students were enrolled in medicine.

I was shocked to discover that this particular batch of students was having a hard time from the agency which helped them through admission and accreditation at FEFU. Almost all will spend, Rs 30 lakhs in the six years they will spend in the university but did not get what the agency promised them. They told me that they were even promised cooked Indian food facility but discovered to their rude shock that they had to share a kitchen on a floor where they were expected to cook their own food. Food is expensive in Russia and students felt cheated. They were even given small dormitories. I immediately understood that many agencies operating from India continue to take students interested in studying in Russia for a ride. The only silver lining is that the senior batch has come out in strength to help the juniors. This batch does not have their original papers which continues to be in the possession of a Chhattisgarh based agency. In its absence, they end up losing their admission.&nbsp;

Students said that they had asked for their original certificates and agency which agency has denied them. They complained that they were made to sign in Russian that documents would continue to be in the agency’s possession which makes them vulnerable. Though none wants to go back because in Russia we are not treated as South Asians but as Indians and different from Pakistanis. 
 
FEFU Reporting Blues

It is one thing to enjoy a campus as a student and another to report from it. FEFU is a beautiful campus but TV journalist like me had a hard time on the 2nd day itself. The campus is situated on an island which in itself is a small mountain. Buses only ply from one point towards Eastern Economic Forum centres but if one has to go to any other part then except walking there exists no option. So, one gets end up getting dropped at the gate coming back from the city there on the drudgery begins. It means, heavy lifting of camera equipment and ends up walking a lot with formal clothes on. It sounds like a good idea, keeping my waist in mind but let me tell you, it didn’t work. It only led to binge eating as instead of feeling refreshed, every bone in my body ached. 
 
<img alt="Campus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97d074b3-1cd1-40aa-89c3-4f37e9525bd9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/campus.jpg" />

Pebble Beach: Nature Reshapes Man-Made World

I read about this beach in a magazine long time back and thought that I will visit it if I ever get the chance to visit the Far East. I did this time around. The beach looks at the Sea of Japan is filled covered with glass pebbles. The story goes that a glass factory dumped a lot of waste glass in the nearby river which eventually came down to the sea and nature stamped its authority on the man-made waste by polishing it and throwing it back on the beach. 
 
<img alt="Beach" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74498c94-07c2-499e-be76-cdf898545b43" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/beach_0.jpg" />

Today, it is a big tourist attraction in Vladivostok. People come for a swim and cook their own food on the beach. The beach is not commercial and is surrounded by forest. The beach is a classic example of how the natural world can reshape the artificial world built by mankind. If anyone goes to the beach, I would recommend, boiled sweet corn cob and deep-fried patty made of meat, salt, sweated onions and cumin. It is pure bliss. There is no chat masala to go by, but I promise you that the humble and simple flavour of the corn and tenderness of the meat will blow you away.

Gujarati ‘Karhi’ in Vladivostok

Vegetarians can have a tough time in Russia. Vladivostok too is no different. Vegetarian food is hard to find. A nearby store had no vegetarian food and the owner tried her best to sell chicken sandwich saying that this is the closest thing she had to a vegetarian meal. When I protested, she quickly directed me the potato chips corner. I am not a vegetarian but my cameraman is. He ended his first day with chips and I with Russian vodka and beef sandwiches. I felt guilty as I did give him enough time to eat food offered by gracious Shilpa Kothari whose husband we had covered a day earlier. So, the next day, I took my cameraman to her factory where she was busy organising a religious ritual. I had official work to do but I knew that she would definitely ask my cameraman to eat as she knew that he was a vegetarian. This time he did not decline and had pure vegetarian food. I also ended up eating and glad I did. We were treated to an amazing Gujrati Karhi. It was as authentic as it could have been. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian students can be found studying medicine throughout Russia. Earlier, exchanges were limited to institutes in and around Moscow but with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Indians in large numbers started going to Central Asian Countries.

Indian students can be found studying medicine throughout Russia. Earlier, exchanges were limited to institutes in and around Moscow but with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Indians in large numbers started going to Central Asian Countries. Many came back home with degrees but still got no jobs as medical degrees were not being accepted back at home. This rule remains but students still flock Russian universities. Now they can sit for an additional exam and do a year of internship to make the transition as a full-fledged medical professional in India. Vladivostok is also home to many Indian students. After opening up in 1992, it has seen a steady rise in Indian fraternity. I had an opportunity to bump into a batch of students from India at Far Eastern Federal University. The students love Russia despite language and food problems. The Russian food is almost bland in comparison to regular Indian food but the ambience at the FEFU campus and neat environment of Vladivostok make up for the food and host of other issues. Education in Russia is affordable if compared to the West. Almost all students were enrolled in medicine. I was shocked to discover that this particular batch of students was having a hard time from the agency which helped them through admission and accreditation at FEFU. Almost all will spend, Rs 30 lakhs in the six years they will spend in the university but did not get what the agency promised them. They told me that they were even promised cooked Indian food facility but discovered to their rude shock that they had to share a kitchen on a floor where they were expected to cook their own food. Food is expensive in Russia and students felt cheated. They were even given small dormitories. I immediately understood that many agencies operating from India continue to take students interested in studying in Russia for a ride. The only silver lining is that the senior batch has come out in strength to help the juniors. This batch does not have their original papers which continues to be in the possession of a Chhattisgarh based agency. In its absence, they end up losing their admission. Students said that they had asked for their original certificates and agency which agency has denied them. They complained that they were made to sign in Russian that documents would continue to be in the agency’s possession which makes them vulnerable. Though none wants to go back because in Russia we are not treated as South Asians but as Indians and different from Pakistanis. FEFU Reporting Blues It is one thing to enjoy a campus as a student and another to report from it. FEFU is a beautiful campus but TV journalist like me had a hard time on the 2nd day itself. The campus is situated on an island which in itself is a small mountain. Buses only ply from one point towards Eastern Economic Forum centres but if one has to go to any other part then except walking there exists no option. So, one gets end up getting dropped at the gate coming back from the city there on the drudgery begins. It means, heavy lifting of camera equipment and ends up walking a lot with formal clothes on. It sounds like a good idea, keeping my waist in mind but let me tell you, it didn’t work. It only led to binge eating as instead of feeling refreshed, every bone in my body ached. Pebble Beach: Nature Reshapes Man-Made World I read about this beach in a magazine long time back and thought that I will visit it if I ever get the chance to visit the Far East. I did this time around. The beach looks at the Sea of Japan is filled covered with glass pebbles. The story goes that a glass factory dumped a lot of waste glass in the nearby river which eventually came down to the sea and nature stamped its authority on the man-made waste by polishing it and throwing it back on the beach. Today, it is a big tourist attraction in Vladivostok. People come for a swim and cook their own food on the beach. The beach is not commercial and is surrounded by forest. The beach is a classic example of how the natural world can reshape the artificial world built by mankind. If anyone goes to the beach, I would recommend, boiled sweet corn cob and deep-fried patty made of meat, salt, sweated onions and cumin. It is pure bliss. There is no chat masala to go by, but I promise you that the humble and simple flavour of the corn and tenderness of the meat will blow you away. Gujarati ‘Karhi’ in Vladivostok Vegetarians can have a tough time in Russia. Vladivostok too is no different. Vegetarian food is hard to find. A nearby store had no vegetarian food and the owner tried her best to sell chicken sandwich saying that this is the closest thing she had to a vegetarian meal. When I protested, she quickly directed me the potato chips corner. I am not a vegetarian but my cameraman is. He ended his first day with chips and I with Russian vodka and beef sandwiches. I felt guilty as I did give him enough time to eat food offered by gracious Shilpa Kothari whose husband we had covered a day earlier. So, the next day, I took my cameraman to her factory where she was busy organising a religious ritual. I had official work to do but I knew that she would definitely ask my cameraman to eat as she knew that he was a vegetarian. This time he did not decline and had pure vegetarian food. I also ended up eating and glad I did. We were treated to an amazing Gujrati Karhi. It was as authentic as it could have been. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Vladivostok Diaries: Russian dreams and Indian students

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze announced his resignation on Monday after little more than a year in the job and said the country must not be riven by political divisions that could play into Russia's hands.

Bakhtadze's resignation comes as the ruling Georgian Dream party's popularity has sagged following the brutal dispersal of an anti-Kremlin protest in Tbilisi on June 21. Parliamentary elections are due in October next year.

Bakhtadze, 37, a former finance minister who became prime minister in June last year, used a lengthy post on Facebook announcing his resignation to warn against damaging divisions in the country.

"...we must always remember that the only one who will win from the polarisation of Georgian society will be an occupying country," he wrote.

Georgia fought and lost a short war with Russia in 2008, prompting the countries to cut diplomatic ties. Russia went on to recognise the independence of two breakaway Georgian regions where it now has troops garrisoned.

Ties with Russia are therefore a politically divisive issue and a rally outside parliament this summer when a visiting Russian lawmaker addressed the chamber from the speaker's chair, descended into violent clashes with police.

The opposition, which says the current pro-Western government is too soft on Moscow, said that police used excessive force. The government said police were right to use force as protesters were trying to storm parliament.

Bakhtadze's warning also appeared a nod to divisions over domestic political issues such as media freedom and economic management.

The prime minister said he was stepping down because he had accomplished what he set out to do in the job.

"A strategic development framework has been created, implemented, and I have therefore decided to resign because I believe that I have fulfilled my mission at this stage," Bakhtadze said.

The ruling party is due to nominate a new prime minister on Tuesday.

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze announced his resignation on Monday after little more than a year in the job and said the country must not be riven by political divisions that could play into Russia's hands.

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze announced his resignation on Monday after little more than a year in the job and said the country must not be riven by political divisions that could play into Russia's hands. Bakhtadze's resignation comes as the ruling Georgian Dream party's popularity has sagged following the brutal dispersal of an anti-Kremlin protest in Tbilisi on June 21. Parliamentary elections are due in October next year. Bakhtadze, 37, a former finance minister who became prime minister in June last year, used a lengthy post on Facebook announcing his resignation to warn against damaging divisions in the country. "...we must always remember that the only one who will win from the polarisation of Georgian society will be an occupying country," he wrote. Georgia fought and lost a short war with Russia in 2008, prompting the countries to cut diplomatic ties. Russia went on to recognise the independence of two breakaway Georgian regions where it now has troops garrisoned. Ties with Russia are therefore a politically divisive issue and a rally outside parliament this summer when a visiting Russian lawmaker addressed the chamber from the speaker's chair, descended into violent clashes with police. The opposition, which says the current pro-Western government is too soft on Moscow, said that police used excessive force. The government said police were right to use force as protesters were trying to storm parliament. Bakhtadze's warning also appeared a nod to divisions over domestic political issues such as media freedom and economic management. The prime minister said he was stepping down because he had accomplished what he set out to do in the job. "A strategic development framework has been created, implemented, and I have therefore decided to resign because I believe that I have fulfilled my mission at this stage," Bakhtadze said. The ruling party is due to nominate a new prime minister on Tuesday.

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze steps down, warns against political divisions

Thousands of Russians took to the streets of central Moscow on Saturday (August 31) to demand free elections to the capital's city legislature on Sept. 8, defying a ban which has been enforced with violent detentions during previous protests.

Russian opposition marches in central Moscow

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-walks-out-of-europe-rights-body-as-russia-returns-230295">Ukraine</a> on Friday denied reports that a prisoner swap with Russia was underway, as announced earlier by some Russian media and a Ukrainian official.

"The process for the mutual release of prisoners is continuing. Information about its completion is not true," the Ukrainian presidency said in a post on Facebook.

Speculation has spread in recent days that a prisoner swap was imminent and reports surfaced overnight that it had begun.

Some reports were based on a report on Facebook by Ukraine's new prosecutor-general Ruslan Ryaboshapka suggesting the swap had started.&nbsp;

Russian media outlets retracted a report of the swap and apologised.

"This is not the first time we have seen information chaos caused by... unconfirmed information," the presidency said, warning against "misinformation" and urging people not to "play with society's emotions".

"Nobody is flying anywhere," Valentyn Rybin, a lawyer for several of the Russian and Ukrainian nationals held by Ukraine and mooted for the swap. Some of his clients are still in prison, he said.

"Let's be patient and not have any false starts," he said in a video posted on his Facebook page.

Russian news agencies reported on Thursday that Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian filmmaker serving a 20-year jail term in Russia, had been moved to Moscow ahead of a possible prisoner swap.

That came a day after Ukraine released Russian state media journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky pending his treason trial.

However, Sentsov's lawyer Dmitry Dinze told AFP he had "no information" on the matter.&nbsp;

Vyshynsky remained in Kiev on Friday, his lawyer said.

On Friday there was still no official statement regarding Sentsov's whereabouts. Russian prison monitors who attempted to see him in a Moscow jail said they failed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky whose election earlier this year has raised hopes of a reduction in tensions with Russia proposed an exchange of Sentsov and Vyshynsky a few weeks ago.

Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

A prisoner exchange could be a key first step in easing tensions between Kiev and Moscow.

Ukraine on Friday denied reports that a prisoner swap with Russia was underway, as announced earlier by some Russian media and a Ukrainian official. "The process for the mutual release of prisoners is continuing.

Ukraine on Friday denied reports that a prisoner swap with Russia was underway, as announced earlier by some Russian media and a Ukrainian official. "The process for the mutual release of prisoners is continuing. Information about its completion is not true," the Ukrainian presidency said in a post on Facebook. Speculation has spread in recent days that a prisoner swap was imminent and reports surfaced overnight that it had begun. Some reports were based on a report on Facebook by Ukraine's new prosecutor-general Ruslan Ryaboshapka suggesting the swap had started. Russian media outlets retracted a report of the swap and apologised. "This is not the first time we have seen information chaos caused by... unconfirmed information," the presidency said, warning against "misinformation" and urging people not to "play with society's emotions". "Nobody is flying anywhere," Valentyn Rybin, a lawyer for several of the Russian and Ukrainian nationals held by Ukraine and mooted for the swap. Some of his clients are still in prison, he said. "Let's be patient and not have any false starts," he said in a video posted on his Facebook page. Russian news agencies reported on Thursday that Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian filmmaker serving a 20-year jail term in Russia, had been moved to Moscow ahead of a possible prisoner swap. That came a day after Ukraine released Russian state media journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky pending his treason trial. However, Sentsov's lawyer Dmitry Dinze told AFP he had "no information" on the matter. Vyshynsky remained in Kiev on Friday, his lawyer said. On Friday there was still no official statement regarding Sentsov's whereabouts. Russian prison monitors who attempted to see him in a Moscow jail said they failed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky whose election earlier this year has raised hopes of a reduction in tensions with Russia proposed an exchange of Sentsov and Vyshynsky a few weeks ago. Some 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014. A prisoner exchange could be a key first step in easing tensions between Kiev and Moscow.

Ukraine denies reports of prisoner swap with Russia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-briefs-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-on-kashmir-discusses-upcoming-visit-of-pm-modi-to-russia-246240">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a> met Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki here on Wednesday and discussed ways in which mutual cooperation could benefit both the countries.

"A good meeting on arrival in Warsaw. Thank PM @MorawieckiM for receiving me. Discussed ways in which our mutual cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to global security," Jaishankar tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A good meeting on arrival in Warsaw. Thank PM <a href="https://twitter.com/MorawieckiM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MorawieckiM</a> for receiving me. Discussed ways in which our mutual cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to global security. <a href="https://t.co/Eno1n9cjLa">pic.twitter.com/Eno1n9cjLa</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1166825047278804992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Prior to this, he held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow where a wide range of issues were discussed.

"A truly special and privileged strategic partnership. Discussed a wide range of issues in a very warm atmosphere with FM Lavrov. A meeting of minds on important questions of the day. Appreciated full understanding of India's core interests," Jaishankar had stated after the meeting.

They also reviewed preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok next week.

Modi will be the chief guest at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok which will be held from September 4 to 6.

The EEF is an international forum held each year since 2015 in September. The forum seeks to encourage foreign investment in the Russian Far East that is famous for the world's largest mineral and energy reserves.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki here on Wednesday and discussed ways in which mutual cooperation could benefit both the countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki here on Wednesday and discussed ways in which mutual cooperation could benefit both the countries. "A good meeting on arrival in Warsaw. Thank PM @MorawieckiM for receiving me. Discussed ways in which our mutual cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to global security," Jaishankar tweeted. A good meeting on arrival in Warsaw. Thank PM @MorawieckiM for receiving me. Discussed ways in which our mutual cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to global security. pic.twitter.com/Eno1n9cjLa — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 28, 2019 × Prior to this, he held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow where a wide range of issues were discussed. "A truly special and privileged strategic partnership. Discussed a wide range of issues in a very warm atmosphere with FM Lavrov. A meeting of minds on important questions of the day. Appreciated full understanding of India's core interests," Jaishankar had stated after the meeting. They also reviewed preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok next week. Modi will be the chief guest at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok which will be held from September 4 to 6. The EEF is an international forum held each year since 2015 in September. The forum seeks to encourage foreign investment in the Russian Far East that is famous for the world's largest mineral and energy reserves.

Foreign minister Jaishankar holds meeting with Poland Prime Minister, discusses mutual cooperation

Indian EAM S Jaishankar is currently on a two-day visit to Moscow and is scheduled to meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday to further advance bilateral cooperation and prepare grounds for Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s upcoming visit to the country.

India to ramp up Russia ties

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-moscow-indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-slams-pakistan-for-supporting-terror-246110">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a>, who is on a two-day visit to Moscow, has said that ties with China have great future and urges Russia to look at the concept of Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Speaking at the Valdai Club in Moscow on Tuesday, Jaishankar said, "With China, it is a complex relationship but I will argue in many ways, it is a relationship with a great future. China, today, is among our top two trading partners. We deal with China in a whole range of issues."

"We discuss everything under the sun with China, we have an annual informal summit at the leadership level. There is an understanding, certainly on our part that India and China have to get along to realise the Asian century. We have issues of difference with China including a boundary dispute. Our effort is to sit down and solve it," he added.

Later this year, India and China will hold the second informal summit in India. In 2018, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/repealing-article-370-is-indias-internal-matter-pm-modi-tells-un-secretary-general-245822">PM Modi</a> and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times starting with the famous first informal summit in Wuhan.&nbsp;

This year they met twice - first on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO Summit in Bishkek and then at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan.

Elaborating on the Indo-Pacific concept, which was the main theme of discussions at the Valdai Club, Jaishankar said, it is a concept that has grown out of the era of convergence.&nbsp;

Hoping Russia will have its own "version of Indo-pacific", Jaishankar said, "All interested powers look at it with an open mind, treat the Indo Pacific as part of the changing world and look at it as an old concept that has found a new relevance and join the debate".

"There is an Indo-Pacific message in Vladivostok," he added.

Jaishankar will be meeting his Russian counterpart&nbsp;Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday. The talks will be focused on the upcoming visit of PM Modi to Vladivostok for the&nbsp;Eastern Economic Forum which is due in the first week of September.

Asked if&nbsp;Indo-Pacific is an attempt to contain China by a Russian journalist, he said, "Containment is part of your history, it is not part of mine. You have to get over that cold war mindset. That era is gone. You are in a multipolar era."

On the first day, S Jaishankar unveiled a Gandhi statue at the Indian Embassy premises on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of 'father of nation' Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Moscow, has said that ties with China have great future and urges Russia to look at the concept of Indo-Pacific.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Moscow, has said that ties with China have great future and urges Russia to look at the concept of Indo-Pacific. Speaking at the Valdai Club in Moscow on Tuesday, Jaishankar said, "With China, it is a complex relationship but I will argue in many ways, it is a relationship with a great future. China, today, is among our top two trading partners. We deal with China in a whole range of issues." "We discuss everything under the sun with China, we have an annual informal summit at the leadership level. There is an understanding, certainly on our part that India and China have to get along to realise the Asian century. We have issues of difference with China including a boundary dispute. Our effort is to sit down and solve it," he added. Later this year, India and China will hold the second informal summit in India. In 2018, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times starting with the famous first informal summit in Wuhan. This year they met twice - first on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO Summit in Bishkek and then at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan. Elaborating on the Indo-Pacific concept, which was the main theme of discussions at the Valdai Club, Jaishankar said, it is a concept that has grown out of the era of convergence. Hoping Russia will have its own "version of Indo-pacific", Jaishankar said, "All interested powers look at it with an open mind, treat the Indo Pacific as part of the changing world and look at it as an old concept that has found a new relevance and join the debate". "There is an Indo-Pacific message in Vladivostok," he added. Jaishankar will be meeting his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday. The talks will be focused on the upcoming visit of PM Modi to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum which is due in the first week of September. Asked if Indo-Pacific is an attempt to contain China by a Russian journalist, he said, "Containment is part of your history, it is not part of mine. You have to get over that cold war mindset. That era is gone. You are in a multipolar era." On the first day, S Jaishankar unveiled a Gandhi statue at the Indian Embassy premises on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of 'father of nation' Mahatma Gandhi.

It's a complex relationship with China, a relationship with great future: S Jaishankar in Moscow

Indian EAM S Jaishankar said in Moscow, Russia that Pakistan is not a normal neighbour. Watch this video to know more.

S Jaishankar: Pakistan is not a normal neighbour

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 28th, 2019

Union Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar has slammed Pakistan for using terrorism as a diplomatic tool against India, adding that it is a very unique phenomenon. Jaishankar also hit out at Pakistan for using terror as a state policy and a country that has been obstructing trade and connectivity in the region. Watch this video to know more.

S Jaishankar: Pakistan uses terror as diplomatic tool

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed Pakistan for using terror as a state policy and a country that has been obstructing trade and connectivity in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghanistan-iran-to-dominate-jaishankar-lavrov-talks-in-moscow-245855">Speaking at the powerful think tank Valdai club</a> in Moscow EAM said, "Problem with Pakistan is very different. I would say if today you look at international relations, I cannot think of any other country in the world,&nbsp;which actually uses terrorism as a diplomatic tool against its neighbour. It a very unique phenomenon."

Jaishankar highlighted how Islamabad refused to grant the most favoured nation or MFN status to India despite New Delhi granting it. India had withdrawn the status after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group.

Jaishankar said, "We have struggled to have normal trade. They would not give us MFN status, although we are members of the WTO and Gatt. They would not allow connectivity from India to Afghanistan."

Pakistan has also been hindering India-Afghanistan connectivity. To increase connectivity India and Afghanistan started the air corridor which has been expanded to many cities of both the countries.

The foreign minister further explained, "So if have a neighbour who will not trade with you normally, who would not allow connectivity, using terrorism as a means of pressurizing you is okay as a policy, it is not a normal neighbour. We have some unique problem out there. We will find ways to deal with. There are complicated political and historical reasons for it"

Asked if, in foreseeable future, there can convergences between the two neighbours, Jaishankar said, "It will certainly would be my hope that they would become a normal neighbour, one day. I mean, that is something I would like to see happen."

The comments by Jaishankar comes even after Pakistan on Tuesday said that it is considering a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-considering-closing-airspace-to-india-says-minister-246070">complete closure of Air Space to India</a> and a complete ban on the use of Pakistan land routes for Indian trade to Afghanistan.

Jaishankar is on a two-day Russia visit and will meet his counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed Pakistan for using terror as a state policy and a country that has been obstructing trade and connectivity in the region.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed Pakistan for using terror as a state policy and a country that has been obstructing trade and connectivity in the region. Speaking at the powerful think tank Valdai club in Moscow EAM said, "Problem with Pakistan is very different. I would say if today you look at international relations, I cannot think of any other country in the world, which actually uses terrorism as a diplomatic tool against its neighbour. It a very unique phenomenon." Jaishankar highlighted how Islamabad refused to grant the most favoured nation or MFN status to India despite New Delhi granting it. India had withdrawn the status after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group. Jaishankar said, "We have struggled to have normal trade. They would not give us MFN status, although we are members of the WTO and Gatt. They would not allow connectivity from India to Afghanistan." Pakistan has also been hindering India-Afghanistan connectivity. To increase connectivity India and Afghanistan started the air corridor which has been expanded to many cities of both the countries. The foreign minister further explained, "So if have a neighbour who will not trade with you normally, who would not allow connectivity, using terrorism as a means of pressurizing you is okay as a policy, it is not a normal neighbour. We have some unique problem out there. We will find ways to deal with. There are complicated political and historical reasons for it" Asked if, in foreseeable future, there can convergences between the two neighbours, Jaishankar said, "It will certainly would be my hope that they would become a normal neighbour, one day. I mean, that is something I would like to see happen." The comments by Jaishankar comes even after Pakistan on Tuesday said that it is considering a complete closure of Air Space to India and a complete ban on the use of Pakistan land routes for Indian trade to Afghanistan. Jaishankar is on a two-day Russia visit and will meet his counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday.

In Moscow, India's foreign minister Jaishankar slams Pakistan for supporting terror

Russian Ambassador to India has backed India's move on Jammu and Kashmir. At an event, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev said, “This is the sovereign decision of the Indian government, it’s an internal matter of India. All issues existing between India and Pakistan should be resolved through dialogue on the basis of Shimla agreement and Lahore declaration.” Watch this video to know more.

Russia supports India on Article 370, calls it a sovereign decision

With curtains down on the G7 summit where PM Modi had 6 bilaterals focus now shifts to Russia where he will visit next week for annual India Russia summit and eastern economic forum. Speaking to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Moscow, Indian envoy to Russia DB Venkatesh Varma in Moscow has said that New Delhi sees a reliable and a long term partner.

WION speaks to Indian envoy to Russia

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