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

Russian military might on display at WWII parade rehearsal in Moscow

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

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

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

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

Russia on Friday dismissed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-mueller-report-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it-211667">Mueller report again</a>, stating that it does not show any kind of proof of meddling by Moscow in the 2016 US elections.

"As a whole, the report as before does not present any reasonable proof at all that Russia allegedly meddled in the electoral process in the US," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, saying it contained "no new information".

"We regret that documents of such quality have a direct influence on the development of US-Russian bilateral relations which are not in the best shape as it is," Peskov added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/attorney-general-william-barr-releases-mueller-report-211656/embed" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US Department of Justice released a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/redacted-mueller-report-released-by-us-justice-department-211618">redacted version on Thursday</a> of special counsel Robert Mueller's report.

The report officially titled 'Report On The Investigation Into Russian Interference In The 2016 Presidential Election' runs nearly in 400 pages.&nbsp;

However, some pages of the 400-page report were blacked out by Attorney General Bill Barr to protect ongoing investigations and for other reasons.

The Attorney General, however, said Russians did try to interfere in the US presidential elections. Barr while releasing the report also clarified that the president did not obstruct justice and that the White House freely cooperated in the report.

Also, Mueller did not make a conclusion on whether Trump, whose presidency has been overshadowed by the Russia investigation, had committed obstruction of justice but did not exonerate him either.

(With inputs from AFP)

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

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

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

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

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

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

US envoy to North Korea to visit Moscow, discuss denuclearisation

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

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

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

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

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

Thousands rally on Moscow streets against restrictive Internet

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

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

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

Thousands protest Russia's 'internet isolation'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Putin says Russia cracking down on foreign spies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russia jails IS pair for 15 years over planned attacks

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

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

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

Russia 'repatriates' 27 Islamic State children from Iraq

Gravitas: Intra-Afghan peace talks in Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russia says not 'gloating' over Brexit vote

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

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

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

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

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday denied <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-says-fbi-arrested-russian-a-day-after-it-detained-ex-us-marine-188459&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiUvvW0iPLfAhWQfH0KHXdgDDsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LxRZOzYEW2u4qC5YbY7oH">Moscow</a> was imposing an ultimatum on Japan in talks to end a decades-long territorial dispute but called on Tokyo to recognise the results of World War Two.

Japan is currently mounting a push to reach a peace deal with Russia that would end a dispute over islands captured by Soviet troops in the last days of World War Two.

The islands are known as the Southern Kuriles to Russia and the Northern Territories to Japan. Russia has said Tokyo must first recognise Russian sovereignty over the islands in order for any progress to be made in peace talks.

"These are not pre-conditions, it's just an effort to understand why Japan is the only country in the world which cannot say: 'I accept the results of World World Two in their entirety'," Lavrov told a news conference.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday denied Moscow was imposing an ultimatum on Japan in talks to end a decades-long territorial dispute but called on Tokyo to recognise the results of World War Two.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday denied Moscow was imposing an ultimatum on Japan in talks to end a decades-long territorial dispute but called on Tokyo to recognise the results of World War Two. Japan is currently mounting a push to reach a peace deal with Russia that would end a dispute over islands captured by Soviet troops in the last days of World War Two. The islands are known as the Southern Kuriles to Russia and the Northern Territories to Japan. Russia has said Tokyo must first recognise Russian sovereignty over the islands in order for any progress to be made in peace talks. "These are not pre-conditions, it's just an effort to understand why Japan is the only country in the world which cannot say: 'I accept the results of World World Two in their entirety'," Lavrov told a news conference.

Russia calls on Japan to recognise outcome of World War Two

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday the United States had detained a Russian citizen, a day after Moscow arrested the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-demands-immediate-return-of-ex-marine-detained-in-russia-on-spy-charges-mike-pompeo-187922">former US Marine Paul Whelan</a> on suspicion of spying.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/individuals-should-not-be-used-as-pawns-for-diplomatic-leverage-british-foreign-secretary-jeremy-hunt-to-russia-188275">Whelan</a> was taken into custody by Russia's Federal Security Service on December 28. His family have said he is innocent and that he was in Moscow to attend a wedding.

The ministry said the United States detained Russian citizen Dmitry Makarenko on December 29 on the Northern Mariana Islands, a US commonwealth in the Pacific Ocean, and had transferred him to Florida.

"... Makarenko, born in 1979, has arrived on Saipan Island with his wife, underage children and elderly parents. He was detained by FBI personnel at the airport right after his arrival," the ministry said.

The US Embassy in Moscow could not immediately be reached for comment. A State Department spokesman in Washington referred a request for comment to the Department of Justice, which did not immediately respond.

Papers filed in US District Court for the Southern District of Florida show Makarenko was accused in June 2017 by federal prosecutors of conspiring with another man, Vladimir Nevidomy, to export defense articles including night-vision scopes from the United States to Russia without US approval.

Makarenko, who was listed as a resident of Vladivostok, was declared a fugitive from US justice in January 2018. Nevidomy, a resident of Hallandale Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty in June 2018 and was sentenced to 26 months in prison, the court papers showed.

The accusations from both sides could further complicate a strained relationship between Moscow and Washington, despite the professed desire of Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to build a personal rapport.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week that Washington had asked Moscow to explain Whelan's arrest and would demand his immediate return if it determined his detention is inappropriate.

Britain cautioned Russia on Friday that individuals should not be used as diplomatic pawns. Whelan also holds a British passport.

The Russian ministry said in its statement that Moscow diplomats had not been able to reach Makarenko in Florida and said Washington had yet to explain his detention.

Before Moscow gave details of Makarenko's detention, experts had speculated that Moscow could exchange Whelan for Russian nationals held by Washington.

Commenting on that possibility, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday:

"I see no reasons to raise this issue in context of exchanges. We should undergo all the procedures needed in this situation," Interfax news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying.

Whelan's Toronto-based twin brother David Whelan told Reuters on Saturday that US embassy officials met with his sibling on Wednesday and would visit him again next week.

"He seemed as well as can be expected in a Russian jail. He was missing a lot of personal necessities, like toilet paper, that aren't provided," David Whelan said in a telephone interview. "So the State Department has helped us set up an account ... so that he can buy the supplies that he needs."

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday the United States had detained a Russian citizen, a day after Moscow arrested the former US Marine Paul Whelan on suspicion of spying.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday the United States had detained a Russian citizen, a day after Moscow arrested the former US Marine Paul Whelan on suspicion of spying. Whelan was taken into custody by Russia's Federal Security Service on December 28. His family have said he is innocent and that he was in Moscow to attend a wedding. The ministry said the United States detained Russian citizen Dmitry Makarenko on December 29 on the Northern Mariana Islands, a US commonwealth in the Pacific Ocean, and had transferred him to Florida. "... Makarenko, born in 1979, has arrived on Saipan Island with his wife, underage children and elderly parents. He was detained by FBI personnel at the airport right after his arrival," the ministry said. The US Embassy in Moscow could not immediately be reached for comment. A State Department spokesman in Washington referred a request for comment to the Department of Justice, which did not immediately respond. Papers filed in US District Court for the Southern District of Florida show Makarenko was accused in June 2017 by federal prosecutors of conspiring with another man, Vladimir Nevidomy, to export defense articles including night-vision scopes from the United States to Russia without US approval. Makarenko, who was listed as a resident of Vladivostok, was declared a fugitive from US justice in January 2018. Nevidomy, a resident of Hallandale Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty in June 2018 and was sentenced to 26 months in prison, the court papers showed. The accusations from both sides could further complicate a strained relationship between Moscow and Washington, despite the professed desire of Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to build a personal rapport. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week that Washington had asked Moscow to explain Whelan's arrest and would demand his immediate return if it determined his detention is inappropriate. Britain cautioned Russia on Friday that individuals should not be used as diplomatic pawns. Whelan also holds a British passport. The Russian ministry said in its statement that Moscow diplomats had not been able to reach Makarenko in Florida and said Washington had yet to explain his detention. Before Moscow gave details of Makarenko's detention, experts had speculated that Moscow could exchange Whelan for Russian nationals held by Washington. Commenting on that possibility, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday: "I see no reasons to raise this issue in context of exchanges. We should undergo all the procedures needed in this situation," Interfax news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying. Whelan's Toronto-based twin brother David Whelan told Reuters on Saturday that US embassy officials met with his sibling on Wednesday and would visit him again next week. "He seemed as well as can be expected in a Russian jail. He was missing a lot of personal necessities, like toilet paper, that aren't provided," David Whelan said in a telephone interview. "So the State Department has helped us set up an account ... so that he can buy the supplies that he needs."

Moscow says FBI arrested Russian a day after it detained ex-US Marine

Thirty-seven bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a Russian apartment building that partially collapsed this week after an apparent gas explosion, Russian news agencies reported on Thursday.

The blast in the early hours of December 31 damaged 48 apartments in a 10-storey building in the industrial city of Magnitogorsk, some 1,700 km (1,050 miles) east of Moscow.

The death toll has progressively risen in the past few days as rescuers battle blisteringly cold temperatures to recover people trapped under the rubble.

As of Thursday morning, the bodies of 22 of the 37 dead had been identified, agencies cited the local branch of the emergencies ministries as saying.

Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, has said it is still investigating the exact cause of the blast.

It said no traces of explosives had been found at the site. Initial reports attributed the blast to a gas explosion.

Gas explosions are relatively common in Russia because of ageing infrastructure and poor safety regulations surrounding gas use.

&nbsp;

Thirty-seven bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a Russian apartment building that partially collapsed this week after an apparent gas explosion, Russian news agencies reported on Thursday.

Thirty-seven bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a Russian apartment building that partially collapsed this week after an apparent gas explosion, Russian news agencies reported on Thursday. The blast in the early hours of December 31 damaged 48 apartments in a 10-storey building in the industrial city of Magnitogorsk, some 1,700 km (1,050 miles) east of Moscow. The death toll has progressively risen in the past few days as rescuers battle blisteringly cold temperatures to recover people trapped under the rubble. As of Thursday morning, the bodies of 22 of the 37 dead had been identified, agencies cited the local branch of the emergencies ministries as saying. Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, has said it is still investigating the exact cause of the blast. It said no traces of explosives had been found at the site. Initial reports attributed the blast to a gas explosion. Gas explosions are relatively common in Russia because of ageing infrastructure and poor safety regulations surrounding gas use.

Death toll jumps to 37 in Russian apartment block collapse

In pictures: Christmas celebrations around the globe

Rising mini Pig mania in Russia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/war-will-continue-so-long-as-ukraine-government-stays-putin-180802">Ukrainian</a> authorities on Monday raided three Orthodox churches aligned to Russia as political and religious tensions between the two countries grow.

Police and security services also searched the homes of priests who have declared their allegiance to the Russian branch of the Orthodox church, regional police spokeswoman Alla Vashchenko told AFP.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church was recently granted independence from Moscow in a controversial ruling that prompted cheers from Kiev but anger in Moscow.&nbsp;

The neighbours have also clashed in recent days after Russia seized Ukrainian ships and sailors in the countries' first open military confrontation since Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The raids on churches in northern Ukraine were part of a probe into the possible violation of a law on equality of religious belief, the spokeswoman said without providing details of the investigation.

"Nobody has been arrested," Vashchenko added.

But Archbishop Kliment Vecherya, a spokesman for the Russian-aligned Ukrainian church, compared the raids to the crackdown on religious freedoms during the early Soviet period.&nbsp;

"Something similar happened almost one hundred years ago during the time of the tyrant Stalin when priests and bishops were hauled in for questioning," he told AFP.

Metropolitan Vissarion, an official from the Moscow-aligned Orthodox Church in the Zhytomyr region, told AFP that officers "were ordered to seize everything to do with our church" in Monday's raids.

The raids came three days after authorities searched the residence of another Moscow-aligned church official, Metropolitan Pavlo, who oversees a major Kiev monastery.&nbsp;

The Orthodox church in Ukraine is divided between two main branches, one of which pledges loyalty to Moscow and one overseen by the Kiev-based Patriarch Filaret that Moscow does not recognise.

In a historic decision in October, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, considered the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians worldwide, agreed to recognise the Ukrainian Church's independence from Moscow.

The decision was a huge blow to Moscow's spiritual authority in the Orthodox world.&nbsp;

The Russian Church announced it would break ties with the Constantinople Patriarchate in protest.

The Russian Orthodox Church has repeatedly voiced fears that Ukraine will use legal moves or even force to take control of the churches and monasteries under its control.&nbsp;

Some priests have told their parishioners to be ready to defend them.

Ukrainian authorities on Monday raided three Orthodox churches aligned to Russia as political and religious tensions between the two countries grow. Police and security services also searched the homes of priests who have declared their allegiance to the Russian branch of the Orthodox church, regional police spokeswoman Alla Vashchenko told AFP.

Ukrainian authorities on Monday raided three Orthodox churches aligned to Russia as political and religious tensions between the two countries grow. Police and security services also searched the homes of priests who have declared their allegiance to the Russian branch of the Orthodox church, regional police spokeswoman Alla Vashchenko told AFP. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church was recently granted independence from Moscow in a controversial ruling that prompted cheers from Kiev but anger in Moscow. The neighbours have also clashed in recent days after Russia seized Ukrainian ships and sailors in the countries' first open military confrontation since Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014. The raids on churches in northern Ukraine were part of a probe into the possible violation of a law on equality of religious belief, the spokeswoman said without providing details of the investigation. "Nobody has been arrested," Vashchenko added. But Archbishop Kliment Vecherya, a spokesman for the Russian-aligned Ukrainian church, compared the raids to the crackdown on religious freedoms during the early Soviet period. "Something similar happened almost one hundred years ago during the time of the tyrant Stalin when priests and bishops were hauled in for questioning," he told AFP. Metropolitan Vissarion, an official from the Moscow-aligned Orthodox Church in the Zhytomyr region, told AFP that officers "were ordered to seize everything to do with our church" in Monday's raids. The raids came three days after authorities searched the residence of another Moscow-aligned church official, Metropolitan Pavlo, who oversees a major Kiev monastery. The Orthodox church in Ukraine is divided between two main branches, one of which pledges loyalty to Moscow and one overseen by the Kiev-based Patriarch Filaret that Moscow does not recognise. In a historic decision in October, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, considered the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians worldwide, agreed to recognise the Ukrainian Church's independence from Moscow. The decision was a huge blow to Moscow's spiritual authority in the Orthodox world. The Russian Church announced it would break ties with the Constantinople Patriarchate in protest. The Russian Orthodox Church has repeatedly voiced fears that Ukraine will use legal moves or even force to take control of the churches and monasteries under its control. Some priests have told their parishioners to be ready to defend them.

Ukraine raids Orthodox churches with Russia ties

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