Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to visit India for the traditional annual summit between leaders of both countries as India gears up for the much anticipated, Modi-Putin talks. There are 10 bilateral agreements that are likely to be signed during Putin's visit to boost the nations' strategic partnership. What message is Russia sending to US and China with regards to its summit?

What message is Russia sending to US and China with regards to its high-profile meet with India?

Ahead of the 2 + 2 ministerial dialogue later today, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday told his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, that the India-Russia partnership is special and ties between the two countries have been remarkably strong.

India-Russia ties are special, says FM Jaishankar ahead of crucial Modi-Putin meet

The Russian president Vladimir Putin is all set for the traditional annual summit between leaders of both countries as India gears up for the much anticipated, Modi-Putin talks. Reports indicate that there are 10 bilateral agreements that are likely to be signed during Putin's visit to boost the nations' strategic partnership. Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest world news from all across the world. Today, we are joined by WION's correspondent Siddhant Sibal and international affairs expert Harsh V Pant.

Modi-Putin meet today | Indian defence minister, FM hold talks with Russian counterpart

India-Russia to hold first 'two plus two' dialogue, here's significance of Putin-Modi meet

On the day Russian President Putin is coming to India, business is one of the big discussions and possible points of focus in the meetings here; Russia is one of the biggest trade partners of India.

Putin-Modi Meet: India, Russia focus on trade, investment opportunities

Putin-Modi's bilateral meet will be held today, it's the 20th annual summit between the two nations. There are 10 bilateral agreements that are likely to be signed during Putin's visit to boost the nations' strategic partnership. Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest world news from all across the world.

A recap of Putin-Modi's relationship | India-Russia Meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a short visit to India on December 6. He is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening during which the focus of the talks will be the ongoing delivery of the S-400 missile defence systems.&nbsp;

Putin will be in India for a period of six to seven hours.

Russian envoy Nikolay R Kudashev on Friday said that India and Russia will achieve “military understandings” during his visit.&nbsp;

The day will begin with defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu convening the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation. Also, external affairs minister Jaishankar will be meeting his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/military-understandings-will-be-achieved-during-putins-india-visit-russian-envoy-kudashev-433934">Also read |&nbsp;‘Military understandings’ will be achieved during Putin’s India visit: Russian envoy Kudashev</a>

After this, there will be an inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2 + 2 mechanism.

The 21st India-Russia Annual Summit is expected to begin in the afternoon.&nbsp;This is being considered as an eventful day for India-Russia ties.

Earlier, Jaishankar had said that the relation between India and Russia have been among the steadiest&nbsp;in the world after the second world war.

During the meeting,&nbsp;both India and Russia, are expected to seal a few deals.&nbsp;

"One can expect a set of agreements and deals (to be signed). One could easily await some new understandings in the spheres like connectivity, space, science and technology, education, arts and culture, and also some military understandings, reflecting the growing level of confidence," said Kudhashev during his conversation with WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a short visit to India on December 6. He is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening during which the focus of the talks will be the ongoing delivery of the S-400 missile defence systems.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a short visit to India on December 6. He is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening during which the focus of the talks will be the ongoing delivery of the S-400 missile defence systems. Putin will be in India for a period of six to seven hours. Russian envoy Nikolay R Kudashev on Friday said that India and Russia will achieve “military understandings” during his visit. The day will begin with defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu convening the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation. Also, external affairs minister Jaishankar will be meeting his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. Also read | ‘Military understandings’ will be achieved during Putin’s India visit: Russian envoy Kudashev After this, there will be an inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2 + 2 mechanism. The 21st India-Russia Annual Summit is expected to begin in the afternoon. This is being considered as an eventful day for India-Russia ties. Earlier, Jaishankar had said that the relation between India and Russia have been among the steadiest in the world after the second world war. During the meeting, both India and Russia, are expected to seal a few deals. "One can expect a set of agreements and deals (to be signed). One could easily await some new understandings in the spheres like connectivity, space, science and technology, education, arts and culture, and also some military understandings, reflecting the growing level of confidence," said Kudhashev during his conversation with WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrive in India on December 6 for a short visit

Top diplomats from the US and Russia met in Stockholm amid escalating tensions at the Ukraine border. Washington has warned of harsh sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine. Will they be enough to deter Putin's expansionist dream? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Russian troops ready to invade Ukraine?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated a warning for Russia to stay away from aggression in Ukraine, saying "any renewed aggression can trigger serious consequences." NATO has now issued a stark warning to Russia to which Putin has issued a new statement warning the West 'not to cross the red line'.

NATO issues warning to Russia, Vladimir Putin warns West 'not to cross red line'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated a warning for Russia to stay away from aggression in Ukraine, saying "any renewed aggression can trigger serious consequences," to which Putin said that Russia is trying to 'mend ties' and not 'fight'.

'Point is to mend ties not fight,' says Putin after Blinken warns Russian aggression in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has received a booster shot against COVID-19 virus, Russian news agencies said.

According to local media reports, Putin said he has been revaccinated with Sputnik Light vaccine.

“Today, on your recommendation and that of your colleagues, I got another vaccination, Sputnik Light. This is called revaccination," Putin was quoted as saying by state-owned Russian&nbsp;News Agency TASS after meeting with the deputy director of the Gamaleya Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, which developed both vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-orders-week-long-paid-holiday-in-russia-to-combat-virus-surge-422430">Putin orders week-long paid holiday in Russia to combat virus surge</a>

"I was revaccinated two hours ago. I feel nothing. I am in normal condition. Everything is all right," he added.

Putin&nbsp;received his second dose of Covid vaccine in April of this year, though at the time he did not disclose which vaccine he received.

A Kremlin spokesperson said they were deliberately not saying which vaccine Putin received, saying all three COVID-19 vaccines available in Russia were good options.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-highest-daily-covid-deaths-as-delta-variant-surges-418674">Russia reports highest daily Covid deaths as Delta variant surges</a>

The Sputnik Light is a one-shot COVID-19 vaccine. It has been authorised for use in more than 15 countries with the registration process on in another 30 countries.

Russia first announced the deployment of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots in July, terming the shots "Sputnik Light." The jabs were made available to individuals who had been fully vaccinated&nbsp;at least six months ago.

On Friday, November 12, Putin had urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to speed the approval of new COVID-19 vaccines. He added that access to dosages in impoverished nations is limited due to unjust compassion.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has received a booster shot against COVID-19 virus, Russian news agencies said. According to local media reports, Putin said he has been revaccinated with Sputnik Light vaccine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has received a booster shot against COVID-19 virus, Russian news agencies said. According to local media reports, Putin said he has been revaccinated with Sputnik Light vaccine. “Today, on your recommendation and that of your colleagues, I got another vaccination, Sputnik Light. This is called revaccination," Putin was quoted as saying by state-owned Russian News Agency TASS after meeting with the deputy director of the Gamaleya Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, which developed both vaccines. Also read | Putin orders week-long paid holiday in Russia to combat virus surge "I was revaccinated two hours ago. I feel nothing. I am in normal condition. Everything is all right," he added. Putin received his second dose of Covid vaccine in April of this year, though at the time he did not disclose which vaccine he received. A Kremlin spokesperson said they were deliberately not saying which vaccine Putin received, saying all three COVID-19 vaccines available in Russia were good options. Also read | Russia reports highest daily Covid deaths as Delta variant surges The Sputnik Light is a one-shot COVID-19 vaccine. It has been authorised for use in more than 15 countries with the registration process on in another 30 countries. Russia first announced the deployment of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots in July, terming the shots "Sputnik Light." The jabs were made available to individuals who had been fully vaccinated at least six months ago. On Friday, November 12, Putin had urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to speed the approval of new COVID-19 vaccines. He added that access to dosages in impoverished nations is limited due to unjust compassion. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Putin gets booster shot, revaccinated with Sputnik Light

US Congress introduced a resolution to end the United States' recognition of Vladimir Putin as president of Russia if he remains in power after 2024.

U.S. Congressmen introduce resolution to end recognition of Putin as president after 2024

Last week Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia had nothing to do with the migrant crisis unfolding on the Poland-Belarus border. But on Monday, Moscow and Paris both agreed that there was a need for de-escalation.

Migrant crisis: Is Putin behind Poland-Belarus border crisis?

Opting to not escalate the ongoing tensions in the Black Sea, Russian president Vladimir Putin revealed that he rejected a defence ministry proposal to hold military drills in response to naval activity in the Black Sea region.

US military drills in Black Sea, 'No need to escalate tensions,' says Russian prez Vladimir Putin

Russia has started the delivery of S400 air defence system to India ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Putin is going to visit the country for the annual India-Russia summit on December 6. The one-day visit will see number of pacts being signed, especially between navies of the two countries. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Russia has started supplying S-400 air defence system to India, the first division will be delivered by the end of 2021," said Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Director Dmitry Shugaev. FSMTC is managed by the president of the Russian Federation. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-summits-on-the-anvil-japan-in-2022-india-in-2023-australia-in-2024-429119" hreflang="en">Quad summits on the anvil: Japan in 2022, India in 2023, Australia in 2024</a>

Putin last visited India in 2018 for the annual summit. Interestingly, it was during that visit, the contract for S400 system was signed between India and Russia. The visit by Russian president will be his second only foreign visit this year, the first one being to Geneva for summit level meeting with US President Joe Biden. &nbsp;

Defence forms main pillar of the India-Russia relationship as Moscow is New Delhi's largest defence partner. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The manufacture and co-production of four Project 1135.6 Frigates, manufacture in India of assault rifle - AK-203, through 100% indigenisation, additional supplies of Su-30 MKI, as well as the MiG-29s, additional supplies of the MANGO ammunition and VSHORAD systems are among the key projects. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/even-as-air-quality-deteriorates-india-reports-lowest-active-covid-cases-since-march-2020-429165" hreflang="en">Even as air quality deteriorates, India reports lowest active Covid cases since March 2020</a>

Earlier, Russia's top defence export body, Rosoboronexport, had expressed its readiness to give India technology for production of defence equipment. The company has worked together with Indian authorities for licensed production of multirole Su-30MKI fighter jets in India, the modernisation and transfer of the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy. &nbsp;

Rosoboronexport has also offered to train Indian specialists for the AK-203 Kalashnikov project in Amethi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Remember, India and Russia in 2019 signed an intergovernmental agreement for setting up Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, a joint venture to manufacture the AK-203 assault rifles. The project will see production of Russia's iconic assault rifles in India with 100% localisation.&nbsp;

Russia has started the delivery of S400 air defence system to India ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. Putin is going to visit the country for the annual India-Russia summit on December 6.

Russia has started the delivery of S400 air defence system to India ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. Putin is going to visit the country for the annual India-Russia summit on December 6. The one-day visit will see number of pacts being signed, especially between navies of the two countries. "Russia has started supplying S-400 air defence system to India, the first division will be delivered by the end of 2021," said Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Director Dmitry Shugaev. FSMTC is managed by the president of the Russian Federation. Also Read: Quad summits on the anvil: Japan in 2022, India in 2023, Australia in 2024 Putin last visited India in 2018 for the annual summit. Interestingly, it was during that visit, the contract for S400 system was signed between India and Russia. The visit by Russian president will be his second only foreign visit this year, the first one being to Geneva for summit level meeting with US President Joe Biden. Defence forms main pillar of the India-Russia relationship as Moscow is New Delhi's largest defence partner. The manufacture and co-production of four Project 1135.6 Frigates, manufacture in India of assault rifle - AK-203, through 100% indigenisation, additional supplies of Su-30 MKI, as well as the MiG-29s, additional supplies of the MANGO ammunition and VSHORAD systems are among the key projects. Also Read: Even as air quality deteriorates, India reports lowest active Covid cases since March 2020 Earlier, Russia's top defence export body, Rosoboronexport, had expressed its readiness to give India technology for production of defence equipment. The company has worked together with Indian authorities for licensed production of multirole Su-30MKI fighter jets in India, the modernisation and transfer of the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy. Rosoboronexport has also offered to train Indian specialists for the AK-203 Kalashnikov project in Amethi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Remember, India and Russia in 2019 signed an intergovernmental agreement for setting up Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, a joint venture to manufacture the AK-203 assault rifles. The project will see production of Russia's iconic assault rifles in India with 100% localisation.

Ahead of Putin visit, Russia begins delivery of S400 air defence system to India

Russia is challenging the United States and Europe by amassing troops near the Ukraine border and through an energy crisis. Why is Putin taking on the West? Palki Sharma tells you what's on the Russian President's mind.

Gravitas: Putin launches a battle with the West

Russian president Vladimir Putin expected to visit India in December for annual summit. The last edition of the Summit in 2020 had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

Russian president Vladimir Putin to visit India in December

The European Union has blamed Belarus for the migrant crisis at the Poland border. But, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki claims the crisis was orchestrated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Is Putin destabilising the European Union? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Is Putin destabilising the European Union?

Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin met in Geneva in June this year, the focus of the world was on this summit; the two leaders may meet for talks in person in early 2022.

Putin, Biden may meet for talks in 2022, Geneva summit agreements to be discussed

Satellite images show a Russian military buildup near the Ukraine border. Vladimir Putin marked National Unity Day in Sevastopol & declared 'Crimea will forever be part of Russia'. Palki Sharma gets you a detailed report.

Gravitas: Putin says 'Crimea will forever be part of Russia'

George Robertson, former UK defence secretary who led NATO between 1999 and 2003, has revealed that Vladimir Putin wanted Russia to join the military alliance but he did not want his country to go through the usual application process.

George Robertson, former UK defence secretary who led NATO between 1999 and 2003, has revealed that Vladimir Putin wanted Russia to join the military alliance but he did not want his country to go through the usual application process. Also, he did not wish for his country to stand in line “with a lot of countries that don’t matter." Robertson highlighted that Putin made it clear at their first meeting that he wanted Russia to be part of western Europe. While recalling an early meeting with Putin, he said that Putin asked, "When are you going to invite us to join Nato?" To which, Robertson said, "Well, we don’t invite people to join NATO, they apply to join Nato." On this, Putin said that Russia will not stand in line with a lot of countries that do not matter. Also read | 'No reason to pretend': Russia shuts NATO missions amid spying row Meanwhile, Russia in October decided to close NATO's offices in Moscow after the European military alliance had expelled members of Moscow's delegation for alleged spying. "NATO has already greatly reduced its contacts with our mission," Lavrov said. The move comes after NATO declared it had expelled eight members of the country's NATO mission as they allegedly were "undeclared Russian intelligence officers." Russia's foreign minister Lavrov said, "Following certain measures taken by NATO, the basic conditions for common work no longer exist," while informing that the country would be suspending work of its official mission to NATO in Brussels.

Former NATO chief says Putin wanted Russia to be a part of the transatlantic alliance

For a long time, the Taliban have lobbied for worldwide recognition, and a recent comment by Russian President Vladimir Putin may have made them happy.&nbsp;

The Taliban have applauded Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements on the possibility of the group being removed off the terror list.

Putin stated at a meeting of the International Valdai Club that the Taliban movement might be removed off the list of terrorist organisations. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-may-remove-taliban-from-list-of-extremist-groups-putin-423104">Also read | Russia may remove Taliban from list of extremist groups: Putin</a>

However, he also stated that this must take place at the UN level, according to Russian news agency TASS.&nbsp;

"Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan appreciates words by President of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, about removal of names of IEA leaders off the blacklist," Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the interim Afghan government, stated on Sunday. 
 
Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-military-conducts-war-games-near-afghan-border-423514/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"As the chapter of war has come to an end, so too must world countries bring a positive change in their relationship and approach towards Afghanistan. We seek positive relations with the international community based on the principle of reciprocity," the Taliban spokesman tweeted.

Putin has said that Russia is pondering over removing the Taliban from the list of extremist groups.

"All of us expect that these people, the Taliban, who are undoubtedly in control of the situation in Afghanistan will ensure that the situation develops in a positive fashion," Putin said.

"All of us expect that these people, the Taliban, who are undoubtedly in control of the situation in Afghanistan will ensure that the situation develops in a positive fashion," Putin said.

In August, the Taliban took control of Kabul, and in September, they declared the formation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as an interim government.

The Taliban have been lobbying for international recognition for a long time.

The international community, on the other hand, has made it plain that the Taliban must keep their commitments before being recognised. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

For a long time, the Taliban have lobbied for worldwide recognition, and a recent comment by Russian President Vladimir Putin may have made them happy. The Taliban have applauded Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements on the possibility of the group being removed off the terror list.

For a long time, the Taliban have lobbied for worldwide recognition, and a recent comment by Russian President Vladimir Putin may have made them happy. The Taliban have applauded Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements on the possibility of the group being removed off the terror list. Putin stated at a meeting of the International Valdai Club that the Taliban movement might be removed off the list of terrorist organisations. Also read | Russia may remove Taliban from list of extremist groups: Putin However, he also stated that this must take place at the UN level, according to Russian news agency TASS. "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan appreciates words by President of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, about removal of names of IEA leaders off the blacklist," Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the interim Afghan government, stated on Sunday. Watch: "As the chapter of war has come to an end, so too must world countries bring a positive change in their relationship and approach towards Afghanistan. We seek positive relations with the international community based on the principle of reciprocity," the Taliban spokesman tweeted. Putin has said that Russia is pondering over removing the Taliban from the list of extremist groups. "All of us expect that these people, the Taliban, who are undoubtedly in control of the situation in Afghanistan will ensure that the situation develops in a positive fashion," Putin said. "All of us expect that these people, the Taliban, who are undoubtedly in control of the situation in Afghanistan will ensure that the situation develops in a positive fashion," Putin said. In August, the Taliban took control of Kabul, and in September, they declared the formation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as an interim government. The Taliban have been lobbying for international recognition for a long time. The international community, on the other hand, has made it plain that the Taliban must keep their commitments before being recognised. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban hail Russian President's plan to remove the group from terror list

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope on Friday that new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will continue in his predecessor's footsteps to maintain close and 'trustworthy' ties with his country, as the two leaders meet for their first meeting.

Israel's PM Bennett meets Russian President Putin, hails Russia-Israel ties as 'Unique'

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first on Friday for talks expected to focus on Iran.

Naftali took office in June, following Benjamin Netanyahu who was in power for 12 years and had close ties with Putin.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/israel-to-join-india-based-international-solar-alliance-421685">Israel to join India based International Solar Alliance</a>

Russian state television aired footage of the pair meeting ahead of the talks in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi.&nbsp;

Putin said the two countries have "unique" ties and hoped for "continuity" of the "trusting relationship" he developed with Israel's previous government.&nbsp;

Bennett told Putin that Israel views him as "a true friend of the Jewish people" and praised the Soviet war effort in fighting Nazi Germany.&nbsp;

He said the pair will discuss the "situation in Syria and our efforts to prevent a breakthrough in Iran's military nuclear program".&nbsp;

As he left for Sochi, Bennett said Israel's relations with Moscow are an "important element" of the country's foreign policy.&nbsp;

This was in part due, he said, "to the million Russian speakers in Israel, who constitute a bridge between the two countries".&nbsp;

The visit may be one of Putin's last face-to-face meetings with a foreign leader before Russia's new Covid restrictions come into force next week.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has said the 69-year-old will scrap in-person meetings during a nationwide week-long holiday starting October 30 designed to curb record virus deaths. &nbsp;

Last week, Bennett's office said the pair will discuss Iran's nuclear programme.&nbsp;

Moscow is one of the signatories to a 2015 deal that saw sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for limits to its nuclear capability.&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions, leading Tehran to gradually roll back its commitments under the agreement.

Bennett told the United Nations General Assembly last month that Israel "will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon."&nbsp;

Putin had congratulated Bennett after he was sworn in and said that Russian-Israeli cooperation would help strengthen "peace, security and stability in the Middle East."

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first on Friday for talks expected to focus on Iran. Naftali took office in June, following Benjamin Netanyahu who was in power for 12 years and had close ties with Putin.

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first on Friday for talks expected to focus on Iran. Naftali took office in June, following Benjamin Netanyahu who was in power for 12 years and had close ties with Putin. Also Read | Israel to join India based International Solar Alliance Russian state television aired footage of the pair meeting ahead of the talks in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi. Putin said the two countries have "unique" ties and hoped for "continuity" of the "trusting relationship" he developed with Israel's previous government. Bennett told Putin that Israel views him as "a true friend of the Jewish people" and praised the Soviet war effort in fighting Nazi Germany. He said the pair will discuss the "situation in Syria and our efforts to prevent a breakthrough in Iran's military nuclear program". As he left for Sochi, Bennett said Israel's relations with Moscow are an "important element" of the country's foreign policy. This was in part due, he said, "to the million Russian speakers in Israel, who constitute a bridge between the two countries". The visit may be one of Putin's last face-to-face meetings with a foreign leader before Russia's new Covid restrictions come into force next week. The Kremlin has said the 69-year-old will scrap in-person meetings during a nationwide week-long holiday starting October 30 designed to curb record virus deaths. Last week, Bennett's office said the pair will discuss Iran's nuclear programme. Moscow is one of the signatories to a 2015 deal that saw sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for limits to its nuclear capability. Former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions, leading Tehran to gradually roll back its commitments under the agreement. Bennett told the United Nations General Assembly last month that Israel "will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon." Putin had congratulated Bennett after he was sworn in and said that Russian-Israeli cooperation would help strengthen "peace, security and stability in the Middle East."

Israeli PM holds first talks with Putin

As cases are alarmingly increasing in Russia, the capital city has decided to shut all its non-essential services between October 28 and November 07.<o:p></o:p>

Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin&nbsp;has announced an 11-day closure to make sure that the spread of the deadly coronavirus can be stopped.<o:p></o:p>

"Situation in&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;is continuing to develop according to the worst-case scenario," the Mayor said.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/180000-healthcare-workers-may-have-died-due-to-covid-19-who-422734">180,000 healthcare workers may have died due to COVID-19: WHO</a></o:p>

This announcement has come a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a nationwide paid week off towards the end of the month. The decision has been taken to curb the spread of the virus.<o:p></o:p>

In addition to this, Putin has also shifted all of his meetings and engagements to virtual mode and has cancelled all in-person meeting. This will continue till the civilians are advised to stay at home and follow a non-working period.<o:p></o:p>

"There will be no face-to-face events taking into account the difficult epidemiological situation," his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state news agency RIA Novosti.<o:p></o:p>

During this closure of non-essential businesses in Moscow, all restaurants and cafes will be allowed to only sell take-away food. In addition to this, any large gathering is also prohibited.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-scripted-history-pm-narendra-modi-hails-indias-covid-19-vaccine-drive-422730">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-minister-shah-mahmood-qureshi-arrives-in-kabul-border-management-refugee-crisis-on-agenda-422735/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Schools will remain shut during this time; this closure time has coincided with national school holidays, giving students time to relax.<o:p></o:p>

However, theatres and museums have been allowed to operate but people can enter only if they are able to show the needed QR code on the entrance gate.<o:p></o:p>

Russia had reported 1,036 Covid deaths in the past 24 hours on Thursday. However, as only 35 per cent of the population has been vaccinated, authorities have warned people that the worst is yet to come.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the government and medical experts are still urging locals to give up vaccine hesitancy and get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. President Putin has also been fully vaccinated.<o:p></o:p>

As cases are alarmingly increasing in Russia, the capital city has decided to shut all its non-essential services between October 28 and November 07. Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has announced an 11-day closure to make sure that the spread of the deadly coronavirus can be stopped.

As cases are alarmingly increasing in Russia, the capital city has decided to shut all its non-essential services between October 28 and November 07. Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has announced an 11-day closure to make sure that the spread of the deadly coronavirus can be stopped. "Situation in Moscow is continuing to develop according to the worst-case scenario," the Mayor said. Also read | 180,000 healthcare workers may have died due to COVID-19: WHO This announcement has come a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a nationwide paid week off towards the end of the month. The decision has been taken to curb the spread of the virus. In addition to this, Putin has also shifted all of his meetings and engagements to virtual mode and has cancelled all in-person meeting. This will continue till the civilians are advised to stay at home and follow a non-working period. "There will be no face-to-face events taking into account the difficult epidemiological situation," his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state news agency RIA Novosti. During this closure of non-essential businesses in Moscow, all restaurants and cafes will be allowed to only sell take-away food. In addition to this, any large gathering is also prohibited. WATCH | Schools will remain shut during this time; this closure time has coincided with national school holidays, giving students time to relax. However, theatres and museums have been allowed to operate but people can enter only if they are able to show the needed QR code on the entrance gate. Russia had reported 1,036 Covid deaths in the past 24 hours on Thursday. However, as only 35 per cent of the population has been vaccinated, authorities have warned people that the worst is yet to come. Meanwhile, the government and medical experts are still urging locals to give up vaccine hesitancy and get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. President Putin has also been fully vaccinated.

Moscow announces closure of non-essential services as Covid cases surge

Russian state media has labelled an American journalist as a 'sex object sent to distract Putin'. The President himself claimed the journalist was 'too beautiful' to understand his arguments. Palki Sharma tells you why women in public life are constantly subjected to sexist put-downs.

Gravitas: Russia labels journalist as 'sex object to distract Putin'

The Kremlin on Wednesday said a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden before the end of the year was a realistic possibility, as Moscow-Washington relations languish at post-Cold War lows.

"In one form or another (a meeting) is quite realistic," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said when asked whether the meeting could take place this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-wont-attend-cop26-climate-summit-at-glasgow-kremlin-422349">Also Read |&nbsp;President Putin won't attend COP26 climate summit at Glasgow</a>

At least four leaders from the Group of 20 wealthy nations look set to miss this month's summit in Rome that hosts Italy had hoped would be an in-person event, diplomats and officials said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that he would definitely not attend the October&nbsp;30-31 meeting, the third leader to formally pull out after Japan's new prime minister Fumio Kishida and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Putin and Kishida have said they will follow proceedings via video link, while a spokesman for Obrador said he would send Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard in his place.

Other countries have yet to make official announcements, but a diplomatic source in Rome said Chinese President Xi Jinping was unlikely to come. There was also uncertainty over whether Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro would show up.

By contrast, US President Joe Biden has confirmed he will come, with the leaders of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, South Korea, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the European Union also all expected.

Kishida is staying home because Japan is holding a general election on Oct. 31, while Obrador has rarely travelled abroad since taking charge of Mexico in 2018. He skipped the last in-person G20 summit held in Japan in 2019 before COVID-19 hit.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by the RIA news agency as saying Putin's decision was driven by the continued COVID-19 pandemic, with Russia registering record deaths and new cases in recent days.

Putin briefly self-isolated last month after dozens of people in his entourage were diagnosed with the virus. Last week, after coughing repeatedly at a government meeting, Putin said he had caught a cold.

The Kremlin on Wednesday said a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden before the end of the year was a realistic possibility, as Moscow-Washington relations languish at post-Cold War lows.

The Kremlin on Wednesday said a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden before the end of the year was a realistic possibility, as Moscow-Washington relations languish at post-Cold War lows. "In one form or another (a meeting) is quite realistic," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said when asked whether the meeting could take place this year. Also Read | President Putin won't attend COP26 climate summit at Glasgow At least four leaders from the Group of 20 wealthy nations look set to miss this month's summit in Rome that hosts Italy had hoped would be an in-person event, diplomats and officials said. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that he would definitely not attend the October 30-31 meeting, the third leader to formally pull out after Japan's new prime minister Fumio Kishida and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Putin and Kishida have said they will follow proceedings via video link, while a spokesman for Obrador said he would send Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard in his place. Other countries have yet to make official announcements, but a diplomatic source in Rome said Chinese President Xi Jinping was unlikely to come. There was also uncertainty over whether Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro would show up. By contrast, US President Joe Biden has confirmed he will come, with the leaders of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, South Korea, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the European Union also all expected. Kishida is staying home because Japan is holding a general election on Oct. 31, while Obrador has rarely travelled abroad since taking charge of Mexico in 2018. He skipped the last in-person G20 summit held in Japan in 2019 before COVID-19 hit. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by the RIA news agency as saying Putin's decision was driven by the continued COVID-19 pandemic, with Russia registering record deaths and new cases in recent days. Putin briefly self-isolated last month after dozens of people in his entourage were diagnosed with the virus. Last week, after coughing repeatedly at a government meeting, Putin said he had caught a cold.

Meeting between Putin, Biden possible before the end of the year: Kremlin

According to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin won't be attending the UN climate summit or COP26 to be&nbsp;held in Glasgow from October 31.

"Unfortunately, Putin will not fly to Glasgow," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Kremlin added&nbsp;that the Russian president would not be attending the G20 summit in Rome but would take part in it virtually and not in person due to the coronavirus situation in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-queen-finds-world-leaders-irritating-because-they-only-talk-and-dont-act-420982">Also Read | COP26: Queen finds world leaders 'irritating' because they only 'talk' and don't 'act'</a>

"We need to work out in what format it will be possible to speak via video conference, at what moment," Kremlin spokesman Peskov said, adding, "The issues that will be discussed in Glasgow right now form one of the priorities of our foreign policy."

Chinese President Xi is yet to confirm his participation in the climate summit. China's special climate envoy&nbsp;Xie Zhenhua added that the country&nbsp;"attaches great importance to tackling climate change", however, it is still uncertain if the Chinese president would be attending the climate summit which is set to last until November 12.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-uk-to-push-plan-to-halt-and-reverse-global-deforestation-by-2030-421088">Also Read |&nbsp;COP26: UK to push plan to halt and reverse global deforestation by 2030</a>

US President Joe Biden will be attending the summit including&nbsp;Australian Scott Morrison who had earlier indicated he won't be attending.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin won't be attending the UN climate summit or COP26 to be held in Glasgow from October 31. "Unfortunately, Putin will not fly to Glasgow," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

According to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin won't be attending the UN climate summit or COP26 to be held in Glasgow from October 31. "Unfortunately, Putin will not fly to Glasgow," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Kremlin added that the Russian president would not be attending the G20 summit in Rome but would take part in it virtually and not in person due to the coronavirus situation in the country. Also Read | COP26: Queen finds world leaders 'irritating' because they only 'talk' and don't 'act' "We need to work out in what format it will be possible to speak via video conference, at what moment," Kremlin spokesman Peskov said, adding, "The issues that will be discussed in Glasgow right now form one of the priorities of our foreign policy." Chinese President Xi is yet to confirm his participation in the climate summit. China's special climate envoy Xie Zhenhua added that the country "attaches great importance to tackling climate change", however, it is still uncertain if the Chinese president would be attending the climate summit which is set to last until November 12. Also Read | COP26: UK to push plan to halt and reverse global deforestation by 2030 US President Joe Biden will be attending the summit including Australian Scott Morrison who had earlier indicated he won't be attending. (With inputs from Agencies)

President Putin won't attend COP26 climate summit at Glasgow: Kremlin

In what appears to be Moscow's strongest effort to rein in foreign tech firms, Russia said on Tuesday that it will seek to fine Google a percentage of its annual Russian turnover for failing to delete content deemed illegal.

Communications regulator Roskomnadzor said Google had failed to pay 32.5 million roubles ($458,100) in penalties levied so far this year and that it would now seek a fine of 5-20% of Google's Russian turnover, which could reach as much as $240 million, a significant increase.

There was no immediate comment from Google.

Russia is seeking to assert greater control on the internet in the country and has increased pressure on foreign tech companies. This has resulted in slowing down the speed of Twitter since March and other measures like fines for content violations.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backs-china-over-hypersonic-test-row-422096">Russia backs China over hypersonic test row</a>

Opposition activists have accused Alphabet's Google and Apple of caving to Kremlin pressure after they removed an anti-government tactical voting app from their stores.

Roskomnadzor earlier in October said it would ask a court to impose a turnover fine on social media firm Facebook, citing legislation signed by President Vladimir Putin in December 2020.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-recognise-common-threats-coming-from-afghanistan-indian-envoy-to-russia-422098">India, Russia recognise common threats coming from Afghanistan: Indian envoy to Russia</a>

"A similar case will be put together in October against Google," Roskomnadzor said in emailed comments to Reuters on Tuesday, noting that the company also owned video-hosting site YouTube.

The SPARK business database showed that Google's turnover in Russia in 2020 was 85.5 billion roubles. A 5-20% fine would amount to between 4.3 and 17.1 billion roubles.

Google is currently fighting a court ruling demanding it unblock the YouTube account of a sanctioned Russian businessman or face a compounding fine on its overall turnover that would double every week and force Google out of business within months if paid.

(With inputs for agencies)

In what appears to be Moscow's strongest effort to rein in foreign tech firms, Russia said on Tuesday that it will seek to fine Google a percentage of its annual Russian turnover for failing to delete content deemed illegal.

In what appears to be Moscow's strongest effort to rein in foreign tech firms, Russia said on Tuesday that it will seek to fine Google a percentage of its annual Russian turnover for failing to delete content deemed illegal. Communications regulator Roskomnadzor said Google had failed to pay 32.5 million roubles ($458,100) in penalties levied so far this year and that it would now seek a fine of 5-20% of Google's Russian turnover, which could reach as much as $240 million, a significant increase. There was no immediate comment from Google. Russia is seeking to assert greater control on the internet in the country and has increased pressure on foreign tech companies. This has resulted in slowing down the speed of Twitter since March and other measures like fines for content violations. Also Read | Russia backs China over hypersonic test row Opposition activists have accused Alphabet's Google and Apple of caving to Kremlin pressure after they removed an anti-government tactical voting app from their stores. Roskomnadzor earlier in October said it would ask a court to impose a turnover fine on social media firm Facebook, citing legislation signed by President Vladimir Putin in December 2020. Also Read | India, Russia recognise common threats coming from Afghanistan: Indian envoy to Russia "A similar case will be put together in October against Google," Roskomnadzor said in emailed comments to Reuters on Tuesday, noting that the company also owned video-hosting site YouTube. The SPARK business database showed that Google's turnover in Russia in 2020 was 85.5 billion roubles. A 5-20% fine would amount to between 4.3 and 17.1 billion roubles. Google is currently fighting a court ruling demanding it unblock the YouTube account of a sanctioned Russian businessman or face a compounding fine on its overall turnover that would double every week and force Google out of business within months if paid. (With inputs for agencies)

Russia plans to fine Google up to 20 per cent of annual turnover

The so-called Pandora Papers include no information on the "secret riches" of those close to President Vladimir Putin, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who added that there is no information about the "hidden wealth" of people close to Putin.&nbsp;

"There, to be honest, we did not see any hidden wealth of Putin's inner circle. I do not know. It seems like the publication will continue there, but so far we have not seen anything special. Let's just say that the work of this organisation is also well known to us. We do not know where they get information from or how they get information, " Peskov told reporters. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandora-papers-largest-leak-of-offshore-data-in-history-explained-417996">Also Read |&nbsp;Pandora Papers: Largest leak of offshore data in history explained</a>

The Kremlin spokesman also said that the publication contains a set of "unfounded statements."

"It is just not clear what this information is, what it’s about, there are many things that raise questions, so it is not clear how you can trust this information. Initially, something should appear, while we are talking about some such statements, it is not clear what they are based on and, of course, this is not a reason for any investigations, there should be some serious publication before," Peskov added. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shakira-to-sachin-tendulkar-famous-names-emerge-in-the-investigation-of-pandora-papers-418007">Also read | Shakira to Sachin Tendulkar: Famous names emerge in the investigation of Pandora Papers</a> 
 
Despite its promises to combat corruption and money laundering, the Pandora Papers demonstrate that the United States remains the world's greatest tax haven, according to Peskov.&nbsp; 
 
"Probably, the only thing that really catches the eye is the revelation of which country is the world's largest offshore and tax haven. This is certainly the US. This does not quite match the claims about the intention to fight corruption, tax evasion and money laundering. But this is the reality. We see that the US is the main tax haven for the whole world, " Peskov told reporters.

Putin's name does not appear in the files, despite the fact that the US accuses him of possessing a hidden fortune.

However, a few close acquaintances do, notably his childhood best friend, the late Petr Kolbin, whom opponents have referred to as a "wallet" for Putin's personal riches, and a lady with whom the Russian leader was apparently romantically involved.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The so-called Pandora Papers include no information on the "secret riches" of those close to President Vladimir Putin, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who added that there is no information about the "hidden wealth" of people close to Putin.

The so-called Pandora Papers include no information on the "secret riches" of those close to President Vladimir Putin, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who added that there is no information about the "hidden wealth" of people close to Putin. "There, to be honest, we did not see any hidden wealth of Putin's inner circle. I do not know. It seems like the publication will continue there, but so far we have not seen anything special. Let's just say that the work of this organisation is also well known to us. We do not know where they get information from or how they get information, " Peskov told reporters. Also Read | Pandora Papers: Largest leak of offshore data in history explained The Kremlin spokesman also said that the publication contains a set of "unfounded statements." "It is just not clear what this information is, what it’s about, there are many things that raise questions, so it is not clear how you can trust this information. Initially, something should appear, while we are talking about some such statements, it is not clear what they are based on and, of course, this is not a reason for any investigations, there should be some serious publication before," Peskov added. Also read | Shakira to Sachin Tendulkar: Famous names emerge in the investigation of Pandora Papers Despite its promises to combat corruption and money laundering, the Pandora Papers demonstrate that the United States remains the world's greatest tax haven, according to Peskov. "Probably, the only thing that really catches the eye is the revelation of which country is the world's largest offshore and tax haven. This is certainly the US. This does not quite match the claims about the intention to fight corruption, tax evasion and money laundering. But this is the reality. We see that the US is the main tax haven for the whole world, " Peskov told reporters. Putin's name does not appear in the files, despite the fact that the US accuses him of possessing a hidden fortune. However, a few close acquaintances do, notably his childhood best friend, the late Petr Kolbin, whom opponents have referred to as a "wallet" for Putin's personal riches, and a lady with whom the Russian leader was apparently romantically involved. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia sees nothing special in Pandora Papers leak and dismisses ‘unsubstantiated claims’

Elections in Russia are always tricky for the Kremlin. Offer too much choice, and citizens may pick the wrong candidates. Offer too little, and the underlying authoritarianism of the regime becomes grimly apparent.

This year, for the parliamentary elections that began on Friday and end on Sunday, President Vladimir Putin is not taking any chances. From the moment Aleksei Navalny, the opposition leader and the Kremlin’s best-known critic, returned to the country in January, the president has overseen a wave of repression.

Scores of independent media outlets have been labeled foreign agents, hobbling their activities, and opposition figures have either been banned from political activity or intimidated into exile. Mr. Navalny is in jail, most of his closest associates have left the country and his organization has been disbanded. The opposition is in tatters.

There has been no sustained outcry within the country against these moves. Mr. Putin’s approval ratings remain solid, and the election is likely to return a majority for his party, United Russia. The system grinds on.

At the heart of the Kremlin’s continued social and political control sits the Russian media. A sprawling network of television stations and newspapers, often lurid in style and spurious in content, the Kremlin’s propaganda system is a central pillar of Mr. Putin’s power. Against all the dissent and discontent with his regime, inside and outside the country, it acts as an impermeable shield. Combined with repression, it is how he wins.

Nearly all of Russia’s television stations and newspapers are under state control. Some, like REN TV, are owned by private companies with links to the Kremlin. Others, like Rossiya and Channel One, are state-owned and often deliver outright propaganda as the news.

Behind the scenes, Mr. Putin’s accomplices — like Alexei Gromov, who as deputy chief of staff in the presidential administration oversees the media — carefully manage the message. Failures are downplayed, criticism avoided and, at every turn, praise heaped on the president, who is cast as a sensible and wise leader.

This machine doesn’t need coercion. An army of reporters, editors and producers, happy to toe any political line in return for promotion and payment, churns out an endless stream of fawning accounts of Mr. Putin, the prime minister and influential regional governors. Conformists and careerists, these journalists are not blind to the realities of contemporary Russia. But they choose to work on the side of the winners.

Funded to the tune of billions of dollars by those close to Mr. Putin, the media preys on the population’s worst fears. The threats of economic disaster and territorial disintegration, in a country that suffered both in the 1990s, are constantly invoked: Only loyalty to the Kremlin can keep the monsters at bay. The European Union, Britain and the United States are portrayed as sites of moral decay, rife with political instability and impoverishment.

In a country where 72 percent of the population doesn’t have a passport and where the financial means to travel abroad remain generally out of reach, such messages find a receptive audience.

This wall-to-wall coverage has profound effects on public opinion. In 2008, as conflict between Russia and neighboring Georgia escalated, the media went into overdrive, depicting Georgia as a haven of anti-Russian activity intent on violence. The results were stunning: A year later, after the war ended, 62 percent of Russians considered Georgia, a small republic in the south Caucasus, to be Russia’s main enemy.

Now ruled by a government more friendly to Russia, Georgia has largely disappeared from state television. The view of it as the main enemy has steadily dropped and is now held by just 15 percent of Russians.

Both broadcast and print are comprehensively under the Kremlin’s control. So too, nearly, is the internet. Ten years ago, social networks helped bring people to the streets in protest against rigged parliamentary elections. Since then, a set of technological and legislative measures — tapping users’ phones and computers, introducing criminal charges for content labeled “extremist” and curtailing the independence of Russia’s biggest tech company, Yandex — have turned the internet into heavily policed terrain. A social media post can cost a few years in prison.

But that’s not the whole story. The great success of Mr. Navalny’s film about Mr. Putin’s alleged mansion by the Black Sea, which has been watched by at least 118 million people since it was released in January, shows that the state’s domination over the media is not enough to prevent undesired content from reaching ordinary Russians. No matter how extensively the Kremlin intervenes in internet platforms — through bots, paid trolls and law enforcement — it remains possible to spread information injurious to the regime.

There are still a few independent local and nationwide media outlets in Russia. Though they can hardly compete with state-funded television channels and newspapers, they are able to reach a sizable slice of the population.

Meduza, for example, one of Russia’s most respected independent news outlets, draws millions of readers to its website a year, and MediaZona, an independent outlet that focuses on corruption and the misuse of law enforcement powers, added more than two million readers earlier this year through its coverage of Mr. Navalny’s trial. TV Rain, an independent television channel, manages to command the attention of 2.3 million viewers.

This success, however small and circumscribed, proved too much for Mr. Putin — and he turned to repression. Through the “foreign agent law,” introduced in 2012 and initially aimed at foreign-funded media such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, the Kremlin has been able to decimate the ranks of independent media. Six outlets were given the designation this year, along with 19 journalists. For the smaller publications, it was the end. Bigger outlets, including Meduza, are scrapping for survival.

The situation, though bleak, is not lost. Independent journalists and outlets continue to find a way to operate, inventively sidestepping the constraints cast on them by the Kremlin through canny crowdfunding and humor. In this, they offer an example to other independent journalists around the world fighting to keep authoritarian politicians accountable.

Even so, Mr. Putin’s media method — propaganda on one hand, repression on the other — continues to bear fruit. Faced with a stagnant economy, an aging population and simmering discontent, it surely can’t go on forever. But, for now, it’s working.

Elections in Russia are always tricky for the Kremlin. Offer too much choice, and citizens may pick the wrong candidates. Offer too little, and the underlying authoritarianism of the regime becomes grimly apparent.

Elections in Russia are always tricky for the Kremlin. Offer too much choice, and citizens may pick the wrong candidates. Offer too little, and the underlying authoritarianism of the regime becomes grimly apparent. This year, for the parliamentary elections that began on Friday and end on Sunday, President Vladimir Putin is not taking any chances. From the moment Aleksei Navalny, the opposition leader and the Kremlin’s best-known critic, returned to the country in January, the president has overseen a wave of repression. Scores of independent media outlets have been labeled foreign agents, hobbling their activities, and opposition figures have either been banned from political activity or intimidated into exile. Mr. Navalny is in jail, most of his closest associates have left the country and his organization has been disbanded. The opposition is in tatters. There has been no sustained outcry within the country against these moves. Mr. Putin’s approval ratings remain solid, and the election is likely to return a majority for his party, United Russia. The system grinds on. At the heart of the Kremlin’s continued social and political control sits the Russian media. A sprawling network of television stations and newspapers, often lurid in style and spurious in content, the Kremlin’s propaganda system is a central pillar of Mr. Putin’s power. Against all the dissent and discontent with his regime, inside and outside the country, it acts as an impermeable shield. Combined with repression, it is how he wins. Nearly all of Russia’s television stations and newspapers are under state control. Some, like REN TV, are owned by private companies with links to the Kremlin. Others, like Rossiya and Channel One, are state-owned and often deliver outright propaganda as the news. Behind the scenes, Mr. Putin’s accomplices — like Alexei Gromov, who as deputy chief of staff in the presidential administration oversees the media — carefully manage the message. Failures are downplayed, criticism avoided and, at every turn, praise heaped on the president, who is cast as a sensible and wise leader. This machine doesn’t need coercion. An army of reporters, editors and producers, happy to toe any political line in return for promotion and payment, churns out an endless stream of fawning accounts of Mr. Putin, the prime minister and influential regional governors. Conformists and careerists, these journalists are not blind to the realities of contemporary Russia. But they choose to work on the side of the winners. Funded to the tune of billions of dollars by those close to Mr. Putin, the media preys on the population’s worst fears. The threats of economic disaster and territorial disintegration, in a country that suffered both in the 1990s, are constantly invoked: Only loyalty to the Kremlin can keep the monsters at bay. The European Union, Britain and the United States are portrayed as sites of moral decay, rife with political instability and impoverishment. In a country where 72 percent of the population doesn’t have a passport and where the financial means to travel abroad remain generally out of reach, such messages find a receptive audience. This wall-to-wall coverage has profound effects on public opinion. In 2008, as conflict between Russia and neighboring Georgia escalated, the media went into overdrive, depicting Georgia as a haven of anti-Russian activity intent on violence. The results were stunning: A year later, after the war ended, 62 percent of Russians considered Georgia, a small republic in the south Caucasus, to be Russia’s main enemy. Now ruled by a government more friendly to Russia, Georgia has largely disappeared from state television. The view of it as the main enemy has steadily dropped and is now held by just 15 percent of Russians. Both broadcast and print are comprehensively under the Kremlin’s control. So too, nearly, is the internet. Ten years ago, social networks helped bring people to the streets in protest against rigged parliamentary elections. Since then, a set of technological and legislative measures — tapping users’ phones and computers, introducing criminal charges for content labeled “extremist” and curtailing the independence of Russia’s biggest tech company, Yandex — have turned the internet into heavily policed terrain. A social media post can cost a few years in prison. But that’s not the whole story. The great success of Mr. Navalny’s film about Mr. Putin’s alleged mansion by the Black Sea, which has been watched by at least 118 million people since it was released in January, shows that the state’s domination over the media is not enough to prevent undesired content from reaching ordinary Russians. No matter how extensively the Kremlin intervenes in internet platforms — through bots, paid trolls and law enforcement — it remains possible to spread information injurious to the regime. There are still a few independent local and nationwide media outlets in Russia. Though they can hardly compete with state-funded television channels and newspapers, they are able to reach a sizable slice of the population. Meduza, for example, one of Russia’s most respected independent news outlets, draws millions of readers to its website a year, and MediaZona, an independent outlet that focuses on corruption and the misuse of law enforcement powers, added more than two million readers earlier this year through its coverage of Mr. Navalny’s trial. TV Rain, an independent television channel, manages to command the attention of 2.3 million viewers. This success, however small and circumscribed, proved too much for Mr. Putin — and he turned to repression. Through the “foreign agent law,” introduced in 2012 and initially aimed at foreign-funded media such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, the Kremlin has been able to decimate the ranks of independent media. Six outlets were given the designation this year, along with 19 journalists. For the smaller publications, it was the end. Bigger outlets, including Meduza, are scrapping for survival. The situation, though bleak, is not lost. Independent journalists and outlets continue to find a way to operate, inventively sidestepping the constraints cast on them by the Kremlin through canny crowdfunding and humor. In this, they offer an example to other independent journalists around the world fighting to keep authoritarian politicians accountable. Even so, Mr. Putin’s media method — propaganda on one hand, repression on the other — continues to bear fruit. Faced with a stagnant economy, an aging population and simmering discontent, it surely can’t go on forever. But, for now, it’s working.

There’s a reason Putin keeps winning

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