Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan lauded three-hour talks as "useful" and "productive" as they met to discuss the Syrian conflict.

It was their first face-to-face talks in 18 months.&nbsp;

The Russian leader hosted Erdogan at his Black Sea residence in the resort of Sochi after two weeks in self-isolation following a coronavirus outbreak among aides.

The two men, who did not address reporters after the talks, had been expected to discuss northwestern Syria where regime troops and Moscow have ratcheted up airstrikes in recent weeks.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-bases-in-central-asia-came-up-during-putin-biden-talks-us-defence-secretary-416657">Russian bases in Central Asia came up during Putin-Biden talks: US Defence Secretary</a>

On Tuesday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar had said Ankara hoped the &nbsp;talks would result in a return to "a peaceful situation according to our agreement."

In a warm post-negotiation exchange, that included a discussion of their coronavirus antibody levels, Putin thanked Erdogan, calling the visit "useful and informative."

"We will be in touch," he added.

Writing on Twitter, Erdogan called the talks "productive".

Russia and Turkey have historically had complex relations, balancing regional rivalries with finding common ground on economic and strategic interests.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-releases-photos-of-vladimir-putin-hiking-and-fishing-in-siberia-416191">Kremlin releases photos of Vladimir Putin hiking and fishing in Siberia</a>

In recent years, the two powers have clashed in particular in Syria, where Moscow and Ankara support opposing camps in the civil war.&nbsp;

In Syria, they last year sponsored a ceasefire deal in the northwestern Idlib region, home to the last major jihadist and rebel stronghold in northwest Syria.&nbsp;

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 11 fighters from a pro-Turkish rebel group had been killed Sunday in Russian air raids outside the north Syria town of Afrin.

The war monitor said such Russian raids are rare in this region of Syria, which has been controlled by Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies for three years.

'Compromises'

Earlier in the day Erdogan told Putin he believes there are great benefits in "Turkey and Russia keeping stronger relations each passing day".&nbsp;

"The steps we have taken with Russia related to Syria are of utmost importance," Erdogan said. "The peace there depends on Turkey-Russia relations."&nbsp;

The two countries also found themselves on different sides in last year's conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;

"Negotiations are sometimes difficult -- but with a final positive result," Putin told Erdogan.

He added that they "have learned to find compromises favourable to both parties".

The two countries have grown closer in recent years thanks to tensions between Moscow and the West and Ankara's increasingly delicate relations with its NATO allies.&nbsp;

In 2019, Turkey agreed a multi-billion-dollar purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defence system that led to US sanctions last year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan lauded three-hour talks as "useful" and "productive" as they met to discuss the Syrian conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan lauded three-hour talks as "useful" and "productive" as they met to discuss the Syrian conflict. It was their first face-to-face talks in 18 months. The Russian leader hosted Erdogan at his Black Sea residence in the resort of Sochi after two weeks in self-isolation following a coronavirus outbreak among aides. The two men, who did not address reporters after the talks, had been expected to discuss northwestern Syria where regime troops and Moscow have ratcheted up airstrikes in recent weeks. Also Read | Russian bases in Central Asia came up during Putin-Biden talks: US Defence Secretary On Tuesday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar had said Ankara hoped the talks would result in a return to "a peaceful situation according to our agreement." In a warm post-negotiation exchange, that included a discussion of their coronavirus antibody levels, Putin thanked Erdogan, calling the visit "useful and informative." "We will be in touch," he added. Writing on Twitter, Erdogan called the talks "productive". Russia and Turkey have historically had complex relations, balancing regional rivalries with finding common ground on economic and strategic interests. Also Read | Kremlin releases photos of Vladimir Putin hiking and fishing in Siberia In recent years, the two powers have clashed in particular in Syria, where Moscow and Ankara support opposing camps in the civil war. In Syria, they last year sponsored a ceasefire deal in the northwestern Idlib region, home to the last major jihadist and rebel stronghold in northwest Syria. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 11 fighters from a pro-Turkish rebel group had been killed Sunday in Russian air raids outside the north Syria town of Afrin. The war monitor said such Russian raids are rare in this region of Syria, which has been controlled by Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies for three years. 'Compromises' Earlier in the day Erdogan told Putin he believes there are great benefits in "Turkey and Russia keeping stronger relations each passing day". "The steps we have taken with Russia related to Syria are of utmost importance," Erdogan said. "The peace there depends on Turkey-Russia relations." The two countries also found themselves on different sides in last year's conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. "Negotiations are sometimes difficult -- but with a final positive result," Putin told Erdogan. He added that they "have learned to find compromises favourable to both parties". The two countries have grown closer in recent years thanks to tensions between Moscow and the West and Ankara's increasingly delicate relations with its NATO allies. In 2019, Turkey agreed a multi-billion-dollar purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defence system that led to US sanctions last year.

Putin praises 'useful' Erdogan talks

The official website of the Kremlin published a series of appealing photos in which Russian President Vladimir Putin can be seen hiking and fishing in Siberia.

Kremlin releases pictures of Russian President Vladimir Putin's weekend in Siberia

Russia's election day was overshadowed by a deadly shooting incident at the Perm University. A lone gunman killed at least 6 people and injured 28 others. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas US Edition: Putin's party sweeps Russia's parliamentary polls

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov won 99.6% of the votes in Russian elections, according to the RIA Novosti news agency.

The strongman leader of Chechnya republic is a former warlord and ally of President Vladimir Putin. He has ruled the predominantly Muslim region for more than a decade and has formed a cult around his family name.

With just over half of the votes counted, Kadyrov won 99.6 per cent in the polls, according to the RIA Novosti news agency.

Russian opposition figures accused authorities of mass voter fraud as election results on Monday showed the ruling United Russia party winning a sweeping majority in the Duma election.

Kadyrov traditionally wins a sky-high percentage of votes in the volatile North Caucasus region, gaining 97.9 per cent of the vote in 2016 parliamentary polls.

His regime has been accused of rights violations like extrajudicial killings and of persecuting activists and sexual minorities.

This month Chechen officials announced that the region will offer thousands of dollars to the artist that completes the best portrait of Kadyrov, who is seen as an important player in Russia's political landscape.

Kadyrov, 44, rose to power in Chechnya following the 2004 assassination of his father Akhmat, a rebel leader-turned-Kremlin-ally who headed the restive republic after two wars between Russian forces and separatists in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The two wars triggered a wave of emigration, with many Chechens leaving for western Europe.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov won 99.6% of the votes in Russian elections, according to the RIA Novosti news agency. The strongman leader of Chechnya republic is a former warlord and ally of President Vladimir Putin.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov won 99.6% of the votes in Russian elections, according to the RIA Novosti news agency. The strongman leader of Chechnya republic is a former warlord and ally of President Vladimir Putin. He has ruled the predominantly Muslim region for more than a decade and has formed a cult around his family name. With just over half of the votes counted, Kadyrov won 99.6 per cent in the polls, according to the RIA Novosti news agency. Russian opposition figures accused authorities of mass voter fraud as election results on Monday showed the ruling United Russia party winning a sweeping majority in the Duma election. Kadyrov traditionally wins a sky-high percentage of votes in the volatile North Caucasus region, gaining 97.9 per cent of the vote in 2016 parliamentary polls. His regime has been accused of rights violations like extrajudicial killings and of persecuting activists and sexual minorities. This month Chechen officials announced that the region will offer thousands of dollars to the artist that completes the best portrait of Kadyrov, who is seen as an important player in Russia's political landscape. Kadyrov, 44, rose to power in Chechnya following the 2004 assassination of his father Akhmat, a rebel leader-turned-Kremlin-ally who headed the restive republic after two wars between Russian forces and separatists in the 1990s and early 2000s. The two wars triggered a wave of emigration, with many Chechens leaving for western Europe.

Chechnya strongman and Putin ally Ramzan Kadyrov wins 99% of vote

Russians vote on Sunday in the final stretch of a three-day parliamentary election that the ruling party is expected to win after a sweeping crackdown that crushed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's movement and barred opponents from the ballot.

The expected win by the ruling United Russia party will be used by the Kremlin as proof of support for President Vladimir Putin despite malaise over years of faltering living standards.

The party that backs Russia's 68-year-old leader faces a ratings slump, state pollsters say, but remains more popular than its closest rivals on the ballot, the Communist Party and nationalist LDPR party, which often back the Kremlin.

United Russia holds nearly three quarters of the State Duma's 450 seats. That dominance last year helped the Kremlin pass constitutional reforms that allow Putin to run for two more terms as president after 2024, potentially staying in power until 2036.

"If United Russia manages (to win), our country can expect another five years of poverty, five years of repressions, five lost years," ran a message to supporters on Navalny's blog this week.

Navalny's allies were barred from running after his movement was banned in June as extremist. Other opposition figures allege they were targeted with dirty tricks campaigns or not allowed to compete.

A Communist strawberry tycoon says he was unfairly barred, while a liberal opposition politician in St Petersburg says two identically-named "spoiler" candidates are running against him to confuse his voters.

TACTICAL VOTING

The Kremlin denies a politically-driven crackdown and says individuals are prosecuted for breaking the law. Both it and United Russia deny any role in the registration process for candidates.

Navalny's camp is promoting a tactical voting ploy against United Russia that authorities want blocked online. Since voting began on Friday, Google, Apple and Telegram messenger have limited some access to the campaign on their platforms. Activists accuse them of caving to pressure.

The election runs until 1800 GMT on Sunday when polling stations close in the European exclave of Kaliningrad. It is the last national vote before the 2024 presidential election. Putin, who turns 69 next month, has not said if he will run.

In Moscow, Navalny's tactical voting campaign has recommended their supporters vote for politicians like the Communist Party's Mikhail Lobanov. He said he welcomed the Navalny campaign and criticised United Russia.

"People see the glaring inequalities, they feel the effects of economic policy and the swell of repression and respond with dissatisfaction accordingly," Lobanov said.

At a polling station in Lobanov's district, three people told Reuters they had voted for United Russia and three said they had voted Communist, two of them at the behest of Navalny's team.

One Moscow pensioner who gave his name only as Anatoly said he voted United Russia because he was proud of Russia's muscular foreign policy and Putin's efforts to restore what he sees as Russia's rightful great power status.

"Countries like the United States and Britain more or less respect us now like they respected the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 70s… The Anglo-Saxons only understand the language of force," he said.

Other voters voiced anger at United Russia at a polling station in the capital of more than 12.5 million where United Russia has fared worse in recent years than in some regions.

"I'm always against United Russia. They haven't done anything good," said Roman Malakhov who voted Communist.

The vote is being held alongside elections for regional governors and local legislative assemblies. It is stretched over three days as a COVID-19 precaution.

Russians vote on Sunday in the final stretch of a three-day parliamentary election that the ruling party is expected to win after a sweeping crackdown that crushed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's movement and barred opponents from the ballot.

Russians vote on Sunday in the final stretch of a three-day parliamentary election that the ruling party is expected to win after a sweeping crackdown that crushed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's movement and barred opponents from the ballot. The expected win by the ruling United Russia party will be used by the Kremlin as proof of support for President Vladimir Putin despite malaise over years of faltering living standards. The party that backs Russia's 68-year-old leader faces a ratings slump, state pollsters say, but remains more popular than its closest rivals on the ballot, the Communist Party and nationalist LDPR party, which often back the Kremlin. United Russia holds nearly three quarters of the State Duma's 450 seats. That dominance last year helped the Kremlin pass constitutional reforms that allow Putin to run for two more terms as president after 2024, potentially staying in power until 2036. "If United Russia manages (to win), our country can expect another five years of poverty, five years of repressions, five lost years," ran a message to supporters on Navalny's blog this week. Navalny's allies were barred from running after his movement was banned in June as extremist. Other opposition figures allege they were targeted with dirty tricks campaigns or not allowed to compete. A Communist strawberry tycoon says he was unfairly barred, while a liberal opposition politician in St Petersburg says two identically-named "spoiler" candidates are running against him to confuse his voters. TACTICAL VOTING The Kremlin denies a politically-driven crackdown and says individuals are prosecuted for breaking the law. Both it and United Russia deny any role in the registration process for candidates. Navalny's camp is promoting a tactical voting ploy against United Russia that authorities want blocked online. Since voting began on Friday, Google, Apple and Telegram messenger have limited some access to the campaign on their platforms. Activists accuse them of caving to pressure. The election runs until 1800 GMT on Sunday when polling stations close in the European exclave of Kaliningrad. It is the last national vote before the 2024 presidential election. Putin, who turns 69 next month, has not said if he will run. In Moscow, Navalny's tactical voting campaign has recommended their supporters vote for politicians like the Communist Party's Mikhail Lobanov. He said he welcomed the Navalny campaign and criticised United Russia. "People see the glaring inequalities, they feel the effects of economic policy and the swell of repression and respond with dissatisfaction accordingly," Lobanov said. At a polling station in Lobanov's district, three people told Reuters they had voted for United Russia and three said they had voted Communist, two of them at the behest of Navalny's team. One Moscow pensioner who gave his name only as Anatoly said he voted United Russia because he was proud of Russia's muscular foreign policy and Putin's efforts to restore what he sees as Russia's rightful great power status. "Countries like the United States and Britain more or less respect us now like they respected the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 70s… The Anglo-Saxons only understand the language of force," he said. Other voters voiced anger at United Russia at a polling station in the capital of more than 12.5 million where United Russia has fared worse in recent years than in some regions. "I'm always against United Russia. They haven't done anything good," said Roman Malakhov who voted Communist. The vote is being held alongside elections for regional governors and local legislative assemblies. It is stretched over three days as a COVID-19 precaution.

Pro-Putin party heads for Russian election win after Navalny clampdown

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Afghanistan requires humanitarian assistance, adding that a shortage of funds may force the current government in Kabul to turn to drug trafficking.&nbsp;

"According to the UN, today half of Afghans need humanitarian assistance to simply survive. Every third person is deprived of access to food. There is a danger that the lack of funds in the treasury of Afghanistan may push those who control the country today to make money on the sale of drugs and weapons, as it has been happening recently, by the way," Putin told a joint Shanghai Cooperation Organization-Collective Security Treaty Organization summit.

According to a report by Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik International, Vladimir Putin said that "Taliban consider it important to restore infrastructure but it is difficult for them to do it on their own. Moscow supports the convening of an Afghanistan donor conference within the United Nations."

"The Taliban movement, having become practically the sovereign master of the country, has formed its own government, which has assumed responsibility for the future of Afghanistan. This is an interim government, as the Taliban themselves say, and cannot be called truly representative or inclusive. We do not see representatives of other ethnic groups here. But it seems that, of course, it is also necessary to work with him. And as for the recognition [of current Afghan authorities], I think I agree with those who have spoken on this score. We need to agree on our position on this issue, " Putin said.

(With inputs from Sputnik News)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Afghanistan requires humanitarian assistance, adding that a shortage of funds may force the current government in Kabul to turn to drug trafficking.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Afghanistan requires humanitarian assistance, adding that a shortage of funds may force the current government in Kabul to turn to drug trafficking. "According to the UN, today half of Afghans need humanitarian assistance to simply survive. Every third person is deprived of access to food. There is a danger that the lack of funds in the treasury of Afghanistan may push those who control the country today to make money on the sale of drugs and weapons, as it has been happening recently, by the way," Putin told a joint Shanghai Cooperation Organization-Collective Security Treaty Organization summit. According to a report by Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik International, Vladimir Putin said that "Taliban consider it important to restore infrastructure but it is difficult for them to do it on their own. Moscow supports the convening of an Afghanistan donor conference within the United Nations." "The Taliban movement, having become practically the sovereign master of the country, has formed its own government, which has assumed responsibility for the future of Afghanistan. This is an interim government, as the Taliban themselves say, and cannot be called truly representative or inclusive. We do not see representatives of other ethnic groups here. But it seems that, of course, it is also necessary to work with him. And as for the recognition [of current Afghan authorities], I think I agree with those who have spoken on this score. We need to agree on our position on this issue, " Putin said. (With inputs from Sputnik News)

Lack of money may push Afghan authorities to turn to drug trafficking: Putin

A deal that could allow Russian mercenaries into Mali has alarmed France. Why is Paris worried? Palki Sharma tells you about a Russian mercenary force that is extending the reach of Vladimir Putin beyond Russia's borders.

Gravitas: Is this secret mercenary force waging wars on Russia's behalf?

Criticising the presence of foreign troops in Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin said they are there against the will of the Syrian government. They are also blocking the consolidation of the war-torn country, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. &nbsp;

The president was talking about to numerous US troops in eastern Syria, who are working with Kurdish-led fighters, in battling the Islamic State group, as well as Turkish forces stationed in northern Syria. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia is building its military influence in Africa

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In a rare meeting in Moscow on Monday, the president met his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad. Putin said the presence of the foreigners is illegal as they don't have permission to be there from the United Nations or Syria's government. &nbsp;

In September 2015, Russia joined Syria's 10-year-old conflict when the Syrian military appeared close to collapse. The country has since helped in tipping the balance of power in favour of Assad, whose forces now control much of the country.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-to-self-isolate-over-virus-cases-in-inner-circle-kremlin-412973" hreflang="en">Russian President Putin to self-isolate over virus cases in 'inner circle': Kremlin</a> &nbsp;

Across Syria, hundreds of Russian troops are deployed and they also have a military air base along Syria's Mediterranean coast. &nbsp;

The state media in Damascus reported that Assad and Putin discussed cooperation between their armies and ways to continue operations to gain control of the last rebel-held areas in Syria. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Criticising the presence of foreign troops in Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin said they are there against the will of the Syrian government. They are also blocking the consolidation of the war-torn country, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

Criticising the presence of foreign troops in Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin said they are there against the will of the Syrian government. They are also blocking the consolidation of the war-torn country, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. The president was talking about to numerous US troops in eastern Syria, who are working with Kurdish-led fighters, in battling the Islamic State group, as well as Turkish forces stationed in northern Syria. Watch: Russia is building its military influence in Africa × In a rare meeting in Moscow on Monday, the president met his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad. Putin said the presence of the foreigners is illegal as they don't have permission to be there from the United Nations or Syria's government. In September 2015, Russia joined Syria's 10-year-old conflict when the Syrian military appeared close to collapse. The country has since helped in tipping the balance of power in favour of Assad, whose forces now control much of the country. Also Read | Russian President Putin to self-isolate over virus cases in 'inner circle': Kremlin Across Syria, hundreds of Russian troops are deployed and they also have a military air base along Syria's Mediterranean coast. The state media in Damascus reported that Assad and Putin discussed cooperation between their armies and ways to continue operations to gain control of the last rebel-held areas in Syria. (With inputs from agencies)

In meeting with Assad, Putin slams foreign troops’ presence in Syria   

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President alexander Lukashenko on Thursday agreed on economic policies that are aimed at integrating the two ex-Soviet countries more closely.

They said that they were in agreement on 28 programmes unifying their economies. However, both leaders stopped short of discussing political integration. It is thought that such an integration it is long sought by Moscow but resisted by Lukashenko.

After talks in the Kremlin, Putin said the agreements mean the countries will eventually have a unified "macro-economic policy".

The Belarus strongman -- increasingly isolated since orchestrating a ruthless crackdown on the opposition -- assured that Russia would not "swallow" his country.&nbsp;

The agreements are part of the implementation of a 1999 "union state" agreement. This foresees the creation of a single parliament, a single currency and common state symbols.&nbsp;

Putin said that Belarus is a "good neighbour" that shares Russia's "history and spiritual values."

The Russian leader said that while the pair did not discuss "political integration"

"We did not talk about this," Putin said, adding that it was first necessary to "create an economic base" before integrating politically.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has sought to deepen integration but Lukashenko, who for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans, has resisted closer integration.

"Belarusians and Russians do not feel like foreigners in each other's countries," Lukashenko said.&nbsp; 
"Together we are stronger." &nbsp;

The countries are about to begin the Zapad-2021 military exercises that are closely monitored by NATO, and Belarus has recently taken delivery of Russian war planes to be stationed on Belarus's border with the EU.

Putin, in power for more than 20 years, and Lukashenko, in power for nearly 30 years, have had a volatile relationship.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President alexander Lukashenko on Thursday agreed on economic policies that are aimed at integrating the two ex-Soviet countries more closely.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President alexander Lukashenko on Thursday agreed on economic policies that are aimed at integrating the two ex-Soviet countries more closely. They said that they were in agreement on 28 programmes unifying their economies. However, both leaders stopped short of discussing political integration. It is thought that such an integration it is long sought by Moscow but resisted by Lukashenko. After talks in the Kremlin, Putin said the agreements mean the countries will eventually have a unified "macro-economic policy". The Belarus strongman -- increasingly isolated since orchestrating a ruthless crackdown on the opposition -- assured that Russia would not "swallow" his country. The agreements are part of the implementation of a 1999 "union state" agreement. This foresees the creation of a single parliament, a single currency and common state symbols. Putin said that Belarus is a "good neighbour" that shares Russia's "history and spiritual values." The Russian leader said that while the pair did not discuss "political integration" "We did not talk about this," Putin said, adding that it was first necessary to "create an economic base" before integrating politically. The Kremlin has sought to deepen integration but Lukashenko, who for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans, has resisted closer integration. "Belarusians and Russians do not feel like foreigners in each other's countries," Lukashenko said. "Together we are stronger." The countries are about to begin the Zapad-2021 military exercises that are closely monitored by NATO, and Belarus has recently taken delivery of Russian war planes to be stationed on Belarus's border with the EU. Putin, in power for more than 20 years, and Lukashenko, in power for nearly 30 years, have had a volatile relationship. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia, Belarus agree on deepening economic integration

Twelve opposition candidates running for Russia’s parliamentary election in September met numerous journalists in Moscow on Saturday, asking them to “resist” the Kremlin’s crackdown against the independent media.

The small rally on Saturday was organized by several opposition candidates. It was officially billed as a meeting between candidates and voters in order to avoid accusations of staging an unauthorized rally, according to news agency Associated Press.

The candidates condemned the recent designation of several independent media outlets as “foreign agents.”

“(President Vladimir) Putin has set his own goals. The media is bothering him, so all media must be destroyed,” Reuters quoted Marina Litobinovich, one of the opposition candidates, while speaking to a crowd.

“My friend, we have to resist as much as we can. Many media will have to go underground.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-declares-media-outlet-the-insider-a-foreign-agent-400306">Russia declares media outlet The Insider a 'foreign agent'</a>

Russia’s controversial “foreign agent” law was adopted in 2012. The government uses the foreign agent designation to label foreign-funded organisations that it says are engaged in political activity.

The term carries negative Soviet-era connotations and subjects those designated to extra government scrutiny.

The authorities have designated nearly 50 journalists and media as “foreign agents.” The term they say refers to foreign-funded outlets that have political prejudice but are criticized by critics as a reversion to Soviet persecution.

The Kremlin denies persecuting the media for political reasons.

The status of a foreign agent increases the risk of prosecution by requiring the media to submit detailed reports of activities and finances.

Candidates have promised to run a campaign to overturn the law on foreign agents if journalists are elected.

(With inputs from agencies)

Twelve opposition candidates running for Russia’s parliamentary election in September met numerous journalists in Moscow on Saturday, asking them to “resist” the Kremlin’s crackdown against the independent media.

Twelve opposition candidates running for Russia’s parliamentary election in September met numerous journalists in Moscow on Saturday, asking them to “resist” the Kremlin’s crackdown against the independent media. The small rally on Saturday was organized by several opposition candidates. It was officially billed as a meeting between candidates and voters in order to avoid accusations of staging an unauthorized rally, according to news agency Associated Press. The candidates condemned the recent designation of several independent media outlets as “foreign agents.” “(President Vladimir) Putin has set his own goals. The media is bothering him, so all media must be destroyed,” Reuters quoted Marina Litobinovich, one of the opposition candidates, while speaking to a crowd. “My friend, we have to resist as much as we can. Many media will have to go underground.” Also read | Russia declares media outlet The Insider a 'foreign agent' Russia’s controversial “foreign agent” law was adopted in 2012. The government uses the foreign agent designation to label foreign-funded organisations that it says are engaged in political activity. The term carries negative Soviet-era connotations and subjects those designated to extra government scrutiny. The authorities have designated nearly 50 journalists and media as “foreign agents.” The term they say refers to foreign-funded outlets that have political prejudice but are criticized by critics as a reversion to Soviet persecution. The Kremlin denies persecuting the media for political reasons. The status of a foreign agent increases the risk of prosecution by requiring the media to submit detailed reports of activities and finances. Candidates have promised to run a campaign to overturn the law on foreign agents if journalists are elected. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian opposition candidates rally media against 'foreign agent' law

Gennady Zyuganov, the Russian Communist Party's chairman, stated on Wednesday that Jesus Christ was the world's first Communist and condemned plans to cancel May Day celebrations due to Orthodox Easter celebrations.

"Christ was the new era's first Communist. He lifted his voice in support of the impoverished, sick, and hungry, as well as everyone else in distress, "said Zyuganov, who has been the party's leader since 1995.

"And he would have joined us if he had been alive," he added.

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May Day celebrations would not be cancelled, according to Zyuganov, who said that Orthodox Easter, which occurs on May 1 this year, "does not contradict workers' solidarity."

Many people would prefer to spend Easter with their families, thus a number of Russian areas have announced intentions to cancel their traditional marches and demonstrations on May 1, which is officially known in the country as Day of Spring and Labor.&nbsp;

His remarks come as the Communist Party of Russia campaigns for seats in the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, in the parliamentary election scheduled for September 17-19.

During the Soviet era, when the communist government practised state atheism, such a declaration would have been unheard of.

However, the government has built relations with the Russian Orthodox Church in the post-Soviet years, particularly in the last decade of President Vladimir Putin's administration.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Gennady Zyuganov, the Russian Communist Party's chairman, stated on Wednesday that Jesus Christ was the world's first Communist and condemned plans to cancel May Day celebrations due to Orthodox Easter celebrations.

Gennady Zyuganov, the Russian Communist Party's chairman, stated on Wednesday that Jesus Christ was the world's first Communist and condemned plans to cancel May Day celebrations due to Orthodox Easter celebrations. "Christ was the new era's first Communist. He lifted his voice in support of the impoverished, sick, and hungry, as well as everyone else in distress, "said Zyuganov, who has been the party's leader since 1995. "And he would have joined us if he had been alive," he added. Just KPRF leader Gennady Zyuganov saying Jesus Christ was "the world's first communist" while wearing his favourite party-branded Nike jacket pic.twitter.com/31lsTMzns6 — Francis Scarr (@francska1) September 2, 2021 × May Day celebrations would not be cancelled, according to Zyuganov, who said that Orthodox Easter, which occurs on May 1 this year, "does not contradict workers' solidarity." Many people would prefer to spend Easter with their families, thus a number of Russian areas have announced intentions to cancel their traditional marches and demonstrations on May 1, which is officially known in the country as Day of Spring and Labor. His remarks come as the Communist Party of Russia campaigns for seats in the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, in the parliamentary election scheduled for September 17-19. During the Soviet era, when the communist government practised state atheism, such a declaration would have been unheard of. However, the government has built relations with the Russian Orthodox Church in the post-Soviet years, particularly in the last decade of President Vladimir Putin's administration. (With inputs from agencies)

Christ was first Communist, would have joined us: Russian Marxist leader Zyuganov

The US&nbsp;military has&nbsp;been present in Afghanistan for 20 years, attempting to "civilise" the people, but its presence has only resulted in catastrophes, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"As for events that are happening not so far from us, in Afghanistan ... For 20 years, US troops were present there and for 20 years they made attempts to civilize local people, in a broader sense, to impose their own norms and standards, including those related to the political organization of society. This only resulted in tragedies, both for those who did it, the United States, and even more so for people living in Afghanistan, " Putin said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-last-holdout-in-afghanistans-panjshir-anti-taliban-forces-fight-on-409936">Also read | In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on&nbsp;</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin has a history of criticising Western countries for attempting to impose their values on non-Western countries.

Moscow has repeatedly chastised the US strategy in Afghanistan, which the Taliban have taken control of this month ahead of the American withdrawal on August 31.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-expect-us-to-reopen-embassy-in-kabul-have-trade-relations-taliban-409822">Also read | We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban</a>

He was speaking at a gathering of students in Vladivostok, Russia's far eastern city, to commemorate the start of the school year.

Putin stated last week that Russia would not intervene in Afghanistan and that Moscow had learnt from the Soviet occupation.

He has also expressed dissatisfaction with Western governments' attempts to relocate Afghan refugees to Moscow-aligned Central Asian states.

Moscow has expressed cautious optimism about Kabul's new government, stating that it will not interfere in domestic issues.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US military has been present in Afghanistan for 20 years, attempting to "civilise" the people, but its presence has only resulted in catastrophes, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The US military has been present in Afghanistan for 20 years, attempting to "civilise" the people, but its presence has only resulted in catastrophes, said Russian President Vladimir Putin. "As for events that are happening not so far from us, in Afghanistan ... For 20 years, US troops were present there and for 20 years they made attempts to civilize local people, in a broader sense, to impose their own norms and standards, including those related to the political organization of society. This only resulted in tragedies, both for those who did it, the United States, and even more so for people living in Afghanistan, " Putin said. Also read | In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on Russian President Vladimir Putin has a history of criticising Western countries for attempting to impose their values on non-Western countries. Moscow has repeatedly chastised the US strategy in Afghanistan, which the Taliban have taken control of this month ahead of the American withdrawal on August 31. Also read | We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban He was speaking at a gathering of students in Vladivostok, Russia's far eastern city, to commemorate the start of the school year. Putin stated last week that Russia would not intervene in Afghanistan and that Moscow had learnt from the Soviet occupation. He has also expressed dissatisfaction with Western governments' attempts to relocate Afghan refugees to Moscow-aligned Central Asian states. Moscow has expressed cautious optimism about Kabul's new government, stating that it will not interfere in domestic issues. (With inputs from agencies)

America's 20-year presence in Afghanistan only resulted in tragedies, says Putin

Several leading Russian media outlets have urged President Vladamir Putin to end&nbsp;what they claim a “crackdown” on&nbsp;journalists&nbsp;and media&nbsp;firms&nbsp;who have been branded as “foreign&nbsp;agents”&nbsp;and&nbsp;“undesirable”&nbsp;organisations.&nbsp;

In the run-up to September`s legislative election, the officials had declared several outlets as&nbsp;“foreign agents”&nbsp;under&nbsp;a 2017 Russian law that requires them to put a disclaimer on any content they produce and disclose information on their funding.&nbsp;

More than a dozen media, including&nbsp;Meduza, TV Rain and Novaya Gazeta have signed an open letter to the government pleading them to repeal the law, which they&nbsp;argue is a death sentence for independent media as it scares off advertisers, potential sources and reporting partners.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“We are convinced that these events are part of a coordinated campaign to destroy independent Russian media, whose entire ‘guilt’ is constituted by their honestly fulfilling their professional duties to their readers,”&nbsp;The&nbsp;Guardian quoted the&nbsp;letter.&nbsp;

“We demand that this campaign be halted right now.”&nbsp;

Some outlets said they have been forced to close because a foreign agent declaration had destroyed their business models.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-declares-media-outlet-the-insider-a-foreign-agent-400306">Russia declares media outlet The Insider a 'foreign agent' &nbsp;</a>

Earlier this year,&nbsp;Russia heavily fined US broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty this year and froze its Moscow bank accounts for refusing to publish the disclaimer after being declared a foreign agent.&nbsp;

Rejecting the claims that the media is being persecuted, the Kremlin described the appeals made by the&nbsp;outlets&nbsp;as “emotional”.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It said&nbsp;that such&nbsp;designations showed that the law was functioning and that the legislation was needed to protect Russia from foreign meddling as&nbsp;journalists and NGOs can be manipulated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Several leading Russian media outlets have urged President Vladamir Putin to end what they claim a “crackdown” on journalists and media firms who have been branded as “foreign agents” and “undesirable” organisations.

Several leading Russian media outlets have urged President Vladamir Putin to end what they claim a “crackdown” on journalists and media firms who have been branded as “foreign agents” and “undesirable” organisations. In the run-up to September`s legislative election, the officials had declared several outlets as “foreign agents” under a 2017 Russian law that requires them to put a disclaimer on any content they produce and disclose information on their funding. More than a dozen media, including Meduza, TV Rain and Novaya Gazeta have signed an open letter to the government pleading them to repeal the law, which they argue is a death sentence for independent media as it scares off advertisers, potential sources and reporting partners. “We are convinced that these events are part of a coordinated campaign to destroy independent Russian media, whose entire ‘guilt’ is constituted by their honestly fulfilling their professional duties to their readers,” The Guardian quoted the letter. “We demand that this campaign be halted right now.” Some outlets said they have been forced to close because a foreign agent declaration had destroyed their business models. Also read | Russia declares media outlet The Insider a 'foreign agent' Earlier this year, Russia heavily fined US broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty this year and froze its Moscow bank accounts for refusing to publish the disclaimer after being declared a foreign agent. Rejecting the claims that the media is being persecuted, the Kremlin described the appeals made by the outlets as “emotional”. It said that such designations showed that the law was functioning and that the legislation was needed to protect Russia from foreign meddling as journalists and NGOs can be manipulated. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian news outlets urge Putin to end media 'crackdown’ under ‘foreign agent’ law 

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday declared USD 135 for pensioners in an apparent bid to drum up support ahead of next month's parliamentary elections. It is considered that Putin's ruling United Russia Party may struggle.

Putin has already announced many social spendings aimed at acting as sweetener in the election season. Rising prices and falling wages have dented United Russia's ratings.

As per a statement by the Kremlin, Putin has ordered payments of 10,000 rubles (USD 135). The payment will be handed out in September. This effectively doubles the monthly state pension.&nbsp;

In a meeting with United Russia officials on Sunday, Putin said that pensioners had been hit hardest by this year's soaring inflation.&nbsp;

Annual inflation in Russia has reached 6.5 per cent. The central bank in June hiked key interest rate to the same figure. This is the biggest increase since 2014 currency crisis.

Putin on Sunday also proposed giving 15,000-ruble bonuses to military staff.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-want-afghan-militants-in-russia-says-putin-407630">Don’t want Afghan militants in Russia, says Putin</a>

In June he promised to spend billions on repairing roads and developing public transport, infrastructure and healthcare.&nbsp;

United Russia's ratings started falling steeply in 2018 after the government passed a controversial pension reform plan that raised the retirement age.

The move came as Russia's economy had been stagnating, battered by waves of Western sanctions after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.&nbsp;

Ahead of next month's election, United Russia is polling around 30 percent, according to state-run pollster VTsIOM -- a 10-point drop from the last lower house elections in 2016.

The party currently controls 75 percent of seats in the State Duma, with the rest held by parties widely seen as doing the Kremlin's bidding.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday declared USD 135 for pensioners in an apparent bid to drum up support ahead of next month's parliamentary elections. It is considered that Putin's ruling United Russia Party may struggle.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday declared USD 135 for pensioners in an apparent bid to drum up support ahead of next month's parliamentary elections. It is considered that Putin's ruling United Russia Party may struggle. Putin has already announced many social spendings aimed at acting as sweetener in the election season. Rising prices and falling wages have dented United Russia's ratings. As per a statement by the Kremlin, Putin has ordered payments of 10,000 rubles (USD 135). The payment will be handed out in September. This effectively doubles the monthly state pension. In a meeting with United Russia officials on Sunday, Putin said that pensioners had been hit hardest by this year's soaring inflation. Annual inflation in Russia has reached 6.5 per cent. The central bank in June hiked key interest rate to the same figure. This is the biggest increase since 2014 currency crisis. Putin on Sunday also proposed giving 15,000-ruble bonuses to military staff. Also Read: Don’t want Afghan militants in Russia, says Putin In June he promised to spend billions on repairing roads and developing public transport, infrastructure and healthcare. United Russia's ratings started falling steeply in 2018 after the government passed a controversial pension reform plan that raised the retirement age. The move came as Russia's economy had been stagnating, battered by waves of Western sanctions after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014. Ahead of next month's election, United Russia is polling around 30 percent, according to state-run pollster VTsIOM -- a 10-point drop from the last lower house elections in 2016. The party currently controls 75 percent of seats in the State Duma, with the rest held by parties widely seen as doing the Kremlin's bidding. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin declares cash payments for pensioners ahead of polls

Russian Presideny Vladimir Putin on Sunday rejected the idea of sending Afghan refugees and evacuees to central Asian nations. He indicated that such a move would be a threat to Moscow and he did not want "militants showing up here under cover of refugees",&nbsp; Russian news agencies reported.

Central Asian nations were formerly part of Soviet Russia and the area is still considered to be a Russian backyard.

Putin criticised the idea floated by some Western countries to relocate refugees from Afghanistan to neighbouring Central Asian countries while their visas to the United States and Europe are being processed.

"Does that mean that they can be sent without visas to those countries, to our neighbours, while they themselves (the West) don't want to take them without visas?" TASS news agency quoted Putin as telling leaders of the ruling United Russia party.&nbsp;"Why is there such a humiliating approach to solving the problem?"&nbsp;

The United States reportedly held secret talks with a number of countries in a desperate attempt to secure deals to temporarily house at-risk Afghans who worked for the US government, Reuters reported last week.

Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) is due to discuss Afghanistan on Monday (August 23). CSTO is a military alliance of ex-Soviet republics led by Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Presideny Vladimir Putin on Sunday rejected the idea of sending Afghan refugees and evacuees to central Asian nations. He indicated that such a move would be a threat to Moscow and he did not want "militants showing up here under cover of refugees", Russian news agencies reported.

Russian Presideny Vladimir Putin on Sunday rejected the idea of sending Afghan refugees and evacuees to central Asian nations. He indicated that such a move would be a threat to Moscow and he did not want "militants showing up here under cover of refugees", Russian news agencies reported. Central Asian nations were formerly part of Soviet Russia and the area is still considered to be a Russian backyard. Putin criticised the idea floated by some Western countries to relocate refugees from Afghanistan to neighbouring Central Asian countries while their visas to the United States and Europe are being processed. "Does that mean that they can be sent without visas to those countries, to our neighbours, while they themselves (the West) don't want to take them without visas?" TASS news agency quoted Putin as telling leaders of the ruling United Russia party. "Why is there such a humiliating approach to solving the problem?" The United States reportedly held secret talks with a number of countries in a desperate attempt to secure deals to temporarily house at-risk Afghans who worked for the US government, Reuters reported last week. Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) is due to discuss Afghanistan on Monday (August 23). CSTO is a military alliance of ex-Soviet republics led by Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin against sending Afghan refugees to central Asian countries

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday said the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan would directly impact the security situation in Russia, while adding that he does not want Afghanistan militants arriving under the guise of refugees, local Russian media reported.

"Does that mean that they can be sent without visas to those countries, to our neighbours, while they themselves (the West) don't want to take them without visas?"&nbsp;TASS news agency quoted Putin as saying.

"Why is there such a humiliating approach to solving the problem?"&nbsp;he added.

His remarks came days after Putin demanded the countries to stop interfering in Afghanistan, saying the west “must stop the irresponsible policy of imposing foreign values from abroad”.

The Russian president said he hoped the Taliban would “guarantee the security of locals and foreign diplomats” and that the country would not break apart after the withdrawal of US-led forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-says-anti-taliban-forces-are-gathering-north-of-kabul-406947">Also read |&nbsp;Russia says anti-Taliban forces are gathering north of Kabul</a>

Despite several western countries decrying the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, some regional countries like Russia&nbsp;and China&nbsp;have been attempting&nbsp;to establish formal relations with the militia group.

Recently, Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov declared that the Taliban are the “de facto” authority in the restive country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday said the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan would directly impact the security situation in Russia, while adding that he does not want Afghanistan militants arriving under the guise of refugees, local Russian media reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday said the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan would directly impact the security situation in Russia, while adding that he does not want Afghanistan militants arriving under the guise of refugees, local Russian media reported. "Does that mean that they can be sent without visas to those countries, to our neighbours, while they themselves (the West) don't want to take them without visas?" TASS news agency quoted Putin as saying. "Why is there such a humiliating approach to solving the problem?" he added. His remarks came days after Putin demanded the countries to stop interfering in Afghanistan, saying the west “must stop the irresponsible policy of imposing foreign values from abroad”. The Russian president said he hoped the Taliban would “guarantee the security of locals and foreign diplomats” and that the country would not break apart after the withdrawal of US-led forces. Also read | Russia says anti-Taliban forces are gathering north of Kabul Despite several western countries decrying the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, some regional countries like Russia and China have been attempting to establish formal relations with the militia group. Recently, Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov declared that the Taliban are the “de facto” authority in the restive country.

Don’t want Afghan militants in Russia, says Putin

Russian authorities announced a new criminal charge against Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Wednesday, the latest move in a crackdown ahead of September`s parliamentary election that could add as much as three years to his prison term. 
 
Navalny, President Vladimir Putin`s fiercest domestic critic, is serving a 2-1/2-year sentence for parole violations he calls trumped up. He was arrested after flying back from Germany where he had recovered from a nerve agent poisoning. 
 
Navalny and his allies have faced pressure for years, but his political network was outlawed in June after a court formally labelled his anti-corruption foundation and regional campaign groups as extremist. 
 
The Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes, said in a statement that Navalny had been charged with creating an organisation that "infringes on the personality and rights of citizens", a crime punishable by up to three years in jail. 
 
It said that his Anti-Corruption Foundation had incited Russians to break the law and take part in unauthorised protests demanding his release in January that authorities said were illegal. 
 
The opposition politician`s allies who post on social media under the name Team Navalny described the accusation as "the latest meaningless charge". 
 
"No one infringes on the personality and rights of citizens like Putin himself and all his henchmen, including the Investigative Committee," they said on Telegram messenger. 
 
The charge comes a day after the Investigative Committee on Tuesday announced a new criminal investigation into two close Navalny allies, who are based abroad, for raising funds for his political network. 
 
On Sunday, Russian media outlets reported that Lyubov Sobol, a close Navalny ally, had left Russia and flown to Turkey. She has not commented on her whereabouts and her allies have declined to comment.

Russian authorities announced a new criminal charge against Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Wednesday, the latest move in a crackdown ahead of September`s parliamentary election that could add as much as three years to his prison term.

Russian authorities announced a new criminal charge against Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Wednesday, the latest move in a crackdown ahead of September`s parliamentary election that could add as much as three years to his prison term. Navalny, President Vladimir Putin`s fiercest domestic critic, is serving a 2-1/2-year sentence for parole violations he calls trumped up. He was arrested after flying back from Germany where he had recovered from a nerve agent poisoning. Navalny and his allies have faced pressure for years, but his political network was outlawed in June after a court formally labelled his anti-corruption foundation and regional campaign groups as extremist. The Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes, said in a statement that Navalny had been charged with creating an organisation that "infringes on the personality and rights of citizens", a crime punishable by up to three years in jail. It said that his Anti-Corruption Foundation had incited Russians to break the law and take part in unauthorised protests demanding his release in January that authorities said were illegal. The opposition politician`s allies who post on social media under the name Team Navalny described the accusation as "the latest meaningless charge". "No one infringes on the personality and rights of citizens like Putin himself and all his henchmen, including the Investigative Committee," they said on Telegram messenger. The charge comes a day after the Investigative Committee on Tuesday announced a new criminal investigation into two close Navalny allies, who are based abroad, for raising funds for his political network. On Sunday, Russian media outlets reported that Lyubov Sobol, a close Navalny ally, had left Russia and flown to Turkey. She has not commented on her whereabouts and her allies have declined to comment.

Russia hits Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with new charge that could add to jail term

England's High Court will begin hearing arguments on Wednesday from lawyers for four Russian billionaires including Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich and state-owned oil firm Rosneft about a book on President Vladimir Putin which they say defames them. 
 
In the 2020 book, British journalist Catherine Belton chronicles Putin's rise to power and how many of his associates from the former Soviet spy services rose to positions of wealth and influence after he won the top Kremlin job in 1999. 
 
Lawyers for the businessmen will tell the court that passages in the book "Putin's People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and then Took on the West", published by HarperCollins, are defamatory. Abramovich is suing both HarperCollins and Belton, according to case details filed with the courts and tribunals service. 
 
HarperCollins said it would "robustly defend this acclaimed and ground-breaking book and the right to report on matters of considerable public interest". 
 
Belton, a former Financial Times Moscow correspondent and now a Reuters special correspondent, declined to comment. Law firm Wiggin, which is representing HarperCollins and Belton, did not respond to a request for comment. 
 
"The book falsely alleges that our client has acted corruptly, and makes false claims about our client`s purchase, and the activities, of Chelsea Football Club. Such claims are totally unacceptable and are without foundation," Abramovich`s lawyers, Harbottle &amp; Lewis, said on March 22. 
 
Abramovich said in the same statement that "the false allegations in this book are having a damaging effect, not only on my personal reputation, but also in respect of the activities of Chelsea Football Club." 
 
A spokeswoman for Abramovich declined to comment further. Harbottle &amp; Lewis did not respond to a request for comment. 
 
Rosneft, Russia's largest oil producer, is also suing both HarperCollins and Belton for defamation. The firm, and its lawyers Carter-Ruck, did not did not respond to a request for comment. 
 
Businessman Mikhail Fridman is suing HarperCollins for defamation and on data protection grounds. His long-term business partner, Pyotr Aven, is suing on data protection grounds. 
 
A spokesman said both men regretted it had not been possible to resolve the matter before Wednesday`s hearing. 
 
"Ms Belton's book, which has been promoted as a 'definitive historical record', contains inaccurate and offensive statements about Mr Aven and Mr Fridman," the spokesman said.&nbsp;"It is important to them that the record is set straight." 
 
Businessman Shalva Chigirinsky is suing both HarperCollins and Belton for defamation. His lawyers, Taylor Wessing LLP, passed on to him a Reuters request for comment on the proceedings. He did not immediately respond.

England's High Court will begin hearing arguments on Wednesday from lawyers for four Russian billionaires including Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich and state-owned oil firm Rosneft about a book on President Vladimir Putin which they say defames them.

England's High Court will begin hearing arguments on Wednesday from lawyers for four Russian billionaires including Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich and state-owned oil firm Rosneft about a book on President Vladimir Putin which they say defames them. In the 2020 book, British journalist Catherine Belton chronicles Putin's rise to power and how many of his associates from the former Soviet spy services rose to positions of wealth and influence after he won the top Kremlin job in 1999. Lawyers for the businessmen will tell the court that passages in the book "Putin's People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and then Took on the West", published by HarperCollins, are defamatory. Abramovich is suing both HarperCollins and Belton, according to case details filed with the courts and tribunals service. HarperCollins said it would "robustly defend this acclaimed and ground-breaking book and the right to report on matters of considerable public interest". Belton, a former Financial Times Moscow correspondent and now a Reuters special correspondent, declined to comment. Law firm Wiggin, which is representing HarperCollins and Belton, did not respond to a request for comment. "The book falsely alleges that our client has acted corruptly, and makes false claims about our client`s purchase, and the activities, of Chelsea Football Club. Such claims are totally unacceptable and are without foundation," Abramovich`s lawyers, Harbottle & Lewis, said on March 22. Abramovich said in the same statement that "the false allegations in this book are having a damaging effect, not only on my personal reputation, but also in respect of the activities of Chelsea Football Club." A spokeswoman for Abramovich declined to comment further. Harbottle & Lewis did not respond to a request for comment. Rosneft, Russia's largest oil producer, is also suing both HarperCollins and Belton for defamation. The firm, and its lawyers Carter-Ruck, did not did not respond to a request for comment. Businessman Mikhail Fridman is suing HarperCollins for defamation and on data protection grounds. His long-term business partner, Pyotr Aven, is suing on data protection grounds. A spokesman said both men regretted it had not been possible to resolve the matter before Wednesday`s hearing. "Ms Belton's book, which has been promoted as a 'definitive historical record', contains inaccurate and offensive statements about Mr Aven and Mr Fridman," the spokesman said. "It is important to them that the record is set straight." Businessman Shalva Chigirinsky is suing both HarperCollins and Belton for defamation. His lawyers, Taylor Wessing LLP, passed on to him a Reuters request for comment on the proceedings. He did not immediately respond.

Russian billionaires vs British writer: Court battle begins over Putin book

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of Russian navy's capability of a 'lethal strike' as he spoke during a parade of warships in port city of St Petersburg. His words have come just a day after military officials announced test of new advanced weapons. Some of these weapons come from the arsenal Putin said was 'invincible'

"The Russian navy today has everything it needs to guarantee the protection of our country and our national interests," he said.

"We can detect underwater, surface or aerial enemies and target them if a lethal strike is necessary," Putin said according to a broadcast on state television.

The Russian leader was speaking on the sidelines of an annual parade of military vessels, flanked by naval officers in white, and also Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-russia-sends-help-to-communist-nation-after-protests-400404">Cuba: Russia sends help to Communist nation after protests</a>

Putin said Russia had secured its place among the world's leading naval powers, including by developing "the latest hypersonic precision weapons still unrivalled in the world".

The United States, China, France and other major powers have announced plans to develop their own hypersonic weapons and are expected to soon catch up.

With the second-largest arsenal of nuclear weapons in the world and a huge cache of ballistic missiles, Russia already has more than enough military capacity to deter its enemies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of Russian navy's capability of a 'lethal strike' as he spoke during a parade of warships in port city of St Petersburg. His words have come just a day after military officials announced test of new advanced weapons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of Russian navy's capability of a 'lethal strike' as he spoke during a parade of warships in port city of St Petersburg. His words have come just a day after military officials announced test of new advanced weapons. Some of these weapons come from the arsenal Putin said was 'invincible' "The Russian navy today has everything it needs to guarantee the protection of our country and our national interests," he said. "We can detect underwater, surface or aerial enemies and target them if a lethal strike is necessary," Putin said according to a broadcast on state television. The Russian leader was speaking on the sidelines of an annual parade of military vessels, flanked by naval officers in white, and also Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu. Also Read | Cuba: Russia sends help to Communist nation after protests Putin said Russia had secured its place among the world's leading naval powers, including by developing "the latest hypersonic precision weapons still unrivalled in the world". The United States, China, France and other major powers have announced plans to develop their own hypersonic weapons and are expected to soon catch up. With the second-largest arsenal of nuclear weapons in the world and a huge cache of ballistic missiles, Russia already has more than enough military capacity to deter its enemies. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin talks of 'lethal strike' during Russian warship parade

As<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/history-combatants-facts-and-timeline-us-led-military-intervention-in-afghanistan-396203"> Afghan</a> troops prepared their counterattack in the north after the Taliban's rapid advance in the area, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon assuring help to the former Soviet republic.

Reports said on Monday that at least 1,000 Afghan government soldiers had crossed over to&nbsp;Tajikistan while losing ground to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/history-combatants-facts-and-timeline-us-led-military-intervention-in-afghanistan-396203">Taliban</a>.

Russia already operates a military base in Tajikistan. On Tuesday, Russian forces fired air-to-surface missiles during a training exercise amid reports of Taliban gaining territories along the area.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-army-plan-counteroffensive-against-taliban-in-northern-provinces-396106/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Russian defence ministry had said two MI-24 attack helicopters and two military transport helicopters had also taken part in the military exercise with unguided missiles launched at ground targets.

Last month the Taliban had seized a vital border crossing along the Tajikistan border as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-forces-plan-counteroffensive-in-northern-provinces-adviser-395959">US troops </a>continued their pullout from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said Russia is prepared to help Tajikistan stabilise the border area "both directly and through a regional security bloc", if needed.

"The situation there is rather tense because according to some sources, up to 70% of the Tajik-Afghan border is now controlled by the Taliban," Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Russia's deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko as saying.

Last week the US forces had handed over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pentagon-seeks-to-soften-blow-of-us-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-396071">Bagram</a> airbase after nearly 20 years to the Afghan forces as they continued their pullout from the region even as the Taliban continued its rapid advance through the north which was not its traditional stronghold.

As Afghan troops flooded into Tajikistan, President Emomali Rakhmon ordered mobilisation of 20,000 reserve troops on Monday&nbsp;to strengthen the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Russia had said on Monday that it was closing its consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif located near the border with Uzbekistan due to security reasons.

TASS news agency quoted Russia's envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, saying that "The situation is changing rapidly. The Afghan forces, as they say, have abandoned too many districts. This logically creates nervousness."

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Afghan troops prepared their counterattack in the north after the Taliban's rapid advance in the area, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon assuring help to the former Soviet republic.

As Afghan troops prepared their counterattack in the north after the Taliban's rapid advance in the area, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon assuring help to the former Soviet republic. Reports said on Monday that at least 1,000 Afghan government soldiers had crossed over to Tajikistan while losing ground to the Taliban. Russia already operates a military base in Tajikistan. On Tuesday, Russian forces fired air-to-surface missiles during a training exercise amid reports of Taliban gaining territories along the area. Watch: The Russian defence ministry had said two MI-24 attack helicopters and two military transport helicopters had also taken part in the military exercise with unguided missiles launched at ground targets. Last month the Taliban had seized a vital border crossing along the Tajikistan border as US troops continued their pullout from Afghanistan. The Kremlin said Russia is prepared to help Tajikistan stabilise the border area "both directly and through a regional security bloc", if needed. "The situation there is rather tense because according to some sources, up to 70% of the Tajik-Afghan border is now controlled by the Taliban," Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Russia's deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko as saying. Last week the US forces had handed over the Bagram airbase after nearly 20 years to the Afghan forces as they continued their pullout from the region even as the Taliban continued its rapid advance through the north which was not its traditional stronghold. As Afghan troops flooded into Tajikistan, President Emomali Rakhmon ordered mobilisation of 20,000 reserve troops on Monday to strengthen the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Russia had said on Monday that it was closing its consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif located near the border with Uzbekistan due to security reasons. TASS news agency quoted Russia's envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, saying that "The situation is changing rapidly. The Afghan forces, as they say, have abandoned too many districts. This logically creates nervousness." (With inputs from Agencies)

Putin dials Tajikistan president amid Taliban's rapid advance in Afghanistan

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday proposed spendings of billions of rubles ahead of parliamentary polls due in September. Putin made the announcement at his United Russia party congress. The parliamentary polls are likely to see the deeply unpopular party struggle.

The party congress took place in a Moscow convention centre. The Russian capital is seeing high number of new Covid cases.

The spending for public support Putin proposed included 50 billion rubles ($687 million) on public transport, 30 billion rubles for repairing roads and 20 billion rubles to clean up rivers, among other spending projects on infrastructure and healthcare.

"The program of the party of the leader has to be the program of the people," the 68-year-old Kremlin chief said in a speech broadcast on state television.

He also said the state would be allocating payments and new forms of support for families starting next month.&nbsp;

"Our task is to significantly increase the prosperity of Russian families and the incomes of our citizens," Putin said.

The gathering, which determines the ruling party's candidates and electoral platform for September's lower house of parliament vote, comes after the party has seen support tumble in recent years amid economic stagnation, entrenched corruption and widespread voter fatigue.

On Friday, state-run pollster VTsIOM published a survey showing that 30 percent of voters support United Russia -- a 10-point drop from the last lower house State Duma elections in 2016.

Navalny neutralised

But the party, which controls a majority of the State Duma, is projecting calm.

"It is a good base of support that can be further increased during the election campaign," party chairman and former president and prime minister Dmitry Medvedev said at the start of the month.

Putin, who came to power in 2000, himself boasts much higher support than his party with an approval rating of 61.5 percent, according to VTsIOM.

The pollster also predicts that three opposition parties that are seen as doing the Kremlin's bidding -- the nationalist LDPR, the Communists and A Just Russia -- will garner around 30 percent of the vote.

Further buoying the Kremlin's prospects in September is the recent dismantling of the movement of Russia's main opposition politician Alexei Navalny.

Barring his organisations from working in the country, a Moscow court earlier this month branded them as "extremist", while Putin signed legislation outlawing staff, members and sponsors of "extremist" groups from running in parliamentary elections.

Critics say the moves were aimed at ensuring that Navalny, who was jailed earlier this year for two-and-a-half years on old fraud charges he says are politically motivated, does not spoil September's vote for the Kremlin.

Despite the clampdown, Navalny's allies are promoting his Smart Voting strategy that backs candidates best placed to defeat Kremlin-linked politicians -- a tactic that has seen United Russia lose a number of seats in recent local elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday proposed spendings of billions of rubles ahead of parliamentary polls due in September. Putin made the announcement at his United Russia party congress.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday proposed spendings of billions of rubles ahead of parliamentary polls due in September. Putin made the announcement at his United Russia party congress. The parliamentary polls are likely to see the deeply unpopular party struggle. The party congress took place in a Moscow convention centre. The Russian capital is seeing high number of new Covid cases. The spending for public support Putin proposed included 50 billion rubles ($687 million) on public transport, 30 billion rubles for repairing roads and 20 billion rubles to clean up rivers, among other spending projects on infrastructure and healthcare. "The program of the party of the leader has to be the program of the people," the 68-year-old Kremlin chief said in a speech broadcast on state television. He also said the state would be allocating payments and new forms of support for families starting next month. "Our task is to significantly increase the prosperity of Russian families and the incomes of our citizens," Putin said. The gathering, which determines the ruling party's candidates and electoral platform for September's lower house of parliament vote, comes after the party has seen support tumble in recent years amid economic stagnation, entrenched corruption and widespread voter fatigue. On Friday, state-run pollster VTsIOM published a survey showing that 30 percent of voters support United Russia -- a 10-point drop from the last lower house State Duma elections in 2016. Navalny neutralised But the party, which controls a majority of the State Duma, is projecting calm. "It is a good base of support that can be further increased during the election campaign," party chairman and former president and prime minister Dmitry Medvedev said at the start of the month. Putin, who came to power in 2000, himself boasts much higher support than his party with an approval rating of 61.5 percent, according to VTsIOM. The pollster also predicts that three opposition parties that are seen as doing the Kremlin's bidding -- the nationalist LDPR, the Communists and A Just Russia -- will garner around 30 percent of the vote. Further buoying the Kremlin's prospects in September is the recent dismantling of the movement of Russia's main opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Barring his organisations from working in the country, a Moscow court earlier this month branded them as "extremist", while Putin signed legislation outlawing staff, members and sponsors of "extremist" groups from running in parliamentary elections. Critics say the moves were aimed at ensuring that Navalny, who was jailed earlier this year for two-and-a-half years on old fraud charges he says are politically motivated, does not spoil September's vote for the Kremlin. Despite the clampdown, Navalny's allies are promoting his Smart Voting strategy that backs candidates best placed to defeat Kremlin-linked politicians -- a tactic that has seen United Russia lose a number of seats in recent local elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin promises billions in public spending ahead of polls

The State Department has said the US believes Navalny was poisoned by the Russian security services last year when he felt ill during a flight to Moscow and fell into a coma.

Biden warned Putin of consequences if Navalny dies in prison

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin face off on Wednesday in their first meeting since Biden took office with wide disagreements likely and expectations low for any breakthroughs.

Geneva gears up for Putin-Biden summit

Ahead of the Wednesday’s Biden-Putin summit, US President Joe Biden says he will lay down 'red lines' to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in their meeting, calling him 'tough' and 'a worthy adversary'.&nbsp;

When a reporter asked if he still believes Putin is 'a killer', Biden didn't immediately answer. The question was asked at a news conference on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Brussels.&nbsp;

But he issued a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny would hurt Russia’s relationships with the rest of the world.&nbsp;

“Navalny’s death would be another indication that Russia has little or no intention of abiding by basic fundamental human rights,” said Biden.&nbsp;

Biden-Putin meet&nbsp;

Biden will meet Putin for the first time since becoming president in Geneva summit. He has also declined to say how he'll measure the success of the meeting.&nbsp;

As US president prepares to meet one on one with Putin, the White House insists that the Geneva summit does not amount to a reward for Russian president, placing him on a par with the United States.&nbsp;

The meeting will actually be a businesslike review of the bilateral relationship. US president will raise several pressing concerns but will also seek areas where Russia and the United States can work together.&nbsp;

US President also said the NATO alliance remains 'strong', adding that Russia and China 'are seeking to drive a wedge in transatlantic solidarity'. &nbsp;

From Ukraine&nbsp;

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky Monday said US President Joe Biden should have met him before his high-profile summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin as they could resolve nothing on Ukraine without Kiev at the table.&nbsp;

The 43-year-old leader spoke to journalists as the US and Russian presidents prepare to hold their first summit meeting in Geneva on Wednesday. "It would be better to have this meeting before the summit of the two presidents," Zelensky said in an interview.&nbsp;

Transatlantic ties&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden will intensify efforts to renew transatlantic relations on Tuesday, meeting with European Union leaders to cool trade tensions and join forces to beat COVID-19, uphold democracy and hold back climate change.&nbsp;

Biden's summit in Brussels with the presidents of the EU's executive and the Council that represents the bloc's 27 member states is also expected to affirm Western solidarity in the face of the assertiveness of both Russia and China.&nbsp;

Congratulates Bennett &nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Sunday called incoming Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and congratulated him. An alliance of parties led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid on Sunday ousted Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and ended his 12-year rule. Benjamin Netanyahu is the longest-serving premier of Israel.&nbsp;

"I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet," Biden said in a statement issued shortly before the call.&nbsp;

Syria Libya tangle&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Monday (Indian time) appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at news conference after G7 summit in the UK. He appeared to make the mistake twice.&nbsp;

He was describing how the US and Russia can work together for the welfare of people of Libya (instead of Syria). In Syria, both US and Russia are involved in a decade-long civil conflict.&nbsp;

Talks with Erdoğan&nbsp;

Biden also met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Brussels. He told members of the press that the two 'had a very good meeting’, but refused to answer any other reporter questions during a quick photo opportunity following the discussion.&nbsp;

Ahead of the meeting, Erdogan said talks with Biden would be 'very broad' but he focused on the dispute over Ankara's acquisition of a Russian air defence system, which led to Turkey being removed from the F-35 fighter programme and sanctions on defence industry officials.&nbsp;

The US says the S-400 missiles, which Turkey purchased in 2019, pose a threat to NATO's integrated air defence and has demanded Ankara abandon the $2.5 billion system.&nbsp;

He also described Biden's recognition of the killings of Armenian Ottoman citizens during World War I as genocide in April as 'very negative' and an 'approach that has seriously upset us’. Turkey denies the deportations and massacres that began in 1915 and killed an estimated 1.5 million Armenians amounted to genocide.&nbsp;

Tackling China &nbsp;

The US president has urged his fellow NATO leaders to stand up to China's authoritarianism and growing military might, a change of focus for an alliance created to defend Europe from the Soviet Union during the Cold War.&nbsp;

The language in the summit's final communique, which will now set the path for alliance policy, comes a day after the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations issued a statement on human rights in China and Taiwan that Beijing said slandered its reputation.&nbsp;

Capitol Riots&nbsp;

President Joe Biden says US allies were 'shocked' and 'surprised' by the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol, but they nevertheless are unconcerned about American leadership on the world stage. Biden also urged Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, as the country approaches a milestone of 600,000 deaths.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of the Wednesday’s Biden-Putin summit, US President Joe Biden says he will lay down 'red lines' to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in their meeting, calling him 'tough' and 'a worthy adversary'.

Ahead of the Wednesday’s Biden-Putin summit, US President Joe Biden says he will lay down 'red lines' to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in their meeting, calling him 'tough' and 'a worthy adversary'. When a reporter asked if he still believes Putin is 'a killer', Biden didn't immediately answer. The question was asked at a news conference on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Brussels. But he issued a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny would hurt Russia’s relationships with the rest of the world. “Navalny’s death would be another indication that Russia has little or no intention of abiding by basic fundamental human rights,” said Biden. Biden-Putin meet Biden will meet Putin for the first time since becoming president in Geneva summit. He has also declined to say how he'll measure the success of the meeting. As US president prepares to meet one on one with Putin, the White House insists that the Geneva summit does not amount to a reward for Russian president, placing him on a par with the United States. The meeting will actually be a businesslike review of the bilateral relationship. US president will raise several pressing concerns but will also seek areas where Russia and the United States can work together. US President also said the NATO alliance remains 'strong', adding that Russia and China 'are seeking to drive a wedge in transatlantic solidarity'. From Ukraine Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky Monday said US President Joe Biden should have met him before his high-profile summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin as they could resolve nothing on Ukraine without Kiev at the table. The 43-year-old leader spoke to journalists as the US and Russian presidents prepare to hold their first summit meeting in Geneva on Wednesday. "It would be better to have this meeting before the summit of the two presidents," Zelensky said in an interview. Transatlantic ties US President Joe Biden will intensify efforts to renew transatlantic relations on Tuesday, meeting with European Union leaders to cool trade tensions and join forces to beat COVID-19, uphold democracy and hold back climate change. Biden's summit in Brussels with the presidents of the EU's executive and the Council that represents the bloc's 27 member states is also expected to affirm Western solidarity in the face of the assertiveness of both Russia and China. Congratulates Bennett US President Joe Biden on Sunday called incoming Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and congratulated him. An alliance of parties led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid on Sunday ousted Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and ended his 12-year rule. Benjamin Netanyahu is the longest-serving premier of Israel. "I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet," Biden said in a statement issued shortly before the call. Syria Libya tangle US President Joe Biden on Monday (Indian time) appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at news conference after G7 summit in the UK. He appeared to make the mistake twice. He was describing how the US and Russia can work together for the welfare of people of Libya (instead of Syria). In Syria, both US and Russia are involved in a decade-long civil conflict. Talks with Erdoğan Biden also met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Brussels. He told members of the press that the two 'had a very good meeting’, but refused to answer any other reporter questions during a quick photo opportunity following the discussion. Ahead of the meeting, Erdogan said talks with Biden would be 'very broad' but he focused on the dispute over Ankara's acquisition of a Russian air defence system, which led to Turkey being removed from the F-35 fighter programme and sanctions on defence industry officials. The US says the S-400 missiles, which Turkey purchased in 2019, pose a threat to NATO's integrated air defence and has demanded Ankara abandon the $2.5 billion system. He also described Biden's recognition of the killings of Armenian Ottoman citizens during World War I as genocide in April as 'very negative' and an 'approach that has seriously upset us’. Turkey denies the deportations and massacres that began in 1915 and killed an estimated 1.5 million Armenians amounted to genocide. Tackling China The US president has urged his fellow NATO leaders to stand up to China's authoritarianism and growing military might, a change of focus for an alliance created to defend Europe from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The language in the summit's final communique, which will now set the path for alliance policy, comes a day after the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations issued a statement on human rights in China and Taiwan that Beijing said slandered its reputation. Capitol Riots President Joe Biden says US allies were 'shocked' and 'surprised' by the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol, but they nevertheless are unconcerned about American leadership on the world stage. Biden also urged Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, as the country approaches a milestone of 600,000 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden looks to strengthen relationships, tackle adversaries

Ahead of the summit talks with US President Joe Biden, Russian President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin told a US television channel that he was open to a prisoner swap with the US which is likely to come up for discussion when the two leaders meet at Geneva.

The Russian president clarified his government's stand on the alleged cyberattack,&nbsp;saying that it was "unfounded accusations" without "evidence or proof".

Putin described the cyberattack accusations as &nbsp;"farcical".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/putin-says-russia-ready-to-handover-cybercriminals-to-us-391435/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Where is the proof? It's becoming farcical," Putin said, adding,"We have been accused of all kinds of things, election interference, cyberattacks and so on and so forth, and not once, not one time, did they bother to produce any kind of evidence or proof."

US-Russia relations have been going downhill in recent years, with Washington accusing the regime of cyberattacks.

The US has imposed sanctions on Russia, but Putin's regime has withstood the pressure from Western governments over the spying issue.

Russia had earlier said it was ready to hand over cybercriminals to the United States if the Biden administration agreed to do the same, a move hailed by Biden as a sign of "progress."

Biden had earlier described Putin as a killer as he declared recently, "Autocrats have enormous power," adding that Russia has been behaving "contrary to international norms".

Meanwhile, Ukraine&nbsp;leader Volodymyr Zelensky said Biden should have met him before Putin as he seeks US support to put down alleged separatists backed by Russia even as the Pentagon had announced a new $150 million package of military assistance for Kiev.

Ahead of the summit talks with US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a US television channel that he was open to a prisoner swap with the US which is likely to come up for discussion when the two leaders meet at Geneva.

Ahead of the summit talks with US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a US television channel that he was open to a prisoner swap with the US which is likely to come up for discussion when the two leaders meet at Geneva. The Russian president clarified his government's stand on the alleged cyberattack, saying that it was "unfounded accusations" without "evidence or proof". Putin described the cyberattack accusations as "farcical". Watch: "Where is the proof? It's becoming farcical," Putin said, adding,"We have been accused of all kinds of things, election interference, cyberattacks and so on and so forth, and not once, not one time, did they bother to produce any kind of evidence or proof." US-Russia relations have been going downhill in recent years, with Washington accusing the regime of cyberattacks. The US has imposed sanctions on Russia, but Putin's regime has withstood the pressure from Western governments over the spying issue. Russia had earlier said it was ready to hand over cybercriminals to the United States if the Biden administration agreed to do the same, a move hailed by Biden as a sign of "progress." Biden had earlier described Putin as a killer as he declared recently, "Autocrats have enormous power," adding that Russia has been behaving "contrary to international norms". Meanwhile, Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky said Biden should have met him before Putin as he seeks US support to put down alleged separatists backed by Russia even as the Pentagon had announced a new $150 million package of military assistance for Kiev.

'It's becoming farcical': Putin denies Russia's role in election interference, cyberattacks

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that 'autocrat' Vladimir Putin was right to suggest that relations between USA and Russia were at their lowest. Biden suggested that Russia might be weaker than it seemed.

Joe Biden argued that the world's richest democracies faced existential contest from "autocrats". This, he said would define 21st century.

Biden is scheduled to attend NATO summit on Monday. He will then meet Putin in Geneva on June 16. The meeting of the two presidents is likely to be a combative encounter given the disputes between the two countries over spying, hacking, election meddling, Ukraine, Belarus and human rights

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-cautions-g7-small-groups-dont-rule-the-world-391151">China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world</a>

Biden, who called the former KGB spy a killer in March, cast Russia as engaging in unacceptable behaviour on a range of fronts but also pointed to Russia's own "dilemmas" - its post-Soviet economic collapse, what he called overreach in Syria and problems with COVID-19.

Asked why Putin, who has served as Russia's paramount leader since Boris Yeltsin resigned in 1999, had not changed despite years of Western sanctions, Biden quipped: "He's Vladimir Putin".

"Autocrats have enormous power and they don't have to answer to a public and the fact is that it may very well be if I respond in kind, as I will, that it doesn't dissuade him - he wants to keep going," Biden said of Putin.

The two former Cold War foes have had a turbulent relationship for years though relations soured after Putin sought to rebuild some of the clout lost in the chaotic 1991 Soviet collapse and began meddling far beyond Russia's borders.

U.S. and other Western leaders now see Putin and Xi Jinping's China as their main strategic threats, though the Kremlin dismisses as fiction almost all allegations against Russia and says the West is gripped by anti-Russian hysteria.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that 'autocrat' Vladimir Putin was right to suggest that relations between USA and Russia were at their lowest. Biden suggested that Russia might be weaker than it seemed.

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that 'autocrat' Vladimir Putin was right to suggest that relations between USA and Russia were at their lowest. Biden suggested that Russia might be weaker than it seemed. Joe Biden argued that the world's richest democracies faced existential contest from "autocrats". This, he said would define 21st century. Biden is scheduled to attend NATO summit on Monday. He will then meet Putin in Geneva on June 16. The meeting of the two presidents is likely to be a combative encounter given the disputes between the two countries over spying, hacking, election meddling, Ukraine, Belarus and human rights Also Read: China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world Biden, who called the former KGB spy a killer in March, cast Russia as engaging in unacceptable behaviour on a range of fronts but also pointed to Russia's own "dilemmas" - its post-Soviet economic collapse, what he called overreach in Syria and problems with COVID-19. Asked why Putin, who has served as Russia's paramount leader since Boris Yeltsin resigned in 1999, had not changed despite years of Western sanctions, Biden quipped: "He's Vladimir Putin". "Autocrats have enormous power and they don't have to answer to a public and the fact is that it may very well be if I respond in kind, as I will, that it doesn't dissuade him - he wants to keep going," Biden said of Putin. The two former Cold War foes have had a turbulent relationship for years though relations soured after Putin sought to rebuild some of the clout lost in the chaotic 1991 Soviet collapse and began meddling far beyond Russia's borders. U.S. and other Western leaders now see Putin and Xi Jinping's China as their main strategic threats, though the Kremlin dismisses as fiction almost all allegations against Russia and says the West is gripped by anti-Russian hysteria. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden says 'autocrat' Putin's Russia might be weaker than it seems

Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin, in an interview with NBC News ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden next week, said U.S.-Russia relations are at their lowest point in years.

Putin&nbsp;and Biden will meet in Geneva on Wednesday. The White House has said Biden will bring up ransomware attacks emanating from Russia, Moscow's aggression against Ukraine, the jailing of dissidents, and other issues that have irritated the relationship.

"We have a bilateral relationship that has deteriorated to its lowest point in recent years,"&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;said, according to an NBC translation of excerpts of an interview broadcast on Friday.

Putin&nbsp;praised former President Donald Trump as "an extraordinary individual, talented individual," and said Biden, as a career politician, was "radically different" from Trump.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-leaders-agree-on-a-joint-declaration-to-stop-future-pandemics-390934">Also Read |&nbsp;G7 leaders agree on a joint declaration to stop future pandemics</a>

Asked about Biden calling him a killer in an interview in March,&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;said he had heard dozens of such accusations. "This is not something I worry about in the least,"&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;said.

Biden, at the start of an eight-day visit to Europe this week, said: "We're not seeking conflict with Russia."

"We want a stable and predictable relationship ... but I've been clear: The United States will respond in a robust and meaningful way if the Russian government engages in harmful activities."

Putin&nbsp;was asked about several Russian dissidents whose deaths have been blamed on Moscow, including ex-KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko who was poisoned in 2006.&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;dismissed the question as “verbal indigestion.“ He said some of those responsible for the deaths are in prison.

On the issue of recent ransomware attacks that the United States has traced to Russia,&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;denied any knowledge of the hackings and called on Biden to reach an agreement with him on cyberspace, NBC News said.

Putin&nbsp;also dismissed a report in the Washington Post this week that Russia was preparing to supply Iran with an advanced satellite that would enable it to track potential military targets across the Middle East.

"It's just fake news. At the very least, I don't know anything about this kind of thing,"&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;said, according to NBC News. "It's just nonsense garbage."

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview with NBC News ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden next week, said U.S.-Russia relations are at their lowest point in years.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview with NBC News ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden next week, said U.S.-Russia relations are at their lowest point in years. Putin and Biden will meet in Geneva on Wednesday. The White House has said Biden will bring up ransomware attacks emanating from Russia, Moscow's aggression against Ukraine, the jailing of dissidents, and other issues that have irritated the relationship. "We have a bilateral relationship that has deteriorated to its lowest point in recent years," Putin said, according to an NBC translation of excerpts of an interview broadcast on Friday. Putin praised former President Donald Trump as "an extraordinary individual, talented individual," and said Biden, as a career politician, was "radically different" from Trump. Also Read | G7 leaders agree on a joint declaration to stop future pandemics Asked about Biden calling him a killer in an interview in March, Putin said he had heard dozens of such accusations. "This is not something I worry about in the least," Putin said. Biden, at the start of an eight-day visit to Europe this week, said: "We're not seeking conflict with Russia." "We want a stable and predictable relationship ... but I've been clear: The United States will respond in a robust and meaningful way if the Russian government engages in harmful activities." Putin was asked about several Russian dissidents whose deaths have been blamed on Moscow, including ex-KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko who was poisoned in 2006. Putin dismissed the question as “verbal indigestion.“ He said some of those responsible for the deaths are in prison. On the issue of recent ransomware attacks that the United States has traced to Russia, Putin denied any knowledge of the hackings and called on Biden to reach an agreement with him on cyberspace, NBC News said. Putin also dismissed a report in the Washington Post this week that Russia was preparing to supply Iran with an advanced satellite that would enable it to track potential military targets across the Middle East. "It's just fake news. At the very least, I don't know anything about this kind of thing," Putin said, according to NBC News. "It's just nonsense garbage."

Putin says relations with US at lowest point in years, praises Trump

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold their June 16 summit in an 18th-century Swiss villa overlooking Lake Geneva, a soothing setting for what promises to be heated talks.

Bitter disputes over election interference, cyber-attacks, human rights, and Ukraine hang over their first face-to-face meeting since Biden took office on Jan 20. 
 
Strategic nuclear stability and regional conflicts will be on the table. Biden, who is due to arrive in Britain on Wednesday at the start of his first trip abroad as president, has said he would press Putin to respect human rights. 
 
<img alt="The Villa La Grange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d410448-b91d-43fe-ba18-24f94c7a86b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/villa_0.jpg" /> 
 
The Villa La Grange with Lake Geneva in the background. (Reuters Photo)

Putin said last Friday he expected the talks to be held in a positive atmosphere, though he anticipated no breakthrough. 
 
He said allegations that Russian hackers were behind a cyber attack that disrupted meat production in North America and Australia were an attempt to provoke a political row ahead of the summit, Interfax news agency reported.

Despite "destructive noise" by both sides, a mutual objective has emerged to put their relationship "on a more predictable and stable basis", said Robert Legvold, professor emeritus at Colombia University and a Russia expert. 
 
"Over time Geneva summits have been critical to the relationship," he told reporters in the Swiss city on Wednesday. 
 
"And when it comes to actually work out important areas of cooperation, strategic nuclear arms control, the majority of those talks have been in Geneva too."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-prez-joe-biden-to-meet-55-world-leaders-during-his-visit-390419">Also Read |&nbsp;US Prez Joe Biden to meet 55 world leaders during his visit</a>

Diplomatic sources expect confirmation of the venue later on Wednesday or Thursday. The Swiss police and army have closed the two parks surrounding the Villa La Grange and installed barricades and barbed wire. 
 
Neutral Switzerland, which did not join Western sanctions against Russia for its 2014 annexation of the Crimea region from Ukraine, lobbied hard to land the first big power summit in the Alpine country in decades.

'RESET' 
 
In the Cold War era, U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev held their first summit in Geneva in Nov. 1985 and agreed to pursue cuts in their nuclear arsenals. 
 
In Geneva in 2009, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov a yellow box bearing a red "reset" button to symbolize improved ties under President Barack Obama. But the word "reset" was mistranslated into the Russian word for "overcharge", creating an awkward moment.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Lavrov will accompany Biden and Putin. 
 
The classic villa is located in a park along the left bank. Dotted with redwood trees, rose bushes and ancient fountains, the park offers a stunning view of Lake Geneva and sailboats.

Biden is also scheduled to hold talks with Swiss President Guy Parmelin. 
 
Switzerland has represented U.S. interests in Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, often facilitating the transfer of prisoners between the two foes. Tax issues are likely to be raised after Biden referred to Switzerland as a "fiscal paradise" in April.

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold their June 16 summit in an 18th-century Swiss villa overlooking Lake Geneva, a soothing setting for what promises to be heated talks.

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold their June 16 summit in an 18th-century Swiss villa overlooking Lake Geneva, a soothing setting for what promises to be heated talks. Bitter disputes over election interference, cyber-attacks, human rights, and Ukraine hang over their first face-to-face meeting since Biden took office on Jan 20. Strategic nuclear stability and regional conflicts will be on the table. Biden, who is due to arrive in Britain on Wednesday at the start of his first trip abroad as president, has said he would press Putin to respect human rights. The Villa La Grange with Lake Geneva in the background. (Reuters Photo) Putin said last Friday he expected the talks to be held in a positive atmosphere, though he anticipated no breakthrough. He said allegations that Russian hackers were behind a cyber attack that disrupted meat production in North America and Australia were an attempt to provoke a political row ahead of the summit, Interfax news agency reported. Despite "destructive noise" by both sides, a mutual objective has emerged to put their relationship "on a more predictable and stable basis", said Robert Legvold, professor emeritus at Colombia University and a Russia expert. "Over time Geneva summits have been critical to the relationship," he told reporters in the Swiss city on Wednesday. "And when it comes to actually work out important areas of cooperation, strategic nuclear arms control, the majority of those talks have been in Geneva too." Also Read | US Prez Joe Biden to meet 55 world leaders during his visit Diplomatic sources expect confirmation of the venue later on Wednesday or Thursday. The Swiss police and army have closed the two parks surrounding the Villa La Grange and installed barricades and barbed wire. Neutral Switzerland, which did not join Western sanctions against Russia for its 2014 annexation of the Crimea region from Ukraine, lobbied hard to land the first big power summit in the Alpine country in decades. 'RESET' In the Cold War era, U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev held their first summit in Geneva in Nov. 1985 and agreed to pursue cuts in their nuclear arsenals. In Geneva in 2009, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov a yellow box bearing a red "reset" button to symbolize improved ties under President Barack Obama. But the word "reset" was mistranslated into the Russian word for "overcharge", creating an awkward moment. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Lavrov will accompany Biden and Putin. The classic villa is located in a park along the left bank. Dotted with redwood trees, rose bushes and ancient fountains, the park offers a stunning view of Lake Geneva and sailboats. Biden is also scheduled to hold talks with Swiss President Guy Parmelin. Switzerland has represented U.S. interests in Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, often facilitating the transfer of prisoners between the two foes. Tax issues are likely to be raised after Biden referred to Switzerland as a "fiscal paradise" in April.

Biden set to meet Putin in 18th-century Swiss villa for first summit

Russia on Monday imposed sanctions against nine senior Canadian officials after the Canadian government had imposed sanctions on nine Russian officials over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's arrest.

Watch:

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The Putin government has banned the nine Canadian officials from entering the country which includes the justice minister.

In March, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had slapped sanctions on Russian officials over what it said was the Russian government's repeated "unwillingness to respect the basic rights of its own people."

Trudeau had said that Putin was "responsible for all sorts of terrible things" during an interview with a local radio station.

Foreign minister Marc Garneau had said that "Russia's gross human rights violations will not go unanswered," as it targeted the senior staff in President Putin's office and defence officials with sanctions including (FSB) director Alexander Bortnikov and Igor Krasnov, the lawyer who prosecuted Navalny.

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was arrested in Russia in January as soon as he landed in the country and is currently serving a two-and-a-half-year prison term for violating parole while abroad.

Navalny was allegedly poisoned in Russia with a nerve agent&nbsp;Novichok and had to be flown to a Berlin hospital for treatment. The Russian opposition leader had blamed Putin for the poisoning incident which Kremlin has openly denied.

The Russian embassy in Ottawa had denounced the sanctions calling it a "hostile step" while asserting that "Ottawa should think about its own human rights violations including systemic violence against indigenous people".

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia on Monday imposed sanctions against nine senior Canadian officials after the Canadian government had imposed sanctions on nine Russian officials over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's arrest.

Russia on Monday imposed sanctions against nine senior Canadian officials after the Canadian government had imposed sanctions on nine Russian officials over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's arrest. Watch: The Putin government has banned the nine Canadian officials from entering the country which includes the justice minister. In March, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had slapped sanctions on Russian officials over what it said was the Russian government's repeated "unwillingness to respect the basic rights of its own people." Trudeau had said that Putin was "responsible for all sorts of terrible things" during an interview with a local radio station. Foreign minister Marc Garneau had said that "Russia's gross human rights violations will not go unanswered," as it targeted the senior staff in President Putin's office and defence officials with sanctions including (FSB) director Alexander Bortnikov and Igor Krasnov, the lawyer who prosecuted Navalny. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was arrested in Russia in January as soon as he landed in the country and is currently serving a two-and-a-half-year prison term for violating parole while abroad. Navalny was allegedly poisoned in Russia with a nerve agent Novichok and had to be flown to a Berlin hospital for treatment. The Russian opposition leader had blamed Putin for the poisoning incident which Kremlin has openly denied. The Russian embassy in Ottawa had denounced the sanctions calling it a "hostile step" while asserting that "Ottawa should think about its own human rights violations including systemic violence against indigenous people". (With inputs from Agencies)

Navalny row: Now, Russia imposes sanctions on Canadian officials

The summit meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin next week in Geneva is about communicating America's views to the Russians and not about deliverables, the White House has said.

Biden and Putin are scheduled to meet in Geneva on June 16, after the US president attends the G-7 Summit in the United Kingdom, a NATO meeting and the US-European Union Summit in Brussels.

"We don't think in terms of US-Russia Summits as being about deliverables because if you are going to wait for really significant deliverables you could be waiting a long time conceivably," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House on Monday.

"So what we need to think about the summit is doing and is fundamentally, is giving us an opportunity to communicate from our president to their president what American intentions and capabilities are and to hear the same from their side. That has value in and of itself," he said.

Responding to a question, Sullivan said in terms of the timing, it is hard from US perspective to find a better context for a meeting with the Russian president than after time spent with the world's leading market economies, the G7, plus India, South Korea, Australia and South Africa.

"After his meeting with the presidents of the European Union. And then, and only then going into this session to be able to talk through the complex set of issues in the US-Russia relationship. That from our perspective is the right context within which to engage Russia," he said.

On the US-Russia Summit, he said as far as whether it comes too early in his presidency, "if you think about what we've dealt with from the outset on Russia it has been a busy time". "We've extended the New START Agreement. We've imposed costs for election interference and for SolarWinds. We've dealt with a Russian build up on the Ukraine border and of course, we are contending with a range of issues on the cyber and ransomware domain. So we feel that it is an effective and appropriate context and time period for us to have this summit," Sullivan said.

He said the relationship between the US and Russia is not about relationship and trust. "It's about a relationship of verification, it's about a relationship of clarifying what our expectations are and laying out that if certain types of harmful activities continue to occur there will be responses from the United States," Sullivan said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The summit meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin next week in Geneva is about communicating America's views to the Russians and not about deliverables, the White House has said.

The summit meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin next week in Geneva is about communicating America's views to the Russians and not about deliverables, the White House has said. Biden and Putin are scheduled to meet in Geneva on June 16, after the US president attends the G-7 Summit in the United Kingdom, a NATO meeting and the US-European Union Summit in Brussels. "We don't think in terms of US-Russia Summits as being about deliverables because if you are going to wait for really significant deliverables you could be waiting a long time conceivably," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House on Monday. "So what we need to think about the summit is doing and is fundamentally, is giving us an opportunity to communicate from our president to their president what American intentions and capabilities are and to hear the same from their side. That has value in and of itself," he said. Responding to a question, Sullivan said in terms of the timing, it is hard from US perspective to find a better context for a meeting with the Russian president than after time spent with the world's leading market economies, the G7, plus India, South Korea, Australia and South Africa. "After his meeting with the presidents of the European Union. And then, and only then going into this session to be able to talk through the complex set of issues in the US-Russia relationship. That from our perspective is the right context within which to engage Russia," he said. On the US-Russia Summit, he said as far as whether it comes too early in his presidency, "if you think about what we've dealt with from the outset on Russia it has been a busy time". "We've extended the New START Agreement. We've imposed costs for election interference and for SolarWinds. We've dealt with a Russian build up on the Ukraine border and of course, we are contending with a range of issues on the cyber and ransomware domain. So we feel that it is an effective and appropriate context and time period for us to have this summit," Sullivan said. He said the relationship between the US and Russia is not about relationship and trust. "It's about a relationship of verification, it's about a relationship of clarifying what our expectations are and laying out that if certain types of harmful activities continue to occur there will be responses from the United States," Sullivan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Summit meeting with Russia is to communicate and not about deliverables: White House

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the United States was wrong to think that it is "powerful enough" to get away with threatening other countries, a mistake, he said, that led to the downfall of the former Soviet Union.

Putin made the comments during a press briefing late on Friday as he spoke about U.S. sanctions against Moscow, according to Russia's news agency TASS.

He was speaking just days before a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden whose cabinet in April imposed a broad array of sanctions on Russia, including curbs to its sovereign debt market.

"We hear threats from the Congress, from other sources. It is all done within the context of the United States' domestic political process," Putin was quoted as saying.

"The people who do this, they probably assume that the United States has such economic, military and political might that it can get away with that. It is no big deal, that is what they think."

Putin said such behaviour reminded him of the Soviet Union.

"The problem with empires is that they think they are powerful enough to make some mistakes. We will buy these (people), bully them, make a deal with them, give necklaces to them, threaten them with battleships. And this will solve all the problems. But problems accumulate. A moment comes when they cannot be solved anymore."

Biden and Putin will meet in Geneva on June 16, the White House and the Kremlin have said, to discuss "the full range of pressing issues", according to Washington.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the United States was wrong to think that it is "powerful enough" to get away with threatening other countries, a mistake, he said, that led to the downfall of the former Soviet Union.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the United States was wrong to think that it is "powerful enough" to get away with threatening other countries, a mistake, he said, that led to the downfall of the former Soviet Union. Putin made the comments during a press briefing late on Friday as he spoke about U.S. sanctions against Moscow, according to Russia's news agency TASS. He was speaking just days before a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden whose cabinet in April imposed a broad array of sanctions on Russia, including curbs to its sovereign debt market. "We hear threats from the Congress, from other sources. It is all done within the context of the United States' domestic political process," Putin was quoted as saying. "The people who do this, they probably assume that the United States has such economic, military and political might that it can get away with that. It is no big deal, that is what they think." Putin said such behaviour reminded him of the Soviet Union. "The problem with empires is that they think they are powerful enough to make some mistakes. We will buy these (people), bully them, make a deal with them, give necklaces to them, threaten them with battleships. And this will solve all the problems. But problems accumulate. A moment comes when they cannot be solved anymore." Biden and Putin will meet in Geneva on June 16, the White House and the Kremlin have said, to discuss "the full range of pressing issues", according to Washington.

Putin says US threats smack of Soviet Union's fatal mistakes

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