Asserting that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are 'responsible' leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said they both are capable of solving issues between the two countries, and that it was important that no 'extra-regional power' should interfere in the process.

With Russia publicly critical of the Quad, the four-nation grouping of India, the US, Japan and Australia, Putin also said that though it was not up to Moscow to assess how any nation should participate in an initiative and to what extent they should build their relations with other countries but no partnership should be aimed at making friends against anyone.

The Russian president's remarks, in response to a question on Moscow's view on Quad as well as India's participation in the grouping, were a veiled reference to the Chinese claim that the grouping is to contain Beijing's influence in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.

He also asserted that there were no 'contradictions' in Russia's partnership with India and the ties between Moscow and Beijing. "Yes, I do know that there are some issues related to India-China relations but there are always a lot of issues between neighbouring countries but I know the attitude of both the Prime Minister of India and also the President of China. These are very responsible people and they earnestly treat one another with utmost respect and I believe that they will always arrive at a solution to any issue that they might face. But it is important that no other extra-regional power is interfering with that," the Russian President said through a translator during a virtual interaction.

It has been more than a year since the military standoff between China and India erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5, 2020 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. They have made limited progress in achieving disengagement at the Pangong Lake area while negotiations for similar steps at other friction points remained deadlocked.

Asked about the growing proximity between Russia and China and if that will impact the Indo-Russia security and defence cooperation, Putin said the relations between India and Russia were developing quite rapidly, quite successfully based on 'trust'. "We highly appreciate such a high level of cooperation with our Indian friends. These relations are of a strategic nature. They cover a whole range of avenues of our cooperation in economy, energy and hi-tech. In defence, and I am not just talking about purchase of Russian arms...We have very deep profound relations with India based on trust," he said.

Putin also asserted that India is Russia's only partner that they are working together with on 'elaborating and manufacturing, especially in India, advanced weapon systems and technologies but that is not where our cooperation ends because our cooperation is multifaceted.'

During the interaction with select top editors of major international news agencies, including from the US, India, the UK, Germany and France, Putin replied to wide ranging issues, including Russia-US ties, the pandemic situation, the US sanctions against Russia and the Gaza issue.

Asked about Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov's criticism of Quad as 'Asian NATO' and his view on India's participation in the grouping, Putin said, "we are not participating in the quad, it is not my place to give my assessment to any other country participating in any initiative because every sovereign nation has the right to decide with whom and to what extent they are building their relations. I only believe that any partnership between countries should be aimed at making friends against anyone, No."

Ahead of his maiden summit with US President Joe Biden in Geneva on June 16, the Russian president also said that he was not expecting any 'breakthrough'. "We are not taking steps first? I'm talking about the steps that deteriorated our relations. It was not us who introduced sanctions against us, it was the United States who did that on every occasion and even without grounds, just because our country exists," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Asserting that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are 'responsible' leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said they both are capable of solving issues between the two countries, and that it was important that no 'extra-regional power' should interfere in the process.

Asserting that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are 'responsible' leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said they both are capable of solving issues between the two countries, and that it was important that no 'extra-regional power' should interfere in the process. With Russia publicly critical of the Quad, the four-nation grouping of India, the US, Japan and Australia, Putin also said that though it was not up to Moscow to assess how any nation should participate in an initiative and to what extent they should build their relations with other countries but no partnership should be aimed at making friends against anyone. The Russian president's remarks, in response to a question on Moscow's view on Quad as well as India's participation in the grouping, were a veiled reference to the Chinese claim that the grouping is to contain Beijing's influence in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. He also asserted that there were no 'contradictions' in Russia's partnership with India and the ties between Moscow and Beijing. "Yes, I do know that there are some issues related to India-China relations but there are always a lot of issues between neighbouring countries but I know the attitude of both the Prime Minister of India and also the President of China. These are very responsible people and they earnestly treat one another with utmost respect and I believe that they will always arrive at a solution to any issue that they might face. But it is important that no other extra-regional power is interfering with that," the Russian President said through a translator during a virtual interaction. It has been more than a year since the military standoff between China and India erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5, 2020 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. They have made limited progress in achieving disengagement at the Pangong Lake area while negotiations for similar steps at other friction points remained deadlocked. Asked about the growing proximity between Russia and China and if that will impact the Indo-Russia security and defence cooperation, Putin said the relations between India and Russia were developing quite rapidly, quite successfully based on 'trust'. "We highly appreciate such a high level of cooperation with our Indian friends. These relations are of a strategic nature. They cover a whole range of avenues of our cooperation in economy, energy and hi-tech. In defence, and I am not just talking about purchase of Russian arms...We have very deep profound relations with India based on trust," he said. Putin also asserted that India is Russia's only partner that they are working together with on 'elaborating and manufacturing, especially in India, advanced weapon systems and technologies but that is not where our cooperation ends because our cooperation is multifaceted.' During the interaction with select top editors of major international news agencies, including from the US, India, the UK, Germany and France, Putin replied to wide ranging issues, including Russia-US ties, the pandemic situation, the US sanctions against Russia and the Gaza issue. Asked about Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov's criticism of Quad as 'Asian NATO' and his view on India's participation in the grouping, Putin said, "we are not participating in the quad, it is not my place to give my assessment to any other country participating in any initiative because every sovereign nation has the right to decide with whom and to what extent they are building their relations. I only believe that any partnership between countries should be aimed at making friends against anyone, No." Ahead of his maiden summit with US President Joe Biden in Geneva on June 16, the Russian president also said that he was not expecting any 'breakthrough'. "We are not taking steps first? I'm talking about the steps that deteriorated our relations. It was not us who introduced sanctions against us, it was the United States who did that on every occasion and even without grounds, just because our country exists," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi and Xi are 'responsible' leaders, can solve Sino-India issues: Putin

Russian President Putin signs 'extremist' bill, effectively banning certain groups from contesting elections. Critics believe that the bill would bar Navalny's allies from elections.

Russia: Is the 'Navalny network' an 'extremist' group?

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that European nations should pay for Russian gas in euros. This comes as Kremlin moves to dump the dollar after US sanctions.

"The euro is completely acceptable for us in terms of gas payments. This can be done, of course, and probably should be done," Putin said at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Putin's comments came a day after Russian economy ministry announced that it was dropping the dollar from its National Wealth Fund (NWF) and shifting to other currencies.

Russia has been trying for years to wean the economy off the dollar. Even Russia's state-owned energy companies have been turning to non-dollar settlement.

The economy ministry said that from May 20 the share of dollar assets in the fund had been reduced to zero percent from 35 percent.

Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said the euro will make up 40 percent of the fund, with 30 percent in yuan and 20 percent in gold.

The British pound and the Japanese yen will make up five percent each.

Some economists said the move was designed to send a signal to Washington ahead of a summit between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden on June 16.

The face-to-face meeting in Geneva comes amid the biggest crisis in ties between the two countries in years, with tensions high over a litany of issues including human rights, election meddling, Ukraine, and Belarus.

Moscow has been reducing the share of its dollar holdings since the West imposed sanctions on Russia following the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that European nations should pay for Russian gas in euros. This comes as Kremlin moves to dump the dollar after US sanctions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that European nations should pay for Russian gas in euros. This comes as Kremlin moves to dump the dollar after US sanctions. "The euro is completely acceptable for us in terms of gas payments. This can be done, of course, and probably should be done," Putin said at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum. Putin's comments came a day after Russian economy ministry announced that it was dropping the dollar from its National Wealth Fund (NWF) and shifting to other currencies. Russia has been trying for years to wean the economy off the dollar. Even Russia's state-owned energy companies have been turning to non-dollar settlement. The economy ministry said that from May 20 the share of dollar assets in the fund had been reduced to zero percent from 35 percent. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said the euro will make up 40 percent of the fund, with 30 percent in yuan and 20 percent in gold. The British pound and the Japanese yen will make up five percent each. Some economists said the move was designed to send a signal to Washington ahead of a summit between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden on June 16. The face-to-face meeting in Geneva comes amid the biggest crisis in ties between the two countries in years, with tensions high over a litany of issues including human rights, election meddling, Ukraine, and Belarus. Moscow has been reducing the share of its dollar holdings since the West imposed sanctions on Russia following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin urges Europe to pay in euro not dollars

The White House said that President Joe Biden will address the recent ransomware attack on JBS, the world’s largest meatpacker, and the increased threat of cyber-attacks while meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this month.

Joe Biden to address ransomware threat with Putin

Amid crackdown on internet giants Google, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-is-working-on-a-three-tier-labelling-mechanism-to-fight-misinformation-heres-how-itll-work-388770">Twitter </a>and Facebook, the Russian lawmakers on Tuesday passed a bill that would ensure foreign internet companies to set up local offices in the country or face penalties and even a possible ban.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-twitter-is-blocking-free-speech-controlling-conversations-388667/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Vladimir Putin had earlier said that internet companies should "obey not just the laws of formal, legal rules, but also the moral laws of the society".

The Russian leader had said that, "These are not just economic giants. In some areas they are already de facto competing with the state."

The latest regulation passed by Russia's lower house involves&nbsp;those companies which have&nbsp;over 500,000 users with stringent punishment including a ban on payments and blocking of services.

Russia’s internet regulator recently had recently demanded the foreign internet companies to remove content it found illegal or face fines.&nbsp;

The government had earlier asked Facebook and Twitter to store all data on its citizens within the country by July 1.&nbsp;

Google was earlier fined $82,000 after the US-based company did not meet the government's demand to delete content it considered illegal which included posts on opposition leader Alexei Navalny's arrest.

The Russian regulator had also clamped down on Twitter over tweets allegedly connected with child pornography and drug use. The internet company was fined $259,000.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid crackdown on internet giants Google, Twitter and Facebook, the Russian lawmakers on Tuesday passed a bill that would ensure foreign internet companies to set up local offices in the country or face penalties and even a possible ban.

Amid crackdown on internet giants Google, Twitter and Facebook, the Russian lawmakers on Tuesday passed a bill that would ensure foreign internet companies to set up local offices in the country or face penalties and even a possible ban. Watch: President Vladimir Putin had earlier said that internet companies should "obey not just the laws of formal, legal rules, but also the moral laws of the society". The Russian leader had said that, "These are not just economic giants. In some areas they are already de facto competing with the state." The latest regulation passed by Russia's lower house involves those companies which have over 500,000 users with stringent punishment including a ban on payments and blocking of services. Russia’s internet regulator recently had recently demanded the foreign internet companies to remove content it found illegal or face fines. The government had earlier asked Facebook and Twitter to store all data on its citizens within the country by July 1. Google was earlier fined $82,000 after the US-based company did not meet the government's demand to delete content it considered illegal which included posts on opposition leader Alexei Navalny's arrest. The Russian regulator had also clamped down on Twitter over tweets allegedly connected with child pornography and drug use. The internet company was fined $259,000. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian lawmakers pass bill to make foreign web giants open local offices or face ban

Russia will move ahead with a second $500 million loan to Belarus next month, following talks between the two countries' leaders amid uproar in the West over the grounding of a passenger jet in Minsk and the arrest of a dissident blogger.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko held a second day of talks, as well as a yacht tour, in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Saturday, as the Russian leader showed his longstanding ally support in this latest standoff with the West.&nbsp;

Russia promised Belarus a $1.5 billion loan last year as part of Moscow's efforts to stabilise its neighbour. Minsk received a first instalment of $500 million in October.&nbsp;

Belarus is to receive the second tranche before the end of June, the RIA news agency reported.&nbsp;

Several Western countries accused Belarus of piracy this week after Belarusian air traffic control informed the pilot of a Ryanair passenger jet of a hoax bomb threat.&nbsp;

Minsk scrambled a MiG-29 fighter plane to escort the jetliner down, and then arrested Roman Protasevich, a blogger and critic of Lukashenko, who was on board.&nbsp;

Arrested with Protasevich was his girlfriend, a Russian citizen.&nbsp;

Putin on Saturday raised the topic of Sofia Sapega, the TASS news agency reported, citing Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov.&nbsp;

"President Lukashenko informed his Russian colleague in detail about what happened with the Ryanair flight," TASS cited Peskov as saying.&nbsp;

"On the initiative of the Russian president the topic of the Russian citizen, who was detained, was raised .... Naturally, we are not indifferent to her fate," Peskov was cited as saying.&nbsp;

He added the Kremlin would take note of the fact that Sapega also has a Belarusian residency permit.&nbsp;

Putin and Lukashenko completed the day of talks with a yacht tour in Sochi. A video appeared to show the two leaders laughing and spotting dolphins off the Russian coast.&nbsp;

Most of Belarus's neighbours and many other European nations have banned flights by Belarusian national airline Belavia following Sunday's forced landing of the Ryanair jet, which was en route to Lithuania from Greece.&nbsp;

The issue of air travel for Belarusian citizens was raised during Saturday's meeting, Peskov was cited by Interfax as saying, adding the transport ministries of Moscow and Minsk had been tasked with helping Belarusian citizens currently in Europe to return home.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia will move ahead with a second $500 million loan to Belarus next month, following talks between the two countries' leaders amid uproar in the West over the grounding of a passenger jet in Minsk and the arrest of a dissident blogger.

Russia will move ahead with a second $500 million loan to Belarus next month, following talks between the two countries' leaders amid uproar in the West over the grounding of a passenger jet in Minsk and the arrest of a dissident blogger. President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko held a second day of talks, as well as a yacht tour, in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Saturday, as the Russian leader showed his longstanding ally support in this latest standoff with the West. Russia promised Belarus a $1.5 billion loan last year as part of Moscow's efforts to stabilise its neighbour. Minsk received a first instalment of $500 million in October. Belarus is to receive the second tranche before the end of June, the RIA news agency reported. Several Western countries accused Belarus of piracy this week after Belarusian air traffic control informed the pilot of a Ryanair passenger jet of a hoax bomb threat. Minsk scrambled a MiG-29 fighter plane to escort the jetliner down, and then arrested Roman Protasevich, a blogger and critic of Lukashenko, who was on board. Arrested with Protasevich was his girlfriend, a Russian citizen. Putin on Saturday raised the topic of Sofia Sapega, the TASS news agency reported, citing Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov. "President Lukashenko informed his Russian colleague in detail about what happened with the Ryanair flight," TASS cited Peskov as saying. "On the initiative of the Russian president the topic of the Russian citizen, who was detained, was raised .... Naturally, we are not indifferent to her fate," Peskov was cited as saying. He added the Kremlin would take note of the fact that Sapega also has a Belarusian residency permit. Putin and Lukashenko completed the day of talks with a yacht tour in Sochi. A video appeared to show the two leaders laughing and spotting dolphins off the Russian coast. Most of Belarus's neighbours and many other European nations have banned flights by Belarusian national airline Belavia following Sunday's forced landing of the Ryanair jet, which was en route to Lithuania from Greece. The issue of air travel for Belarusian citizens was raised during Saturday's meeting, Peskov was cited by Interfax as saying, adding the transport ministries of Moscow and Minsk had been tasked with helping Belarusian citizens currently in Europe to return home. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia confirms second loan for Belarus, raises issue of detained citizen 

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> has vowed to demand fair human rights from his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin in their June summit.

The two leaders have not been on best terms in the past few weeks, especially since the US leader called Putin a 'killer'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/battleship-diplomacy-nato-conducts-massive-war-games-as-russia-tensions-simmer-388001" hreflang="en">Battleship diplomacy: NATO conducts massive war games as Russia tensions simmer</a>

This June 16 summit will be the first face-to-face meeting of the two leaders and Biden has vowed to make it clear that the US will not allow abuse of human rights.

"I'll be meeting with President Putin in a couple of weeks in Geneva, making it clear that we will not -- we will not stand by and let him abuse those rights," Biden said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-russian-foreign-ministers-to-meet-in-iceland-in-bid-to-ease-friction-386073" hreflang="en">US and Russian foreign ministers to meet in Iceland in bid to ease friction</a>

US has been openly critical of Russia since Biden took control of the White House in January 2021 and has also imposed sanctions on allegations of Russian authorities organising SolarWinds cyberattack and for allegedly meddling in the US election 2020.

Biden has also been biased towards Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and has openly criticised Putin for allegedly poisoning the Russian opposition leader.

US President Joe Biden has vowed to demand fair human rights from his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin in their June summit. The two leaders have not been on best terms in the past few weeks, especially since the US leader called Putin a 'killer'.

US President Joe Biden has vowed to demand fair human rights from his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin in their June summit. The two leaders have not been on best terms in the past few weeks, especially since the US leader called Putin a 'killer'. Also read | Battleship diplomacy: NATO conducts massive war games as Russia tensions simmer This June 16 summit will be the first face-to-face meeting of the two leaders and Biden has vowed to make it clear that the US will not allow abuse of human rights. "I'll be meeting with President Putin in a couple of weeks in Geneva, making it clear that we will not -- we will not stand by and let him abuse those rights," Biden said. Also read | US and Russian foreign ministers to meet in Iceland in bid to ease friction US has been openly critical of Russia since Biden took control of the White House in January 2021 and has also imposed sanctions on allegations of Russian authorities organising SolarWinds cyberattack and for allegedly meddling in the US election 2020. Biden has also been biased towards Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and has openly criticised Putin for allegedly poisoning the Russian opposition leader.

Biden says will demand end to 'abuse of human rights' from Putin

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has urged locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. However, he has also cleared the air around reports of jabs being made compulsory.

While scientists and health experts have been pushing the vaccines, locals have remained skeptical about the efficacy of the jabs and are worried about the side effects that these vaccines could cause.

Out of 12 million residents, only 1.3 million Russians have been vaccinated yet, which is one of the lowest in Europe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/vaccines-can-be-redesigned-to-avoid-blood-clots-german-scientists-claim-387671">Vaccines can be redesigned to avoid blood clots, German scientists claim</a>

Putin, however, has now urged locals to put trust in the Russian vaccines and has assured that the local vaccines are "the most reliable and safest".

"The most important thing is health. Please think about it," Putin said at a government meeting. "Citizens should themselves understand this need, realise that if they do not get vaccinated they can face a very serious and even deadly danger."

However, he has also clarified that the Russian government will not be making covid jabs compulsory for locals, as opposed to few media reports.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seeking-a-pill-to-cure-covid-drugmakers-eye-alternative-to-vaccines-387717" hreflang="en">Seeking a pill to cure Covid: Drugmakers eye alternative to vaccines</a>

Meanwhile, the government has also lifted majority coronavirus restrictions, as locals have been refusing to wear masks on public transports and restaurants.

Russia was one of the first countries to register a coronavirus vaccine, called Sputnik V. In addition to that, Russia has also developed two other vaccines, namely EpiVacCorona and CoviVac.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has urged locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. However, he has also cleared the air around reports of jabs being made compulsory.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has urged locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. However, he has also cleared the air around reports of jabs being made compulsory. While scientists and health experts have been pushing the vaccines, locals have remained skeptical about the efficacy of the jabs and are worried about the side effects that these vaccines could cause. Out of 12 million residents, only 1.3 million Russians have been vaccinated yet, which is one of the lowest in Europe. Also read | Vaccines can be redesigned to avoid blood clots, German scientists claim Putin, however, has now urged locals to put trust in the Russian vaccines and has assured that the local vaccines are "the most reliable and safest". "The most important thing is health. Please think about it," Putin said at a government meeting. "Citizens should themselves understand this need, realise that if they do not get vaccinated they can face a very serious and even deadly danger." However, he has also clarified that the Russian government will not be making covid jabs compulsory for locals, as opposed to few media reports. Also read | Seeking a pill to cure Covid: Drugmakers eye alternative to vaccines Meanwhile, the government has also lifted majority coronavirus restrictions, as locals have been refusing to wear masks on public transports and restaurants. Russia was one of the first countries to register a coronavirus vaccine, called Sputnik V. In addition to that, Russia has also developed two other vaccines, namely EpiVacCorona and CoviVac.

'Reliable and safest': Putin urges locals to take Russian Covid jabs but rules out forced vaccination

He may be the Kremlin’s closest ally, but his loyalty remains in doubt.

When Alexander Lukashenko, the eccentric and brutal leader of Belarus, forced down a European passenger jet Sunday to arrest a dissident, he ushered in a new and even more brittle phase in one of the post-Soviet region’s most convoluted and consequential relationships: the one between Lukashenko and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

The two are increasingly leaning on each other in the face of conflict with the West, but they have sharply diverging interests. Lukashenko, who has ruled for 26 years, relies on his iron grip on his country to assure his survival. Putin wants to expand Russian influence in Belarus, undermining Lukashenko’s authority in the process.

Now, with a summit meeting with President Joe Biden looming in June, Putin faces a choice over how much political capital to expend to continue supporting Lukashenko, whose commandeering of the Ryanair plane has complicated the Kremlin’s efforts to smooth relations with the West.

Russian officials and pro-Kremlin news outlets have taken Lukashenko’s side in the furor, but Lukashenko’s leading Belarusian opponents believe that the Kremlin’s support is only skin-deep.

“In the Russian Foreign Ministry, in the Kremlin, I think that people can’t stand Lukashenko,” Franak Viacorka, a senior adviser to exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, said in a telephone interview. “But at the same time, since there’s not anyone more pro-Russian, they prefer to keep Lukashenko for now.”

Some Western politicians, such as Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., have called for sanctions on Russia over the Ryanair incident. Lukashenko, the senator said Monday, “doesn’t use the bathroom without asking for Moscow’s permission.”

But the reality is more complicated, Lukashenko’s Belarusian opponents and critics say. In a flurry of diplomacy this week, Belarus’ opposition has been urging Western governments to stay focused on Minsk — not Moscow — in their response, insisting that Lukashenko should not be seen as Putin’s puppet.

“Lukashenko doesn’t listen to anyone,” Viacorka said, rejecting the idea that the ruler must have sought the Kremlin’s permission before forcing down the Ryanair plane. “He’s an absolutely unpredictable, rather impulsive person.”

Belarus is a country of just 9.5 million people the size of Michigan, but for Putin, it is both a critical ally and an enormous headache. In Putin’s worldview of a Russia threatened by an expanding and aggressive NATO, Belarus is the last remaining friendly buffer state between his country and the West.&nbsp;

Lukashenko, recognizing his special role, for years took advantage of it by playing Russia and the West off against each other — demanding cheap oil and gas from Russia even as he started building closer ties with the European Union and the United States.

Then came the uprising against Lukashenko last summer, when demonstrations that began over the ruler’s blatantly fraudulent claim of reelection swelled into the hundreds of thousands in anger over police violence against protesters. The Kremlin initially vacillated, then threw its support behind Lukashenko, even offering to send security forces.

Russian officials appeared to be similarly caught off guard by events Sunday, when Lukashenko scrambled a fighter jet and directed a Ryanair passenger plane flying between two EU capitals to land in Minsk because of a purported bomb threat.

Belarusian security forces then arrested a dissident journalist on board, Roman Protasevich — who had been on a Belarusian list of “terrorists” because he co-founded a social media outlet that galvanized and organized last year’s protests.

On Monday, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, told journalists in his regular daily briefing that he could not comment on the Ryanair incident. “It is up to the international authorities to assess the case,” he said.

It took another 24 hours for the Kremlin to formulate its final message; Belarus’ actions were “in line with international regulations,” Peskov said Tuesday.

By Wednesday, Lukashenko was appealing for Russia’s sympathy. Repeating his frequent descriptions of the domestic uprising against him as a Western plot, Lukashenko claimed that the real aim was to lay the groundwork for a revolution inside Russia. The result, he warned in a speech to Parliament, could be “a new world war.”

“We are a training ground for them, a venue for experiments before their push to the east,” Lukashenko said. “Having tested their methods over here, they will head over there.”

European airlines cancelled flights to Minsk this week, as directed by EU leaders who voiced outrage over what they called Lukashenko’s “hijacking.” But speaking in a marble-panelled hall of the Minsk House of Government, Lukashenko was defiant, claiming that a bomb threat against the plane had arrived from Switzerland.

“Don’t you cast blame on me!” Lukashenko thundered, jabbing his finger into the air. “I acted legally defending my people, and it will also be thus in the future.”

In Moscow, Lukashenko is widely seen as a frustrating and fickle partner. Despite his reliance on the Kremlin, for instance, he still has not recognized as valid the annexation of Crimea in 2014, which many Russians see as Putin’s crowning foreign policy achievement.

“It’s a pretty serious mistake to think that Moscow can snap its fingers to solve its problems in Minsk,” said Pavel Slunkin, a former Belarusian diplomat who resigned last year in protest against Lukashenko’s policies. “Lukashenko will try to avoid further dependence on Moscow in every possible way.”

Andrei Kortunov, director-general of the Russian International Affairs Council, a Moscow research institute co-founded by the Russian Foreign Ministry, likened Lukashenko to Syrian ruler Bashar Assad, another difficult Kremlin ally.

After Russia propped up Lukashenko in his hour of need last summer, long-sought benefits were expected to accrue to the Kremlin. Lukashenko could have signed an agreement for a Russian military base in Belarus or allowed Russian investment into major Belarusian enterprises on favourable terms. But despite three face-to-face meetings between Lukashenko and Putin since last September — a fourth is expected in the coming days — none of that materialized.

“You’d think: The regime was saved, and he should have paid,” Kortunov said of Lukashenko. “But we’re not seeing that.”

Continuing to prop up Lukashenko could be costly for Putin, Kortunov warned.

As Putin prepares for a summit meeting with Biden scheduled to take place in Geneva on June 16, Russian officials have telegraphed that they want to lower tensions with the United States. One factor is domestic politics: Amid protests and discontent over economic stagnation, the Kremlin faces a public disapproving of foreign adventurism.

“The social contract of, ‘We won’t give you sausage, but we’ll make Russia a great power’ — this no longer works,” Kortunov said, describing Putin’s approach. “He understands that he needs to change the agenda. He won’t win any more with foreign policy.”

Lukashenko’s opponents are now pushing for the United States and Europe to enact more sanctions against Belarus that would further isolate him and perhaps provoke a split in the elite.

Tikhanovskaya, the opposition leader, spent nearly 40 minutes on the phone earlier this week with Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, her aide, Viacorka, said.

“When the Belarusian issue is discussed in the context of the Russian one, it becomes impossible to solve,” Viacorka said.

He may be the Kremlin’s closest ally, but his loyalty remains in doubt. When Alexander Lukashenko, the eccentric and brutal leader of Belarus, forced down a European passenger jet Sunday to arrest a dissident, he ushered in a new and even more brittle phase in one of the post-Soviet region’s most convoluted and consequential relationships: the one between Lukashenko and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

He may be the Kremlin’s closest ally, but his loyalty remains in doubt. When Alexander Lukashenko, the eccentric and brutal leader of Belarus, forced down a European passenger jet Sunday to arrest a dissident, he ushered in a new and even more brittle phase in one of the post-Soviet region’s most convoluted and consequential relationships: the one between Lukashenko and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. The two are increasingly leaning on each other in the face of conflict with the West, but they have sharply diverging interests. Lukashenko, who has ruled for 26 years, relies on his iron grip on his country to assure his survival. Putin wants to expand Russian influence in Belarus, undermining Lukashenko’s authority in the process. Now, with a summit meeting with President Joe Biden looming in June, Putin faces a choice over how much political capital to expend to continue supporting Lukashenko, whose commandeering of the Ryanair plane has complicated the Kremlin’s efforts to smooth relations with the West. Russian officials and pro-Kremlin news outlets have taken Lukashenko’s side in the furor, but Lukashenko’s leading Belarusian opponents believe that the Kremlin’s support is only skin-deep. “In the Russian Foreign Ministry, in the Kremlin, I think that people can’t stand Lukashenko,” Franak Viacorka, a senior adviser to exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, said in a telephone interview. “But at the same time, since there’s not anyone more pro-Russian, they prefer to keep Lukashenko for now.” Some Western politicians, such as Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., have called for sanctions on Russia over the Ryanair incident. Lukashenko, the senator said Monday, “doesn’t use the bathroom without asking for Moscow’s permission.” But the reality is more complicated, Lukashenko’s Belarusian opponents and critics say. In a flurry of diplomacy this week, Belarus’ opposition has been urging Western governments to stay focused on Minsk — not Moscow — in their response, insisting that Lukashenko should not be seen as Putin’s puppet. “Lukashenko doesn’t listen to anyone,” Viacorka said, rejecting the idea that the ruler must have sought the Kremlin’s permission before forcing down the Ryanair plane. “He’s an absolutely unpredictable, rather impulsive person.” Belarus is a country of just 9.5 million people the size of Michigan, but for Putin, it is both a critical ally and an enormous headache. In Putin’s worldview of a Russia threatened by an expanding and aggressive NATO, Belarus is the last remaining friendly buffer state between his country and the West. Lukashenko, recognizing his special role, for years took advantage of it by playing Russia and the West off against each other — demanding cheap oil and gas from Russia even as he started building closer ties with the European Union and the United States. Then came the uprising against Lukashenko last summer, when demonstrations that began over the ruler’s blatantly fraudulent claim of reelection swelled into the hundreds of thousands in anger over police violence against protesters. The Kremlin initially vacillated, then threw its support behind Lukashenko, even offering to send security forces. Russian officials appeared to be similarly caught off guard by events Sunday, when Lukashenko scrambled a fighter jet and directed a Ryanair passenger plane flying between two EU capitals to land in Minsk because of a purported bomb threat. Belarusian security forces then arrested a dissident journalist on board, Roman Protasevich — who had been on a Belarusian list of “terrorists” because he co-founded a social media outlet that galvanized and organized last year’s protests. On Monday, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, told journalists in his regular daily briefing that he could not comment on the Ryanair incident. “It is up to the international authorities to assess the case,” he said. It took another 24 hours for the Kremlin to formulate its final message; Belarus’ actions were “in line with international regulations,” Peskov said Tuesday. By Wednesday, Lukashenko was appealing for Russia’s sympathy. Repeating his frequent descriptions of the domestic uprising against him as a Western plot, Lukashenko claimed that the real aim was to lay the groundwork for a revolution inside Russia. The result, he warned in a speech to Parliament, could be “a new world war.” “We are a training ground for them, a venue for experiments before their push to the east,” Lukashenko said. “Having tested their methods over here, they will head over there.” European airlines cancelled flights to Minsk this week, as directed by EU leaders who voiced outrage over what they called Lukashenko’s “hijacking.” But speaking in a marble-panelled hall of the Minsk House of Government, Lukashenko was defiant, claiming that a bomb threat against the plane had arrived from Switzerland. “Don’t you cast blame on me!” Lukashenko thundered, jabbing his finger into the air. “I acted legally defending my people, and it will also be thus in the future.” In Moscow, Lukashenko is widely seen as a frustrating and fickle partner. Despite his reliance on the Kremlin, for instance, he still has not recognized as valid the annexation of Crimea in 2014, which many Russians see as Putin’s crowning foreign policy achievement. “It’s a pretty serious mistake to think that Moscow can snap its fingers to solve its problems in Minsk,” said Pavel Slunkin, a former Belarusian diplomat who resigned last year in protest against Lukashenko’s policies. “Lukashenko will try to avoid further dependence on Moscow in every possible way.” Andrei Kortunov, director-general of the Russian International Affairs Council, a Moscow research institute co-founded by the Russian Foreign Ministry, likened Lukashenko to Syrian ruler Bashar Assad, another difficult Kremlin ally. After Russia propped up Lukashenko in his hour of need last summer, long-sought benefits were expected to accrue to the Kremlin. Lukashenko could have signed an agreement for a Russian military base in Belarus or allowed Russian investment into major Belarusian enterprises on favourable terms. But despite three face-to-face meetings between Lukashenko and Putin since last September — a fourth is expected in the coming days — none of that materialized. “You’d think: The regime was saved, and he should have paid,” Kortunov said of Lukashenko. “But we’re not seeing that.” Continuing to prop up Lukashenko could be costly for Putin, Kortunov warned. As Putin prepares for a summit meeting with Biden scheduled to take place in Geneva on June 16, Russian officials have telegraphed that they want to lower tensions with the United States. One factor is domestic politics: Amid protests and discontent over economic stagnation, the Kremlin faces a public disapproving of foreign adventurism. “The social contract of, ‘We won’t give you sausage, but we’ll make Russia a great power’ — this no longer works,” Kortunov said, describing Putin’s approach. “He understands that he needs to change the agenda. He won’t win any more with foreign policy.” Lukashenko’s opponents are now pushing for the United States and Europe to enact more sanctions against Belarus that would further isolate him and perhaps provoke a split in the elite. Tikhanovskaya, the opposition leader, spent nearly 40 minutes on the phone earlier this week with Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, her aide, Viacorka, said. “When the Belarusian issue is discussed in the context of the Russian one, it becomes impossible to solve,” Viacorka said.

Belarus plane crisis tightens Lukashenko’s awkward embrace of Putin

The airline group Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary has said that Belarus’ forced landing of a Ryanair passenger jet in Minsk was “a state-sponsored hijacking” apparently directed by KGB agents.

"It appears the authorities intended to remove a journalist and his travelling companion," Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary told Ireland's Newstalk radio.

"We believe there were some (Belarusian security agency) KGB agents offloaded at the airport as well."

Dublin-headquartered Ryanair is renowned for ultra-low-cost, short-haul flights across the continental bloc.

Favoured by budget holidaymakers, the carrier is an unlikely participant in a high-stakes diplomatic crisis.

"I think it's the first time it's happened to a European airline," O'Leary said.

"It was a state-sponsored hijacking, it was state-sponsored piracy."

The Irish government also blamed Belarus for the diversion and called for a tough response from Brussels.

"We cannot allow this incident to pass based on warnings or strong press releases," Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told state broadcaster RTE.

"I think there has to be a real edge to the sanctions that are applied on the back of this."

Belarus on Sunday ordered its military to scramble a fighter jet to force the Ryanair plane to change course and land in its capital city, citing a potential security threat on board. State media in Belarus said President Alexander Lukashenko had personally given the order.

(With inputs from agencies)

The airline group Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary has said that Belarus’ forced landing of a Ryanair passenger jet in Minsk was “a state-sponsored hijacking” apparently directed by KGB agents.

The airline group Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary has said that Belarus’ forced landing of a Ryanair passenger jet in Minsk was “a state-sponsored hijacking” apparently directed by KGB agents. "It appears the authorities intended to remove a journalist and his travelling companion," Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary told Ireland's Newstalk radio. "We believe there were some (Belarusian security agency) KGB agents offloaded at the airport as well." Dublin-headquartered Ryanair is renowned for ultra-low-cost, short-haul flights across the continental bloc. Favoured by budget holidaymakers, the carrier is an unlikely participant in a high-stakes diplomatic crisis. "I think it's the first time it's happened to a European airline," O'Leary said. "It was a state-sponsored hijacking, it was state-sponsored piracy." The Irish government also blamed Belarus for the diversion and called for a tough response from Brussels. "We cannot allow this incident to pass based on warnings or strong press releases," Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told state broadcaster RTE. "I think there has to be a real edge to the sanctions that are applied on the back of this." Belarus on Sunday ordered its military to scramble a fighter jet to force the Ryanair plane to change course and land in its capital city, citing a potential security threat on board. State media in Belarus said President Alexander Lukashenko had personally given the order. (With inputs from agencies)

State-sponsored hijacking: KGB agents were on board plane forced to land by Belarus, says Ryanair CEO

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it would soon make an announcement about a possible summit between President Vladimir Putin and US&nbsp;President Joe Biden. 
 
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that Moscow and Washington needed to cooperate on cybersecurity in order to stop hackers who ill-wishers say work for the Russian state. 
 
He also said that the two men needed to discuss strategic nuclear stability, something which affected the world. 
 
Biden, who in March said he thought Putin was a "killer", prompting Moscow to recall its ambassador to Washington for consultations, has said he would like to hold talks with Putin during a planned trip to Europe next month. 
 
Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, citing sources, reported on Monday that the summit will be held in Switzerland.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it would soon make an announcement about a possible summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that Moscow and Washington needed to cooperate on cybersecurity in order to stop hackers who ill-wishers say work for the Russian state.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it would soon make an announcement about a possible summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that Moscow and Washington needed to cooperate on cybersecurity in order to stop hackers who ill-wishers say work for the Russian state. He also said that the two men needed to discuss strategic nuclear stability, something which affected the world. Biden, who in March said he thought Putin was a "killer", prompting Moscow to recall its ambassador to Washington for consultations, has said he would like to hold talks with Putin during a planned trip to Europe next month. Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, citing sources, reported on Monday that the summit will be held in Switzerland.

Kremlin says it will soon make announcement on possible Putin-Biden summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin would help to put an end to the seven-year conflict in the country`s eastern Donbas region. 
 
At a press conference to mark his two years in office, Zelensky on Thursday expressed his expectation of a meeting with Putin, reports Xinhua news agency. 
 
"I believe that in addition to the Normandy format (Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany), there will be a direct conversation with the President of the Russian Federation. 
 
"I also see a format for involving the US in this discussion," said Zelensky, noting that Ukraine has no other chance but to stop the war now. 
 
The President stressed that ending hostilities and a de-occupation of Ukrainian territories remain priorities for him and that the situation in Donbas, which comprises the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, may become the subject of an all-Ukrainian referendum. 
 
Parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions along the Russian border have been controlled by rebels supported by Moscow for nearly seven years. 
 
According to UN estimates, more than 13,000 people have been killed in fighting since 2014, while as many as 40,000 others have been wounded. 
 
Despite the imposition of the latest ceasefire in 2015, around 50 people have been killed since the beginning of this year alone. 
 
Kiev has repeatedly blamed Moscow for inciting the conflict. 
 
Russia, however, has denied the charges, saying the accusations are groundless.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin would help to put an end to the seven-year conflict in the country`s eastern Donbas region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin would help to put an end to the seven-year conflict in the country`s eastern Donbas region. At a press conference to mark his two years in office, Zelensky on Thursday expressed his expectation of a meeting with Putin, reports Xinhua news agency. "I believe that in addition to the Normandy format (Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany), there will be a direct conversation with the President of the Russian Federation. "I also see a format for involving the US in this discussion," said Zelensky, noting that Ukraine has no other chance but to stop the war now. The President stressed that ending hostilities and a de-occupation of Ukrainian territories remain priorities for him and that the situation in Donbas, which comprises the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, may become the subject of an all-Ukrainian referendum. Parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions along the Russian border have been controlled by rebels supported by Moscow for nearly seven years. According to UN estimates, more than 13,000 people have been killed in fighting since 2014, while as many as 40,000 others have been wounded. Despite the imposition of the latest ceasefire in 2015, around 50 people have been killed since the beginning of this year alone. Kiev has repeatedly blamed Moscow for inciting the conflict. Russia, however, has denied the charges, saying the accusations are groundless.

Meeting with Putin would help end Ukraine conflict: Zelensky

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that Russians will 'knock out teeth' of the country's adversaries. Speaking at a government meeting, Putin said that enemies of Russia were trying to clip its wings. every time the nation grew strong.

"Everyone wants to bite us somewhere or to bite off something from us," Putin said.

"But they -- those who are going to do it -- should know that we will knock out their teeth so that they cannot bite."

Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia, the world's largest country by landmass, is "too big for some", Putin said.

Putin didn't take names of adversaries he spoke about but stressed the need for modernisation of Russian forces.

Putin is known not to mince words during public meetings. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
In 1999, he famously promised to strike at separatists even in the "outhouse" which heralded the adoption of tougher tactics by the authorities against Chechen militants.

Tensions between Moscow and the West are high over a litany of issues, including Russia's troop buildup on Ukraine's border, interference in US elections and other perceived hostile activities.

But signs of a possible détente have recently been growing, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging dialogue during a face-to-face meeting in Reykjavik on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that Russians will 'knock out teeth' of the country's adversaries. Speaking at a government meeting, Putin said that enemies of Russia were trying to clip its wings.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that Russians will 'knock out teeth' of the country's adversaries. Speaking at a government meeting, Putin said that enemies of Russia were trying to clip its wings. every time the nation grew strong. "Everyone wants to bite us somewhere or to bite off something from us," Putin said. "But they -- those who are going to do it -- should know that we will knock out their teeth so that they cannot bite." Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia, the world's largest country by landmass, is "too big for some", Putin said. Putin didn't take names of adversaries he spoke about but stressed the need for modernisation of Russian forces. Putin is known not to mince words during public meetings. In 1999, he famously promised to strike at separatists even in the "outhouse" which heralded the adoption of tougher tactics by the authorities against Chechen militants. Tensions between Moscow and the West are high over a litany of issues, including Russia's troop buildup on Ukraine's border, interference in US elections and other perceived hostile activities. But signs of a possible détente have recently been growing, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging dialogue during a face-to-face meeting in Reykjavik on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says Russians will 'knock out teeth' of country's adversaries

Russia President Vladmir Putin on Tuesday (May 18) called for an end to Israel-Gaza violence. He mentioned that there were large amounts of civilian victims.

Israel bombarded Gaza with air strikes and Palestinian militants resumed cross-border rocket fire on Tuesday after a brief overnight lull during which the U.N. sent a small fuel convoy into the enclave, where it says 52,000 people are now displaced.

Israel has given no indication of de-escalation as the country's leaders said they would press on, for now with an offensive in order to destroy capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. United Nations and other world powers for an end to the violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia President Vladmir Putin on Tuesday (May 18) called for an end to Israel-Gaza violence. He mentioned that there were large amounts of civilian victims. Israel bombarded Gaza with air strikes and Palestinian militants resumed cross-border rocket fire on Tuesday after a brief overnight lull during which the U.

Russia President Vladmir Putin on Tuesday (May 18) called for an end to Israel-Gaza violence. He mentioned that there were large amounts of civilian victims. Israel bombarded Gaza with air strikes and Palestinian militants resumed cross-border rocket fire on Tuesday after a brief overnight lull during which the U.N. sent a small fuel convoy into the enclave, where it says 52,000 people are now displaced. Israel has given no indication of de-escalation as the country's leaders said they would press on, for now with an offensive in order to destroy capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. United Nations and other world powers for an end to the violence. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine conflict: Putin calls for an end to violence

Queen Elizabeth's&nbsp;cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, has been caught offering investors access to the Kremlin in exchange for personal gain, according to a Sunday Times and Channel 4 investigation.

The embarassing claims come at a time of disastrous relations between London and Moscow, notably after the 2018 poisoning of a former Russian spy in England.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="UK nuclear arms plan is illegal: Russian envoy ">UK nuclear arms plan is illegal: Russian envoy &nbsp;</a>

Prince Michael told undercover reporters posing as investors from South Korea in a virtual meeting that for £10,000 (11,500 euros) a day he could make "confidential" representations to Russian President Vladimir Putin's entourage.

Channel 4's Dispatches programme and the weekly newspaper set up a fake South Korean gold company -- House of Haedong.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="UK to increase nuclear weapons stockpile with eye on Russia, China: Reports">UK to increase nuclear weapons stockpile with eye on Russia, China: Reports</a>

The prince said he could also give the company a royal endorsement in a recorded speech for $200,000 dollars (164,000 euros), with his Kensington Palace home as a backdrop.

In a recorded meeting with the undercover reporters, his business partner Lord Reading called the prince "Her Majesty's unofficial ambassador to Russia".

"I think ... this is kind of slightly discreet, we're talking relatively discreetly here," he reportedly said.

"Because we wouldn't want the world to know that he is seeing Putin purely for business reasons, if you follow me."

Reading had used an event at Kensington Palace in 2013, in which the prince was a guest, to sell access to Putin, the investigators said.

The event also offered a chance to personally meet the Russian leader at a future date.

Prince Michael's office told the British Press Association he had no special relations with Putin and "receives no public funding and earns his own living through a consultancy company that he has run for over 40 years.

"They last met in June 2003 and Prince Michael has had no contact with him or his office since then.

"Lord Reading is a good friend, who in trying to help, made suggestions which Prince Michael would not have wanted, or been able, to fulfil."

Reading admitted an error. "I made a mistake and over-promised and for that, I am truly regretful," he said.

The 78-year-old prince was decorated with Russia's Order of Friendship in 2009 when Putin was prime minister.

"Royals for Hire" shows Monday on Channel 4.

Queen Elizabeth's cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, has been caught offering investors access to the Kremlin in exchange for personal gain, according to a Sunday Times and Channel 4 investigation.

Queen Elizabeth's cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, has been caught offering investors access to the Kremlin in exchange for personal gain, according to a Sunday Times and Channel 4 investigation. The embarassing claims come at a time of disastrous relations between London and Moscow, notably after the 2018 poisoning of a former Russian spy in England. Also read | UK nuclear arms plan is illegal: Russian envoy Prince Michael told undercover reporters posing as investors from South Korea in a virtual meeting that for £10,000 (11,500 euros) a day he could make "confidential" representations to Russian President Vladimir Putin's entourage. Channel 4's Dispatches programme and the weekly newspaper set up a fake South Korean gold company -- House of Haedong. Also read | UK to increase nuclear weapons stockpile with eye on Russia, China: Reports The prince said he could also give the company a royal endorsement in a recorded speech for $200,000 dollars (164,000 euros), with his Kensington Palace home as a backdrop. In a recorded meeting with the undercover reporters, his business partner Lord Reading called the prince "Her Majesty's unofficial ambassador to Russia". "I think ... this is kind of slightly discreet, we're talking relatively discreetly here," he reportedly said. "Because we wouldn't want the world to know that he is seeing Putin purely for business reasons, if you follow me." Reading had used an event at Kensington Palace in 2013, in which the prince was a guest, to sell access to Putin, the investigators said. The event also offered a chance to personally meet the Russian leader at a future date. Prince Michael's office told the British Press Association he had no special relations with Putin and "receives no public funding and earns his own living through a consultancy company that he has run for over 40 years. "They last met in June 2003 and Prince Michael has had no contact with him or his office since then. "Lord Reading is a good friend, who in trying to help, made suggestions which Prince Michael would not have wanted, or been able, to fulfil." Reading admitted an error. "I made a mistake and over-promised and for that, I am truly regretful," he said. The 78-year-old prince was decorated with Russia's Order of Friendship in 2009 when Putin was prime minister. "Royals for Hire" shows Monday on Channel 4.

Queen Elizabeth's cousin offerered to sell access to Putin: Report

President Vladimir Putin is expected to review Russia's traditional World War Two victory parade on Sunday, a patriotic display of raw military power that this year coincides with soaring tensions with the West. &nbsp;

The parade on Moscow's Red Square commemorating the 76th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two is expected to feature over 12,000 troops, more than 190 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and - weather permitting - a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft. &nbsp;

Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, traditionally watches the display, which is due to start at 0700 GMT, with Soviet war veterans from a review platform.&nbsp;

This year's parade precedes parliamentary elections in September and comes at a time when Moscow's relations with the West are acutely strained over everything from Ukraine to the fate of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;

The United States and Russia have expelled each other's diplomats in recent months in a series of retaliatory moves and Moscow and EU member states have been involved in a similar tit-for-tat diplomatic dispute. &nbsp;

Sunday's parade follows a massive show of Russian military force near the borders of Ukraine and in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Kyiv in 2014, and an uptick in fighting in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian government forces. &nbsp;

Moscow said the build-up, which alarmed the West, was a training exercise in response to activity by the NATO military alliance and Ukraine. It has since ordered a withdrawal of some troops.&nbsp;

Smaller military parades are planned on Sunday in cities across Russia, in annexed Crimea, and at Russia's Hmeymim air base in Syria.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin is expected to review Russia's traditional World War Two victory parade on Sunday, a patriotic display of raw military power that this year coincides with soaring tensions with the West.

President Vladimir Putin is expected to review Russia's traditional World War Two victory parade on Sunday, a patriotic display of raw military power that this year coincides with soaring tensions with the West. The parade on Moscow's Red Square commemorating the 76th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two is expected to feature over 12,000 troops, more than 190 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and - weather permitting - a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft. Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, traditionally watches the display, which is due to start at 0700 GMT, with Soviet war veterans from a review platform. This year's parade precedes parliamentary elections in September and comes at a time when Moscow's relations with the West are acutely strained over everything from Ukraine to the fate of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The United States and Russia have expelled each other's diplomats in recent months in a series of retaliatory moves and Moscow and EU member states have been involved in a similar tit-for-tat diplomatic dispute. Sunday's parade follows a massive show of Russian military force near the borders of Ukraine and in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Kyiv in 2014, and an uptick in fighting in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian government forces. Moscow said the build-up, which alarmed the West, was a training exercise in response to activity by the NATO military alliance and Ukraine. It has since ordered a withdrawal of some troops. Smaller military parades are planned on Sunday in cities across Russia, in annexed Crimea, and at Russia's Hmeymim air base in Syria. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar 

President Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed &nbsp;Russia will "firmly" defend national interests and denounced the return of "Russophobia", as the country marked the 76th anniversary of victory in World War II.&nbsp;

His speech to thousands of soldiers and veterans on Red Square came as recent tensions between Moscow and the West have recalled the Cold War over the conflict in Ukraine and a litany of spy scandals in Europe.

"The Soviet people kept their sacred oath, defended the homeland and freed the countries of Europe from the black plague," Putin told the crowd.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="US President Biden says he is confident he can meet Russia's Putin soon ">US President Biden says he is confident he can meet Russia's Putin soon&nbsp;</a>

"Russia consistently defends international law. At the same time, we will firmly defend our national interests to ensure the safety of our people," he said.

The Russian leader also condemned what he called a creeping return of ideologies of the time, when "slogans of racial and national superiority, of anti-semitism and Russophobia, became ever more cynical".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar ">Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar&nbsp;</a>

His speech came at the start of an annual parade that sees &nbsp;military hardware roll through the streets of Moscow.

More than 12,000 military personnel took part in Sunday's parade, as well as some 190 pieces of military equipment and 76 fighter jets and helicopters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? ">Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues?&nbsp;</a>

Victory Day parades, which only became an annual event after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and have taken on increasing importance in projecting Russia's renewed military might during Putin's two decades in power, also took place Sunday in dozens of cities across the nation.

A survey this week by state-run pollster VTsIOM showed that 69 percent of Russians view Victory Day as the most important holiday on the calendar.

A third of respondents said they would take part in the celebrations, while a fifth said they would watch on television.

"For me and my family, this holiday marks the victory of the entire Russian people," Yulia Gulevskikh, a 31-year-old accountant told AFP in the Far East city of Vladivostok.

"We are proud, remember and honour all our relatives and friends. And all the brave soldiers," she added, noting she was happy the parade took place despite pandemic measures.

This year's Victory Day was the second during the coronavirus pandemic.

Russia has lifted nearly all of its measures to limit the spread of the virus, though a ban remains in place on mass gatherings in most regions.&nbsp;

As of Sunday, total infections stood at nearly 4.9 million and fatalities at over 113,000, according to a tally by health officials.

But authorities have been criticised for downplaying the severity Russia's outbreak by counting only fatalities where the coronavirus was found to be the primary cause of death after an autopsy.

Figures released by Russia's statistics agency last month showed that the country had actually recorded some 250,000 virus-related deaths by the end of March.

Sunday's commemorations came as Russia in recent weeks has seen its diplomats expelled from a clutch of European countries over espionage scandals, while the United States and the European Union have levied new sanctions on Moscow over the treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and allegations of hacking and cyberattacks.

Tensions have also soared over the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which erupted after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and where Moscow is widely seen as backing pro-Russia separatists.

Clashes between the government and separatists have been intensifying since January in a conflict which has claimed more than 13,000 lives.

Russia last month amassed 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders and in Crimea, its biggest buildup since 2014, though it quickly announced a drawdown in what many saw as a test for new US President Joe Biden.

Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to Kiev in a show of support for Ukraine against Russia, and before an expected summit between Putin and Biden next month. &nbsp;

On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled with European diplomats to the pro-Russian breakaway eastern region of Lugansk to commemorate the end of WWII.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed Russia will "firmly" defend national interests and denounced the return of "Russophobia", as the country marked the 76th anniversary of victory in World War II.

President Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed Russia will "firmly" defend national interests and denounced the return of "Russophobia", as the country marked the 76th anniversary of victory in World War II. His speech to thousands of soldiers and veterans on Red Square came as recent tensions between Moscow and the West have recalled the Cold War over the conflict in Ukraine and a litany of spy scandals in Europe. "The Soviet people kept their sacred oath, defended the homeland and freed the countries of Europe from the black plague," Putin told the crowd. Also read | US President Biden says he is confident he can meet Russia's Putin soon "Russia consistently defends international law. At the same time, we will firmly defend our national interests to ensure the safety of our people," he said. The Russian leader also condemned what he called a creeping return of ideologies of the time, when "slogans of racial and national superiority, of anti-semitism and Russophobia, became ever more cynical". Also read | Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar His speech came at the start of an annual parade that sees military hardware roll through the streets of Moscow. More than 12,000 military personnel took part in Sunday's parade, as well as some 190 pieces of military equipment and 76 fighter jets and helicopters. Also read | Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? Victory Day parades, which only became an annual event after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and have taken on increasing importance in projecting Russia's renewed military might during Putin's two decades in power, also took place Sunday in dozens of cities across the nation. A survey this week by state-run pollster VTsIOM showed that 69 percent of Russians view Victory Day as the most important holiday on the calendar. A third of respondents said they would take part in the celebrations, while a fifth said they would watch on television. "For me and my family, this holiday marks the victory of the entire Russian people," Yulia Gulevskikh, a 31-year-old accountant told AFP in the Far East city of Vladivostok. "We are proud, remember and honour all our relatives and friends. And all the brave soldiers," she added, noting she was happy the parade took place despite pandemic measures. This year's Victory Day was the second during the coronavirus pandemic. Russia has lifted nearly all of its measures to limit the spread of the virus, though a ban remains in place on mass gatherings in most regions. As of Sunday, total infections stood at nearly 4.9 million and fatalities at over 113,000, according to a tally by health officials. But authorities have been criticised for downplaying the severity Russia's outbreak by counting only fatalities where the coronavirus was found to be the primary cause of death after an autopsy. Figures released by Russia's statistics agency last month showed that the country had actually recorded some 250,000 virus-related deaths by the end of March. Sunday's commemorations came as Russia in recent weeks has seen its diplomats expelled from a clutch of European countries over espionage scandals, while the United States and the European Union have levied new sanctions on Moscow over the treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and allegations of hacking and cyberattacks. Tensions have also soared over the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which erupted after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and where Moscow is widely seen as backing pro-Russia separatists. Clashes between the government and separatists have been intensifying since January in a conflict which has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Russia last month amassed 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders and in Crimea, its biggest buildup since 2014, though it quickly announced a drawdown in what many saw as a test for new US President Joe Biden. Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to Kiev in a show of support for Ukraine against Russia, and before an expected summit between Putin and Biden next month. On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled with European diplomats to the pro-Russian breakaway eastern region of Lugansk to commemorate the end of WWII.

Putin on WWII Victory Day vows to 'firmly' defend Russian interests

US President Joe Biden said on Friday he expected to be able to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon and the White House said ongoing differences between the United States and Russia would not need to be resolved in advance of a summit.&nbsp;

Biden told reporters at the White House, he wanted to meet Putin despite Russia's build-up of military forces near Ukraine.&nbsp;

"It does not impact my desire to have a one-on-one meeting and you'll notice he had more troops before. He's withdrawn troops," he said.&nbsp;

Asked about meeting Putin in June, he said: "I'm confident we'll be able to do it. We don't have any specific time or place. That's being worked on."&nbsp;

The United States has said it supports Ukraine amid what US Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week called Moscow's 'reckless' troop build-up.&nbsp;

Biden and his advisers would like to add a summit with Putin in a third country while the US president is in Europe in mid-June for a Group of Seven meeting in Britain and talks with NATO allies in Brussels.&nbsp;

But negotiations with the Russians on staging the summit are continuing, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.&nbsp;

"We're working through the question of some logistics - place, location, time, agenda, all the specifics - that was always going to happen at a staff level. It's really up to them what they want to achieve," she said.&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was cited by Russian news agency TASS as saying Russia was studying the possibility of a Putin-Biden meeting.&nbsp;

"We continue to analyse the situation," TASS quoted Peskov as saying when asked whether the Russian side has officially agreed to the proposed summit.&nbsp;

The United States has a number of grievances with Russia, including its treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. But Psaki said these grievances do not need to be resolved in advance of a Biden-Putin summit.&nbsp;

"Obviously, human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, values are all issues the president, Secretary (of State Antony) Blinken, National Security Adviser (Jake) Sullivan raised with their counterparts. But the invitation to have a discussion and have a meeting was not offered with the prerequisite that every issue is resolved in advance. We expect we will still continue to have disagreements," she said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden said on Friday he expected to be able to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon and the White House said ongoing differences between the United States and Russia would not need to be resolved in advance of a summit.

US President Joe Biden said on Friday he expected to be able to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon and the White House said ongoing differences between the United States and Russia would not need to be resolved in advance of a summit. Biden told reporters at the White House, he wanted to meet Putin despite Russia's build-up of military forces near Ukraine. "It does not impact my desire to have a one-on-one meeting and you'll notice he had more troops before. He's withdrawn troops," he said. Asked about meeting Putin in June, he said: "I'm confident we'll be able to do it. We don't have any specific time or place. That's being worked on." The United States has said it supports Ukraine amid what US Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week called Moscow's 'reckless' troop build-up. Biden and his advisers would like to add a summit with Putin in a third country while the US president is in Europe in mid-June for a Group of Seven meeting in Britain and talks with NATO allies in Brussels. But negotiations with the Russians on staging the summit are continuing, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters. "We're working through the question of some logistics - place, location, time, agenda, all the specifics - that was always going to happen at a staff level. It's really up to them what they want to achieve," she said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was cited by Russian news agency TASS as saying Russia was studying the possibility of a Putin-Biden meeting. "We continue to analyse the situation," TASS quoted Peskov as saying when asked whether the Russian side has officially agreed to the proposed summit. The United States has a number of grievances with Russia, including its treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. But Psaki said these grievances do not need to be resolved in advance of a Biden-Putin summit. "Obviously, human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, values are all issues the president, Secretary (of State Antony) Blinken, National Security Adviser (Jake) Sullivan raised with their counterparts. But the invitation to have a discussion and have a meeting was not offered with the prerequisite that every issue is resolved in advance. We expect we will still continue to have disagreements," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Biden says he is confident he can meet Russia's Putin soon 

Close allies of jailed Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin`s most vocal critic, pledged on Sunday to continue their actions despite the prospect of being outlawed under extremism charges.

Moscow City Court is expected to rule in a few days on a request from a Moscow prosecutor to officially outlaw the backbone of Navalny`s political movement - the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) - on the grounds that it is an extremist group.

Such a ruling, if it happens, would give the authorities the legal power to arrest and jail his supporters and block their bank accounts simply for being activists in the foundation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Navalny says continuing hunger strike despite cough and fever, risks death in prison">Navalny says continuing hunger strike despite cough and fever, risks death in prison</a>

Leonid Volkov, chief of staff of Navalny's team, said on Sunday the group would continue its work, including investigations into corruption.

"We are not going to give up," Volkov said in an online broadcast. Volkov lives in Lithuania.

Navalny was jailed in February for 2-1/2 years on charges he called politically motivated. On Friday, he said, he would start gradually ending a hunger strike after getting medical care.

Navalny's allies have pressed ahead with his "smart voting" strategy, supporting politicians outside of pro-Kremlin United Russia party they believe to be well placed to beat the ruling party candidates and urging Russians to vote for them.

Russians are set to vote in general elections in September.

"We have time, desire and strength to restructure our work, to get the smart voting to the elections and beat the United Russia," said Volkov.

Close allies of jailed Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin`s most vocal critic, pledged on Sunday to continue their actions despite the prospect of being outlawed under extremism charges.

Close allies of jailed Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin`s most vocal critic, pledged on Sunday to continue their actions despite the prospect of being outlawed under extremism charges. Moscow City Court is expected to rule in a few days on a request from a Moscow prosecutor to officially outlaw the backbone of Navalny`s political movement - the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) - on the grounds that it is an extremist group. Such a ruling, if it happens, would give the authorities the legal power to arrest and jail his supporters and block their bank accounts simply for being activists in the foundation. Also read: Navalny says continuing hunger strike despite cough and fever, risks death in prison Leonid Volkov, chief of staff of Navalny's team, said on Sunday the group would continue its work, including investigations into corruption. "We are not going to give up," Volkov said in an online broadcast. Volkov lives in Lithuania. Navalny was jailed in February for 2-1/2 years on charges he called politically motivated. On Friday, he said, he would start gradually ending a hunger strike after getting medical care. Navalny's allies have pressed ahead with his "smart voting" strategy, supporting politicians outside of pro-Kremlin United Russia party they believe to be well placed to beat the ruling party candidates and urging Russians to vote for them. Russians are set to vote in general elections in September. "We have time, desire and strength to restructure our work, to get the smart voting to the elections and beat the United Russia," said Volkov.

Allies of Russia's Navalny defiant in face of possible extremism charges

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the country to limit the number of Russians employed at embassies of countries determined to be unfriendly, or to ban their employment entirely.&nbsp;

The measure, announced by the Kremlin on Friday, comes amid a flurry of expulsions of Russian diplomats from the United States and European countries and Moscow's retaliatory expulsions. &nbsp;

The decree directs the government to draw up a list of countries determined to be unfriendly. It would affect not only those countries' embassies, but consular offices and offices of state institutions. &nbsp;

The United States last week expelled 10 Russian diplomats in connection with interference in the 2020 US Presidential election and for involvement in the SolarWind hack of federal agencies.&nbsp;

The Czech Republic last week expelled 18 Russian envoys they labeled as spies, prompting Russia to send 20 Czech diplomats home. That devastated Czech Embassy operations in Moscow, prompting Czech authorities on Thursday to order 63 more Russian diplomats to leave so that both countries had the same number of staff in their respective embassies.&nbsp;

Poland last week said it was expelling three Russians and Moscow expelled five in retaliation. The Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia ordered a total of four Russian envoys to leave. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the country to limit the number of Russians employed at embassies of countries determined to be unfriendly, or to ban their employment entirely.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the country to limit the number of Russians employed at embassies of countries determined to be unfriendly, or to ban their employment entirely. The measure, announced by the Kremlin on Friday, comes amid a flurry of expulsions of Russian diplomats from the United States and European countries and Moscow's retaliatory expulsions. The decree directs the government to draw up a list of countries determined to be unfriendly. It would affect not only those countries' embassies, but consular offices and offices of state institutions. The United States last week expelled 10 Russian diplomats in connection with interference in the 2020 US Presidential election and for involvement in the SolarWind hack of federal agencies. The Czech Republic last week expelled 18 Russian envoys they labeled as spies, prompting Russia to send 20 Czech diplomats home. That devastated Czech Embassy operations in Moscow, prompting Czech authorities on Thursday to order 63 more Russian diplomats to leave so that both countries had the same number of staff in their respective embassies. Poland last week said it was expelling three Russians and Moscow expelled five in retaliation. The Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia ordered a total of four Russian envoys to leave. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin: 'Unfriendly' embassies may face Russian hiring bans 

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky was welcome in Moscow "any time" but stressed that he should discuss the conflict in eastern Ukraine with separatists directly.

"If we are talking about bilateral relations, then by all means, we are ready to welcome the president of Ukraine at any time that is convenient for him," the Russian leader said during a meeting with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow.

Putin's invitation to Zelensky came in response to this week's offer from the Ukrainian president for the two leaders to meet in eastern Ukraine, where an uptick in fighting between Kiev's army and pro-Moscow separatists has raised fears of a return to full-blown war.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-security-service-says-it-has-detained-60-pro-russian-protesters-379222">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-security-service-says-it-has-detained-60-pro-russian-protesters-379222/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ukraine, the European Union and the United States have recently sounded the alarm over Russian troops massing on the border of the ex-Soviet country.

Moscow has said troops are running military drills in response to NATO manoeuvres, and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Thursday ordered the troops to return to their permanent bases by May 1.

"If President Zelensky wants to start repairing relations, then we of course welcome it," Putin told journalists at the beginning of negotiations with Lukashenko.

But the Russian leader said that if Zelensky hoped to resolve problems stemming from fighting in eastern Ukraine, then he should first meet with leaders of the breakaway regions in Donetsk and Lugansk.

"And only then discuss these issues with representatives of third countries, which in this the case is Russia," Putin said.

Kiev has been battling pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula.

The conflict, which has claimed more than 13,000 lives, has seen around 30 Ukrainian soldiers killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky was welcome in Moscow "any time" but stressed that he should discuss the conflict in eastern Ukraine with separatists directly.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky was welcome in Moscow "any time" but stressed that he should discuss the conflict in eastern Ukraine with separatists directly. "If we are talking about bilateral relations, then by all means, we are ready to welcome the president of Ukraine at any time that is convenient for him," the Russian leader said during a meeting with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow. Putin's invitation to Zelensky came in response to this week's offer from the Ukrainian president for the two leaders to meet in eastern Ukraine, where an uptick in fighting between Kiev's army and pro-Moscow separatists has raised fears of a return to full-blown war. Watch | Ukraine, the European Union and the United States have recently sounded the alarm over Russian troops massing on the border of the ex-Soviet country. Moscow has said troops are running military drills in response to NATO manoeuvres, and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Thursday ordered the troops to return to their permanent bases by May 1. "If President Zelensky wants to start repairing relations, then we of course welcome it," Putin told journalists at the beginning of negotiations with Lukashenko. But the Russian leader said that if Zelensky hoped to resolve problems stemming from fighting in eastern Ukraine, then he should first meet with leaders of the breakaway regions in Donetsk and Lugansk. "And only then discuss these issues with representatives of third countries, which in this the case is Russia," Putin said. Kiev has been battling pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula. The conflict, which has claimed more than 13,000 lives, has seen around 30 Ukrainian soldiers killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020.

Putin offers to meet Ukraine president in Moscow 'any time'

The Russian military sent a fighter jet to escort a US reconnaissance aircraft over the Pacific Ocean as the aircraft approached the Russian border.

Interfax news reported that the Russian military sent a MiG-31 fighter jet after identifying the US Air Force craft.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-begins-withdrawing-troops-from-ukraine-borders-379476">Russia begins withdrawing troops from Ukraine border</a>

"The Russian fighter crew identified the aerial target as a US Air Force RC-135 strategic reconnaissance aircraft and escorted it over the waters of the Pacific Ocean," Interfax reported, citing the Russian Pacific Fleet.

After intercepting the aircraft, the Russian jet returned home as the US plane turned away from the Russian border.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-declares-10-day-non-working-period-in-russia-amid-coronavirus-surge-379511" hreflang="en">Putin declares 10-day 'non-working period' in Russia amid coronavirus surge</a>

The US and Russia have not been on been on best terms for the past few weeks, especially as the Presidents of the two countries have been involved in a verbal spat after Joe Biden labelled Vladimir Putin as a "killer".

Russia has, since then, reacted to the comments made by Biden and has also urged the US President to hold a discussion with Putin.

The Russian military sent a fighter jet to escort a US reconnaissance aircraft over the Pacific Ocean as the aircraft approached the Russian border. Interfax news reported that the Russian military sent a MiG-31 fighter jet after identifying the US Air Force craft.

The Russian military sent a fighter jet to escort a US reconnaissance aircraft over the Pacific Ocean as the aircraft approached the Russian border. Interfax news reported that the Russian military sent a MiG-31 fighter jet after identifying the US Air Force craft. Also read | Russia begins withdrawing troops from Ukraine border "The Russian fighter crew identified the aerial target as a US Air Force RC-135 strategic reconnaissance aircraft and escorted it over the waters of the Pacific Ocean," Interfax reported, citing the Russian Pacific Fleet. After intercepting the aircraft, the Russian jet returned home as the US plane turned away from the Russian border. Also read | Putin declares 10-day 'non-working period' in Russia amid coronavirus surge The US and Russia have not been on been on best terms for the past few weeks, especially as the Presidents of the two countries have been involved in a verbal spat after Joe Biden labelled Vladimir Putin as a "killer". Russia has, since then, reacted to the comments made by Biden and has also urged the US President to hold a discussion with Putin.

Russia sends fighter jet after identifying US 'spy plane'

President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;said Thursday that&nbsp;Russia, the world's fourth-highest producer of carbon emissions, was committed to&nbsp;fulfilling&nbsp;its international&nbsp;obligations&nbsp;to combat&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change.

Russia&nbsp;has set numerous heat records in recent years, with the first half of 2020 seeing the warmest temperatures since the country began weather observations.

"Russia&nbsp;is approaching with complete responsibility its fulfilment of international&nbsp;obligations&nbsp;in this area,"&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;told a summit hosted by US President Joe Biden.

He added that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;had set out to "significantly limit" net emissions by 2050.

"Despite&nbsp;Russia's size, its geography,&nbsp;climate&nbsp;and the structure of its economy, I am sure this task is achievable,"&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;added.&nbsp;

He concluded by saying that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;was interested in "stepping up international cooperation" on&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change.

Rising temperatures are contributing to increasingly regular and devastating floods and forest fires in Siberia.

President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia, the world's fourth-highest producer of carbon emissions, was committed to fulfilling its international obligations to combat climate change.

President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia, the world's fourth-highest producer of carbon emissions, was committed to fulfilling its international obligations to combat climate change. Russia has set numerous heat records in recent years, with the first half of 2020 seeing the warmest temperatures since the country began weather observations. "Russia is approaching with complete responsibility its fulfilment of international obligations in this area," Putin told a summit hosted by US President Joe Biden. He added that Russia had set out to "significantly limit" net emissions by 2050. "Despite Russia's size, its geography, climate and the structure of its economy, I am sure this task is achievable," Putin added. He concluded by saying that Russia was interested in "stepping up international cooperation" on climate change. Rising temperatures are contributing to increasingly regular and devastating floods and forest fires in Siberia.

Putin says Russia fulfilling obligations to fight climate change

The Russian Police has arrested eight people in Russia's far-eastern city of Magadan on Wednesday, according to the Open Russia opposition group, as protests began across the country over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's deteriorating health in prison.

Several Navalny allies were detained on Wednesday morning, hours before President Vladimir Putin was due to deliver a state-of-the-nation speech.

Yesterday, The Moscow government had refused to authorize rallies scheduled for April 21 and May 1 because of the coronavirus, the Russian capital's security department had said on Tuesday.

The department said that the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, and the Moscow Trade Union Federation were among those who submitted appeals to have public rallies across Moscow authorized for April 21 and May 1.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Russian Police has arrested eight people in Russia's far-eastern city of Magadan on Wednesday, according to the Open Russia opposition group, as protests began across the country over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's deteriorating health in prison.

The Russian Police has arrested eight people in Russia's far-eastern city of Magadan on Wednesday, according to the Open Russia opposition group, as protests began across the country over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's deteriorating health in prison. Several Navalny allies were detained on Wednesday morning, hours before President Vladimir Putin was due to deliver a state-of-the-nation speech. Yesterday, The Moscow government had refused to authorize rallies scheduled for April 21 and May 1 because of the coronavirus, the Russian capital's security department had said on Tuesday. The department said that the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, and the Moscow Trade Union Federation were among those who submitted appeals to have public rallies across Moscow authorized for April 21 and May 1. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian police detain eight at Navalny protests in far east

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that the&nbsp;Russian public should attain collective immunity from COVID-19 by this autumn and called on&nbsp;Russians to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

"Vaccination is now of paramount importance... to allow herd immunity to develop in the fall," Putin said during his annual state of the nation address.

"Our scientists have made a real breakthrough. Now&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has three reliable vaccines against the coronavirus," he added.

The 68-year-old received his second dose of a coronavirus vaccine last week without specifying which of&nbsp;Russia's three jabs: Sputnik V, EpiVacCorona, or CoviVac,&nbsp;he had been administered.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, he reiterated an appeal he has made multiple times in recent weeks for all Russians to get a vaccine.&nbsp;

"I appeal to all citizens of&nbsp;Russia: get vaccinated. This is the only way we will get rid of this deadly disease," he said.

Despite beginning its vaccination campaign in early December ahead of most countries,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has struggled to inoculate its citizens.

Many Russians are sceptical of the vaccine, with a recent opinion poll showing fewer than a third are willing to get inoculated.

Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said last week that "significantly" more than eight million of&nbsp;Russia's 144 million people have been vaccinated.

The country has been among the hardest hit by Covid-19, with health officials reporting more than 4.7 million cases and 106,000 deaths as of Wednesday.

But Putin reiterated a claim he has made throughout the pandemic, that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has handled its outbreak better than most countries. &nbsp;

"Healthcare in many leading countries was not able to as effectively ward off the epidemic as we have."

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that the Russian public should attain collective immunity from COVID-19 by this autumn and called on Russians to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that the Russian public should attain collective immunity from COVID-19 by this autumn and called on Russians to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. "Vaccination is now of paramount importance... to allow herd immunity to develop in the fall," Putin said during his annual state of the nation address. "Our scientists have made a real breakthrough. Now Russia has three reliable vaccines against the coronavirus," he added. The 68-year-old received his second dose of a coronavirus vaccine last week without specifying which of Russia's three jabs: Sputnik V, EpiVacCorona, or CoviVac, he had been administered. On Wednesday, he reiterated an appeal he has made multiple times in recent weeks for all Russians to get a vaccine. "I appeal to all citizens of Russia: get vaccinated. This is the only way we will get rid of this deadly disease," he said. Despite beginning its vaccination campaign in early December ahead of most countries, Russia has struggled to inoculate its citizens. Many Russians are sceptical of the vaccine, with a recent opinion poll showing fewer than a third are willing to get inoculated. Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said last week that "significantly" more than eight million of Russia's 144 million people have been vaccinated. The country has been among the hardest hit by Covid-19, with health officials reporting more than 4.7 million cases and 106,000 deaths as of Wednesday. But Putin reiterated a claim he has made throughout the pandemic, that Russia has handled its outbreak better than most countries. "Healthcare in many leading countries was not able to as effectively ward off the epidemic as we have." (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says Russia should have collective COVID-19 immunity by autumn

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday challenged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet him in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region for talks on ending the conflict there and easing tensions between the two states.

The blunt offer for talks came following a flare-up in clashes between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists controlling two regions in the country's east, raising concerns of a major escalation in the simmering war.

In an address to the nation, Zelensky said that Ukrainian and Russian negotiators had recently discussed plans for officials to travel to the frontlines of the trench conflict to assess the situation.

"I am ready to go even further and invite you to meet in any part of the Ukrainian Donbass where war is ongoing," Zelensky said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-russia-ukraine-conflict-explained-377141/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kiev has been battling pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula,&nbsp;a move that plunged Russia's ties with the West to new lows and led to economic penalties.

The conflict, which has claimed more than 13,000 lives, has seen 30 Ukrainian soldiers killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020.

The escalation along the frontline as well as sharp rhetoric has spurred fresh rounds of talks. Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met earlier this week and also on Tuesday, although they have so far failed to secure any breakthroughs.

Zelensky said in his address to the nation that although Ukraine did not want war, it was prepared to fight.

"Will Ukraine defend itself if something happens? Always. Our principle is simple: Ukraine does not start a war first, but Ukraine always stands to the last," he said.

On the frontline however, fears were growing of a major escalation, with soldiers set to repel attacks and streets in towns near the front line empty over fears of a return to war.

Ukraine, its Western allies and NATO have accused Russia of a "provocative" build-up of troops on Ukraine's eastern border and in Crimea. Russia in turn accused the United States and NATO of "provocative activity" in the Black Sea region.

The standoff has prompted Ukraine to urge NATO member states to admit Ukraine into the military alliance. It also called on the European Union to impose new economic sanctions on Moscow but acknowledged that EU might not be prepared to do so yet.

"Our citizens need clear signals that in the eighth year of the war, a country that is a shield for Europe at the cost of its lives, will receive support not just as partners, from the stands, but as players on the same team, directly on the field, shoulder to shoulder," Zelenskiy said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday challenged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet him in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region for talks on ending the conflict there and easing tensions between the two states.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday challenged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to meet him in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region for talks on ending the conflict there and easing tensions between the two states. The blunt offer for talks came following a flare-up in clashes between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists controlling two regions in the country's east, raising concerns of a major escalation in the simmering war. In an address to the nation, Zelensky said that Ukrainian and Russian negotiators had recently discussed plans for officials to travel to the frontlines of the trench conflict to assess the situation. "I am ready to go even further and invite you to meet in any part of the Ukrainian Donbass where war is ongoing," Zelensky said. Kiev has been battling pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula, a move that plunged Russia's ties with the West to new lows and led to economic penalties. The conflict, which has claimed more than 13,000 lives, has seen 30 Ukrainian soldiers killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020. The escalation along the frontline as well as sharp rhetoric has spurred fresh rounds of talks. Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met earlier this week and also on Tuesday, although they have so far failed to secure any breakthroughs. Zelensky said in his address to the nation that although Ukraine did not want war, it was prepared to fight. "Will Ukraine defend itself if something happens? Always. Our principle is simple: Ukraine does not start a war first, but Ukraine always stands to the last," he said. On the frontline however, fears were growing of a major escalation, with soldiers set to repel attacks and streets in towns near the front line empty over fears of a return to war. Ukraine, its Western allies and NATO have accused Russia of a "provocative" build-up of troops on Ukraine's eastern border and in Crimea. Russia in turn accused the United States and NATO of "provocative activity" in the Black Sea region. The standoff has prompted Ukraine to urge NATO member states to admit Ukraine into the military alliance. It also called on the European Union to impose new economic sanctions on Moscow but acknowledged that EU might not be prepared to do so yet. "Our citizens need clear signals that in the eighth year of the war, a country that is a shield for Europe at the cost of its lives, will receive support not just as partners, from the stands, but as players on the same team, directly on the field, shoulder to shoulder," Zelenskiy said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's President Zelenskiy asks Putin to meet him for peace talks in conflict zone

President Vladimir Putin will deliver a state-of-the-nation speech to Russians on Wednesday as supporters of his fiercest critic, Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, plan nationwide protests over his deteriorating health in jail.

Putin, who makes a point of never uttering&nbsp;Navalny's name, has said his speech to both houses of parliament will focus on projects to boost economic growth, which has been hit by foreign sanctions, low oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic.

But as he starts his address at noon (0900 GMT), demonstrators in the far east port of Vladivostok are due to take to the streets in the first of a wave of rolling protests across Russia in support of the 44-year-old&nbsp;Navalny, gravely weakened by a three-week hunger strike.

Both sides are braced for a showdown. Previous rallies in support of&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;have been broken up by force, with thousands of arrests, and authorities have said Wednesday's gatherings will be illegal.

The trial of strength will be closely watched abroad, at a time of deep crisis in Russia's relations with the West over its treatment of&nbsp;Navalny, a major build-up of troops on the Ukrainian border and a rash of other issues that led Washington to impose new sanctions on Moscow last week, and the Kremlin to respond in kind.

Navalny, who survived a nerve agent poisoning last year that Russia denies carrying out, was sentenced in February to 2-1/2 years for parole violations related to an embezzlement case that he says was politically motivated.

He went on hunger strike on March 31 over what he said was the refusal of prison authorities to provide him with adequate treatment for acute leg and back pain. Officials say he has received normal medical care, as would any other convict.

Navalny's supporters have called for what they hope will be the biggest protests in modern Russian history, saying his life is hanging by a thread and demanding he receives proper medical attention.

On the eve of the protests, monitoring group OVD-Info reported police raids at&nbsp;Navalny's regional offices in the cities of Krasnodar and Kurgan, and arrests of individual activists in about a dozen cities.&nbsp;Navalny's team has said protests will be held in more than 100 cities and towns.

The venue for Putin's address, the Manege exhibition hall adjacent to the Kremlin, stands on the square&nbsp;Navalny's allies have designated as the location of their rally in Moscow on Wednesday evening.

President Vladimir Putin will deliver a state-of-the-nation speech to Russians on Wednesday as supporters of his fiercest critic, Alexei Navalny, plan nationwide protests over his deteriorating health in jail.

President Vladimir Putin will deliver a state-of-the-nation speech to Russians on Wednesday as supporters of his fiercest critic, Alexei Navalny, plan nationwide protests over his deteriorating health in jail. Putin, who makes a point of never uttering Navalny's name, has said his speech to both houses of parliament will focus on projects to boost economic growth, which has been hit by foreign sanctions, low oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic. But as he starts his address at noon (0900 GMT), demonstrators in the far east port of Vladivostok are due to take to the streets in the first of a wave of rolling protests across Russia in support of the 44-year-old Navalny, gravely weakened by a three-week hunger strike. Both sides are braced for a showdown. Previous rallies in support of Navalny have been broken up by force, with thousands of arrests, and authorities have said Wednesday's gatherings will be illegal. The trial of strength will be closely watched abroad, at a time of deep crisis in Russia's relations with the West over its treatment of Navalny, a major build-up of troops on the Ukrainian border and a rash of other issues that led Washington to impose new sanctions on Moscow last week, and the Kremlin to respond in kind. Navalny, who survived a nerve agent poisoning last year that Russia denies carrying out, was sentenced in February to 2-1/2 years for parole violations related to an embezzlement case that he says was politically motivated. He went on hunger strike on March 31 over what he said was the refusal of prison authorities to provide him with adequate treatment for acute leg and back pain. Officials say he has received normal medical care, as would any other convict. Navalny's supporters have called for what they hope will be the biggest protests in modern Russian history, saying his life is hanging by a thread and demanding he receives proper medical attention. On the eve of the protests, monitoring group OVD-Info reported police raids at Navalny's regional offices in the cities of Krasnodar and Kurgan, and arrests of individual activists in about a dozen cities. Navalny's team has said protests will be held in more than 100 cities and towns. The venue for Putin's address, the Manege exhibition hall adjacent to the Kremlin, stands on the square Navalny's allies have designated as the location of their rally in Moscow on Wednesday evening.

Navalny supporters seek to drown out Putin speech with mass protests

Russian President Vladimir Putin will deliver a speech on Thursday at an online climate change summit hosted by US President Joe Biden, the Kremlin said, despite a deep crisis in relations between Moscow and Washington.&nbsp;

Putin's attendance signals he is still open to dialogue with the United States even though the two countries have imposed new sanctions on each other in the past few days. He has yet to accept or decline a separate invitation from Biden to a bilateral summit.&nbsp;

Biden has invited 40 world leaders to the climate summit, part of his effort to make the fight against global warming a top priority.&nbsp;

Putin, in his speech, will "outline Russia's approaches in the context of forging broad international cooperation aimed at overcoming the negative effects of global climate change," the Kremlin said.&nbsp;

Washington imposed new sanctions on Russia on last Thursday for alleged malign activity including interfering in last year's US election, cyber hacking and bullying neighbouring Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russia denied the accusations and retaliated with sanctions of its own the following day.&nbsp;

The United States has warned Russia, there will be further consequences if Alexei Navalny, an opposition politician, who has been on hunger strike in prison for nearly three weeks, were to die. Russia has said it is ready to impose more 'painful' measures against Washington if tensions escalate further.&nbsp;

Relations slumped to a new post-Cold War low last month after Biden said he thought Putin was a 'killer' and Moscow recalled its ambassador to Washington for consultations.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin will deliver a speech on Thursday at an online climate change summit hosted by US President Joe Biden, the Kremlin said, despite a deep crisis in relations between Moscow and Washington.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will deliver a speech on Thursday at an online climate change summit hosted by US President Joe Biden, the Kremlin said, despite a deep crisis in relations between Moscow and Washington. Putin's attendance signals he is still open to dialogue with the United States even though the two countries have imposed new sanctions on each other in the past few days. He has yet to accept or decline a separate invitation from Biden to a bilateral summit. Biden has invited 40 world leaders to the climate summit, part of his effort to make the fight against global warming a top priority. Putin, in his speech, will "outline Russia's approaches in the context of forging broad international cooperation aimed at overcoming the negative effects of global climate change," the Kremlin said. Washington imposed new sanctions on Russia on last Thursday for alleged malign activity including interfering in last year's US election, cyber hacking and bullying neighbouring Ukraine. Russia denied the accusations and retaliated with sanctions of its own the following day. The United States has warned Russia, there will be further consequences if Alexei Navalny, an opposition politician, who has been on hunger strike in prison for nearly three weeks, were to die. Russia has said it is ready to impose more 'painful' measures against Washington if tensions escalate further. Relations slumped to a new post-Cold War low last month after Biden said he thought Putin was a 'killer' and Moscow recalled its ambassador to Washington for consultations.

Putin to address Biden's climate summit despite crisis in US-Russia ties 

The United States on Thursday announced economic sanctions on Russia and expelled 10 diplomats. This has come in retaliation for what the US says is Kremlin's interference in US elections and other hostile activities including a massive cyber attack.

The White House said that US President Joe Biden's executive order on sanctions " "sends a signal that the United States will impose costs in a strategic and economically impactful manner on Russia if it continues or escalates its destabilising international action".

US found support from its NATO allies as it slapped sanctions on Russia. The bloc supported the move taken in response to Moscow's&nbsp;"destabilising activities", an alliance statement said.

"NATO Allies support and stand in solidarity with the United States, following its 15 April announcement of actions to respond to Russia's destabilising activities," the statement said.&nbsp;

Russia talks tough

Russian reaction on US sanctions has expectedly been tough. Russian foreign ministry on Thursday said that it was "unavoidable" that Moscow would respond to sanctions. It also said that it had called Washington`s ambassador in Moscow for 'tough talks'.

Russian foreign ministry also said that Biden's decision to slap sanctions on Russia contradicted his stated desire to normalise ties.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the United States` hostile steps had dangerously raised the temperature of a confrontation between Moscow and Washington and that it would have to pay for damaging bilateral ties.

Earlier, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-on-russia-wont-help-biden-putin-summit-kremlin-377759">Kremlin expressed its displeasure</a> as news of potential US sanctions did rounds in US media. Russia said at that time that going ahead with sanctions&nbsp;would&nbsp;"not help" a possible summit between Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"What is currently being discussed -- likely sanctions -- will in no way help such a meeting. That is unambiguous," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-on-russia-wont-help-biden-putin-summit-kremlin-377759">US sanctions on Russia won't 'help' Biden-Putin summit: Kremlin</a>

Tensions between Russia and the West have been rising in recent weeks amid Russia's troop buildup near Russia-Ukraine border. The separatists in Ukraine's Donbass region have caused violence. Ukraine alleges that the separatists enjoy support from Moscow, a claim Russian denies. The US has assured Ukraine of help in the the current situation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Thursday announced economic sanctions on Russia and expelled 10 diplomats. This has come in retaliation for what the US says is Kremlin's interference in US elections and other hostile activities including a massive cyber attack.

The United States on Thursday announced economic sanctions on Russia and expelled 10 diplomats. This has come in retaliation for what the US says is Kremlin's interference in US elections and other hostile activities including a massive cyber attack. The White House said that US President Joe Biden's executive order on sanctions " "sends a signal that the United States will impose costs in a strategic and economically impactful manner on Russia if it continues or escalates its destabilising international action". US found support from its NATO allies as it slapped sanctions on Russia. The bloc supported the move taken in response to Moscow's "destabilising activities", an alliance statement said. "NATO Allies support and stand in solidarity with the United States, following its 15 April announcement of actions to respond to Russia's destabilising activities," the statement said. Russia talks tough Russian reaction on US sanctions has expectedly been tough. Russian foreign ministry on Thursday said that it was "unavoidable" that Moscow would respond to sanctions. It also said that it had called Washington`s ambassador in Moscow for 'tough talks'. Russian foreign ministry also said that Biden's decision to slap sanctions on Russia contradicted his stated desire to normalise ties. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the United States` hostile steps had dangerously raised the temperature of a confrontation between Moscow and Washington and that it would have to pay for damaging bilateral ties. Earlier, Kremlin expressed its displeasure as news of potential US sanctions did rounds in US media. Russia said at that time that going ahead with sanctions would "not help" a possible summit between Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "What is currently being discussed -- likely sanctions -- will in no way help such a meeting. That is unambiguous," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, as reported by news agency AFP. Also Read | US sanctions on Russia won't 'help' Biden-Putin summit: Kremlin Tensions between Russia and the West have been rising in recent weeks amid Russia's troop buildup near Russia-Ukraine border. The separatists in Ukraine's Donbass region have caused violence. Ukraine alleges that the separatists enjoy support from Moscow, a claim Russian denies. The US has assured Ukraine of help in the the current situation. (With inputs from agencies)

US slaps sanctions on Russia, expels 10 diplomats over poll meddlling, cyber attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing him to potentially hold on to power until 2036. The move formalises constitutional changes endorsed in a vote last year.

Putin signs law allowing him to hold power until 2036

Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cannot-ape-putin-explains-why-he-chose-to-get-vaccinated-in-private-373949">Putin</a>, 68, on Monday approved a legislation allowing him to hold office for two additional six-year terms.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-biden-calls-vladimir-putin-a-killer-371517/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Putin who has been in power for over two decades can stay until 2036, according to the new law. The Russian president had proposed the changes last year as part of his constitutional reforms agenda.

In the new legislation, Putin can contest the presidential elections again after his current and second consecutive term expires in 2024.

Putin was first elected president in 2000 and has served two consecutive four-year terms. In 2008, his place was taken by his close ally Dmitry Medvedev after Putin had served two consecutive terms as president.

During his tenure, Medvedev had signed on legislation that allowed extending terms to six years starting with the next president after which Putin returned to power in 2012 and then won the re-election in 2018.

Russian lawmakers last month had approved legislation allowing Putin to serve to hold office for two additional terms.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, 68, on Monday approved a legislation allowing him to hold office for two additional six-year terms. Watch: Putin who has been in power for over two decades can stay until 2036, according to the new law.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, 68, on Monday approved a legislation allowing him to hold office for two additional six-year terms. Watch: Putin who has been in power for over two decades can stay until 2036, according to the new law. The Russian president had proposed the changes last year as part of his constitutional reforms agenda. In the new legislation, Putin can contest the presidential elections again after his current and second consecutive term expires in 2024. Putin was first elected president in 2000 and has served two consecutive four-year terms. In 2008, his place was taken by his close ally Dmitry Medvedev after Putin had served two consecutive terms as president. During his tenure, Medvedev had signed on legislation that allowed extending terms to six years starting with the next president after which Putin returned to power in 2012 and then won the re-election in 2018. Russian lawmakers last month had approved legislation allowing Putin to serve to hold office for two additional terms.

Russian President Putin approves legislation allowing him to serve two more terms

putin

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