A few days ago, Russia's President Vladimir Putin got vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine.

However, unlike other world leaders, Putin decided to not have the process broadcasted in front of the media and the world.

While Kremlin had declined requests of giving any details, the Russian leader has now, himself, addressed questions of media regarding his vaccine shot.

During an interview on a Russian TV show, Putin said he opted to get the jab in private, rather than on television because he did not want to "ape" like other —hinting he did not want to follow other leaders and out on a show.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-gets-covid-vaccine-kremlin-refuses-to-share-details-372644">Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details</a>

He also stressed that he cannot get himself to do this on television simply because other world leaders did the same.

Putin also claimed that there is no use in putting on such a show as the vaccination can be easily faked.

"You can show the injection, but actually inject saline or just about anything," he said.

Talking about his experience of getting vaccinated, he revealed that he did feel slight discomfort after receiving the jab and has since then refrained from exercising.

The Kremlin had, earlier, denied requests of media for details. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, earlier told reporters that the media would have to take the Kremlin's word for Putin's vaccination, adding the president did not like the idea of being vaccinated on camera.

"We are deliberately not saying which shot the president will get, noting that all three Russian (-made) vaccines are absolutely reliable and effective," said Peskov.

A few days ago, Russia's President Vladimir Putin got vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine. However, unlike other world leaders, Putin decided to not have the process broadcasted in front of the media and the world.

A few days ago, Russia's President Vladimir Putin got vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine. However, unlike other world leaders, Putin decided to not have the process broadcasted in front of the media and the world. While Kremlin had declined requests of giving any details, the Russian leader has now, himself, addressed questions of media regarding his vaccine shot. During an interview on a Russian TV show, Putin said he opted to get the jab in private, rather than on television because he did not want to "ape" like other —hinting he did not want to follow other leaders and out on a show. Also read | Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details He also stressed that he cannot get himself to do this on television simply because other world leaders did the same. Putin also claimed that there is no use in putting on such a show as the vaccination can be easily faked. "You can show the injection, but actually inject saline or just about anything," he said. Talking about his experience of getting vaccinated, he revealed that he did feel slight discomfort after receiving the jab and has since then refrained from exercising. The Kremlin had, earlier, denied requests of media for details. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, earlier told reporters that the media would have to take the Kremlin's word for Putin's vaccination, adding the president did not like the idea of being vaccinated on camera. "We are deliberately not saying which shot the president will get, noting that all three Russian (-made) vaccines are absolutely reliable and effective," said Peskov.

'Cannot ape': Putin explains why he chose to get vaccinated in private

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a holiday in Siberia with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, piloted an all-terrain vehicle through thick woodland and traversed a swaying rope bridge, Kremlin footage showed. &nbsp;

Putin routinely appears on state television participating in various outdoor pursuits to project the image of a healthy and robust leader capable of leading the country for many years to come.&nbsp;

His bare-chested exploits have conjured for many Russians an image of Putin, 68, as an in-shape role model.&nbsp;

Video released by the Kremlin from inside an all-terrain vehicle showed the president at the wheel of a vehicle that pulled branches from overhanging trees as it barrelled over snow-laden tracks through dense forests of birch.&nbsp;

The two men were seen trudging through knee-deep snow and inspecting wooden ruins in a barren forest before taking careful steps across a rope bridge over a frozen river.&nbsp;

Putin, who loves to cultivate a virile man-of-action image, was shown in 2017 on holiday with Shoigu spear-fishing in a camouflage wetsuit, piloting a powerboat and catching some rays.&nbsp;

Last year, he bestowed a 65th birthday honour on Shoigu, his loyal ally in the Syria conflict and companion on wilderness trips.&nbsp;

Putin sent Shoigu birthday greetings and signed a decree awarding him one of Russia's highest decorations, the 'For Merit to the Fatherland' medal in the first degree.&nbsp;

The PR display comes one month after Putin jailed his loudest critic Alexei Navalny in one of Russia's most infamous work colonies, a move the opposition figure's allies and Western countries said was a pretext to silence dissent.&nbsp;

Putin's previous made-for-TV exploits have not been without controversy.&nbsp;

During a 2011 dive in the Black Sea, he allegedly discovered two 15th-century amphoras, a find mocked in the independent media because they were both suspiciously without algae or other sea life. His spokesman later admitted that the scene had been staged.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a holiday in Siberia with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, piloted an all-terrain vehicle through thick woodland and traversed a swaying rope bridge, Kremlin footage showed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a holiday in Siberia with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, piloted an all-terrain vehicle through thick woodland and traversed a swaying rope bridge, Kremlin footage showed. Putin routinely appears on state television participating in various outdoor pursuits to project the image of a healthy and robust leader capable of leading the country for many years to come. His bare-chested exploits have conjured for many Russians an image of Putin, 68, as an in-shape role model. Video released by the Kremlin from inside an all-terrain vehicle showed the president at the wheel of a vehicle that pulled branches from overhanging trees as it barrelled over snow-laden tracks through dense forests of birch. The two men were seen trudging through knee-deep snow and inspecting wooden ruins in a barren forest before taking careful steps across a rope bridge over a frozen river. Putin, who loves to cultivate a virile man-of-action image, was shown in 2017 on holiday with Shoigu spear-fishing in a camouflage wetsuit, piloting a powerboat and catching some rays. Last year, he bestowed a 65th birthday honour on Shoigu, his loyal ally in the Syria conflict and companion on wilderness trips. Putin sent Shoigu birthday greetings and signed a decree awarding him one of Russia's highest decorations, the 'For Merit to the Fatherland' medal in the first degree. The PR display comes one month after Putin jailed his loudest critic Alexei Navalny in one of Russia's most infamous work colonies, a move the opposition figure's allies and Western countries said was a pretext to silence dissent. Putin's previous made-for-TV exploits have not been without controversy. During a 2011 dive in the Black Sea, he allegedly discovered two 15th-century amphoras, a find mocked in the independent media because they were both suspiciously without algae or other sea life. His spokesman later admitted that the scene had been staged. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin pilots bumpy all-terrain rig on Siberian holiday 

After the imprisonment this month of the opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, punishing Russia is back on the agenda. On Monday, European Union foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on Russian officials, with the final details to come.

Yet such measures are unlikely to satisfy the Kremlin’s critics. They have in their sights a pet project of President Vladimir Putin’s: Nord Stream 2, a pipeline under the Baltic Sea that would supply natural gas directly to Germany.

The project has already survived fierce opposition from many European countries and the United States. And Germany, for which the pipeline is part of Europe’s delicate geopolitical balancing act, is committed to finishing it. With fewer than 100 miles to go, construction is nearly complete. But the treatment of Mr. Navalny and his supporters has once again thrown open the question of the project.

The pipeline’s predecessor, Nord Stream 1 — which was completed in 2012 and also runs undersea directly from Russia to Germany — was controversial, too. Germany’s eastern neighbors feared that Russia might cut off their gas while continuing to supply Germany. In that case, Eastern Europeans would be left to face the Kremlin alone.

But since Nord Stream 1 was finished, Europe’s energy landscape has been transformed. Although Russia supplies around 40 percent of Europe’s natural gas, largely via pipelines running through Belarus and Ukraine, it is no longer the dominant force it once was. In much of Eastern Europe, where gas used to be shipped almost exclusively from Russia, many countries, including Poland and Lithuania, now buy liquefied natural gas from the United States or Norway.

What’s more, the gas infrastructures of European countries are far more interconnected, and a European Union antitrust case against Gazprom, the Russian state-owned company that supplies the pipelines’ gas, has eroded its monopoly power. This means that Nord Stream 2 will have a marginal effect on most European countries’ energy security. It would, in practice, not alter much — which makes it all the more attractive a target for those who wish to check Russian influence.

There is one obvious loser from the pipeline: Ukraine. Much of the Russian gas currently shipped to Europe travels through the country. But if Nord Stream 2 is completed and Russia substantially reduces the gas sent through Ukraine, Kyiv would lose over a billion dollars a year in transit fees. Already a victim of Russian military and economic pressure, that would be an additional blow to the country.

That should be enough to move Germany, a supporter of Ukraine, to cancel the project. But there are plenty of other reasons, too. Few of Germany’s allies support the pipeline, with French leaders the latest to call for its cancellation. Many Europeans see it as a glaring example of German hypocrisy, as Berlin demands that other Europeans play by E.U. rules as it cuts side deals with Moscow.

Perhaps worse, a new pipe carrying fossil fuels under the sea fits poorly with Germany’s self-image as a green energy leader. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s explanation that the pipeline — funded and built by a Russian state-owned company — is a “commercial project” makes Berlin’s policy look only more cynical.

So why does Germany want the pipeline? Supporters in Berlin make two arguments. First, they say it will provide gas to replace coal and nuclear power, which Germany is phasing out. Second, they argue that buying gas from Russia will moderate the Kremlin’s foreign policy. Neither argument is especially compelling.

It may simply be that Ms. Merkel — who this month again ruled out junking the project — has clung to her pipeline for so long that it is now impossible to give it up. Although the Green Party, which will almost certainly play a role in the country’s next coalition government, is dead set against Nord Stream 2, most German politicians seem to agree with her.

That puts Berlin at odds with the United States, which has already slapped financial sanctions on companies helping to build Nord Stream 2, arguing that the pipeline rewards Russia and deepens Europe’s reliance on Russian gas. In large part because it has no effect on their constituents, Nord Stream 2 is a rare bipartisan issue among members of Congress. Imposing sanctions allows American legislators to sound tough on Mr. Putin at little cost.

Underneath the heated assertions and veiled threats lies the mundane reality that Russia’s ability to use gas as a tool of political pressure is already much diminished — something the completion of Nord Stream 2 would do little to change. But canceling the project as punishment for Mr. Navalny’s treatment is unlikely to achieve much, either. He is clearly a threat the Kremlin wishes to vanquish, at some cost.

The clamor over Nord Stream 2 shows, more than anything, a simple truth: When it comes to dealing with Russia, there are very few good options.

(Chris Miller is an assistant professor at the Fletcher School at Tufts University.)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

After the imprisonment this month of the opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, punishing Russia is back on the agenda. On Monday, European Union foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on Russian officials, with the final details to come.

After the imprisonment this month of the opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, punishing Russia is back on the agenda. On Monday, European Union foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on Russian officials, with the final details to come. Yet such measures are unlikely to satisfy the Kremlin’s critics. They have in their sights a pet project of President Vladimir Putin’s: Nord Stream 2, a pipeline under the Baltic Sea that would supply natural gas directly to Germany. The project has already survived fierce opposition from many European countries and the United States. And Germany, for which the pipeline is part of Europe’s delicate geopolitical balancing act, is committed to finishing it. With fewer than 100 miles to go, construction is nearly complete. But the treatment of Mr. Navalny and his supporters has once again thrown open the question of the project. The pipeline’s predecessor, Nord Stream 1 — which was completed in 2012 and also runs undersea directly from Russia to Germany — was controversial, too. Germany’s eastern neighbors feared that Russia might cut off their gas while continuing to supply Germany. In that case, Eastern Europeans would be left to face the Kremlin alone. But since Nord Stream 1 was finished, Europe’s energy landscape has been transformed. Although Russia supplies around 40 percent of Europe’s natural gas, largely via pipelines running through Belarus and Ukraine, it is no longer the dominant force it once was. In much of Eastern Europe, where gas used to be shipped almost exclusively from Russia, many countries, including Poland and Lithuania, now buy liquefied natural gas from the United States or Norway. What’s more, the gas infrastructures of European countries are far more interconnected, and a European Union antitrust case against Gazprom, the Russian state-owned company that supplies the pipelines’ gas, has eroded its monopoly power. This means that Nord Stream 2 will have a marginal effect on most European countries’ energy security. It would, in practice, not alter much — which makes it all the more attractive a target for those who wish to check Russian influence. There is one obvious loser from the pipeline: Ukraine. Much of the Russian gas currently shipped to Europe travels through the country. But if Nord Stream 2 is completed and Russia substantially reduces the gas sent through Ukraine, Kyiv would lose over a billion dollars a year in transit fees. Already a victim of Russian military and economic pressure, that would be an additional blow to the country. That should be enough to move Germany, a supporter of Ukraine, to cancel the project. But there are plenty of other reasons, too. Few of Germany’s allies support the pipeline, with French leaders the latest to call for its cancellation. Many Europeans see it as a glaring example of German hypocrisy, as Berlin demands that other Europeans play by E.U. rules as it cuts side deals with Moscow. Perhaps worse, a new pipe carrying fossil fuels under the sea fits poorly with Germany’s self-image as a green energy leader. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s explanation that the pipeline — funded and built by a Russian state-owned company — is a “commercial project” makes Berlin’s policy look only more cynical. So why does Germany want the pipeline? Supporters in Berlin make two arguments. First, they say it will provide gas to replace coal and nuclear power, which Germany is phasing out. Second, they argue that buying gas from Russia will moderate the Kremlin’s foreign policy. Neither argument is especially compelling. It may simply be that Ms. Merkel — who this month again ruled out junking the project — has clung to her pipeline for so long that it is now impossible to give it up. Although the Green Party, which will almost certainly play a role in the country’s next coalition government, is dead set against Nord Stream 2, most German politicians seem to agree with her. That puts Berlin at odds with the United States, which has already slapped financial sanctions on companies helping to build Nord Stream 2, arguing that the pipeline rewards Russia and deepens Europe’s reliance on Russian gas. In large part because it has no effect on their constituents, Nord Stream 2 is a rare bipartisan issue among members of Congress. Imposing sanctions allows American legislators to sound tough on Mr. Putin at little cost. Underneath the heated assertions and veiled threats lies the mundane reality that Russia’s ability to use gas as a tool of political pressure is already much diminished — something the completion of Nord Stream 2 would do little to change. But canceling the project as punishment for Mr. Navalny’s treatment is unlikely to achieve much, either. He is clearly a threat the Kremlin wishes to vanquish, at some cost. The clamor over Nord Stream 2 shows, more than anything, a simple truth: When it comes to dealing with Russia, there are very few good options. (Chris Miller is an assistant professor at the Fletcher School at Tufts University.) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Will anything stop Putin’s pet project?

Skii-lful evening: Putin and Lukashenko go skiing to discuss important matters

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been in power for 20 years now. He has survived several hurdles- the Second Chenchen war, the 2012 Moscow siege, the annexation of Crimea. Will Alexei Navalny

Gravitas: Will Putin survive the protests?

At the turn of the millenium, a man not many had heard of took over the reigns of Russia — Vladimir Putin became the Prime Minister of Russia in August 1999.

Putin was a political nobody. Even to his wife, the appointment reportedly came as a surprise. He was handpicked by then-President Boris Yeltsin and the KGB. Within three months, he was handed the Kremlin on a plate and was told he would succeed Yeltsin and lead Russia into the 21st century.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-putin-survive-the-protests-361670/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The reason behind this is Yeltsin trusted only family and KGB and Putin is former KGB.

The 47-year-old new President addressed the country wearing an ill-fitted suit. It took Putin's entourage well over a year to find him a suit that fits. It's been 20 years since the baton was handed to a camera-shy Putin and a lot has changed since then.

Now, Vladimir Putin is the founder of the Strongman's Club. He is the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin and parallels are drawn between Putin and the Russian Tsars.

Putin is everywhere in Russia — from T-shirts to calendars and mugs. He has transformed Russia into an increasingly dictatorial state where its people have fewer rights and freedoms.&nbsp;

Putin has moved away from the West, embraced isolationism, annexed Crimea, fought in Ukraine and despite everything, he remains Russia's most popular leader.

This is only the fourth time that Putin's ratings have taken a dent.

Previously it was because of unpopular reform to social benefits in 2015, rigged parliamentary elections in 2011 and pension reforms in 2019.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-navalny-built-an-opposition-in-russia-despite-putins-tight-grip-on-power-359519">How Navalny built an opposition in Russia despite Putin's tight grip on power</a>

Today, some 46 per cent of Russians aged 18-24 say they do not approve of Putin. However, these numbers mean nothing — just like Russia's recent referendum that allowed Putin to be President for life.

Russians know that Putin is backed by the oligarchs. They have seen dissidents dying, disappearing or being drugged. The murder of former Russian spy, Alexander Litvinenko in 2016 shocked the world. Rebel Chechnya leader Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev was assassinated in Qatar, Sergei Skripal was targeted in Salisbury, the UK. All the trails lead back to Moscow and the tale, each time, is of Russia's growing appetite for risk.

We often refer to Pakistan as a terror state, which it is, but the Kremlin, too, has its terror squad that takes down dissidents at home and abroad.

In the last 20 years, Putin has tightened his grip on power, changed the constitution to suit his dreams and gone after anyone who came in between. Therefore, Alexei Navalny was no exception, but what Putin did not expect was for Navalny to outmanoeuvre him.

Navalny used his recovery time to investigate attacks on journalists and exposed corruption in Putin's system, which was detailed in a two-hour documentary. Navalny also duped Russian agents into spilling the details of his poisoning. Now, Navalny has kickstarted what Putin fears the most: a Ukraine-style Maidan revolution. From Moscow to St. Petersburg, protesters have taken to the streets across Russia with demonstrations in at least 100 cities. Putin knows the history and he understands the threat such protests come with. He knows that protests eventually toppled the Tsarist rule too.

The Kremlin critic is definitely the biggest challenge to Putin at home in his 20 years of leadership, but Putin has been written off before too. Experts predicted that Putin would be mowed down by a crisis like Yeltsin, but he survived, not only the war in Chechnya but also the 2002 Moscow seige or the annexation of Crimea.

Remember, we are talking about a man who orchestrated the Salisbury poisoning just months before the 2018 FIFA world cup. He is not afraid of interfering with the elections of the world's oldest democracy or hacking into the servers of vaccine manufacturers across the globe.

So, while Navalny is definitely Putin's biggest test till date, predicting Putin's fall would be speaking too soon.

At the turn of the millenium, a man not many had heard of took over the reigns of Russia — Vladimir Putin became the Prime Minister of Russia in August 1999. Putin was a political nobody.

At the turn of the millenium, a man not many had heard of took over the reigns of Russia — Vladimir Putin became the Prime Minister of Russia in August 1999. Putin was a political nobody. Even to his wife, the appointment reportedly came as a surprise. He was handpicked by then-President Boris Yeltsin and the KGB. Within three months, he was handed the Kremlin on a plate and was told he would succeed Yeltsin and lead Russia into the 21st century. The reason behind this is Yeltsin trusted only family and KGB and Putin is former KGB. The 47-year-old new President addressed the country wearing an ill-fitted suit. It took Putin's entourage well over a year to find him a suit that fits. It's been 20 years since the baton was handed to a camera-shy Putin and a lot has changed since then. Now, Vladimir Putin is the founder of the Strongman's Club. He is the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin and parallels are drawn between Putin and the Russian Tsars. Putin is everywhere in Russia — from T-shirts to calendars and mugs. He has transformed Russia into an increasingly dictatorial state where its people have fewer rights and freedoms. Putin has moved away from the West, embraced isolationism, annexed Crimea, fought in Ukraine and despite everything, he remains Russia's most popular leader. This is only the fourth time that Putin's ratings have taken a dent. Previously it was because of unpopular reform to social benefits in 2015, rigged parliamentary elections in 2011 and pension reforms in 2019. Also read| How Navalny built an opposition in Russia despite Putin's tight grip on power Today, some 46 per cent of Russians aged 18-24 say they do not approve of Putin. However, these numbers mean nothing — just like Russia's recent referendum that allowed Putin to be President for life. Russians know that Putin is backed by the oligarchs. They have seen dissidents dying, disappearing or being drugged. The murder of former Russian spy, Alexander Litvinenko in 2016 shocked the world. Rebel Chechnya leader Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev was assassinated in Qatar, Sergei Skripal was targeted in Salisbury, the UK. All the trails lead back to Moscow and the tale, each time, is of Russia's growing appetite for risk. We often refer to Pakistan as a terror state, which it is, but the Kremlin, too, has its terror squad that takes down dissidents at home and abroad. In the last 20 years, Putin has tightened his grip on power, changed the constitution to suit his dreams and gone after anyone who came in between. Therefore, Alexei Navalny was no exception, but what Putin did not expect was for Navalny to outmanoeuvre him. Navalny used his recovery time to investigate attacks on journalists and exposed corruption in Putin's system, which was detailed in a two-hour documentary. Navalny also duped Russian agents into spilling the details of his poisoning. Now, Navalny has kickstarted what Putin fears the most: a Ukraine-style Maidan revolution. From Moscow to St. Petersburg, protesters have taken to the streets across Russia with demonstrations in at least 100 cities. Putin knows the history and he understands the threat such protests come with. He knows that protests eventually toppled the Tsarist rule too. The Kremlin critic is definitely the biggest challenge to Putin at home in his 20 years of leadership, but Putin has been written off before too. Experts predicted that Putin would be mowed down by a crisis like Yeltsin, but he survived, not only the war in Chechnya but also the 2002 Moscow seige or the annexation of Crimea. Remember, we are talking about a man who orchestrated the Salisbury poisoning just months before the 2018 FIFA world cup. He is not afraid of interfering with the elections of the world's oldest democracy or hacking into the servers of vaccine manufacturers across the globe. So, while Navalny is definitely Putin's biggest test till date, predicting Putin's fall would be speaking too soon.

From ill-fitting suits to silencing critics: Journey of Vladimir Putin challenged by Alexei Navalny

Alexei Navalny is a man who is rarely named by the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin critic and Putin's latest nightmare is 44-year-old, popular and has support abroad. His poisoning made him a household name and his dramatic arrest heightened his profile. Even in jail, he has outmanoeuvred Vladimir Putin.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-story-of-alexei-navalny-361674/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-navalny-built-an-opposition-in-russia-despite-putins-tight-grip-on-power-359519" hreflang="en">How Navalny built an opposition in Russia despite Putin's tight grip on power</a>

Alexei Navalny is the son of an army officer. Navalny grew up in Obninsk, about 60 miles south-west of Moscow. With a degree in law, he also spent time in the United States on a fellowship at Yale University.

In the year 2000, at the age of 24, he joined the Russian united democratic party, Yabloko. Then, seven years later, he was expelled from the party for his overtly 'nationalistic activities'.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-popularity-slips-as-alexei-navalnys-political-equity-rises-359520" hreflang="en">Putin's popularity slips as Alexei Navalny's political equity rises</a>

During anti-Putin demonstrations in 2011, he was among the first opposition leaders arrested. In 2013, he ran for the Mayor of Moscow but lost to a Kremlin-backed candidate. Since then, Navalny has been barred from running for office. Instead, he has turned his focus on social media to mobilise crowds of mostly young protesters.

He is best known for producing detailed investigations into corruption. Investigations such as 'He Is Not Dimon to You' which accused the former prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev of corruption, 'The case has been solved. I know everyone who tried to kill me' which detailed his poisoning, 'Parazity' that exposed the Kremlin's control on the Russian media and the being 'Putin's Palace: History of the World's Largest Bribe'.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-ill-fitting-suits-to-silencing-critics-journey-of-vladimir-putin-challenged-by-alexei-navalny-361655" hreflang="en">From ill-fitting suits to silencing critics: Journey of Vladimir Putin challenged by Alexei Navalny</a>

Navalny has not just challenged Putin's leadership, but also his strongman image. He has single-handedly put Putin in a catch 22 situation as letting Navalny walk out of prison comes with a huge cost, but keeping him behind bars is not helping either.

His case gave a new life to dying opposition parties. There are a total of 69 of them but only six parties are represented in the Russian parliament, the state duma. Putin's party, United Russia, is the largest faction with 343 of 450 seats. The second-largest faction is the Communist Party of the Russian Federation with 42 seats, followed by LDPR with 40 seats and A Just Russia with 23 seats among two others.

The small numbers have made these parties a rubber-stamp opposition. Putin's party holds the final say over the passage of any measures. Majorly, the ideological differences within the opposition makes a merger quite difficult.

Alexei Navalny emerged as a unifying force as his witty posts, memes and pop culture references got the support of leaders across party lines. However, now that he's in jail, the Russian opposition has once again lost its voice.

Alexei Navalny is a man who is rarely named by the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin critic and Putin's latest nightmare is 44-year-old, popular and has support abroad.

Alexei Navalny is a man who is rarely named by the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin critic and Putin's latest nightmare is 44-year-old, popular and has support abroad. His poisoning made him a household name and his dramatic arrest heightened his profile. Even in jail, he has outmanoeuvred Vladimir Putin. Also read| How Navalny built an opposition in Russia despite Putin's tight grip on power Alexei Navalny is the son of an army officer. Navalny grew up in Obninsk, about 60 miles south-west of Moscow. With a degree in law, he also spent time in the United States on a fellowship at Yale University. In the year 2000, at the age of 24, he joined the Russian united democratic party, Yabloko. Then, seven years later, he was expelled from the party for his overtly 'nationalistic activities'. Also read| Putin's popularity slips as Alexei Navalny's political equity rises During anti-Putin demonstrations in 2011, he was among the first opposition leaders arrested. In 2013, he ran for the Mayor of Moscow but lost to a Kremlin-backed candidate. Since then, Navalny has been barred from running for office. Instead, he has turned his focus on social media to mobilise crowds of mostly young protesters. He is best known for producing detailed investigations into corruption. Investigations such as 'He Is Not Dimon to You' which accused the former prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev of corruption, 'The case has been solved. I know everyone who tried to kill me' which detailed his poisoning, 'Parazity' that exposed the Kremlin's control on the Russian media and the being 'Putin's Palace: History of the World's Largest Bribe'. Also read| From ill-fitting suits to silencing critics: Journey of Vladimir Putin challenged by Alexei Navalny Navalny has not just challenged Putin's leadership, but also his strongman image. He has single-handedly put Putin in a catch 22 situation as letting Navalny walk out of prison comes with a huge cost, but keeping him behind bars is not helping either. His case gave a new life to dying opposition parties. There are a total of 69 of them but only six parties are represented in the Russian parliament, the state duma. Putin's party, United Russia, is the largest faction with 343 of 450 seats. The second-largest faction is the Communist Party of the Russian Federation with 42 seats, followed by LDPR with 40 seats and A Just Russia with 23 seats among two others. The small numbers have made these parties a rubber-stamp opposition. Putin's party holds the final say over the passage of any measures. Majorly, the ideological differences within the opposition makes a merger quite difficult. Alexei Navalny emerged as a unifying force as his witty posts, memes and pop culture references got the support of leaders across party lines. However, now that he's in jail, the Russian opposition has once again lost its voice.

Who is Alexei Navalny, apart from being Putin's nightmare?

A Russian court jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Tuesday (February 2), ignoring the West in a ruling the opposition politician blamed on President Vladimir Putin's personal hatred and fear of him.

Audio of Navalny's speech calling Putin 'the Underwear Poisoner' before being jailed

Russian police raided the Moscow offices of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's group on Wednesday (January 27) and searched several other properties, including a flat where his wife was, one of his allies said.

Russian Police raid Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's properties

Russian Police raid studio which produces Navalny's videos

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of tech giants' increasing influence that he said competed with states. Lebanon has rolled out tanks amid anti-lockdown protests. Meanwhile, Youtube has suspended former US President Donald Trump's channel indefinitely. Read this and much more in Top 10 world news. &nbsp; &nbsp;

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The EU contract with AstraZeneca is an advance purchase agreement for the supply of at least 300 million doses provided that the vaccine is approved as safe and effective.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-biden-putin-phone-call-russias-lower-house-of-parliament-approves-new-start-nuclear-control-treaty-359670"><img alt="Biden Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d7f04d8-0ab5-40c2-93bc-626994acdacd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Biden%20putin.JPG" /></a> 
 
The treaty which expires next week on February 5 sets the limits to the number of nuclear warheads, missiles and bombers that the US and Russia can possess.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-warns-against-influence-of-tech-giants-says-they-compete-with-states-359693">Putin warns against influence of tech giants, says they 'compete' with states</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-warns-against-influence-of-tech-giants-says-they-compete-with-states-359693"><img alt="Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4fc84eed-37e0-4543-b5b4-3994319ae61c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Putin_2.JPG" /></a> 
 
Putin sounded the warning during his virtual address at Davos virtual economic summit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-rolls-out-tanks-amid-anti-lockdown-protests-359659">Lebanon rolls out tanks amid anti-lockdown protests</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-rolls-out-tanks-amid-anti-lockdown-protests-359659"><img alt="Lebanon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40ec4eaf-bc37-43c6-ade8-37cdc7aefce7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Lebanon.JPG" /></a> 
 
The coronavirus cases have spiked in the country after families reportedly gathered during the year-end holidays and authorities allowed bars to stay open until 3:00 am.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-deploys-anal-swabs-to-test-for-coronavirus-359649">China deploys anal swabs to test for coronavirus</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-deploys-anal-swabs-to-test-for-coronavirus-359649"><img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25a64ae8-5104-45e8-9777-dd8ade0e4376" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/china.JPG" /></a> 
 
Doctors in China say the said way can be more effective in detecting the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-blocks-president-bidens-100-day-pause-on-deportations-359694">US judge blocks President Biden's 100-day pause on deportations</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-blocks-president-bidens-100-day-pause-on-deportations-359694"><img alt="Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af43fa11-f860-44fb-b1fd-554dbfdd2083" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/biden_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
Judge Drew Tipton granted a 14-day temporary restraining order until the case could be further examined on request by state’s Republican attorney-general Ken Paxton.

Youtube suspends Donald Trump from platform indefinitely 
https://www.wionews.com/world/youtube-suspends-donald-trump-from-platform-indefinitely-359653 
Number of social media platforms including Twitter, and Facebook have taken action against Trump after the January 6 Capitol Hill violence

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-waging-psychological-war-iran-says-359699">Israel waging 'psychological war', Iran says</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-waging-psychological-war-iran-says-359699"><img alt="Iran Israel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4cab3683-a30f-4f8b-8002-3c894c6422eb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Iran_8.JPG" /></a> 
 
Mahmoud Vaezi, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's chief of staff, also vowed that his country was ready and willing to defend itself.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-set-to-launch-in-poland-359689">Amazon set to launch in Poland</a>

<img alt="Amazon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f44c38d7-e8fa-4977-b912-2d7ae15b13c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/amazon_0.JPG" /> 
Poland, which has a population of 38 million people, is one of the last major European countries without a dedicated Amazon website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-covid-variant-sufferers-cough-more-but-smell-less-affected-survey-359680">UK COVID variant sufferers cough more, but smell less affected: Survey</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-covid-variant-sufferers-cough-more-but-smell-less-affected-survey-359680"><img alt="Covid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fa3833f4-be1b-4a83-a5bc-a75e6dea5bbc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/covid_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
The variant, identified in southeast England in December, is thought to be more transmissible, and could also be associated with higher mortality, though data suggesting increased death rates are uncertain and not yet strong.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of tech giants' increasing influence that he said competed with states. Lebanon has rolled out tanks amid anti-lockdown protests.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of tech giants' increasing influence that he said competed with states. Lebanon has rolled out tanks amid anti-lockdown protests. Meanwhile, Youtube has suspended former US President Donald Trump's channel indefinitely. Read this and much more in Top 10 world news. AstraZeneca clarifies will attend EU meeting on Covid-19 vaccine delay The EU contract with AstraZeneca is an advance purchase agreement for the supply of at least 300 million doses provided that the vaccine is approved as safe and effective. After Biden-Putin phone call, Russia's lower house of Parliament approves New START nuclear control treaty The treaty which expires next week on February 5 sets the limits to the number of nuclear warheads, missiles and bombers that the US and Russia can possess. Putin warns against influence of tech giants, says they 'compete' with states Putin sounded the warning during his virtual address at Davos virtual economic summit Lebanon rolls out tanks amid anti-lockdown protests The coronavirus cases have spiked in the country after families reportedly gathered during the year-end holidays and authorities allowed bars to stay open until 3:00 am. China deploys anal swabs to test for coronavirus Doctors in China say the said way can be more effective in detecting the virus. US judge blocks President Biden's 100-day pause on deportations Judge Drew Tipton granted a 14-day temporary restraining order until the case could be further examined on request by state’s Republican attorney-general Ken Paxton. Youtube suspends Donald Trump from platform indefinitely https://www.wionews.com/world/youtube-suspends-donald-trump-from-platform-indefinitely-359653 Number of social media platforms including Twitter, and Facebook have taken action against Trump after the January 6 Capitol Hill violence Israel waging 'psychological war', Iran says Mahmoud Vaezi, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's chief of staff, also vowed that his country was ready and willing to defend itself. Amazon set to launch in Poland Poland, which has a population of 38 million people, is one of the last major European countries without a dedicated Amazon website. UK COVID variant sufferers cough more, but smell less affected: Survey The variant, identified in southeast England in December, is thought to be more transmissible, and could also be associated with higher mortality, though data suggesting increased death rates are uncertain and not yet strong.

Top 10 world news: Putin warns against tech giants, Youtube suspends Trump channel, and more

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned against the increasing influence large tech companies wield. He said &nbsp;that these tech giants were "competing" with states. Russia is ramping up pressure on foreign internet companies. The companies usually are not subject to state censorship that majority of Russian media outlets work under.

Putin sounded the warning during his virtual address at Davos virtual economic summit. He said it was unclear where the line should be drawn between &nbsp;a "succesful global business" and "attempts to crudely, at their own discretion, control society".

"We just saw it all in the United States," he added, referring to riots earlier this month in Washington led by supporters of then US President Donald Trump.

Moscow earlier this week accused US tech giants of interfering in Russia's internal affairs, in particular during anti-government protests led by supporters of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Saturday.&nbsp;

Ahead of the rallies, Russia's media watchdog Roskomnadzor ordered several online platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, to delete posts by users calling for protesters to attend demonstrations.

On Wednesday, the chairman of the lower house State Duma's foreign interference committee, Vasily Piskaryov, said that the head of TikTok's Russian branch had been invited to parliament for a conversation.&nbsp;

\Piskaryov was cited by the TASS news agency as saying that "questions had piled up" about the China-based video-sharing service.

In recent months, TikTok has emerged as a popular platform for young Russians to express their political views.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-biden-putin-phone-call-russias-lower-house-of-parliament-approves-new-start-nuclear-control-treaty-359670">After Biden-Putin phone call, Russia's lower house of Parliament approves New START nuclear control treaty</a>

Hashtags dedicated to Navalny have been trending on TikTok, garnering more than 1.5 billion views, after the anti-corruption campaigner was jailed on his return to Russia from Germany.

(With AFP inputs)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned against the increasing influence large tech companies wield. He said that these tech giants were "competing" with states.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned against the increasing influence large tech companies wield. He said that these tech giants were "competing" with states. Russia is ramping up pressure on foreign internet companies. The companies usually are not subject to state censorship that majority of Russian media outlets work under. Putin sounded the warning during his virtual address at Davos virtual economic summit. He said it was unclear where the line should be drawn between a "succesful global business" and "attempts to crudely, at their own discretion, control society". "We just saw it all in the United States," he added, referring to riots earlier this month in Washington led by supporters of then US President Donald Trump. Moscow earlier this week accused US tech giants of interfering in Russia's internal affairs, in particular during anti-government protests led by supporters of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Saturday. Ahead of the rallies, Russia's media watchdog Roskomnadzor ordered several online platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, to delete posts by users calling for protesters to attend demonstrations. On Wednesday, the chairman of the lower house State Duma's foreign interference committee, Vasily Piskaryov, said that the head of TikTok's Russian branch had been invited to parliament for a conversation. \Piskaryov was cited by the TASS news agency as saying that "questions had piled up" about the China-based video-sharing service. In recent months, TikTok has emerged as a popular platform for young Russians to express their political views. Also Read | After Biden-Putin phone call, Russia's lower house of Parliament approves New START nuclear control treaty Hashtags dedicated to Navalny have been trending on TikTok, garnering more than 1.5 billion views, after the anti-corruption campaigner was jailed on his return to Russia from Germany. (With AFP inputs)

Putin warns against influence of tech giants, says they 'compete' with states

Russia's lower house of Parliament today approved the extension of the New <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-proposes-to-renew-new-start-nuclear-treaty-between-us-and-russia-358434">START</a> nuclear arms control treaty with the United States after the Kremlin said both countries had reached a deal to extend the pact which was signed in 2010.

Watch:

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All 399 lawmakers voted for the extension with no absentations. The country's upper house is due to vote on the extension later today. After the legislation is approved by both Houses it will be signed by President Putin.

The treaty which expires next week on February 5 sets the limits to the number of nuclear warheads, missiles and bombers that the US and Russia can possess.&nbsp;

The bill to extend the pact was ratified after President Putin had a phone call with new US President Joe Biden on Tuesday. "They discussed both countries’ willingness to extend New START for five years, agreeing to have their teams work urgently to complete the extension by Feb. 5," the White House had said.

"They also agreed to explore strategic stability discussions on a range of arms control and emerging security issues," the White House added.

The New START caps the number of nuclear warheads between Moscow and Washington to 1,550.&nbsp;The Russian President hailed the move saying the "extension of New START is step in the right direction".

The US had signed the pact&nbsp;during Obama's presidency. However, tensions continue between the two countries as the White House said: "President Biden made clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of its national interests in response to actions by Russia that harm us or our allies.

Biden raised other matter of concern with the Russian president including the Alexei Navalny poisoning row and the cyber attack by alleged Russian hackers who targeted US tech company SolarWinds Corp recently.

Russia's lower house of Parliament today approved the extension of the New START nuclear arms control treaty with the United States after the Kremlin said both countries had reached a deal to extend the pact which was signed in 2010.

Russia's lower house of Parliament today approved the extension of the New START nuclear arms control treaty with the United States after the Kremlin said both countries had reached a deal to extend the pact which was signed in 2010. Watch: All 399 lawmakers voted for the extension with no absentations. The country's upper house is due to vote on the extension later today. After the legislation is approved by both Houses it will be signed by President Putin. The treaty which expires next week on February 5 sets the limits to the number of nuclear warheads, missiles and bombers that the US and Russia can possess. The bill to extend the pact was ratified after President Putin had a phone call with new US President Joe Biden on Tuesday. "They discussed both countries’ willingness to extend New START for five years, agreeing to have their teams work urgently to complete the extension by Feb. 5," the White House had said. "They also agreed to explore strategic stability discussions on a range of arms control and emerging security issues," the White House added. The New START caps the number of nuclear warheads between Moscow and Washington to 1,550. The Russian President hailed the move saying the "extension of New START is step in the right direction". The US had signed the pact during Obama's presidency. However, tensions continue between the two countries as the White House said: "President Biden made clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of its national interests in response to actions by Russia that harm us or our allies. Biden raised other matter of concern with the Russian president including the Alexei Navalny poisoning row and the cyber attack by alleged Russian hackers who targeted US tech company SolarWinds Corp recently.

After Biden-Putin phone call, Russia's lower house of Parliament approves New START nuclear control treaty

Russia and the United States reportedly struck a deal to extend their New START nuclear arms control treaty on Moscow's terms, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Wednesday, as claimed by RIA news.

On Tuesday, Russia claimed that the pact would be preserved in the aftermath of talks between US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The world’s two biggest nuclear powers will now extend their treaty.

Kremlin’s announcement was not confirmed by the White House, but Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin had spoken about the issue on telephone, and had agreed to complete the extension by February 5, for the treaty expires then.

The New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) was signed in 2010 to limit the number of nuclear warheads deployed by the US and Russia to 1,550 each.&nbsp;

This also includes limiting the number of land and submarine based missiles and bombers that deliver these warheads.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/how-navalny-built-an-opposition-in-russia-despite-putins-tight-grip-on-power-359519" hreflang="en">How Navalny built an opposition in Russia despite Putin's tight grip on power</a>

Under former US President Donald Trump, the countries had failed to reach an extension. Trump had reportedly attached conditions which were rejected by Russia.

According to the Kremlin, Putin and Biden “expressed satisfaction” after speaking to each other, further confirming the extension of the pact, and that it would be renewed in the next few days.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/putins-popularity-slips-as-alexei-navalnys-political-equity-rises-359520" hreflang="en">Putin's popularity slips as Alexei Navalny's political equity rises</a>

"They discussed both countries’ willingness to extend New START for five years, agreeing to have their teams work urgently to complete the extension by Feb. 5," the White House said.&nbsp;

"They also agreed to explore strategic stability discussions on a range of arms control and emerging security issues”, it added.

Russia and the United States reportedly struck a deal to extend their New START nuclear arms control treaty on Moscow's terms, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Wednesday, as claimed by RIA news.

Russia and the United States reportedly struck a deal to extend their New START nuclear arms control treaty on Moscow's terms, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Wednesday, as claimed by RIA news. On Tuesday, Russia claimed that the pact would be preserved in the aftermath of talks between US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The world’s two biggest nuclear powers will now extend their treaty. Kremlin’s announcement was not confirmed by the White House, but Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin had spoken about the issue on telephone, and had agreed to complete the extension by February 5, for the treaty expires then. The New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) was signed in 2010 to limit the number of nuclear warheads deployed by the US and Russia to 1,550 each. This also includes limiting the number of land and submarine based missiles and bombers that deliver these warheads. Also read: How Navalny built an opposition in Russia despite Putin's tight grip on power Under former US President Donald Trump, the countries had failed to reach an extension. Trump had reportedly attached conditions which were rejected by Russia. According to the Kremlin, Putin and Biden “expressed satisfaction” after speaking to each other, further confirming the extension of the pact, and that it would be renewed in the next few days. Also read: Putin's popularity slips as Alexei Navalny's political equity rises "They discussed both countries’ willingness to extend New START for five years, agreeing to have their teams work urgently to complete the extension by Feb. 5," the White House said. "They also agreed to explore strategic stability discussions on a range of arms control and emerging security issues”, it added.

Nuclear arms control treaty with United States agreed on our terms: Russia

The Kremlin today accused US tech giants of interference in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-wife-among-nearly-2000-people-detained-in-russia-at-rallies-358823">Navalny</a> protests which broke out throughout Russia over the weekend even as Navalny's aides called for new anti-government rallies.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/navalny-described-as-the-man-putin-fears-the-most-359015/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kremlin had earlier accused the United States of interfering in Russia's domestic affairs after large scale protests erupted over the weekend even as 3,500 demonstrators were detained across the country on Saturday. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-diplomats-of-publishing-navalny-rally-routes-358864">US</a> embassy in Moscow had issued a "Demonstration Alert" warning US citizens to avoid the protests and naming the venues in Russian cities where protesters planned to gather.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin in a video call to students said luxury Black Sea property does not belong to him after Navalny accused the Russian leader of possessing the property.

"Nothing that is listed there as my property belongs to me or my close relatives, and never did," Putin said during a video call with students.

After the weekend protests, the United States urged Russian authorities to release protesters detained at the demonstration.

Navalny had asked Russians to come out on the streets after he was arrested by authorities last week soon after he landed in Moscow. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Russian foreign ministry had said that US embassy representatives will be summoned and would have to "explain themselves".

The US embassy spokesman Rebecca Ross had said: "We're watching reports of protests in 38 Russian cities, arrests of 350+ peaceful protesters and journalists. The US&nbsp;supports the right of all people to peaceful protest, freedom of expression. Steps being taken by Russian authorities are suppressing those rights."

The United States government in a statement said: "Continued efforts to suppress Russians’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, and the crackdown on protests that followed are troubling indications of further restrictions on civil society and fundamental freedoms."

The US government urged Russian authorities to release "all those detained for exercising their universal rights and for the immediate and unconditional release of Alexei Navalny."

The Kremlin today accused US tech giants of interference in Navalny protests which broke out throughout Russia over the weekend even as Navalny's aides called for new anti-government rallies.

The Kremlin today accused US tech giants of interference in Navalny protests which broke out throughout Russia over the weekend even as Navalny's aides called for new anti-government rallies. Watch: Kremlin had earlier accused the United States of interfering in Russia's domestic affairs after large scale protests erupted over the weekend even as 3,500 demonstrators were detained across the country on Saturday. The US embassy in Moscow had issued a "Demonstration Alert" warning US citizens to avoid the protests and naming the venues in Russian cities where protesters planned to gather. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin in a video call to students said luxury Black Sea property does not belong to him after Navalny accused the Russian leader of possessing the property. "Nothing that is listed there as my property belongs to me or my close relatives, and never did," Putin said during a video call with students. After the weekend protests, the United States urged Russian authorities to release protesters detained at the demonstration. Navalny had asked Russians to come out on the streets after he was arrested by authorities last week soon after he landed in Moscow. The Russian foreign ministry had said that US embassy representatives will be summoned and would have to "explain themselves". The US embassy spokesman Rebecca Ross had said: "We're watching reports of protests in 38 Russian cities, arrests of 350+ peaceful protesters and journalists. The US supports the right of all people to peaceful protest, freedom of expression. Steps being taken by Russian authorities are suppressing those rights." The United States government in a statement said: "Continued efforts to suppress Russians’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, and the crackdown on protests that followed are troubling indications of further restrictions on civil society and fundamental freedoms." The US government urged Russian authorities to release "all those detained for exercising their universal rights and for the immediate and unconditional release of Alexei Navalny."

Putin rejects Black Sea property belongs to him after Navalny's accusation

President Vladimir Putin would respond in kind if the new U.S. administration showed a willingness to talk, a Kremlin spokesman said on Sunday, while also accusing Washington of meddling in mass protests in support of detained opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Kremlin accuses US of meddling in affairs, but says ready to talk

Russian police detained more than 3,000 people and used force to break up rallies across Russia as tens of thousands of protesters ignored the extreme cold and police warnings to demand the release of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Russian police officers beat protesters at opposition rally

Police detained over 1,000 people and used force to break up rallies around Russia on Saturday as tens of thousands of protesters demanded the release of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose wife was among those detained.

Hundreds arrested during protests in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny

Police arrest over 1,000 people at Russia protests backing jailed Kremlin foe Navalny

Detained Kremlin Critic Alexey Navalny supporters are staging protests across Russia to force his release.

Navalny supporters stage protest against his arrest & Prez Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a trilateral meeting bringing together the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh agreement.

Putin to host meeting with Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is now ready to take shots of country’s indigenous vaccine Sputnik V against the coronavirus, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"He said he will be vaccinated, he made this decision and was waiting until all formalities are completed," the spokesman was quoted as saying to Rossiya 1 TV Channel on its website.

Russia launched a voluntary vaccination programme with the Russia-made Sputnik V vaccine earlier in December, starting with the most vulnerable groups in Moscow.

Sputnik V, created by Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute, made headlines in August when it became the first vaccine against Covid-19 to be registered anywhere in the world.

People over the age of 60 may begin to apply for shots on Monday, Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on his website on Sunday, the day after the Russian health ministry said the vaccine was approved for use by elderly people after a separate trial.

68-year-old Putin said earlier that the Russian vaccine was effective and safe and he saw no reason not to be vaccinated adding that he was waiting until it became available.

Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak in Russia, Putin has mainly worked remotely, held meetings via videolink and limited travel.

He said in August that one of his daughters had taken part in the clinical trial of the vaccine and felt well afterwards. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is now ready to take shots of country’s indigenous vaccine Sputnik V against the coronavirus, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is now ready to take shots of country’s indigenous vaccine Sputnik V against the coronavirus, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "He said he will be vaccinated, he made this decision and was waiting until all formalities are completed," the spokesman was quoted as saying to Rossiya 1 TV Channel on its website. Russia launched a voluntary vaccination programme with the Russia-made Sputnik V vaccine earlier in December, starting with the most vulnerable groups in Moscow. Sputnik V, created by Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute, made headlines in August when it became the first vaccine against Covid-19 to be registered anywhere in the world. People over the age of 60 may begin to apply for shots on Monday, Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on his website on Sunday, the day after the Russian health ministry said the vaccine was approved for use by elderly people after a separate trial. 68-year-old Putin said earlier that the Russian vaccine was effective and safe and he saw no reason not to be vaccinated adding that he was waiting until it became available. Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak in Russia, Putin has mainly worked remotely, held meetings via videolink and limited travel. He said in August that one of his daughters had taken part in the clinical trial of the vaccine and felt well afterwards. (With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin to receive Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V soon

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed legislation that will grant former presidents lifetime immunity once they leave office. The former presidents will also be exempt from questioning from police or investigators as well as searches or arrests. The legislation was part of constitutional amendments that were approved this summer in a nationwide vote that allow Putin, 68, to remain president until 2036.

Before this bill, former presidents were immune from prosecution only for crimes committed while in office.

Now a former president can still be stripped of immunity if accused of treason or other grave crimes and the charges are confirmed by the Supreme and Constitutional courts.

But the legislation Putin signed on Tuesday will additionally grant former presidents a lifetime seat in the Federation Council or senate, a position that assures immunity from prosecution upon leaving the presidency.&nbsp;

Last month the pending bills sparked rumours that the longtime Russian leader is planning to step down because of poor health -- a claim the Kremlin denied.

On Tuesday the lower house State Duma passed legislation making information about employees of Russia's judicial system, law enforcement and regulatory and military bodies confidential.

The bill now requires Putin's signature to become law, a step that is considered a formality.

It comes a day after opposition figure Alexei Navalny said he telephoned an alleged security agent and tricked him into admitting the Federal Security Service (FSB) tried to kill him in August by poisoning.

Navalny said he had gained access to the security agent's phone number from leaked logs and travel records. 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed legislation that will grant former presidents lifetime immunity once they leave office. The former presidents will also be exempt from questioning from police or investigators as well as searches or arrests.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed legislation that will grant former presidents lifetime immunity once they leave office. The former presidents will also be exempt from questioning from police or investigators as well as searches or arrests. The legislation was part of constitutional amendments that were approved this summer in a nationwide vote that allow Putin, 68, to remain president until 2036. Before this bill, former presidents were immune from prosecution only for crimes committed while in office. Now a former president can still be stripped of immunity if accused of treason or other grave crimes and the charges are confirmed by the Supreme and Constitutional courts. But the legislation Putin signed on Tuesday will additionally grant former presidents a lifetime seat in the Federation Council or senate, a position that assures immunity from prosecution upon leaving the presidency. Last month the pending bills sparked rumours that the longtime Russian leader is planning to step down because of poor health -- a claim the Kremlin denied. On Tuesday the lower house State Duma passed legislation making information about employees of Russia's judicial system, law enforcement and regulatory and military bodies confidential. The bill now requires Putin's signature to become law, a step that is considered a formality. It comes a day after opposition figure Alexei Navalny said he telephoned an alleged security agent and tricked him into admitting the Federal Security Service (FSB) tried to kill him in August by poisoning. Navalny said he had gained access to the security agent's phone number from leaked logs and travel records.

Putin signs bill awarding former presidents lifetime immunity

A few days after the US alleged Russia of hacking into its systems of government departments, Russia's President Vladimir Putin has patted the back of the country's intelligence service.

Russia's&nbsp;SVR foreign intelligence service has completed 100 years of its establishment, and speaking on the occasion, Putin recognised the intelligence agency as an essential part of the country's security system and claimed it was a crucial assurance of Russia's&nbsp;"sovereign, democratic, independent development".

"I know what I'm talking about here," Putin said, in comments shared on the Kremlin website. "And I rate very highly the difficult professional operations that have been conducted."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pompeo-says-russians-engaged-in-the-massive-cyberattack-351025">WATCH|</a>

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"The most serious attention must be paid to information security, to the fight against extremism and against corruption," he added.

This statement has come a few days after several government departments of the US observed a breach in their systems. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had alleged Russia's involvement in this major hack of the government's and Mircosoft's systems.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-link-as-trump-remains-mum-on-cyber-attack-us-authorities-scamper-to-investigate-350996">Russia link? As Trump remains mum on cyber attack, US authorities scamper to investigate</a>

Kremlin, however, has as usual denied these accusations and has maintained its stance on the allegations made against Russia on any hacking attack or breach of privacy in the West.

However, bypassing the accusation, Putin addressed the attendees of the&nbsp;Day of the Security Services Worker talked about the importance of developing the&nbsp;work of counterintelligence agencies. Putin, who was once a member of KGB, asked his fellow Russian spies to pay more attention to the risks being posed by&nbsp;conflicts "simmering" near the country's borders — referring to the ongoing clash&nbsp;Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, and anti-government protests in Belarus.

"I expect that the Foreign Intelligence Service will continue to respond flexibly to the highly changeable international context, actively participating in identifying and neutralising potential threats to Russia, and improving the quality of its analytical materials," Putin said

A few days after the US alleged Russia of hacking into its systems of government departments, Russia's President Vladimir Putin has patted the back of the country's intelligence service.

A few days after the US alleged Russia of hacking into its systems of government departments, Russia's President Vladimir Putin has patted the back of the country's intelligence service. Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service has completed 100 years of its establishment, and speaking on the occasion, Putin recognised the intelligence agency as an essential part of the country's security system and claimed it was a crucial assurance of Russia's "sovereign, democratic, independent development". "I know what I'm talking about here," Putin said, in comments shared on the Kremlin website. "And I rate very highly the difficult professional operations that have been conducted." WATCH| × "The most serious attention must be paid to information security, to the fight against extremism and against corruption," he added. This statement has come a few days after several government departments of the US observed a breach in their systems. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had alleged Russia's involvement in this major hack of the government's and Mircosoft's systems. Also read| Russia link? As Trump remains mum on cyber attack, US authorities scamper to investigate Kremlin, however, has as usual denied these accusations and has maintained its stance on the allegations made against Russia on any hacking attack or breach of privacy in the West. However, bypassing the accusation, Putin addressed the attendees of the Day of the Security Services Worker talked about the importance of developing the work of counterintelligence agencies. Putin, who was once a member of KGB, asked his fellow Russian spies to pay more attention to the risks being posed by conflicts "simmering" near the country's borders — referring to the ongoing clash Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, and anti-government protests in Belarus. "I expect that the Foreign Intelligence Service will continue to respond flexibly to the highly changeable international context, actively participating in identifying and neutralising potential threats to Russia, and improving the quality of its analytical materials," Putin said

Russian President Vladimir Putin appreciates spy agency after US hack controversy

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday blamed the United States for starting a new arms race, saying Moscow had been forced to develop hypersonic weapons in response.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin holds annual news conference

The European Union imposed sanctions on Bortnikov in October, banning travel and freezing his assets, for his suspected role in Navalny’s poisoning.

Putin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned by Russian federal security team, report claims

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden for his victory in the US presidential election, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday. This comes in the aftermath of the state-by-state counting in the Electoral College vote which decides the winner in US presidential elections.

Earlier, the Kremlin had said that it would wait for the officials results to be announced before congratulating anybody, breaking from global tradition. A few days after the election (November 3), it became clear that Biden had won the presidency.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/putin-said-to-have-2-identical-offices-1-in-moscow-the-other-at-the-beach-349812" hreflang="en">Putin said to have 2 identical offices: 1 in Moscow, the other at the beach</a>

"For my part, I am ready for interaction and contact with you," Putin was cited as saying by the Kremlin in a statement.

"Putin wished the president-elect every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States, which have a special responsibility for global security and stability, could, despite their differences, really help to solve the many problems and challenges facing the world," the Kremlin said.

President-elect Joe Biden criticised Donald Trump on Monday after emerging victorious in the Electoral College. Biden said that the Republican and his allies attempted to constitution and the “will of the people” by not accepting the results.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/navalny-poisoning-putin-critic-survived-the-second-assassination-attempt-349605" hreflang="en">Navalny poisoning: Putin critic survived the second assassination attempt</a>

"It's a position so extreme we've never seen it before. A position that refused to respect the will of the people refused to respect the rule of law, and refused to honour our constitution," Biden said in a speech after emerging victorious in the Electoral College.

"The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago. And we now know nothing, not even a pandemic or an abuse of power can extinguish that," Biden said.

"It is my sincere hope we never again see anyone subjected to the kind of threats and abuse we saw in this election," Biden added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden for his victory in the US presidential election, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday. This comes in the aftermath of the state-by-state counting in the Electoral College vote which decides the winner in US presidential elections.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden for his victory in the US presidential election, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday. This comes in the aftermath of the state-by-state counting in the Electoral College vote which decides the winner in US presidential elections. Earlier, the Kremlin had said that it would wait for the officials results to be announced before congratulating anybody, breaking from global tradition. A few days after the election (November 3), it became clear that Biden had won the presidency. Also read: Putin said to have 2 identical offices: 1 in Moscow, the other at the beach "For my part, I am ready for interaction and contact with you," Putin was cited as saying by the Kremlin in a statement. "Putin wished the president-elect every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States, which have a special responsibility for global security and stability, could, despite their differences, really help to solve the many problems and challenges facing the world," the Kremlin said. President-elect Joe Biden criticised Donald Trump on Monday after emerging victorious in the Electoral College. Biden said that the Republican and his allies attempted to constitution and the “will of the people” by not accepting the results. Also read: Navalny poisoning: Putin critic survived the second assassination attempt "It's a position so extreme we've never seen it before. A position that refused to respect the will of the people refused to respect the rule of law, and refused to honour our constitution," Biden said in a speech after emerging victorious in the Electoral College. "The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago. And we now know nothing, not even a pandemic or an abuse of power can extinguish that," Biden said. "It is my sincere hope we never again see anyone subjected to the kind of threats and abuse we saw in this election," Biden added.

Putin finally congratulates Joe Biden on election win, says ready for 'collaboration'

The agents of the Kremlin tried to poison outspoken Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny a second time after the first attempt failed

Navalny poisoning: Putin critic survived the second assassination attempt

As Russia grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-lower-house-of-parliament-approves-bill-to-give-putin-lifetime-immunity-343890">Putin</a> was seen coughing during a televised meeting as the Kremlin denied any health rumours.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-vladimir-putin-alarmed-by-rise-in-covid-19-fatality-rate-in-russia-344194/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Putin,68, reportedly struggled to finish a sentence as he spoke to officials during the coronavirus conference. However, state news agency TASS said the Russian president was "absolutely normal".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-mutations-appearing-in-siberia-russian-scientists-343820">Also Read:&nbsp;Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists</a>

Putin was speaking to finance minister Anton Siluanov during the video call when he began coughing.&nbsp;

The Russian president has been plagued by persistent health rumours, earlier this month a report claimed that Putin may quit his post in January amid fears he has Parkinson's disease.

Putin reportedly has been exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. There was footage earlier which purportedly showed Putin's legs moving as he gripped onto the armrest of a chair leading to speculation that he was suffering from Parkinson’s.

Putin had said earlier that he was "alarmed" by Russia's spike in virus deaths while acknowledging that several regions in the country were experiencing medicine shortages and long waiting times for ambulances.

The Russian president had warned regional chiefs that "it is completely unacceptable to pretend that all is fine".

The country continues to battle the virus even as Russia registered the world's first coronavirus vaccine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-china-may-start-producing-sputnik-v-vaccine-russian-president-putin-343716">Sputnik V </a>in August. Putin had announced last month that Russia had registered a second coronavirus vaccine, EpiVacCorona. The Russian president has promised to make the vaccine widely available.

Russia has registered over 2 million virus cases and 34,850 virus-related fatalities.

As Russia grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, President Putin was seen coughing during a televised meeting as the Kremlin denied any health rumours. Watch: Putin,68, reportedly struggled to finish a sentence as he spoke to officials during the coronavirus conference.

As Russia grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, President Putin was seen coughing during a televised meeting as the Kremlin denied any health rumours. Watch: Putin,68, reportedly struggled to finish a sentence as he spoke to officials during the coronavirus conference. However, state news agency TASS said the Russian president was "absolutely normal". Also Read: Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists Putin was speaking to finance minister Anton Siluanov during the video call when he began coughing. The Russian president has been plagued by persistent health rumours, earlier this month a report claimed that Putin may quit his post in January amid fears he has Parkinson's disease. Putin reportedly has been exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. There was footage earlier which purportedly showed Putin's legs moving as he gripped onto the armrest of a chair leading to speculation that he was suffering from Parkinson’s. Putin had said earlier that he was "alarmed" by Russia's spike in virus deaths while acknowledging that several regions in the country were experiencing medicine shortages and long waiting times for ambulances. The Russian president had warned regional chiefs that "it is completely unacceptable to pretend that all is fine". The country continues to battle the virus even as Russia registered the world's first coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V in August. Putin had announced last month that Russia had registered a second coronavirus vaccine, EpiVacCorona. The Russian president has promised to make the vaccine widely available. Russia has registered over 2 million virus cases and 34,850 virus-related fatalities.

Now, Putin coughs repeatedly during televised COVID-19 conference

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday voiced concern over the country's rising coronavirus fatality rate but said the outbreak was under control.

Russia has recently registered a sharp rise in new infections but has stopped short of introducing strict measures like some European countries.

Health officials reported a total of 1.99 million infections on Wednesday, which is the fifth-highest caseload in the world.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-monitor-virus-cases-no-cash-handout-for-second-time-finance-minister-taro-aso-344016" hreflang="en">Japan to monitor virus cases, no cash handout for second time: Finance Minister Taro Aso</a>

"The number of new cases is rising... and what's most alarming -- the death rate is increasing," Putin said at a government meeting broadcast on state television.&nbsp;

Health authorities Wednesday also reported a new record of 456 coronavirus deaths over 24 hours.&nbsp;

Russia's total virus deaths of 34,387 is significantly lower than other badly-hit countries, raising concerns that the authorities are downplaying the severity of the crisis.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-vaccine-deliveries-could-begin-before-christmas-344012" hreflang="en">Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine deliveries could begin before Christmas</a>

Data published by Russia's federal statistics service earlier this month indicated excess deaths of more than 117,000 year-on-year between March and September, suggesting that virus fatalities could be much higher.

Moscow, the epicentre of Russia's outbreak, is better prepared for the second wave than the poorly-funded regions.&nbsp;

Putin acknowledged Wednesday that several regions were experiencing medicine shortages and long waiting times for ambulances but said authorities had a handle on the situation.

He added that regional heads should not sugar-coat the situation, noting that "it is completely unacceptable to pretend that all is fine".&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-death-toll-crosses-250000-as-several-cities-shut-down-schools-343988" hreflang="en">US coronavirus death toll crosses 250,000 as several cities shut down schools</a>

"We went through this in the spring. We know what and how it needs to be done," Putin said, adding that vaccines are on the way.

Russia in August registered the world's first coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V -- named after the Soviet-era satellite -- but before beginning large-scale clinical trials.&nbsp;

Its developers have since reported that interim test results showed the vaccine to be 92 percent effective, slightly lower than its international competitors.

Last month, Putin announced that Russia had registered a second coronavirus vaccine, EpiVacCorona.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday voiced concern over the country's rising coronavirus fatality rate but said the outbreak was under control. Russia has recently registered a sharp rise in new infections but has stopped short of introducing strict measures like some European countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday voiced concern over the country's rising coronavirus fatality rate but said the outbreak was under control. Russia has recently registered a sharp rise in new infections but has stopped short of introducing strict measures like some European countries. Health officials reported a total of 1.99 million infections on Wednesday, which is the fifth-highest caseload in the world. Also read| Japan to monitor virus cases, no cash handout for second time: Finance Minister Taro Aso "The number of new cases is rising... and what's most alarming -- the death rate is increasing," Putin said at a government meeting broadcast on state television. Health authorities Wednesday also reported a new record of 456 coronavirus deaths over 24 hours. Russia's total virus deaths of 34,387 is significantly lower than other badly-hit countries, raising concerns that the authorities are downplaying the severity of the crisis. Also read| Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine deliveries could begin before Christmas Data published by Russia's federal statistics service earlier this month indicated excess deaths of more than 117,000 year-on-year between March and September, suggesting that virus fatalities could be much higher. Moscow, the epicentre of Russia's outbreak, is better prepared for the second wave than the poorly-funded regions. Putin acknowledged Wednesday that several regions were experiencing medicine shortages and long waiting times for ambulances but said authorities had a handle on the situation. He added that regional heads should not sugar-coat the situation, noting that "it is completely unacceptable to pretend that all is fine". Also read| US coronavirus death toll crosses 250,000 as several cities shut down schools "We went through this in the spring. We know what and how it needs to be done," Putin said, adding that vaccines are on the way. Russia in August registered the world's first coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V -- named after the Soviet-era satellite -- but before beginning large-scale clinical trials. Its developers have since reported that interim test results showed the vaccine to be 92 percent effective, slightly lower than its international competitors. Last month, Putin announced that Russia had registered a second coronavirus vaccine, EpiVacCorona.

Putin 'alarmed' by Russia's spike in virus deaths

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