Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that India and China could start producing the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, news agency RIA reported.

Additionally, Putin suggested the fast-tracking of the creation of a BRICS vaccine research centre, as reported by TASS. BRICS nation-states are Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/watch-russias-covid-19-vaccine-sputnik-v-arrives-in-india-342873" hreflang="en">Watch: Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V arrives in India</a>

According to Russia, the Sputnik V is 92 per cent effective at protecting people from coronavirus. Western drugmakers Moderna and Pfizer have claimed their vaccines are 95 and 90 per cent effective respectively.

Sputnik V was registered for public use in August, even before its large-scale trial began in September.

"We are showing, based on the data, that we have a very effective vaccine," RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev had said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-says-its-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-is-92-effective-342373" hreflang="en">Russia says its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine is 92% effective</a>

Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine against coronavirus will be tested on 100 volunteers in India. Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation`s Drug Controller General (DCGI) was quoted by Sputnik News in this regard. Dr Reddy's Laboratories has been granted permission to conduct the tests. Date and time of the tests however, will be determined by the company.

Sputnik quoted the organisation as saying that the vaccine will be tested in the second phase of its clinical trials before moving on to phase 3.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that India and China could start producing the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, news agency RIA reported. Additionally, Putin suggested the fast-tracking of the creation of a BRICS vaccine research centre, as reported by TASS.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that India and China could start producing the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, news agency RIA reported. Additionally, Putin suggested the fast-tracking of the creation of a BRICS vaccine research centre, as reported by TASS. BRICS nation-states are Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Also read: Watch: Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V arrives in India According to Russia, the Sputnik V is 92 per cent effective at protecting people from coronavirus. Western drugmakers Moderna and Pfizer have claimed their vaccines are 95 and 90 per cent effective respectively. Sputnik V was registered for public use in August, even before its large-scale trial began in September. "We are showing, based on the data, that we have a very effective vaccine," RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev had said. Also read: Russia says its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine is 92% effective Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine against coronavirus will be tested on 100 volunteers in India. Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation`s Drug Controller General (DCGI) was quoted by Sputnik News in this regard. Dr Reddy's Laboratories has been granted permission to conduct the tests. Date and time of the tests however, will be determined by the company. Sputnik quoted the organisation as saying that the vaccine will be tested in the second phase of its clinical trials before moving on to phase 3.

India and China may start producing Sputnik V vaccine: Russian President Putin

Amid peace moves in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the Kremlin said today that there is no agreement on the deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Watch:&nbsp;

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Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia sign deal to end Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan-claims-capture-of-major-city-armenia-refutes-claim-341688">Also Read:&nbsp;Azerbaijan claims capture of major city, Armenia refutes claim</a>

Russia is set to dispatch nearly 2,000 peacekeepers as Russia brokered an agreement between the two warring countries set to come into effect at 1:00 am local time (2100 GMT).

However, there were protests in Armenia as people demonstrated against the reported loss of terrority to Azerbaijan.

Earlier, Azerbaijani President Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Putin had announced a ceasefire as reports indicated that Azerbaijan had gained territories.

Azerbaijan is set to retain control over areas gained during the fighting, including the key town of Shusha.

Russia informed that peacekeepers were on their way including military personnel and armoured personnel carriers.

After the ceasefire was announced, Armenia had said that combat operation was suspended.

Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry said that the military death toll had climbed to 1,302 as Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a new agreement after over a month of fighting since agreeing to a ceasefire in Moscow earlier.

Amid peace moves in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the Kremlin said today that there is no agreement on the deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Amid peace moves in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the Kremlin said today that there is no agreement on the deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh. Watch: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia sign deal to end Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Also Read: Azerbaijan claims capture of major city, Armenia refutes claim Russia is set to dispatch nearly 2,000 peacekeepers as Russia brokered an agreement between the two warring countries set to come into effect at 1:00 am local time (2100 GMT). However, there were protests in Armenia as people demonstrated against the reported loss of terrority to Azerbaijan. Earlier, Azerbaijani President Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Putin had announced a ceasefire as reports indicated that Azerbaijan had gained territories. Azerbaijan is set to retain control over areas gained during the fighting, including the key town of Shusha. Russia informed that peacekeepers were on their way including military personnel and armoured personnel carriers. After the ceasefire was announced, Armenia had said that combat operation was suspended. Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry said that the military death toll had climbed to 1,302 as Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a new agreement after over a month of fighting since agreeing to a ceasefire in Moscow earlier.

No agreement on deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh: Russia

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan stressed the need of a ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict -- while in conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Saturday. He said that Armenia must be convinced to negotiate with Azerbaijan and called for a peaceful resolution.

At least 1,000 people have died in nearly six weeks of fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous enclave internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians.&nbsp;

Three ceasefires have failed to halt the bloodiest fighting in the South Caucasus for more than 25 years. Both sides accused each other of launching attacks within hours of the agreements.

Erdogan has previously said Turkey and Russia could work together to solve the conflict.

In a statement, the presidency said Erdogan told Putin in a phone call that Armenia must withdraw from Azeri lands it is occupying and "stated the Armenian leadership must be convinced to sit down at the negotiating table".

In a separate statement, the Kremlim said Putin had informed Erdogan about his phone calls with the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, adding "these exchanges were focused on finding options for a swift cessation of hostilities and a political and diplomatic settlement".

"A mutual readiness to cooperate in order to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict was confirmed," it said.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also held a phone call with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss the issue, the Turkish foreign ministry said.

The conflict has underlined the influence of Turkey, an ally of Azerbaijan, in a former Soviet region long dominated by Moscow, which has a defence pact with Armenia. It also threatens the security of Azeri oil and gas pipelines.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan stressed the need of a ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict -- while in conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Saturday.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan stressed the need of a ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict -- while in conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Saturday. He said that Armenia must be convinced to negotiate with Azerbaijan and called for a peaceful resolution. At least 1,000 people have died in nearly six weeks of fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous enclave internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians. Three ceasefires have failed to halt the bloodiest fighting in the South Caucasus for more than 25 years. Both sides accused each other of launching attacks within hours of the agreements. Erdogan has previously said Turkey and Russia could work together to solve the conflict. In a statement, the presidency said Erdogan told Putin in a phone call that Armenia must withdraw from Azeri lands it is occupying and "stated the Armenian leadership must be convinced to sit down at the negotiating table". In a separate statement, the Kremlim said Putin had informed Erdogan about his phone calls with the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, adding "these exchanges were focused on finding options for a swift cessation of hostilities and a political and diplomatic settlement". "A mutual readiness to cooperate in order to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict was confirmed," it said. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also held a phone call with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss the issue, the Turkish foreign ministry said. The conflict has underlined the influence of Turkey, an ally of Azerbaijan, in a former Soviet region long dominated by Moscow, which has a defence pact with Armenia. It also threatens the security of Azeri oil and gas pipelines.

Armenia must negotiate over Nagorno-Karabakh, Erdogan tells Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin may quit from his post in January amid fears he has Parkinson's disease, sources have claimed.

Putin’s 37-year-old girlfriend, Alina Kabaeva, and his two daughters are pushing him to leave office, a report in The Daily Mail quoted Moscow political scientist Valery Solovei as saying.

Solovei claimed that Putin may be suffering from Parkinson’s as the president has been seen recently exhibiting symptoms of the disease.

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Recent footage of Putin's legs moving around as he gripped onto the armrest of a chair; a twitching pen in the former KGB operative's fingers; and a cup filled with painkillers had raised eyebrows.

This is not the first time that people have speculated that Putin may be suffering from Parkinson's disease.

The speculation comes amid Russian lawmakers considering legislation proposed that would grant ex-presidents lifetime immunity from criminal prosecution.

According to New York Post, Solovei said Putin would soon appoint a new prime minister who would be groomed to become his eventual successor.

The president’s staff, however, has played down rumours on Putin’s plan to step down.

Russian President Vladimir Putin may quit from his post in January amid fears he has Parkinson's disease, sources have claimed. Putin’s 37-year-old girlfriend, Alina Kabaeva, and his two daughters are pushing him to leave office, a report in The Daily Mail quoted Moscow political scientist Valery Solovei as saying.

Russian President Vladimir Putin may quit from his post in January amid fears he has Parkinson's disease, sources have claimed. Putin’s 37-year-old girlfriend, Alina Kabaeva, and his two daughters are pushing him to leave office, a report in The Daily Mail quoted Moscow political scientist Valery Solovei as saying. Solovei claimed that Putin may be suffering from Parkinson’s as the president has been seen recently exhibiting symptoms of the disease. × Recent footage of Putin's legs moving around as he gripped onto the armrest of a chair; a twitching pen in the former KGB operative's fingers; and a cup filled with painkillers had raised eyebrows. This is not the first time that people have speculated that Putin may be suffering from Parkinson's disease. The speculation comes amid Russian lawmakers considering legislation proposed that would grant ex-presidents lifetime immunity from criminal prosecution. According to New York Post, Solovei said Putin would soon appoint a new prime minister who would be groomed to become his eventual successor. The president’s staff, however, has played down rumours on Putin’s plan to step down.

Putin may quit as Russia's president amid fears he has Parkinson's disease, sources claim

A report claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin could step down next year 'because he has possible symptoms of Parkinson's disease'. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Does Vladimir Putin have Parkinson's?

The Kremlin on Friday rejected a report that Russian President Vladimir Putin may quit from his post in January amid fears he has Parkinson's disease.

Russian President Putin's critic makes stunning claim

Russia will send army medics to a region in the Urals hit by a surge in COVID-19 cases. President Vladimir Putin described the situation in some regions as alarming, speaking at a meeting with senior officials on Wednesday.

COVID-19: Russia to send army medics to Ural region

Russian parliament on Wednesday approved a bill which would allow the country to trespass international rulings. In essence, country’s laws would take precedence over international treaties, and would protect the country from international bodies, especially if those come in conflict with the country’s constitution.

Russia has had a very delicate relationship with rights groups, and this bill is expected to receive flak from activists and activist groups alike. In fact, every year, hundreds of Russians flock to the European Court of Human Rights in a bid to seek justice, which according to them, is unattainable at home.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-foreign-minister-self-isolates-after-exposure-to-coronavirus-case-338405" hreflang="en">Russia foreign minister self-isolates after exposure to coronavirus case</a>

Russia’s lower House of Parliament - The State Duma in a statement claimed that the bill was proposed by President Vladimir Putin, and that lawmakers had voted in favour in approving the bill.

According to the law, the country’s legislation would come with a provision “stating that the decisions of interstate bodies ... contradicting the constitution of the Russian Federation are not subject to execution in Russia”, as reported by Reuters.

The bill still needs approval from the upper house of Russian parliament, and will need to be signed by Putin. Analysts don’t expect resistance to the bill, and believe it would be passed.

Also read: R<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-seeks-accelerated-who-registration-for-virus-vaccine-338380" hreflang="en">ussia seeks accelerated WHO registration for virus vaccine</a>

Even then, Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Russia remains committed to international law, and that all of its commitments under international treaties will continue to be honoured.

Putin first toyed with the idea in January, during his state-of-the-nation address.

Earlier this year, Russia had adopted many changes in the constitution. Now, Putin can run for president twice after his term expires in 2024.

Russian parliament on Wednesday approved a bill which would allow the country to trespass international rulings. In essence, country’s laws would take precedence over international treaties, and would protect the country from international bodies, especially if those come in conflict with the country’s constitution.

Russian parliament on Wednesday approved a bill which would allow the country to trespass international rulings. In essence, country’s laws would take precedence over international treaties, and would protect the country from international bodies, especially if those come in conflict with the country’s constitution. Russia has had a very delicate relationship with rights groups, and this bill is expected to receive flak from activists and activist groups alike. In fact, every year, hundreds of Russians flock to the European Court of Human Rights in a bid to seek justice, which according to them, is unattainable at home. Also read: Russia foreign minister self-isolates after exposure to coronavirus case Russia’s lower House of Parliament - The State Duma in a statement claimed that the bill was proposed by President Vladimir Putin, and that lawmakers had voted in favour in approving the bill. According to the law, the country’s legislation would come with a provision “stating that the decisions of interstate bodies ... contradicting the constitution of the Russian Federation are not subject to execution in Russia”, as reported by Reuters. The bill still needs approval from the upper house of Russian parliament, and will need to be signed by Putin. Analysts don’t expect resistance to the bill, and believe it would be passed. Also read: Russia seeks accelerated WHO registration for virus vaccine Even then, Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Russia remains committed to international law, and that all of its commitments under international treaties will continue to be honoured. Putin first toyed with the idea in January, during his state-of-the-nation address. Earlier this year, Russia had adopted many changes in the constitution. Now, Putin can run for president twice after his term expires in 2024.

Russia's approves new bill allowing the country to trump international treaties, angering rights groups

Russia has given regulatory approval to a second Covid-19 vaccine, named ‘EpiVacCorona’, after early-stage studies. The new coronavirus vaccine comes two months after a similar move for Russia’s first vaccine Sputnik V prompted widespread criticism from scientists both at home and abroad.

Coronavirus pandemic: New COVID-19 vaccine developed by Russia's vector institute

Coronavirus Pandemic: Russia registers new COVID-19 vaccine as cases hit record high

Police in Russia’s Far East broke up a long-running anti-Kremlin protest with force on Saturday, detaining 25 people according to local authorities, in response to what they called an illegal attempt to erect protest tents in a central square.

Police crack down on marathon anti-Kremlin protest in Russia's Far East

YEREVAN, Armenia — In Russia’s self-proclaimed sphere of influence, Russia is losing its influence.

Concurrent crises in Belarus, Central Asia and the Caucasus region have blindsided the Kremlin, leaving it scrambling to shore up Russian interests in former Soviet republics and undermining President Vladimir Putin’s image as a master tactician on the world stage.

“There is nothing good about these conflicts for Moscow,” Konstantin Zatulin, a senior Russian lawmaker and Putin ally who specializes in relations with what Russians call their “near abroad.”

Putin has spent years building up Russia as a global power, with a hand in hot spots from Latin America to the Middle East, and even meddling in presidential elections in the United States. But after working for years to destabilize the West, he suddenly finds himself surrounded by instability; once seen as sure-handed in foreign affairs, he seems to have lost his touch.

In Belarus, Putin responded to a street uprising in August by propping up the country’s unpopular autocrat, President Alexander Lukashenko, turning public opinion against Russia in what had previously been Europe’s most Russia-friendly country.

In Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, protesters this week appeared on the verge of toppling President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, less than two weeks after Putin pledged to him in a rare in-person meeting that “we will do everything to support you as the head of state.”

And in the Caucasus, the long-simmering conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh erupted last week into the worst fighting since the 1990s, threatening to undo the balancing act that had allowed Russia to cultivate diverse links to the region.

“Russia was doing all it could to maintain ties both with Azerbaijan and Armenia,” Zatulin said. “Every day of conflict in Karabakh is, effectively, helping zero out Russia’s authority.”

The spate of new challenges to Russian influence strikes at the heart of Putin’s yearslong effort to cast himself as the leader who restored the great-power status that the nation lost with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Even as the Kremlin denied Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Russian state television gleefully reported on the American allegations of that interference as a sign that Moscow was being reckoned with again on the world stage.

Now, rather than react decisively to emergencies close to home, Putin sounds ambivalent about Russia’s role.

“We hope the conflict will end very soon,” he said of Nagorno-Karabakh, in a television interview broadcast Wednesday. Minutes later, referring to Kyrgyzstan, he said, “We hope that everything will be peaceful.”

The confluence of crises in Russia’s own neighborhood is such that some pro-Kremlin commentators are already accusing the West of an organized campaign to sow discord in the post-Soviet regions.

More balanced analysts, however, have singled out one constant factor in the growing unrest. Both Russia and its neighbors, they say, have been destabilized by the coronavirus pandemic, which has exposed distrust in institutions and in out-of-touch leaders across the region.

It helped undo the fragile truce between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and in Belarus and in Kyrgyzstan, the disease set the stage for public uprisings by exposing the ruling elite as disconnected from people’s suffering.

Lukashenko angered Belarusians by playing down the danger of the virus, joking that vodka would cure it; in Kyrgyzstan, critics blamed officials for using coronavirus aid money to enrich themselves.

Within Russia, the economic hardship caused by the pandemic has helped deepen public anger against Putin. In the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk, for example, thousands of protesters angry over the arrest of a popular governor spilled into the streets last Saturday for the 13th week in a row.

Some analysts say that public discontent within Russia means that Putin needs to turn more of his focus to domestic issues such as economy hardship, pollution and poor health care, rather than delving into global geopolitics. But developments in recent weeks have given Putin more reason to focus on the latter.

“For Putin, practically his entire mission and his vision of Russian greatness and success revolve around his foreign-policy agenda,” said Tatiana Stanovaya, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Moscow Center, a research organization focused on politics and policy. The new series of crises, she went on, “will very much distract Putin from domestic problems.”

The centrality of the former Soviet lands to Putin’s foreign policy was evident in the Kremlin’s list of world leaders who called Putin to wish him a happy birthday on Wednesday, when he turned 68. Of the 12 who called, only three leaders — those of Israel, India and Cuba — head countries outside the former Soviet Union.

In Armenia, which hosts a Russian military base, some hope for a more forceful stance by Russia in the conflict, which has already killed at least 250 people, according to official reports. But Russia’s ability to influence events in the Caucasus now appears limited, despite its past role as a mediator in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkey, Azerbaijan’s most important ally, has taken on a more assertive regional stance.

“Turkey, indeed, in this current situation probably should be considered as a balance to unilateral Russian interference,” said Farid Shafiyev, chairman of the Center of Analysis of International Relations in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku. In the Caucasus, he added, “the Russian role is probably diminishing.”

Across the former Soviet Union, Russian remains the lingua franca, and the proliferation of mostly uncensored internet access across the region means that protests in one country can easily inspire a disenchanted populace in another.

Some protesters in Belarus carried signs supporting the demonstrations in Khabarovsk, over 4,000 miles away. And ahead of Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections last Sunday, government critics were keeping an eye on Belarus, where it was a blatantly falsified election in August that sparked the uprising against Lukashenko.

 
“In Kyrgyzstan it was often said that we will copy the Belarusians,” said Aybek Sultangaziyev, director of a news agency in Kyrgyzstan, K-News. “In fact, we surpassed the Belarusians in effectiveness and precision.”

Sultangaziyev said that if his country’s uprising succeeds, the new leadership will seek to maintain close ties with Moscow. In Armenia, too, the government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan retained its alliance with Russia after the prime minister came to power in a popular uprising in 2018.

“We have never been pro-Western or pro-Eastern,” said Ruben Rubinyan, head of the foreign affairs committee in the Armenian Parliament. “Russia has been and is an ally of Armenia, a very important ally.”

 
But, for Moscow, recent events in Belarus offer a cautionary tale that illustrates the fragility of Russia’s standing among its neighbors — carrying echoes of Ukraine’s more violent departure from Russia’s orbit in 2014. Some Belarusians who had been well disposed toward Putin turned against him after he propped up Lukashenko in the face of the protests.

Zatulin, the Russian lawmaker, said officials “at the highest levels of the Russian Federation” believed that Lukashenko would need to step down “sooner or later.” But Lukashenko had argued to Russian officials, Zatulin said, that his stepping down in the face of street protests could set a dangerous precedent for what might happen to Putin himself.

“By unconditionally supporting Lukashenko, we are creating an enormous problem for ourselves in the future with the majority or a significant part of the Belarusian population,” Zatulin said. “We are creating a problem for ourselves with the other Belarusian politicians and public figures, who are increasingly forced to seek sympathy in the West. Russia wants that least of all.”

YEREVAN, Armenia — In Russia’s self-proclaimed sphere of influence, Russia is losing its influence. Concurrent crises in Belarus, Central Asia and the Caucasus region have blindsided the Kremlin, leaving it scrambling to shore up Russian interests in former Soviet republics and undermining President Vladimir Putin’s image as a master tactician on the world stage.

YEREVAN, Armenia — In Russia’s self-proclaimed sphere of influence, Russia is losing its influence. Concurrent crises in Belarus, Central Asia and the Caucasus region have blindsided the Kremlin, leaving it scrambling to shore up Russian interests in former Soviet republics and undermining President Vladimir Putin’s image as a master tactician on the world stage. “There is nothing good about these conflicts for Moscow,” Konstantin Zatulin, a senior Russian lawmaker and Putin ally who specializes in relations with what Russians call their “near abroad.” Putin has spent years building up Russia as a global power, with a hand in hot spots from Latin America to the Middle East, and even meddling in presidential elections in the United States. But after working for years to destabilize the West, he suddenly finds himself surrounded by instability; once seen as sure-handed in foreign affairs, he seems to have lost his touch. In Belarus, Putin responded to a street uprising in August by propping up the country’s unpopular autocrat, President Alexander Lukashenko, turning public opinion against Russia in what had previously been Europe’s most Russia-friendly country. In Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, protesters this week appeared on the verge of toppling President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, less than two weeks after Putin pledged to him in a rare in-person meeting that “we will do everything to support you as the head of state.” And in the Caucasus, the long-simmering conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh erupted last week into the worst fighting since the 1990s, threatening to undo the balancing act that had allowed Russia to cultivate diverse links to the region. “Russia was doing all it could to maintain ties both with Azerbaijan and Armenia,” Zatulin said. “Every day of conflict in Karabakh is, effectively, helping zero out Russia’s authority.” The spate of new challenges to Russian influence strikes at the heart of Putin’s yearslong effort to cast himself as the leader who restored the great-power status that the nation lost with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Even as the Kremlin denied Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Russian state television gleefully reported on the American allegations of that interference as a sign that Moscow was being reckoned with again on the world stage. Now, rather than react decisively to emergencies close to home, Putin sounds ambivalent about Russia’s role. “We hope the conflict will end very soon,” he said of Nagorno-Karabakh, in a television interview broadcast Wednesday. Minutes later, referring to Kyrgyzstan, he said, “We hope that everything will be peaceful.” The confluence of crises in Russia’s own neighborhood is such that some pro-Kremlin commentators are already accusing the West of an organized campaign to sow discord in the post-Soviet regions. More balanced analysts, however, have singled out one constant factor in the growing unrest. Both Russia and its neighbors, they say, have been destabilized by the coronavirus pandemic, which has exposed distrust in institutions and in out-of-touch leaders across the region. It helped undo the fragile truce between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and in Belarus and in Kyrgyzstan, the disease set the stage for public uprisings by exposing the ruling elite as disconnected from people’s suffering. Lukashenko angered Belarusians by playing down the danger of the virus, joking that vodka would cure it; in Kyrgyzstan, critics blamed officials for using coronavirus aid money to enrich themselves. Within Russia, the economic hardship caused by the pandemic has helped deepen public anger against Putin. In the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk, for example, thousands of protesters angry over the arrest of a popular governor spilled into the streets last Saturday for the 13th week in a row. Some analysts say that public discontent within Russia means that Putin needs to turn more of his focus to domestic issues such as economy hardship, pollution and poor health care, rather than delving into global geopolitics. But developments in recent weeks have given Putin more reason to focus on the latter. “For Putin, practically his entire mission and his vision of Russian greatness and success revolve around his foreign-policy agenda,” said Tatiana Stanovaya, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Moscow Center, a research organization focused on politics and policy. The new series of crises, she went on, “will very much distract Putin from domestic problems.” The centrality of the former Soviet lands to Putin’s foreign policy was evident in the Kremlin’s list of world leaders who called Putin to wish him a happy birthday on Wednesday, when he turned 68. Of the 12 who called, only three leaders — those of Israel, India and Cuba — head countries outside the former Soviet Union. In Armenia, which hosts a Russian military base, some hope for a more forceful stance by Russia in the conflict, which has already killed at least 250 people, according to official reports. But Russia’s ability to influence events in the Caucasus now appears limited, despite its past role as a mediator in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkey, Azerbaijan’s most important ally, has taken on a more assertive regional stance. “Turkey, indeed, in this current situation probably should be considered as a balance to unilateral Russian interference,” said Farid Shafiyev, chairman of the Center of Analysis of International Relations in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku. In the Caucasus, he added, “the Russian role is probably diminishing.” Across the former Soviet Union, Russian remains the lingua franca, and the proliferation of mostly uncensored internet access across the region means that protests in one country can easily inspire a disenchanted populace in another. Some protesters in Belarus carried signs supporting the demonstrations in Khabarovsk, over 4,000 miles away. And ahead of Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections last Sunday, government critics were keeping an eye on Belarus, where it was a blatantly falsified election in August that sparked the uprising against Lukashenko. “In Kyrgyzstan it was often said that we will copy the Belarusians,” said Aybek Sultangaziyev, director of a news agency in Kyrgyzstan, K-News. “In fact, we surpassed the Belarusians in effectiveness and precision.” Sultangaziyev said that if his country’s uprising succeeds, the new leadership will seek to maintain close ties with Moscow. In Armenia, too, the government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan retained its alliance with Russia after the prime minister came to power in a popular uprising in 2018. “We have never been pro-Western or pro-Eastern,” said Ruben Rubinyan, head of the foreign affairs committee in the Armenian Parliament. “Russia has been and is an ally of Armenia, a very important ally.” But, for Moscow, recent events in Belarus offer a cautionary tale that illustrates the fragility of Russia’s standing among its neighbors — carrying echoes of Ukraine’s more violent departure from Russia’s orbit in 2014. Some Belarusians who had been well disposed toward Putin turned against him after he propped up Lukashenko in the face of the protests. Zatulin, the Russian lawmaker, said officials “at the highest levels of the Russian Federation” believed that Lukashenko would need to step down “sooner or later.” But Lukashenko had argued to Russian officials, Zatulin said, that his stepping down in the face of street protests could set a dangerous precedent for what might happen to Putin himself. “By unconditionally supporting Lukashenko, we are creating an enormous problem for ourselves in the future with the majority or a significant part of the Belarusian population,” Zatulin said. “We are creating a problem for ourselves with the other Belarusian politicians and public figures, who are increasingly forced to seek sympathy in the West. Russia wants that least of all.”

Putin, long the sower of instability, is now surrounded by it

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to wish him a&nbsp;happy birthday&nbsp;and to discuss&nbsp;his upcoming India visit. President Putin is expected to visit India before year-end for the annual India Russia summit that takes place alternatively between the two countries.&nbsp;

A release from Indian Prime Minister's office said, "Prime Minister recalled his long association and friendship with His Excellency Putin, and appreciated the personal role that the latter has played in nurturing the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations."

Adding, "Prime Minister expressed his keenness to welcome President Putin in India, as soon as possible after the normalisation of the public health situation."

PM Modi was amongst the first world leaders to call President Putin on his birthday. Last month, the Russian President had called PM Modi to wish him on his birthday.&nbsp; 
 
During the talks, COVID pandemic was also discussed. Russia will be supplying its COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik V to India, subject to regulatory approval. India had also reached out to Moscow, supplying the country with anti covid drug HCQ.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to wish him a happy birthday and to discuss his upcoming India visit. President Putin is expected to visit India before year-end for the annual India Russia summit that takes place alternatively between the two countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to wish him a happy birthday and to discuss his upcoming India visit. President Putin is expected to visit India before year-end for the annual India Russia summit that takes place alternatively between the two countries. A release from Indian Prime Minister's office said, "Prime Minister recalled his long association and friendship with His Excellency Putin, and appreciated the personal role that the latter has played in nurturing the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations." Adding, "Prime Minister expressed his keenness to welcome President Putin in India, as soon as possible after the normalisation of the public health situation." PM Modi was amongst the first world leaders to call President Putin on his birthday. Last month, the Russian President had called PM Modi to wish him on his birthday. During the talks, COVID pandemic was also discussed. Russia will be supplying its COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik V to India, subject to regulatory approval. India had also reached out to Moscow, supplying the country with anti covid drug HCQ.

Russian president's India visit discussed during PM Modi's call with Putin on his birthday

&nbsp;

Every country pays respect and show their love for their leaders in different ways. Russia, too, decided to do something special for the 68th birthday of their leader Vladimir Outin.

The Russian Chief of the army's general staff,&nbsp;Valery Gerasimov, shared the news of successfully testing&nbsp;Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile in the leader's birthday.

The strike was carried out from the Admiral Gorshkov vessel which was located in the White Sea in northern Russia. The target was a spot&nbsp;in the Barents Sea, which the officials were successful to aim at. The target has been hit&nbsp;at a distance of 450 kilometres (280 miles) in four and a half minutes after reaching hypersonic speeds of more than Mach 8.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russian-leader-vladimir-putin-turns-68-254334">Have a look:&nbsp;Russian leader Vladimir Putin turns 68</a>

“This is a big event not only for the life of the armed forces, but also for all of Russia, for the whole country,” Putin told Gerasimov.

Putin was seemingly happy with the latest success of the test launch. The launch was carried out as a move to push towards Putin's promise of increasing Russia's military presence in the Arctic during his 2018 speech.

This launch has come at time when the relations b between Russia and the US are at rocks.&nbsp;The Tsirkon test comes amid tensions over arms control between Russia and the United States. New START, the last major nuclear arms pact in place between the two countries, is due to expire in February.

The Chief has reported that the tests will continue till the officials are satisfied, and thereafter the submarines and vessels will be armed with this missile.

Every country pays respect and show their love for their leaders in different ways. Russia, too, decided to do something special for the 68th birthday of their leader Vladimir Outin.

Every country pays respect and show their love for their leaders in different ways. Russia, too, decided to do something special for the 68th birthday of their leader Vladimir Outin. The Russian Chief of the army's general staff, Valery Gerasimov, shared the news of successfully testing Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile in the leader's birthday. The strike was carried out from the Admiral Gorshkov vessel which was located in the White Sea in northern Russia. The target was a spot in the Barents Sea, which the officials were successful to aim at. The target has been hit at a distance of 450 kilometres (280 miles) in four and a half minutes after reaching hypersonic speeds of more than Mach 8. Have a look: Russian leader Vladimir Putin turns 68 “This is a big event not only for the life of the armed forces, but also for all of Russia, for the whole country,” Putin told Gerasimov. Putin was seemingly happy with the latest success of the test launch. The launch was carried out as a move to push towards Putin's promise of increasing Russia's military presence in the Arctic during his 2018 speech. This launch has come at time when the relations b between Russia and the US are at rocks. The Tsirkon test comes amid tensions over arms control between Russia and the United States. New START, the last major nuclear arms pact in place between the two countries, is due to expire in February. The Chief has reported that the tests will continue till the officials are satisfied, and thereafter the submarines and vessels will be armed with this missile.

Russia tests hypersonic cruise missile on Putin's birthday

The United States and Russia will hold a round of nuclear arms control talks in the Finland's capital, Helsinki, on Monday.

The&nbsp;talks on strategic stability&nbsp;will follow up on negotiations in Austria this summer, the Finnish president's office said.

The office of the Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said&nbsp;"The round of discussions on strategic stability and nuclear weapons between the United States and Russia, which began in Vienna in the summer, will continue in Helsinki on Monday."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-to-avoid-expensive-arms-race-between-us-russia-and-china-trump-tells-putin-315584">Hope to avoid 'expensive' arms race between US, Russia and China, Trump tells Putin</a>

A&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;arms control pact between Russia and the United States is in focus as it expires in February.&nbsp;

Russia sees minimal chances of extending the New START treaty,&nbsp;the countries' last major&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;arms pact, as it does not accept conditions set out by Washington.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-calls-for-agreement-with-us-not-to-meddle-in-each-others-elections-330225">Putin calls for agreement with US not to meddle in each other's elections</a>

The office said nuclear arms negotiators from Washington and Moscow met a previous time in Finland in 2017.

"Finland welcomes the negotiators, this time (US) Ambassador (Marshall) Billingslea and (Russian) Deputy Foreign Minister (Sergei) Ryabkov," the statement said, adding that Niinisto would meet both representatives after the talks.

According to Russian news agency TASS, the previous round of consultations between Billingslea and Ryabkov were held in Vienna on August 17-18.

The United States and Russia will hold a round of nuclear arms control talks in the Finland's capital, Helsinki, on Monday. The talks on strategic stability will follow up on negotiations in Austria this summer, the Finnish president's office said.

The United States and Russia will hold a round of nuclear arms control talks in the Finland's capital, Helsinki, on Monday. The talks on strategic stability will follow up on negotiations in Austria this summer, the Finnish president's office said. The office of the Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said "The round of discussions on strategic stability and nuclear weapons between the United States and Russia, which began in Vienna in the summer, will continue in Helsinki on Monday." Also read: Hope to avoid 'expensive' arms race between US, Russia and China, Trump tells Putin A nuclear arms control pact between Russia and the United States is in focus as it expires in February. Russia sees minimal chances of extending the New START treaty, the countries' last major nuclear arms pact, as it does not accept conditions set out by Washington. Also read: Putin calls for agreement with US not to meddle in each other's elections The office said nuclear arms negotiators from Washington and Moscow met a previous time in Finland in 2017. "Finland welcomes the negotiators, this time (US) Ambassador (Marshall) Billingslea and (Russian) Deputy Foreign Minister (Sergei) Ryabkov," the statement said, adding that Niinisto would meet both representatives after the talks. According to Russian news agency TASS, the previous round of consultations between Billingslea and Ryabkov were held in Vienna on August 17-18.

US and Russia to hold latest nuclear arms talks in Finland

One-fifth of Russians now approve of poisoned Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, according to an opinion poll published on Friday, a figure more than twice as high as a year ago but one accompanied by a doubling of disapproval of his activities.

A vocal opponent of President Vladimir Putin, Navalny, 44, fell ill on a domestic flight in August and was airlifted to a Berlin hospital. Germany says he was poisoned with a rare nerve agent. Russia says it has seen no evidence he was poisoned.

His case has attracted attention worldwide and at home, with Western leaders demanding an explanation from the Kremlin over what happened.

According to the poll by the Levada Centre, conducted in late September, 20 per cent&nbsp;of respondents approve of Navalny's activities, while 50&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;do not. In 2019, his approval rating was 9 per cent, but the percentage of those who disapproved of him was also lower, at 25 per cent.

Of those who had heard about Navalny's poisoning, 55&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;said they did not believe it was a deliberate act

Russia's diplomatic mission to the EU last month quoted a previous survey putting Navalny's popularity at only 2&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;and commented that it would make no sense for Moscow to have poisoned a political opponent with so little support.

Navalny's chief of staff, Leonid Volkov, responded at the time: "It's as if they're saying 'If his rating was 20 per cent, then we would have poisoned him.'"

The Kremlin this week accused Navalny, who has vowed to return to Russia, of working with the CIA after Navalny said he believed Putin was behind the suspected poisoning.

"The problem for those in power is that discrediting Navalny doesn't automatically translate into some kind of affinity towards the Russian authorities," said political analysis firm R.Politik on Telegram.

"It's a false dichotomy: Putin or Navalny. Many don't like either."

Putin's approval rating dipped to 59&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in April, a two-decade low, but had recovered to 69 per cent&nbsp;as of Friday, Levada polling data showed.

One-fifth of Russians now approve of poisoned Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, according to an opinion poll published on Friday, a figure more than twice as high as a year ago but one accompanied by a doubling of disapproval of his activities.

One-fifth of Russians now approve of poisoned Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, according to an opinion poll published on Friday, a figure more than twice as high as a year ago but one accompanied by a doubling of disapproval of his activities. A vocal opponent of President Vladimir Putin, Navalny, 44, fell ill on a domestic flight in August and was airlifted to a Berlin hospital. Germany says he was poisoned with a rare nerve agent. Russia says it has seen no evidence he was poisoned. His case has attracted attention worldwide and at home, with Western leaders demanding an explanation from the Kremlin over what happened. According to the poll by the Levada Centre, conducted in late September, 20 per cent of respondents approve of Navalny's activities, while 50 per cent do not. In 2019, his approval rating was 9 per cent, but the percentage of those who disapproved of him was also lower, at 25 per cent. Of those who had heard about Navalny's poisoning, 55 per cent said they did not believe it was a deliberate act Russia's diplomatic mission to the EU last month quoted a previous survey putting Navalny's popularity at only 2 per cent and commented that it would make no sense for Moscow to have poisoned a political opponent with so little support. Navalny's chief of staff, Leonid Volkov, responded at the time: "It's as if they're saying 'If his rating was 20 per cent, then we would have poisoned him.'" The Kremlin this week accused Navalny, who has vowed to return to Russia, of working with the CIA after Navalny said he believed Putin was behind the suspected poisoning. "The problem for those in power is that discrediting Navalny doesn't automatically translate into some kind of affinity towards the Russian authorities," said political analysis firm R.Politik on Telegram. "It's a false dichotomy: Putin or Navalny. Many don't like either." Putin's approval rating dipped to 59 per cent in April, a two-decade low, but had recovered to 69 per cent as of Friday, Levada polling data showed.

Putin critic Navalny's approval rating surges in wake of poisoning

Kremlin critic and Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has accused the President Putin of being behind his poisoning.

Your Story: Russian Kremlin critic Navalny accuses President Putin behind his poisoning

Putin called for a reset between Russia and the United States and said he wanted an agreement between the two countries to prevent incidents in cyberspace.

Putin says Russia and US should not meddle in each other's polls

Russia has denied producing or researching nerve agents known as Novichok. Russia was once believed to possess thousands of tonnes of weaponised Novichok varieties and their precursors. Watch report.

Russia denies producing Novichok: West spreading misinformation

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that the country will register its second COVID-19 vaccine very soon. Watch report.

Vladamir Putin | Russia will register second COVID-19 vaccine | Coronavirus Pandemic

Vladamir Putin: Russia will register second COVID-19 vaccine

Russia&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;kicked off its large-scale week-long Caucasus 2020 (Kavkaz 2020) military exercises along with&nbsp;China, Belarus, Pakistan and several other countries.

The military exercises in&nbsp;Kavkaz this year&nbsp;are expected to focus on combating cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, the&nbsp;Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Footage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Footage</a> The foreign military taking part in the on-coming <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kavkaz2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kavkaz2020</a> strategic command &amp; control exercise are about to finish their relocation to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthernMD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthernMD</a> of Russia. Upon arrival, everyone of them takes mandatory <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> tests <a href="https://t.co/SPca0aTwrC">https://t.co/SPca0aTwrC</a> <a href="https://t.co/pQjMhqjMpn">pic.twitter.com/pQjMhqjMpn</a>
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mod_russia/status/1306236639509962753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The drills, led by Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov, will take place at several firing ranges and airfields in southern&nbsp;Russia.

The navy part of the drills in both the Black Sea and Caspian Sea will be joined by the Iranian navy, the ministry said.

The defence ministry also said that the exercises will involve around 1,000 military personnel from Armenia, Belarus, China, Myanmar and Pakistan. The exercises will be observed by representatives of Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Sri-Lanka.

Russia&nbsp;said the drills will involve around 80,000 personnel including&nbsp;Russian missile defence and navy units, as well as officers of the&nbsp;Russian Emergencies Ministry and the&nbsp;Russian Guard.

According to the ministry, the drills will also feature up to 250 tanks, 450 military personnel carriers and 200 artillery systems.

Russia on Monday kicked off its large-scale week-long Caucasus 2020 (Kavkaz 2020) military exercises along with China, Belarus, Pakistan and several other countries.

Russia on Monday kicked off its large-scale week-long Caucasus 2020 (Kavkaz 2020) military exercises along with China, Belarus, Pakistan and several other countries. The military exercises in Kavkaz this year are expected to focus on combating cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. #Footage The foreign military taking part in the on-coming #Kavkaz2020 strategic command & control exercise are about to finish their relocation to the #SouthernMD of Russia. Upon arrival, everyone of them takes mandatory #COVID19 tests https://t.co/SPca0aTwrC pic.twitter.com/pQjMhqjMpn — Минобороны России (@mod_russia) September 16, 2020 × The drills, led by Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov, will take place at several firing ranges and airfields in southern Russia. The navy part of the drills in both the Black Sea and Caspian Sea will be joined by the Iranian navy, the ministry said. The defence ministry also said that the exercises will involve around 1,000 military personnel from Armenia, Belarus, China, Myanmar and Pakistan. The exercises will be observed by representatives of Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Sri-Lanka. Russia said the drills will involve around 80,000 personnel including Russian missile defence and navy units, as well as officers of the Russian Emergencies Ministry and the Russian Guard. According to the ministry, the drills will also feature up to 250 tanks, 450 military personnel carriers and 200 artillery systems.

Kavkaz 2020: Russia hosts military drills in south with China, Belarus, Pakistan

Navalny had stayed at a hotel in the Siberian city of Tomsk. It has now been revealed by his team that the nerve agent used to poison him has been found on an empty bottle that was present in the hotel.

Putin critic Alexei Navalny Instagram video alleges water bottles poisoned

Greetings poured in from all corners of the world for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who turns 70 today.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wishing him good health, happiness, well-being and success. Putin said he values the kind, friendly relations that have developed between the two over the last few years.&nbsp;

“Kindly accept my heartfelt congratulations on your 70th birth anniversary,” he wrote.

“Under your leadership, India is successfully moving along the path of socio-economic, scientific and technical development,” he said.

Prime Minister of Nepal, K P Sharma Oli also conveyed his greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday.

Oli said that the two leaders will continue to work closely together towards strengthening relations between India and Nepal.

"Warm greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji on the auspicious occasion of your birthday. I wish you good health and happiness. We will continue working closely together to further strengthen relations between our two countries," Oli said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Apart from the wishes, 70,000 samplings, 70 kg laddoo have been offered in a Coimbatore temple and BJP is targetting to create a million selfie videos, all to wish the Prime Minister Narendra Modi a happy 70th birthday. Narendra Modi, born on September 17, 1950, marks a personal milestone during his tenure as the Prime Minister.

(With inputs from agencies)

Greetings poured in from all corners of the world for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who turns 70 today. Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wishing him good health, happiness, well-being and success.

Greetings poured in from all corners of the world for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who turns 70 today. Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wishing him good health, happiness, well-being and success. Putin said he values the kind, friendly relations that have developed between the two over the last few years. “Kindly accept my heartfelt congratulations on your 70th birth anniversary,” he wrote. “Under your leadership, India is successfully moving along the path of socio-economic, scientific and technical development,” he said. Prime Minister of Nepal, K P Sharma Oli also conveyed his greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday. Oli said that the two leaders will continue to work closely together towards strengthening relations between India and Nepal. "Warm greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji on the auspicious occasion of your birthday. I wish you good health and happiness. We will continue working closely together to further strengthen relations between our two countries," Oli said in a tweet. Meanwhile, Apart from the wishes, 70,000 samplings, 70 kg laddoo have been offered in a Coimbatore temple and BJP is targetting to create a million selfie videos, all to wish the Prime Minister Narendra Modi a happy 70th birthday. Narendra Modi, born on September 17, 1950, marks a personal milestone during his tenure as the Prime Minister. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi’s 70th birthday: Wishes pour in from world leaders

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on September 15 posted his first social media post since he was poisoned with a suspected Soviet-era nerve agent. He said that he was able to breathe.

Navalny poisoning: Kremlin critic posts pic from hospital with family

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to loan $1.5 billion to Belarus. Putin on Monday met embattled Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Putin did also mention that Belarusian people ought to resolve the crisis without foreign intervention.

Speaking from Sochi in Russia, Putin added how Lukashenko’s proposal to amend the Belarusian constitution was “logical and timely”.

Lukashenko landed in Sochi early on Monday to receive Putin’s support. Flight tracking data showed Lukashenko's plane touched down in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where Putin often hosts visiting dignitaries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/belarusian-leader-lukashenko-reaches-russia-to-win-putins-backing-327420" hreflang="en">Belarusian leader Lukashenko reaches Russia to win Putin's backing</a>

Lukashenko&nbsp;is seeking Moscow's backing after a fifth consecutive weekend of huge protests demanding his resignation.

The fate of the Belarusian leader is in Putin's hands as he faces the gravest crisis of his 26 years in power. Economic and military support from Moscow could help tip the balance in his favour as his security forces crack down hard on the opposition.

The Belarusian opposition accuses Lukashenko of rigging last month's presidential election, which he says he won fairly with 80% of the vote. Since then, thousands of people have been arrested and nearly all the opposition's key leaders have been detained, deported or forced to flee the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/thousands-of-women-protest-in-belarus-demanding-lukashenkos-resignation-327120" hreflang="en">Thousands of women protest in Belarus demanding Lukashenko's resignation</a>

At least 100,000 protesters took to the streets of the capital Minsk on Sunday, taunting Lukashenko with chants of "You're a rat". Police said they detained 774 people at protests across the country.

Belarus is the former Soviet republic with the closest political, social, economic and defence relationships with Russia. The two countries even proclaimed a "union state" in the 1990s, complete with a Soviet-style red flag.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to loan $1.5 billion to Belarus. Putin on Monday met embattled Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Putin did also mention that Belarusian people ought to resolve the crisis without foreign intervention.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to loan $1.5 billion to Belarus. Putin on Monday met embattled Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Putin did also mention that Belarusian people ought to resolve the crisis without foreign intervention. Speaking from Sochi in Russia, Putin added how Lukashenko’s proposal to amend the Belarusian constitution was “logical and timely”. Lukashenko landed in Sochi early on Monday to receive Putin’s support. Flight tracking data showed Lukashenko's plane touched down in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where Putin often hosts visiting dignitaries. Also read: Belarusian leader Lukashenko reaches Russia to win Putin's backing Lukashenko is seeking Moscow's backing after a fifth consecutive weekend of huge protests demanding his resignation. The fate of the Belarusian leader is in Putin's hands as he faces the gravest crisis of his 26 years in power. Economic and military support from Moscow could help tip the balance in his favour as his security forces crack down hard on the opposition. The Belarusian opposition accuses Lukashenko of rigging last month's presidential election, which he says he won fairly with 80% of the vote. Since then, thousands of people have been arrested and nearly all the opposition's key leaders have been detained, deported or forced to flee the country. Also read: Thousands of women protest in Belarus demanding Lukashenko's resignation At least 100,000 protesters took to the streets of the capital Minsk on Sunday, taunting Lukashenko with chants of "You're a rat". Police said they detained 774 people at protests across the country. Belarus is the former Soviet republic with the closest political, social, economic and defence relationships with Russia. The two countries even proclaimed a "union state" in the 1990s, complete with a Soviet-style red flag.

Russia loans $1.5 billion to Belarus during Putin-Lukashenko talks in Sochi

Russia's main pro-Kremlin party is claiming a clear win in local polls, seen as a big test of its popularity. Watch report.

Regional election in Russia: Sweeping lead for ruling United Russia?

Russia regional election: Politicians backed by Putin coasting to landslide win

Russians vote on September 13 in regional elections that will be scrutinised for signs of discontent with the ruling United Russia party following the suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Regional election in Russia: Test of Kremlin party's grip on power | World News

Local poll viewed as dry run for 2021 Parliamentary election in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing the largest protests of his rule, will discuss plans to further integrate their countries on Monday, the Kremlin said.

Lukashenko's visit will be the first to Russia by the Belarusian leader since protests broke out over his disputed election win last month.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-protest-leader-says-she-was-threatened-with-expulsion-alive-or-in-bits-326689" hreflang="en">Belarus protest leader says she was threatened with expulsion 'alive or in bits'</a>

In a statement, the Kremlin said on Friday the two leaders would meet in the Black Sea resort of Sochi to discuss further integration plans as well as key trade and energy projects.

"Key issues of the further development of Russian-Belarusian strategic partnership and alliance are planned to be discussed," the Kremlin said.

Putin has been keen to unify Russia and Belarus, and Moscow has accompanied its recent offers of military and economic aid with calls for tighter integration.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-opposition-leader-urges-foreign-countries-to-mediate-while-lukashenko-calls-the-protests-foreign-influence-326377" hreflang="en">Belarus: Opposition leader urges foreign countries to mediate, while Lukashenko calls the protests 'foreign influence'</a>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was no plan for the leaders to hold a news conference or sign any documents.&nbsp;

Lukashenko said last week that during his talks with Putin he planned to "dot all the i's on issues that are very sensitive and delicate for the two states".

Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, has vowed that he will not give up power to the opposition, which claims its candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was the rightful winner of the August 9 polls. She has taken shelter in EU member Lithuania after coming under official pressure.

Lukashenko, 66, has had a volatile relationship with Moscow, playing it off against the European Union and ruling out an outright unification with Russia.

But with Western pressure against Lukashenko mounting, his options are now limited. Since mass demonstrations against him began he has sought support from Putin, with regular phone calls between the leaders.&nbsp;

Lukashenko has cracked down on the protest movement with thousands detained and those held in custody giving accounts of police violence and torture. Several people have died in the crackdown.

Putin swiftly congratulated Lukashenko on his victory and raised the possibility of intervening militarily.

The opposition formed a Coordination Council to organise a handover of power but the Belarusian authorities have detained senior members and pressured them to leave the country.

More than 100,000 people are estimated to have taken to&nbsp;the streets of the Belarusian capital Minsk during rallies over the past four weekends, and a new protest is planned for Sunday.

Historically Russians and Belarusians have enjoyed good relations and members of the opposition say the protests are not aimed against Russia.&nbsp;

In an address to Russians this week, Tikhanovskaya said it was important not to allow politicians and propaganda to "poison" ties.

Belarus, an ex-Soviet state sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, has for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing the largest protests of his rule, will discuss plans to further integrate their countries on Monday, the Kremlin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing the largest protests of his rule, will discuss plans to further integrate their countries on Monday, the Kremlin said. Lukashenko's visit will be the first to Russia by the Belarusian leader since protests broke out over his disputed election win last month. Also read: Belarus protest leader says she was threatened with expulsion 'alive or in bits' In a statement, the Kremlin said on Friday the two leaders would meet in the Black Sea resort of Sochi to discuss further integration plans as well as key trade and energy projects. "Key issues of the further development of Russian-Belarusian strategic partnership and alliance are planned to be discussed," the Kremlin said. Putin has been keen to unify Russia and Belarus, and Moscow has accompanied its recent offers of military and economic aid with calls for tighter integration. Also read: Belarus: Opposition leader urges foreign countries to mediate, while Lukashenko calls the protests 'foreign influence' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was no plan for the leaders to hold a news conference or sign any documents. Lukashenko said last week that during his talks with Putin he planned to "dot all the i's on issues that are very sensitive and delicate for the two states". Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, has vowed that he will not give up power to the opposition, which claims its candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was the rightful winner of the August 9 polls. She has taken shelter in EU member Lithuania after coming under official pressure. Lukashenko, 66, has had a volatile relationship with Moscow, playing it off against the European Union and ruling out an outright unification with Russia. But with Western pressure against Lukashenko mounting, his options are now limited. Since mass demonstrations against him began he has sought support from Putin, with regular phone calls between the leaders. Lukashenko has cracked down on the protest movement with thousands detained and those held in custody giving accounts of police violence and torture. Several people have died in the crackdown. Putin swiftly congratulated Lukashenko on his victory and raised the possibility of intervening militarily. The opposition formed a Coordination Council to organise a handover of power but the Belarusian authorities have detained senior members and pressured them to leave the country. More than 100,000 people are estimated to have taken to the streets of the Belarusian capital Minsk during rallies over the past four weekends, and a new protest is planned for Sunday. Historically Russians and Belarusians have enjoyed good relations and members of the opposition say the protests are not aimed against Russia. In an address to Russians this week, Tikhanovskaya said it was important not to allow politicians and propaganda to "poison" ties. Belarus, an ex-Soviet state sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, has for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans.

Putin and Lukashenko to discuss 'integration' amid Belarus protests

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