Russia has truly entered the "great game" in Afghanistan. First, the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-offers-to-help-us-on-afghan-peace-talks-with-taliban-ria-195886"> Putin regime a few days</a> ago hosted the Taliban and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Moscow, just a few days after the US concluded its Doha talks with the Taliban.

It was an attempt by Russia to show it would not be sidelined in Afghan peace talks even decades after the Soviets left the country humiliated by the jihadists, the forerunner of the Taliban.

Now, Russia has its eyes set on Pakistan. Last year it had signed an intergovernmental agreement with the Pakistan government to discuss ways in which to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan, one of the biggest markets of the gas in the world.

Last Friday, Putin's regime signed a provisional agreement with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/once-spoiler-pakistan-starts-behind-scenes-aid-to-us-taliban-talks-196116">Imran Khan government </a>to allow state-run gas major Gazprom to conduct a "feasibility study" to construct an offshore pipeline to supply natural gas from the Middle East into Pakistan.

Both the LNG project and the latest Gazprom deal have raised eyebrows in Washington with US sanctions underway against Iran.

A few days ago Iran's oil minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh had said the country had accepted a "Russian proposal" to construct a sub-sea pipeline for exporting natural gas to India. The pipeline would link Gujarat to the Guly of Oman through the Indian Ocean.

The Russia-Iran-India pipeline would reportedly carry 31.5 million cubic meters gas per day to energy-starved India. Iran's oil minister had said Russia had already reached an "understanding" meaning a MoU on the pipeline last year with preparations underway to get it ready in two years.

Russia was the undisputed power as a natural gas supplier after World War-II, however, it was overtaken by tiny Qatar which became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas.

In December last year, Qatar pulled out of OPEC as relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia nosedived and the oil body turned its back on it. Qatar now seeks to increase its natural gas production, a fact not lost on the Russians.

Qatar is currently the largest supplier of LNG to India and is keen to increase its market share in the country. Qatar supplies 8.5 million tonnes a year of liquefied natural gas to India which is 40 per cent of India's energy shipment.

The Putin regime has increasingly played the "energy game" with markets in Europe, however, the Europeans are slowly breaking away from traditional energy sources and moving towards renewables namely solar and wind power. Germany already has a solar policy in place and hopes to exploit its wind turbines as it powers its economy on clean energy, other countries - Norway, Sweden, France hope to follow suit in order to balance climate change with economic concerns.

Security concerns also weigh on Europeans and Americans, after all, Gazprom had cut gas supply to Ukraine after it failed to pay up. The West also fears a re-run of the oil crisis in the 70s when OPEC had cut oil supply to the US, UK, Canada, the Netherlands and other countries due to its support for Israel during the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict in which the Arab coalition forces were soundly beaten by PM Golda Meir's military.

As the "cold war" continues between the West and Russia over a whole host of issues from arms race, the alleged poisoning of a Russian agent in the UK at Salisbury, as a result, the trio of Trump, May and Macron don't want to take any chances.

According to the &nbsp;International Energy Agency(IAEA), in 2016, the share of LNG's share in the global gas market was a remarkable of 42 per cent which is expected to reach 53 per cent by 2040 even as Europe's production halves in the same period. In order to ensure energy security, the US has now entered the LNG market in a big way as it does not want to cede ground to the Russians in the "great game".

Europe is Gazprom's biggest market with record exports reached last year. Russia has been dependent on its oil and gas reserves to service its debt and power its economy since the Soviet era, the dynamic is not going to change anytime soon.&nbsp;

Asia-Pacific headed by China and India now presents the biggest natural gas market in the world. The region currently accounts for 72 per cent of global LNG demand, Putin, therefore, is making every effort to open "gas channels" in India and hopefully involve China, Pakistan's biggest ally in the region. In the future, an India-Pakistan-China gas pipeline powered by Russia cannot be discounted.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Russia has truly entered the "great game" in Afghanistan. First, the Putin regime a few days ago hosted the Taliban and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Moscow, just a few days after the US concluded its Doha talks with the Taliban.

Russia has truly entered the "great game" in Afghanistan. First, the Putin regime a few days ago hosted the Taliban and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Moscow, just a few days after the US concluded its Doha talks with the Taliban. It was an attempt by Russia to show it would not be sidelined in Afghan peace talks even decades after the Soviets left the country humiliated by the jihadists, the forerunner of the Taliban. Now, Russia has its eyes set on Pakistan. Last year it had signed an intergovernmental agreement with the Pakistan government to discuss ways in which to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan, one of the biggest markets of the gas in the world. Last Friday, Putin's regime signed a provisional agreement with the Imran Khan government to allow state-run gas major Gazprom to conduct a "feasibility study" to construct an offshore pipeline to supply natural gas from the Middle East into Pakistan. Both the LNG project and the latest Gazprom deal have raised eyebrows in Washington with US sanctions underway against Iran. A few days ago Iran's oil minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh had said the country had accepted a "Russian proposal" to construct a sub-sea pipeline for exporting natural gas to India. The pipeline would link Gujarat to the Guly of Oman through the Indian Ocean. The Russia-Iran-India pipeline would reportedly carry 31.5 million cubic meters gas per day to energy-starved India. Iran's oil minister had said Russia had already reached an "understanding" meaning a MoU on the pipeline last year with preparations underway to get it ready in two years. Russia was the undisputed power as a natural gas supplier after World War-II, however, it was overtaken by tiny Qatar which became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas. In December last year, Qatar pulled out of OPEC as relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia nosedived and the oil body turned its back on it. Qatar now seeks to increase its natural gas production, a fact not lost on the Russians. Qatar is currently the largest supplier of LNG to India and is keen to increase its market share in the country. Qatar supplies 8.5 million tonnes a year of liquefied natural gas to India which is 40 per cent of India's energy shipment. The Putin regime has increasingly played the "energy game" with markets in Europe, however, the Europeans are slowly breaking away from traditional energy sources and moving towards renewables namely solar and wind power. Germany already has a solar policy in place and hopes to exploit its wind turbines as it powers its economy on clean energy, other countries - Norway, Sweden, France hope to follow suit in order to balance climate change with economic concerns. Security concerns also weigh on Europeans and Americans, after all, Gazprom had cut gas supply to Ukraine after it failed to pay up. The West also fears a re-run of the oil crisis in the 70s when OPEC had cut oil supply to the US, UK, Canada, the Netherlands and other countries due to its support for Israel during the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict in which the Arab coalition forces were soundly beaten by PM Golda Meir's military. As the "cold war" continues between the West and Russia over a whole host of issues from arms race, the alleged poisoning of a Russian agent in the UK at Salisbury, as a result, the trio of Trump, May and Macron don't want to take any chances. According to the International Energy Agency(IAEA), in 2016, the share of LNG's share in the global gas market was a remarkable of 42 per cent which is expected to reach 53 per cent by 2040 even as Europe's production halves in the same period. In order to ensure energy security, the US has now entered the LNG market in a big way as it does not want to cede ground to the Russians in the "great game". Europe is Gazprom's biggest market with record exports reached last year. Russia has been dependent on its oil and gas reserves to service its debt and power its economy since the Soviet era, the dynamic is not going to change anytime soon. Asia-Pacific headed by China and India now presents the biggest natural gas market in the world. The region currently accounts for 72 per cent of global LNG demand, Putin, therefore, is making every effort to open "gas channels" in India and hopefully involve China, Pakistan's biggest ally in the region. In the future, an India-Pakistan-China gas pipeline powered by Russia cannot be discounted. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Great game-II: India-Pakistan-China gas pipeline powered by Russia cannot be discounted

Clown-faced politicians and cinema mix at Nice Carnival

By Jeffrey Fields 
 
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced February 1 that the United States would withdraw from its nuclear weapons treaty with Russia.

Since the Obama administration, the US&nbsp;has accused Russia of being in violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which prohibits the US&nbsp;and Russia from developing certain types of ballistic and cruise missiles. A day after Pompeo’s announcement, President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would also suspend its participation in the treaty.

The treaty is not dead yet. The announcements serve as the six month’s notice required by the treaty before parties can withdraw. There is still time to reconcile differences.

But I don’t think that will happen.

I worked on issues related to arms control and nuclear nonproliferation at both the State Department and Department of Defense.

Here’s why a resolution is unlikely.

Cold War context

In the 1970s, the Soviet Union began placing missiles in strategic locations within its territory that could each carry three nuclear warheads a distance of about 2,500 miles.

These SS-20 missles were in a category of weapons called “intermediate-range ballistic missiles.” The missiles could strike almost all 29 member states of the North Atlantaic Treaty Organisation with the exception of the US and Canada.

At the time, NATO did not have a way to address the new threat through diplomacy with the Soviets. Nor did they have equivalent missiles capable of striking strategic locations in the Soviet Union from Western Europe.

The US&nbsp;sought to reassure NATO allies and deter a nuclear Soviet attack on Western Europe. In the early 1980s, it placed the Pershing II ballistic missile, as well as other missiles in Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and West Germany.

The move was designed in part to counter the Soviet missile threat, and also persuade the Soviets to negotiate to limit the number of intermediate and short-range missiles on both sides in Europe and the Soviet Union.

Terms of the treaty

Negotiations between the US and Soviet Union began in 1979 in the late stages of the Carter administration. The aim was to limit the number of intermediate-range missiles each could deploy. The negotiations carried over into the Reagan administration with various proposals on how many missiles each side could have and where they were be allowed to be placed.

In 1987, Mikhail Gorbachev proposed eliminating all short- and intermediate-range missiles. This led to the landmark INF Treaty that banned the entire class of missiles. The treaty was signed by Presidents Reagan and Gorbachev on December 8, 1987.

Both sides agreed to eliminate all existing cruise and ballistic missiles that could be launched from the ground (as opposed to from the sea or sky) and had a range between roughly 300 and 3,400 miles. They also pledged to “not have such systems thereafter.”

Before the treaty’s implementation deadline in 1991, the US and Russia destroyed more than 2,500 missiles covered by the treaty.

Nuclear powers beyond Russia

The United States first became concerned with Russian compliance with the treaty in 2014, when it alleged that Russia had tested a missile that violated the range restrictions of the treaty. Russia denied the accusation.

Meanwhile, countries such as China, Iran or North Korea, are not constrained by any treaties related to developing missiles that can carry nuclear weapons. These countries have continued to develop or are considering developing such missile technology.

Russia began to fear in the mid-2000s that the treaty was constraining its military options.

Some analysts have argued the US&nbsp;should abandon the INF Treaty for this same reason – not because of Russian noncompliance, but because it limits US&nbsp;military options vis-à-vis China. The treaty prohibits the US&nbsp;from putting ground-launched, short-range missiles in places like Japan. Trump’s national security adviser John Bolton is a firm proponent of this approach.

Prospects for the treaty don’t look good.

Russia has long denied being in violation of the treaty. The Trump administration is sceptical of arms control in general and has plans to continue modernising the US nuclear arsenal.

Unbound by the treaty, the US could develop new nuclear weapons systems in East Asia to counter Chinese military advances. The treaty’s demise seems likely. What follows depends on several variables, especially the outcome of the US 2020 presidential election.

(Jeffrey Fields is Associate Professor of the Practice of International Relations, University of Southern California)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-nuclear-treaty-between-russia-and-the-us-is-falling-apart-can-it-be-saved-111024">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Jeffrey Fields Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced February 1 that the United States would withdraw from its nuclear weapons treaty with Russia. Since the Obama administration, the US has accused Russia of being in violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which prohibits the US and Russia from developing certain types of ballistic and cruise missiles.

By Jeffrey Fields Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced February 1 that the United States would withdraw from its nuclear weapons treaty with Russia. Since the Obama administration, the US has accused Russia of being in violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which prohibits the US and Russia from developing certain types of ballistic and cruise missiles. A day after Pompeo’s announcement, President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would also suspend its participation in the treaty. The treaty is not dead yet. The announcements serve as the six month’s notice required by the treaty before parties can withdraw. There is still time to reconcile differences. But I don’t think that will happen. I worked on issues related to arms control and nuclear nonproliferation at both the State Department and Department of Defense. Here’s why a resolution is unlikely. Cold War context In the 1970s, the Soviet Union began placing missiles in strategic locations within its territory that could each carry three nuclear warheads a distance of about 2,500 miles. These SS-20 missles were in a category of weapons called “intermediate-range ballistic missiles.” The missiles could strike almost all 29 member states of the North Atlantaic Treaty Organisation with the exception of the US and Canada. At the time, NATO did not have a way to address the new threat through diplomacy with the Soviets. Nor did they have equivalent missiles capable of striking strategic locations in the Soviet Union from Western Europe. The US sought to reassure NATO allies and deter a nuclear Soviet attack on Western Europe. In the early 1980s, it placed the Pershing II ballistic missile, as well as other missiles in Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and West Germany. The move was designed in part to counter the Soviet missile threat, and also persuade the Soviets to negotiate to limit the number of intermediate and short-range missiles on both sides in Europe and the Soviet Union. Terms of the treaty Negotiations between the US and Soviet Union began in 1979 in the late stages of the Carter administration. The aim was to limit the number of intermediate-range missiles each could deploy. The negotiations carried over into the Reagan administration with various proposals on how many missiles each side could have and where they were be allowed to be placed. In 1987, Mikhail Gorbachev proposed eliminating all short- and intermediate-range missiles. This led to the landmark INF Treaty that banned the entire class of missiles. The treaty was signed by Presidents Reagan and Gorbachev on December 8, 1987. Both sides agreed to eliminate all existing cruise and ballistic missiles that could be launched from the ground (as opposed to from the sea or sky) and had a range between roughly 300 and 3,400 miles. They also pledged to “not have such systems thereafter.” Before the treaty’s implementation deadline in 1991, the US and Russia destroyed more than 2,500 missiles covered by the treaty. Nuclear powers beyond Russia The United States first became concerned with Russian compliance with the treaty in 2014, when it alleged that Russia had tested a missile that violated the range restrictions of the treaty. Russia denied the accusation. Meanwhile, countries such as China, Iran or North Korea, are not constrained by any treaties related to developing missiles that can carry nuclear weapons. These countries have continued to develop or are considering developing such missile technology. Russia began to fear in the mid-2000s that the treaty was constraining its military options. Some analysts have argued the US should abandon the INF Treaty for this same reason – not because of Russian noncompliance, but because it limits US military options vis-à-vis China. The treaty prohibits the US from putting ground-launched, short-range missiles in places like Japan. Trump’s national security adviser John Bolton is a firm proponent of this approach. Prospects for the treaty don’t look good. Russia has long denied being in violation of the treaty. The Trump administration is sceptical of arms control in general and has plans to continue modernising the US nuclear arsenal. Unbound by the treaty, the US could develop new nuclear weapons systems in East Asia to counter Chinese military advances. The treaty’s demise seems likely. What follows depends on several variables, especially the outcome of the US 2020 presidential election. (Jeffrey Fields is Associate Professor of the Practice of International Relations, University of Southern California) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A nuclear treaty between Russia and the US is falling apart – can it be saved?

President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-withdraw-from-inf-missile-treaty-unless-russia-complies-trump-194448">a mirror response to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-withdraw-from-inf-missile-treaty-unless-russia-complies-trump-194448">a US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-withdraw-from-inf-missile-treaty-unless-russia-complies-trump-194448"> move the day before</a>.&nbsp;

"Our American partners have announced they are suspending their participation in the deal, and we are also suspending our participation," he said of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

Putin said during a televised meeting with foreign and defence ministers Sergei Lavrov and Sergei Shoigu that Russia would no longer initiate talks with the US on disarmament.&nbsp;

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<h5>'We will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic,' Putin said</h5>
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"We will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic," the president said.

President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington was suspending its obligations under the INF treaty and starting a process to withdraw in six months.

Washington says a Russian medium-range missile system breaches the INF deal.

But Moscow has long insisted it does not violate the agreement, and last month invited reporters and foreign military attaches to a briefing on the disputed weapons system.&nbsp;

Lavrov on Saturday repeated Russian accusations that Washington itself has been in violation of the deal for many years.&nbsp;

At the meeting, Putin said Russia would seek to develop medium-range missiles in response to what he said were similar projects in the US.&nbsp;

But he told the ministers that Russia would "not be drawn into a costly new arms race".

Russia would only deploy intermediate- and short-range missiles in Europe or elsewhere in answer to similar moves from the US, he added.&nbsp;

Putin has previously threatened to develop nuclear missiles banned under the INF treaty if it is scrapped.&nbsp;

European leaders have voiced fears over the consequences of the treaty's demise and called on Russia to address concerns before the United States formally leaves in August.

Signed towards the end of the Cold War by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the treaty bans ground-launched missiles with a range of between 500 and 5,500 kilometres.&nbsp;

The deal resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in a mirror response to a US move the day before.

President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in a mirror response to a US move the day before. "Our American partners have announced they are suspending their participation in the deal, and we are also suspending our participation," he said of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Putin said during a televised meeting with foreign and defence ministers Sergei Lavrov and Sergei Shoigu that Russia would no longer initiate talks with the US on disarmament. 'We will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic,' Putin said × "We will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic," the president said. President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington was suspending its obligations under the INF treaty and starting a process to withdraw in six months. Washington says a Russian medium-range missile system breaches the INF deal. But Moscow has long insisted it does not violate the agreement, and last month invited reporters and foreign military attaches to a briefing on the disputed weapons system. Lavrov on Saturday repeated Russian accusations that Washington itself has been in violation of the deal for many years. At the meeting, Putin said Russia would seek to develop medium-range missiles in response to what he said were similar projects in the US. But he told the ministers that Russia would "not be drawn into a costly new arms race". Russia would only deploy intermediate- and short-range missiles in Europe or elsewhere in answer to similar moves from the US, he added. Putin has previously threatened to develop nuclear missiles banned under the INF treaty if it is scrapped. European leaders have voiced fears over the consequences of the treaty's demise and called on Russia to address concerns before the United States formally leaves in August. Signed towards the end of the Cold War by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the treaty bans ground-launched missiles with a range of between 500 and 5,500 kilometres. The deal resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China.

Following US move, Putin says Russia is pulling out of nuclear missile treaty

Russia`s special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday to discuss the Afghan peace process, in the wake of the US and Taliban agreeing on a framework deal to end the 17-year-old conflict in Afghanistan.

The diplomat is visiting the country following Russia’s wish to discuss the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

He was met by senior officials of the Foreign Office and Russian Embassy, Pakistan Today reported.

He will hold talks with Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership at the Foreign OfficeThe visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin`s special envoy for Afghanistan comes in the wake of last week’s marathon talks between US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban in Qatar.

The United States and Taliban have agreed in principle to chalk out a framework for a deal that could eventually end the 17-year old conflict in Afghanistan.

Khalilzad, in an interview to the New York Times, said the United States and the Taliban have agreed in principle on a framework for a peace deal.

According to the peace deal, the Taliban would guarantee that Afghanistan will never be used as a base for terrorism in return for a full American withdrawal from the country.

Last month, Russian Ambassador in Pakistan Alexey Dedov had said that Pakistan’s commitment and efforts for regional peace and stability are highlighted by the country’s decision to open the Kartarpur Corridor with India.

The Kartarpur Corridor will provide visa-free access to Sikh pilgrims from India.

Russia`s special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday to discuss the Afghan peace process, in the wake of the US and Taliban agreeing on a framework deal to end the 17-year-old conflict in Afghanistan.

Russia`s special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday to discuss the Afghan peace process, in the wake of the US and Taliban agreeing on a framework deal to end the 17-year-old conflict in Afghanistan. The diplomat is visiting the country following Russia’s wish to discuss the Afghan peace process. He was met by senior officials of the Foreign Office and Russian Embassy, Pakistan Today reported. He will hold talks with Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership at the Foreign OfficeThe visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin`s special envoy for Afghanistan comes in the wake of last week’s marathon talks between US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban in Qatar. The United States and Taliban have agreed in principle to chalk out a framework for a deal that could eventually end the 17-year old conflict in Afghanistan. Khalilzad, in an interview to the New York Times, said the United States and the Taliban have agreed in principle on a framework for a peace deal. According to the peace deal, the Taliban would guarantee that Afghanistan will never be used as a base for terrorism in return for a full American withdrawal from the country. Last month, Russian Ambassador in Pakistan Alexey Dedov had said that Pakistan’s commitment and efforts for regional peace and stability are highlighted by the country’s decision to open the Kartarpur Corridor with India. The Kartarpur Corridor will provide visa-free access to Sikh pilgrims from India.

Putin's envoy in Pakistan to discuss Afghan peace process

Supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a large rally in support for the visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Belgrade.

Crowds of people marched through central Belgrade to greet Putin and Vucic during their stop in the St. Sava temple, the largest Christian Orthodox church in Serbia.

The rally was seen as Vucic's response to protests staged by the opposition for six consecutive weekends.

Just a day before Putin's visit, a silent march took place in protest at the unresolved killing of a Kosovo Serb politician a year ago.

The opposition protests typically gather around 20,000 people. Serbian state TV RTS claimed that 120,000-130,000 people took part in the rally for Vucic and Putin.

Many of the people took organised rides to the capital. Hundreds of parked buses lined several major streets during the rally, waiting for their passengers to return for the drive home.

Groups in the crowd carried banners declaring where in Serbia they came from, as well slogans in Serbian and Russian saying "Serbs and Russian, brothers forever" and "Thank you&nbsp;president&nbsp;for your support."

Supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a large rally in support for the visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Belgrade. Crowds of people marched through central Belgrade to greet Putin and Vucic during their stop in the St.

Supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a large rally in support for the visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Belgrade. Crowds of people marched through central Belgrade to greet Putin and Vucic during their stop in the St. Sava temple, the largest Christian Orthodox church in Serbia. The rally was seen as Vucic's response to protests staged by the opposition for six consecutive weekends. Just a day before Putin's visit, a silent march took place in protest at the unresolved killing of a Kosovo Serb politician a year ago. The opposition protests typically gather around 20,000 people. Serbian state TV RTS claimed that 120,000-130,000 people took part in the rally for Vucic and Putin. Many of the people took organised rides to the capital. Hundreds of parked buses lined several major streets during the rally, waiting for their passengers to return for the drive home. Groups in the crowd carried banners declaring where in Serbia they came from, as well slogans in Serbian and Russian saying "Serbs and Russian, brothers forever" and "Thank you president for your support."

Serb leader stages lavish reception and huge rally for Putin visit

A top Putin aide said Wednesday it was "stupid" to suggest <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-opened-probe-into-whether-trump-working-for-russians-report-189750">US President Donald Trump might be working for Russia</a>.&nbsp;

"Why comment on something stupid? How can the US president be an agent of another country?" President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told a briefing after a journalist asked if Trump was a Russian agent.

Ushakov said Russia's relations with the US were "at rock bottom" and "nothing has happened in the context of developing them."

The intriguing question of whether Trump is a Russian agent — he has been uncharacteristically soft on Putin — was raised after reports in the New York Times and the Washington Post.&nbsp;

The Post said Trump had gone out of his way to keep the details of his meetings with Putin — they have met five times since Trump became president — secret, even from his own aides.&nbsp;

The Times meanwhile reported that the FBI had opened an investigation into whether Trump was actually working for Russia after he fired former FBI director James Comey.&nbsp;

Trump was then asked by Fox News' Jeanine Pirro whether he did or had ever worked for Russia. The question was friendly but Trump seemed to exacerbate the situation by saying that "was the most insulting thing he had ever been asked", while refusing to say a simple no.&nbsp;

Trump later said that he had "never worked for Russia" and told reporters: "It's a disgrace that you even ask that question."&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

A top Putin aide said Wednesday it was "stupid" to suggest US President Donald Trump might be working for Russia. "Why comment on something stupid? How can the US president be an agent of another country?

A top Putin aide said Wednesday it was "stupid" to suggest US President Donald Trump might be working for Russia. "Why comment on something stupid? How can the US president be an agent of another country?" President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told a briefing after a journalist asked if Trump was a Russian agent. Ushakov said Russia's relations with the US were "at rock bottom" and "nothing has happened in the context of developing them." The intriguing question of whether Trump is a Russian agent — he has been uncharacteristically soft on Putin — was raised after reports in the New York Times and the Washington Post. The Post said Trump had gone out of his way to keep the details of his meetings with Putin — they have met five times since Trump became president — secret, even from his own aides. The Times meanwhile reported that the FBI had opened an investigation into whether Trump was actually working for Russia after he fired former FBI director James Comey. Trump was then asked by Fox News' Jeanine Pirro whether he did or had ever worked for Russia. The question was friendly but Trump seemed to exacerbate the situation by saying that "was the most insulting thing he had ever been asked", while refusing to say a simple no. Trump later said that he had "never worked for Russia" and told reporters: "It's a disgrace that you even ask that question." (With inputs from AFP)

'Stupid' to suggest Trump is working for Russia: Top Putin aide

US President Donald Trump said Monday that he has "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/was-trump-working-for-russia-us-president-blasts-fbi-for-opening-probe-189894">never worked for Russia</a>", and slammed recent news reports that have raised questions about his ties to Vladimir Putin as a "big fat hoax."

Trump&nbsp;made his comments to reporters at the White House.&nbsp;

The US president's comments came after a Washington Post report alleging that Trump had refused to divulge the contents of his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

The Post said he had kept details of the meetings even from his top aides.&nbsp;

The Post however added that there was no proof of wrongdoing by Trump, only that he had kept details of his meetings with Putin from his aides.&nbsp;

A report in The New York Times meanwhile revealed the FBI had opened an investigation into whether Trump was working for Russia after he sacked the bureau's director James Comey in 2017.&nbsp;

Trump was given an opportunity to respond to the report of the FBI investigation on Saturday when he gave an interview to his favourite Fox News channel.

But instead of a clear cut denial, he fueled a mounting outcry in Washington by merely saying that the question was "the most insulting thing I've ever been asked."

His response Monday took the entire alleged Russia collusion affair head on.

"It's a lot of fake news," Trump said. He called the then-leaders of the FBI who decided to investigate him "known scoundrels, I guess you could say dirty cops."

But the latest twists mean that the president -- currently embroiled in a damaging political battle with Congress over funding a Mexico border wall -- can't escape the Russia shadow, regardless of what he says.

The details of the latest reports are especially shocking because they are so concrete, in contrast to the often complex and carefully withheld workings of the almost leak-proof Mueller probe.

The Post story says that Trump personally acted to prevent notes taken by his interpreter during one-on-one meetings with Putin from being shared with aides. He allegedly took the notes away and ordered the interpreter not to divulge the contents.

The Times report on the FBI investigation said the bureau decided to act after Trump fired the then director, James Comey in 2017.

Transcripts of closed-door FBI testimony to Congress obtained by CNN show that the then head lawyer for the FBI, James Baker, said the bureau wanted to know whether Trump was "acting at the behest of (the Kremlin) and somehow following directions, somehow executing their will."

"That was one extreme. The other extreme is that the President is completely innocent, and we discussed that too," Baker said in the transcript, according to CNN.

The White House says that Trump has been pursued by a politicized FBI. The president repeatedly has called the probes into his dealings with Russia a "witch hunt."

But Democrats and even some in Trump's Republican Party have repeatedly suggested that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">the administration is oddly favourable to Russian policies</a>.

They point to Trump's diplomatic assaults on European Union unity and the NATO alliance, as well as his recent comment defending the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s.

Top advisor Kellyanne Conway reiterated Monday the administration's assertion that Trump had in fact been tough on Russia, one of Washington's key rivals and sometimes outright adversaries.

"He has taken a lot of action," she told reporters, listing sanctions imposed on the Kremlin and US policy in Syria, among other factors.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

US President Donald Trump said Monday that he has "never worked for Russia", and slammed recent news reports that have raised questions about his ties to Vladimir Putin as a "big fat hoax.

US President Donald Trump said Monday that he has "never worked for Russia", and slammed recent news reports that have raised questions about his ties to Vladimir Putin as a "big fat hoax." Trump made his comments to reporters at the White House. The US president's comments came after a Washington Post report alleging that Trump had refused to divulge the contents of his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Post said he had kept details of the meetings even from his top aides. The Post however added that there was no proof of wrongdoing by Trump, only that he had kept details of his meetings with Putin from his aides. A report in The New York Times meanwhile revealed the FBI had opened an investigation into whether Trump was working for Russia after he sacked the bureau's director James Comey in 2017. Trump was given an opportunity to respond to the report of the FBI investigation on Saturday when he gave an interview to his favourite Fox News channel. But instead of a clear cut denial, he fueled a mounting outcry in Washington by merely saying that the question was "the most insulting thing I've ever been asked." His response Monday took the entire alleged Russia collusion affair head on. "It's a lot of fake news," Trump said. He called the then-leaders of the FBI who decided to investigate him "known scoundrels, I guess you could say dirty cops." But the latest twists mean that the president -- currently embroiled in a damaging political battle with Congress over funding a Mexico border wall -- can't escape the Russia shadow, regardless of what he says. The details of the latest reports are especially shocking because they are so concrete, in contrast to the often complex and carefully withheld workings of the almost leak-proof Mueller probe. The Post story says that Trump personally acted to prevent notes taken by his interpreter during one-on-one meetings with Putin from being shared with aides. He allegedly took the notes away and ordered the interpreter not to divulge the contents. The Times report on the FBI investigation said the bureau decided to act after Trump fired the then director, James Comey in 2017. Transcripts of closed-door FBI testimony to Congress obtained by CNN show that the then head lawyer for the FBI, James Baker, said the bureau wanted to know whether Trump was "acting at the behest of (the Kremlin) and somehow following directions, somehow executing their will." "That was one extreme. The other extreme is that the President is completely innocent, and we discussed that too," Baker said in the transcript, according to CNN. The White House says that Trump has been pursued by a politicized FBI. The president repeatedly has called the probes into his dealings with Russia a "witch hunt." But Democrats and even some in Trump's Republican Party have repeatedly suggested that the administration is oddly favourable to Russian policies. They point to Trump's diplomatic assaults on European Union unity and the NATO alliance, as well as his recent comment defending the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s. Top advisor Kellyanne Conway reiterated Monday the administration's assertion that Trump had in fact been tough on Russia, one of Washington's key rivals and sometimes outright adversaries. "He has taken a lot of action," she told reporters, listing sanctions imposed on the Kremlin and US policy in Syria, among other factors. (With inputs from AFP)

Trump says he has 'never worked for Russia', allegations saying so are a 'big fat hoax'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Monday during which both exchanged greeting for the new year 2019, with PM Modi wishing President Putin and people of Russia on the occasion of Christmas. Christmas is celebrated in Russia on January 7.&nbsp;

Vladimir Putin wished Narendra Modi success in connection with the upcoming parliamentary elections in India.&nbsp;

Putin also invited PM to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest.

According to the ministry of external affairs release, "the two leaders appreciated the major milestones achieved in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the past year".&nbsp;

Both the leaders recalled the "successful wide-ranging discussions" during the informal summit in Sochi in May of 2018 and during President Putin's visit to New Delhi in October for the Annual Summit with both agreeing "to maintain the momentum in the bilateral relations". This year, Russia will host the annual summit.

The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the key areas including defence and counter-terrorism and agreed that India-Russia cooperation "plays an important role in the global multilateral order." &nbsp;

Remember roughly 70% of India's defence equipment is Russian in origin. During the 17th Annual Summit, the sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems, construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. The two countries also hold exchanges and training exercises between their armed forces annually.&nbsp;

Russia and India have been engaging in various forums such as SCO, BRICS and G20. On the sidelines of G20 in 2018, Russia, India and China met for the RIC meet which happened after a gap of 12 years.&nbsp;

According to Russian Federal Customs Service data, bilateral trade during in 2016 amounted to US$ 7.71 billion, with Indian exports amounting to US$ 2.39 billion and imports from Russia amounting to US$ 5.32 billion.&nbsp;

Both are also focusing on connectivity via the International North-South Transport Corridor that will connect Mumbai to Moscow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Monday during which both exchanged greeting for the new year 2019, with PM Modi wishing President Putin and people of Russia on the occasion of Christmas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Monday during which both exchanged greeting for the new year 2019, with PM Modi wishing President Putin and people of Russia on the occasion of Christmas. Christmas is celebrated in Russia on January 7. Vladimir Putin wished Narendra Modi success in connection with the upcoming parliamentary elections in India. Putin also invited PM to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest. According to the ministry of external affairs release, "the two leaders appreciated the major milestones achieved in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the past year". Both the leaders recalled the "successful wide-ranging discussions" during the informal summit in Sochi in May of 2018 and during President Putin's visit to New Delhi in October for the Annual Summit with both agreeing "to maintain the momentum in the bilateral relations". This year, Russia will host the annual summit. The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the key areas including defence and counter-terrorism and agreed that India-Russia cooperation "plays an important role in the global multilateral order." Remember roughly 70% of India's defence equipment is Russian in origin. During the 17th Annual Summit, the sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems, construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. The two countries also hold exchanges and training exercises between their armed forces annually. Russia and India have been engaging in various forums such as SCO, BRICS and G20. On the sidelines of G20 in 2018, Russia, India and China met for the RIC meet which happened after a gap of 12 years. According to Russian Federal Customs Service data, bilateral trade during in 2016 amounted to US$ 7.71 billion, with Indian exports amounting to US$ 2.39 billion and imports from Russia amounting to US$ 5.32 billion. Both are also focusing on connectivity via the International North-South Transport Corridor that will connect Mumbai to Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin calls PM Modi, discusses key strategic issues wishes success in Lok Sabha polls

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-holds-marathon-end-of-year-press-conference-here-are-the-key-quotes-185551">he'd probably have to get married again</a>, but did not say to whom.

Putin, 66, who jealously protects his privacy and that of his close family, was replying to a question posed by a reporter at his annual press conference, which focused mainly on international relations and the state of the economy.

"As a respectable person, I will have to do this at some point," Putin said, smiling.

Putin was married to Lyudmila Putina from 1983 until their divorce, announced in 2013.

Their daughters, Katerina and Maria, both in their early 30s, are not involved in politics and have stayed firmly out of the limelight.

Since he divorced his wife Lyudmila, rumours have swirled around Putin's personal life. One Russian newspaper report said he was in a relationship with Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast, though Putin rejected the assertion.

Reuters reported in 2016 that a businessman with ties to associates of Putin had transferred ownership of properties to Alina Kabaeva's sister and grandmother.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he'd probably have to get married again, but did not say to whom. Putin, 66, who jealously protects his privacy and that of his close family, was replying to a question posed by a reporter at his annual press conference, which focused mainly on international relations and the state of the economy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he'd probably have to get married again, but did not say to whom. Putin, 66, who jealously protects his privacy and that of his close family, was replying to a question posed by a reporter at his annual press conference, which focused mainly on international relations and the state of the economy. "As a respectable person, I will have to do this at some point," Putin said, smiling. Putin was married to Lyudmila Putina from 1983 until their divorce, announced in 2013. Their daughters, Katerina and Maria, both in their early 30s, are not involved in politics and have stayed firmly out of the limelight. Since he divorced his wife Lyudmila, rumours have swirled around Putin's personal life. One Russian newspaper report said he was in a relationship with Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast, though Putin rejected the assertion. Reuters reported in 2016 that a businessman with ties to associates of Putin had transferred ownership of properties to Alina Kabaeva's sister and grandmother.

'As a respectable person', Putin says he may marry again

Vladimir Putin took over 60 questions from a hall of journalists Thursday, speaking on everything from rap to pensions to the prospect of taking over the world.&nbsp;

Here are the top quotes from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-west-trying-to-hold-back-powerful-russia-185542">the Russian president's end-of-year press conference</a>, which lasted three hours and 43 minutes.

International tensions 
On Moscow's ties with the West, Putin had this to say:

"Practically throughout its entire history, Russia has lived with some constraints and sanctions... this is connected with the growth of Russia's power, increase of competitiveness... A powerful player appears which needs to be reckoned with..."

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<h5>'As an honourable man I will have to (marry) at some point, I guess'</h5>
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"If there hadn't been the Skripals, they (the West) would have thought up something else. There is only one aim: to hold back Russia's development as a possible competitor."

"(In the West), they don't want to recognise (Trump's) victory. That's disrespect of voters." ... "It's the same in Britain: Brexit happened, but nobody wants to implement it. They don't recognise vote results, democratic procedures are diminished."

"Do we need American troops (in Syria)? I think we don't... If the US has decided to withdraw its troops (from Syria), that is right."

"I hope that something will improve (in US-Russian relations), sooner or later we will reach rock bottom in our relations and understand that we must ... rise up, breathe in the fresh air and think with a clear head about how to live."

"It's a collapse. We are currently looking at a collapse of the international system of arms control."

National concerns 
On Russia's economic goals:

"The main thing is that we need to get into a new league economically... we could very well take the fifth place in terms of size of economy. And I think we'll do that."

On reports of torture in Russia's penal colonies:

"Any breaches of the law, especially torture - that's a crime. These breaches, these crimes, must be punished... To say that (the penal system) must be broken into pieces is wrong. It has to be improved."

On the difficulty of recycling in Russia:

"For decades in the Soviet Union we threw trash into pits, figuratively speaking. Nobody ever did any recycling... we produce 70 million tonnes of trash every year and don't know where to put it."&nbsp;

On Russia's crackdown on hip-hop concerts:

"About the detention of these rappers, I agree with you. That's just pointless... there is nothing good in that."

Personal matters 
On the prospect of remarrying after announcing his divorce:

"As an honourable man I will have to (marry) at some point, I guess."

On his health:

"My health is the same as anyone else's. Thank God, I do sports, and everything is normal... as anyone else, there can be some sort of flu when the seasons change, but right now, everything is all right."

"I am rarely on the internet and watch little television, I simply don't have the time."

Vladimir Putin took over 60 questions from a hall of journalists Thursday, speaking on everything from rap to pensions to the prospect of taking over the world. Here are the top quotes from the Russian president's end-of-year press conference, which lasted three hours and 43 minutes.

Vladimir Putin took over 60 questions from a hall of journalists Thursday, speaking on everything from rap to pensions to the prospect of taking over the world. Here are the top quotes from the Russian president's end-of-year press conference, which lasted three hours and 43 minutes. International tensions On Moscow's ties with the West, Putin had this to say: "Practically throughout its entire history, Russia has lived with some constraints and sanctions... this is connected with the growth of Russia's power, increase of competitiveness... A powerful player appears which needs to be reckoned with..." 'As an honourable man I will have to (marry) at some point, I guess' × "If there hadn't been the Skripals, they (the West) would have thought up something else. There is only one aim: to hold back Russia's development as a possible competitor." "(In the West), they don't want to recognise (Trump's) victory. That's disrespect of voters." ... "It's the same in Britain: Brexit happened, but nobody wants to implement it. They don't recognise vote results, democratic procedures are diminished." "Do we need American troops (in Syria)? I think we don't... If the US has decided to withdraw its troops (from Syria), that is right." "I hope that something will improve (in US-Russian relations), sooner or later we will reach rock bottom in our relations and understand that we must ... rise up, breathe in the fresh air and think with a clear head about how to live." "It's a collapse. We are currently looking at a collapse of the international system of arms control." National concerns On Russia's economic goals: "The main thing is that we need to get into a new league economically... we could very well take the fifth place in terms of size of economy. And I think we'll do that." On reports of torture in Russia's penal colonies: "Any breaches of the law, especially torture - that's a crime. These breaches, these crimes, must be punished... To say that (the penal system) must be broken into pieces is wrong. It has to be improved." On the difficulty of recycling in Russia: "For decades in the Soviet Union we threw trash into pits, figuratively speaking. Nobody ever did any recycling... we produce 70 million tonnes of trash every year and don't know where to put it." On Russia's crackdown on hip-hop concerts: "About the detention of these rappers, I agree with you. That's just pointless... there is nothing good in that." Personal matters On the prospect of remarrying after announcing his divorce: "As an honourable man I will have to (marry) at some point, I guess." On his health: "My health is the same as anyone else's. Thank God, I do sports, and everything is normal... as anyone else, there can be some sort of flu when the seasons change, but right now, everything is all right." "I am rarely on the internet and watch little television, I simply don't have the time."

Putin holds marathon end-of-year press conference: Here are his key quotes

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">the West was trying to hold back an increasingly powerful Russia</a>, during an end-of-year press conference that took aim at sanctions and "made-up" spy scandals.

At the marathon annual event he also trumpeted ambitious efforts to boost Russia's economy and warned that US plans to leave a key nuclear weapons treaty raised the risk of a new arms race.

Asked about Western sanctions against Moscow, Putin said these were "connected to the growth of Russia's power".

"A powerful player appears who needs to be reckoned with. Until recently it was thought there was no longer such a country," he said from behind a large wooden desk to an audience of hundreds of journalists.

The Russian leader also dismissed spy scandals -- such as the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England -- as invented to damage Russia's standing.

"If there hadn't been the Skripals, they would have made up something else. There is only one aim: to hold back Russia's development," he said, later lamenting that relations with Britain were at a "dead end".

Putin began the press conference, as usual, by reeling off economic growth figures.

"The main thing is that we need to get into a new economic league. We could very well take the fifth place in terms of size of economy. And I think we'll do that," he said.

Russia's economy is currently ranked 12th in the world by the International Monetary Fund, which lists the United States first, followed by China, Japan, Germany and Britain.

'Collapse' of arms control 
Putin said the economy grew 1.7 percent over the first 10 months of the year, roughly in line with predictions, while unemployment was down. Full-year growth is estimated at 1.8 percent.

Putin was re-elected to a fourth term in March with nearly 77 percent of the vote, but recent polls have seen his support drop below 50 percent.

His previous term in the Kremlin was defined by a decline in living standards for many Russians, despite what were perceived as foreign policy wins.

Raising the retirement age this year provoked anger and rare street protests but Putin said the hike was "unavoidable" when questioned on the subject.

Against a backdrop of strained ties with the United States, Putin praised President Donald Trump's decision to pull troops out of Syria, but at the same time condemned his threat to withdraw from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty.&nbsp;

"We are currently looking at a collapse of the international system of arms control," Putin said, warning that there was a growing tendency to "underestimate" the threat of nuclear war.

Putin also weighed in on key elections in the West, insisting Trump was legitimately elected president and that any attempt to cast doubt on this -- or the result of the Brexit referendum -- showed "disrespect" to voters.

In the wide-ranging session, Putin dismissed a recent crackdown on Russian rappers as pointless and condemned the creation of an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church.&nbsp;

And he repeated Kremlin claims that Ukraine's actions in the Kerch Strait off Crimea were a "provocation", following a naval confrontation and Russia's arrest of several Ukrainian sailors.

Costumes, tambourines 
The Kremlin demands questions for Putin be sent in advance, but reporters every year go to great lengths to encourage the president to call on them.

On Thursday one journalist was dressed as a Russian fairytale character, the snow maiden, while another came holding a tambourine.&nbsp;

Organisers, however, put a size limit on the placards media representatives traditionally hold up to attract Putin's attention.

Putin's 14th end-of-year press conference ran to three hours, 43 minutes -- roughly an hour shy of the personal record he set in 2008.&nbsp;

The president began the annual press event in 2001. Since 2004, all December press conferences have surpassed three hours.

The appearance was shown live on several TV stations, with some channels trailing the event with a day-long countdown clock.&nbsp;

As Russia has become increasingly centralised under Putin, questions at the conference have begun to resemble lobbying attempts to resolve specific problems.&nbsp;

This year he promised to help open a new football pitch for children in Saint Petersburg, and coyly answered questions on his health and love life. 
&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the West was trying to hold back an increasingly powerful Russia, during an end-of-year press conference that took aim at sanctions and "made-up" spy scandals.

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the West was trying to hold back an increasingly powerful Russia, during an end-of-year press conference that took aim at sanctions and "made-up" spy scandals. At the marathon annual event he also trumpeted ambitious efforts to boost Russia's economy and warned that US plans to leave a key nuclear weapons treaty raised the risk of a new arms race. Asked about Western sanctions against Moscow, Putin said these were "connected to the growth of Russia's power". "A powerful player appears who needs to be reckoned with. Until recently it was thought there was no longer such a country," he said from behind a large wooden desk to an audience of hundreds of journalists. The Russian leader also dismissed spy scandals -- such as the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England -- as invented to damage Russia's standing. "If there hadn't been the Skripals, they would have made up something else. There is only one aim: to hold back Russia's development," he said, later lamenting that relations with Britain were at a "dead end". Putin began the press conference, as usual, by reeling off economic growth figures. "The main thing is that we need to get into a new economic league. We could very well take the fifth place in terms of size of economy. And I think we'll do that," he said. Russia's economy is currently ranked 12th in the world by the International Monetary Fund, which lists the United States first, followed by China, Japan, Germany and Britain. 'Collapse' of arms control Putin said the economy grew 1.7 percent over the first 10 months of the year, roughly in line with predictions, while unemployment was down. Full-year growth is estimated at 1.8 percent. Putin was re-elected to a fourth term in March with nearly 77 percent of the vote, but recent polls have seen his support drop below 50 percent. His previous term in the Kremlin was defined by a decline in living standards for many Russians, despite what were perceived as foreign policy wins. Raising the retirement age this year provoked anger and rare street protests but Putin said the hike was "unavoidable" when questioned on the subject. Against a backdrop of strained ties with the United States, Putin praised President Donald Trump's decision to pull troops out of Syria, but at the same time condemned his threat to withdraw from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. "We are currently looking at a collapse of the international system of arms control," Putin said, warning that there was a growing tendency to "underestimate" the threat of nuclear war. Putin also weighed in on key elections in the West, insisting Trump was legitimately elected president and that any attempt to cast doubt on this -- or the result of the Brexit referendum -- showed "disrespect" to voters. In the wide-ranging session, Putin dismissed a recent crackdown on Russian rappers as pointless and condemned the creation of an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church. And he repeated Kremlin claims that Ukraine's actions in the Kerch Strait off Crimea were a "provocation", following a naval confrontation and Russia's arrest of several Ukrainian sailors. Costumes, tambourines The Kremlin demands questions for Putin be sent in advance, but reporters every year go to great lengths to encourage the president to call on them. On Thursday one journalist was dressed as a Russian fairytale character, the snow maiden, while another came holding a tambourine. Organisers, however, put a size limit on the placards media representatives traditionally hold up to attract Putin's attention. Putin's 14th end-of-year press conference ran to three hours, 43 minutes -- roughly an hour shy of the personal record he set in 2008. The president began the annual press event in 2001. Since 2004, all December press conferences have surpassed three hours. The appearance was shown live on several TV stations, with some channels trailing the event with a day-long countdown clock. As Russia has become increasingly centralised under Putin, questions at the conference have begun to resemble lobbying attempts to resolve specific problems. This year he promised to help open a new football pitch for children in Saint Petersburg, and coyly answered questions on his health and love life.

Putin says West trying to 'hold back' powerful Russia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart&nbsp;Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria&nbsp;after declaring victory over Islamic State forces.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-top-performer-of-2019-185516">After </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-top-performer-of-2019-185516">very</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-top-performer-of-2019-185516"> troubled year, Indian rupee to be a top performer of 2019?</a>

The Indian rupee — which has been in constant decline this year, it fell over 13% in 2018 — may be a top performer of 2019, analysts have said. Tumbling oil prices have put the rupee on course for the best quarter in nearly two years.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-never-fall-in-love-on-facebook-hamid-nihal-ansari-says-after-6-years-in-pakistani-jails-185503">Watch: 'Never fall in love on Facebook,' Hamid Nehal Ansari says after 6 years in Pakistani jails</a>

"Never fall in love on Facebook," Hamid Nehal Ansari has said after spending six years in Pakistani jails.&nbsp;Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He was caught and subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for travelling on a fake passport.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-treasurer-edulji-attack-coa-chief-over-womens-coach-selection-185513">Edulji, BCCI treasurer attack CoA chief Vinod Rai over women's coach selection</a>

Questioning the selection process of the Indian women's cricket coach, BCCI acting treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry and&nbsp;Committee of Administrators&nbsp;member Diana Edulji Thursday launched a joint attack on CoA chief Vinod Rai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-quitting-nda-upendra-kushwaha-joins-mahagathbandhan-in-bihar-185506">Days after quitting NDA, Upendra Kushwaha joins 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar</a>

Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference,&nbsp;Kushwaha&nbsp;said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria after declaring victory over Islamic State forces.

Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria after declaring victory over Islamic State forces. After very troubled year, Indian rupee to be a top performer of 2019? The Indian rupee — which has been in constant decline this year, it fell over 13% in 2018 — may be a top performer of 2019, analysts have said. Tumbling oil prices have put the rupee on course for the best quarter in nearly two years. Watch: 'Never fall in love on Facebook,' Hamid Nehal Ansari says after 6 years in Pakistani jails "Never fall in love on Facebook," Hamid Nehal Ansari has said after spending six years in Pakistani jails. Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He was caught and subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for travelling on a fake passport. Edulji, BCCI treasurer attack CoA chief Vinod Rai over women's coach selection Questioning the selection process of the Indian women's cricket coach, BCCI acting treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry and Committee of Administrators member Diana Edulji Thursday launched a joint attack on CoA chief Vinod Rai. Days after quitting NDA, Upendra Kushwaha joins 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference, Kushwaha said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-islamic-state-defeated-us-will-pull-all-forces-out-of-syira-185369">Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria</a> after declaring victory over Islamic State forces.

"The fact that the US has decided to withdraw its troops is right," Putin said during his annual press conference.

Trump on Wednesday declared in a video message that "we won" and said that the troops are "coming back now."&nbsp;

Putin said that "as concerns victory over IS, on the whole I agree with the US president," adding that "we have dealt serious blows against IS in Syria."

Nevertheless he cast doubt on Washington's actions, saying "we don't see any signs of withdrawing US troops yet, but I concede that it is possible."

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria after declaring victory over Islamic State forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria after declaring victory over Islamic State forces. "The fact that the US has decided to withdraw its troops is right," Putin said during his annual press conference. Trump on Wednesday declared in a video message that "we won" and said that the troops are "coming back now." Putin said that "as concerns victory over IS, on the whole I agree with the US president," adding that "we have dealt serious blows against IS in Syria." Nevertheless he cast doubt on Washington's actions, saying "we don't see any signs of withdrawing US troops yet, but I concede that it is possible."

Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strasbourg-christmas-market-attacker-killed-after-gun-battle-183878">Strasbourg Christmas market attacker killed after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strasbourg-christmas-market-attacker-killed-after-gun-battle-183878">gun</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strasbourg-christmas-market-attacker-killed-after-gun-battle-183878"> battle</a>

French security forces on Thursday night killed the suspect, Cherif Chekatt, 29, who was allegedly responsible for the attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg in which three people had died.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/today-has-been-out-of-this-world-its-a-thumbs-up-for-astronauts-branson-on-virgin-galactics-voyage-183902">Today has been out of this world, it's a thumbs up for astronauts: Branson on Virgin Galactic's voyage into space</a>

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, flew higher than it ever has before on Thursday, surpassing what the US Air Force considers the boundary of space, and marking the first manned flight to space from US soil since 2011.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leaders-reject-mays-plea-over-brexit-deal-183880">EU leaders reject PM Theresa May's plea over Brexit deal</a>

EU leaders rejected a plea by Theresa May on Thursday to help her sell her Brexit deal to parliament, warning she must set out exactly what she wants -- and announcing they would step up contingency plans in case the deal collapses.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-going-to-open-up-whole-country-they-want-to-please-me-trump-183898">China going to open up </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-going-to-open-up-whole-country-they-want-to-please-me-trump-183898">whole</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-going-to-open-up-whole-country-they-want-to-please-me-trump-183898"> country, they want to please me: Trump</a>

In a major policy shift, China is "going to open" up the entire country, US President Donald Trump said Thursday amidst trade negotiations with the Chinese.

"I just see this in the front page of The Wall Street Journal which just came out. China is going to open its policy, a big policy shift. They are going to open the whole country, that they want to please President Trump, that they want to do things that they have to do and that people should have been after China for years, I mean frankly," Trump told Fox News in an interview.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-trump-putin-meeting-while-russia-holds-ukraine-ship-john-bolton-183876">No Trump-Putin meeting while Russia holds Ukraine ship: US NSA John Bolton</a>

There will be no meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin while Russia still holds Ukrainian ships and sailors seized near Crimea, US national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday.

Strasbourg Christmas market attacker killed after gun battle French security forces on Thursday night killed the suspect, Cherif Chekatt, 29, who was allegedly responsible for the attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg in which three people had died.

Strasbourg Christmas market attacker killed after gun battle French security forces on Thursday night killed the suspect, Cherif Chekatt, 29, who was allegedly responsible for the attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg in which three people had died. Today has been out of this world, it's a thumbs up for astronauts: Branson on Virgin Galactic's voyage into space Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, flew higher than it ever has before on Thursday, surpassing what the US Air Force considers the boundary of space, and marking the first manned flight to space from US soil since 2011. EU leaders reject PM Theresa May's plea over Brexit deal EU leaders rejected a plea by Theresa May on Thursday to help her sell her Brexit deal to parliament, warning she must set out exactly what she wants -- and announcing they would step up contingency plans in case the deal collapses. China going to open up whole country, they want to please me: Trump In a major policy shift, China is "going to open" up the entire country, US President Donald Trump said Thursday amidst trade negotiations with the Chinese. "I just see this in the front page of The Wall Street Journal which just came out. China is going to open its policy, a big policy shift. They are going to open the whole country, that they want to please President Trump, that they want to do things that they have to do and that people should have been after China for years, I mean frankly," Trump told Fox News in an interview. No Trump-Putin meeting while Russia holds Ukraine ship: US NSA John Bolton There will be no meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin while Russia still holds Ukrainian ships and sailors seized near Crimea, US national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday.

The identity card, issued more than three decades ago by East Germany's Stasi secret police, would be of little interest were it not for the name of the man staring out: Vladimir Putin.

The card was issued in 1986 when Putin was a mid-ranking KGB spy stationed in Dresden in communist East Germany, then under Russian occupation. It has lain in archives since at least 1990, when the two Germanys were reunified.

Found in archives by U.S. historian Douglas Selvage, the card was trumpeted on Tuesday by Bild newspaper as evidence Russia's now long-serving president was also working for the hated East German security service, wound up in 1990.

Bearing the serial number B 217590, the card bears Putin's signature next to the black-and-white photograph of a tie-clad young man. On the reverse side, quarterly stamps show it remained in use to the final quarter of 1989, when spreading protests precipitated East Germany's final collapse.

In a statement, the authority in charge of the Stasi archives said it was common for KGB agents stationed in the fraternal socialist German Democratic Republic to be issued passes giving them entry to Stasi offices.

"It allowed KGB representatives to access regional offices of the Ministry for State Security (Stasi)," the statement read. "That went also for Vladimir Putin, who then worked in the KGB office in Dresden... There is no evidence he worked for the Stasi."

Asked about the report on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters there would be nothing unusual in Putin having such a card.

"As is well known at the time when the Soviet Union existed, the KGB and the Stasi were partner intelligence agencies so you probably can't rule out an exchange of such identity cards," he said.

Putin worked for the KGB in Dresden from 1985 to 1990.

When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Putin, who held the rank of major, said he brandished a pistol to stop an angry crowd from ransacking his intelligence agency's offices in Dresden and purloining its files, a tactic that worked.

A fluent German speaker, his work there included recruiting informants and saw him promoted twice. Before he left, Putin said he and others burned reams of secret KGB files.

Putin went on to head Russia's FSB, the main successor agency to the KGB, before assuming the presidency in 2000.

The identity card, issued more than three decades ago by East Germany's Stasi secret police, would be of little interest were it not for the name of the man staring out: Vladimir Putin.

The identity card, issued more than three decades ago by East Germany's Stasi secret police, would be of little interest were it not for the name of the man staring out: Vladimir Putin. The card was issued in 1986 when Putin was a mid-ranking KGB spy stationed in Dresden in communist East Germany, then under Russian occupation. It has lain in archives since at least 1990, when the two Germanys were reunified. Found in archives by U.S. historian Douglas Selvage, the card was trumpeted on Tuesday by Bild newspaper as evidence Russia's now long-serving president was also working for the hated East German security service, wound up in 1990. Bearing the serial number B 217590, the card bears Putin's signature next to the black-and-white photograph of a tie-clad young man. On the reverse side, quarterly stamps show it remained in use to the final quarter of 1989, when spreading protests precipitated East Germany's final collapse. In a statement, the authority in charge of the Stasi archives said it was common for KGB agents stationed in the fraternal socialist German Democratic Republic to be issued passes giving them entry to Stasi offices. "It allowed KGB representatives to access regional offices of the Ministry for State Security (Stasi)," the statement read. "That went also for Vladimir Putin, who then worked in the KGB office in Dresden... There is no evidence he worked for the Stasi." Asked about the report on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters there would be nothing unusual in Putin having such a card. "As is well known at the time when the Soviet Union existed, the KGB and the Stasi were partner intelligence agencies so you probably can't rule out an exchange of such identity cards," he said. Putin worked for the KGB in Dresden from 1985 to 1990. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Putin, who held the rank of major, said he brandished a pistol to stop an angry crowd from ransacking his intelligence agency's offices in Dresden and purloining its files, a tactic that worked. A fluent German speaker, his work there included recruiting informants and saw him promoted twice. Before he left, Putin said he and others burned reams of secret KGB files. Putin went on to head Russia's FSB, the main successor agency to the KGB, before assuming the presidency in 2000.

Putin's Stasi identity card discovered in German archives

Ukraine's armed forces conducted military <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/war-will-continue-so-long-as-ukraine-government-stays-putin-180802">drills even as Kiev said Russia</a> has partially opened the Sea of Azov for Ukranian ships to enter the ports.

"The Berdyansk and Mariupol ports have been partially unblocked," Ukraine's infrastructure minister Volodymyr Omelyan said.

Ukraine and Russia have been at loggerheads after the Russian Navy last week seized three Ukranian ships and took at least 24 sailors into custody. Russia has refused to free the sailors and hasn't released the ships amid sustained Western pressure.

"We can see how instead of thirty soldiers, who were invited to arrive at a military commission in order to participate in exercises, 165 soldiers came - with backpacks and ready to defend Ukraine at any time," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said.&nbsp;

Ukranian forces conducted drills in the north of the capital bordering Russia as tensions between the two countries continued unabated. Ukraine had imposed martial law on November 26th after the skirmish with Russian forces in the Sea of Azov.

Canadian armed forces joined Ukraine's land forces during the drill. Canadian commander Jean-Marc Lanthier said Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.

However, in the past two days, tensions have eased as Russia began to open the sea route.

"Ships are coming and going through the Kerch Strait towards Ukrainian ports... movement has been partially restored," a Ukranian ministry statement said.

Meanwhile, EU nations including Poland called for tougher sanctions on Russia amid the standoff.

Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz said: If they are ready to use more than ten military ships and the whole military mechanism against two Ukrainian motor boats and one tug, can you imagine what they are able to use in the Baltic Sea in order to protect Nord Stream 2?"

Last week, Ukrainian state border guards allowed only Ukrainian citizens to cross the border into Crimea. Ukraine had earlier barred entry of Russian men aged between 16-60 years from entering its territory.

President Petro Poroshenko had said banning Russian men was important for stopping a full-scale invasion.&nbsp;

Ukraine's armed forces conducted military drills even as Kiev said Russia has partially opened the Sea of Azov for Ukranian ships to enter the ports. "The Berdyansk and Mariupol ports have been partially unblocked," Ukraine's infrastructure minister Volodymyr Omelyan said.

Ukraine's armed forces conducted military drills even as Kiev said Russia has partially opened the Sea of Azov for Ukranian ships to enter the ports. "The Berdyansk and Mariupol ports have been partially unblocked," Ukraine's infrastructure minister Volodymyr Omelyan said. Ukraine and Russia have been at loggerheads after the Russian Navy last week seized three Ukranian ships and took at least 24 sailors into custody. Russia has refused to free the sailors and hasn't released the ships amid sustained Western pressure. "We can see how instead of thirty soldiers, who were invited to arrive at a military commission in order to participate in exercises, 165 soldiers came - with backpacks and ready to defend Ukraine at any time," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said. Ukranian forces conducted drills in the north of the capital bordering Russia as tensions between the two countries continued unabated. Ukraine had imposed martial law on November 26th after the skirmish with Russian forces in the Sea of Azov. Canadian armed forces joined Ukraine's land forces during the drill. Canadian commander Jean-Marc Lanthier said Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. However, in the past two days, tensions have eased as Russia began to open the sea route. "Ships are coming and going through the Kerch Strait towards Ukrainian ports... movement has been partially restored," a Ukranian ministry statement said. Meanwhile, EU nations including Poland called for tougher sanctions on Russia amid the standoff. Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz said: If they are ready to use more than ten military ships and the whole military mechanism against two Ukrainian motor boats and one tug, can you imagine what they are able to use in the Baltic Sea in order to protect Nord Stream 2?" Last week, Ukrainian state border guards allowed only Ukrainian citizens to cross the border into Crimea. Ukraine had earlier barred entry of Russian men aged between 16-60 years from entering its territory. President Petro Poroshenko had said banning Russian men was important for stopping a full-scale invasion.

Watch: Ukraine conducts military drill as Russia partially reopens Azov Sea ports

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-it-is-suspending-new-china-tariffs-for-90-days-180809">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-it-is-suspending-new-china-tariffs-for-90-days-180809"> says it is suspending new China tariffs for 90 days</a>

The United States said Saturday that it agreed in a long-awaited summit with China to suspend new tariffs for 90 days as the two powers seek to end a trade war.

The White House said a threatened increase of tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 to 25 percent, which was set to take effect on January 1, would be put off for 90 days.&nbsp;

"If at the end of this period of time, the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the 10 percent tariffs will be raised to 25 percent," a White House statement said after dinner talks between President Donald Trump and his counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Buenos Aires.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/war-will-continue-so-long-as-ukraine-government-stays-putin-180802">War will continue so long as Ukraine government stays: Putin</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine "as long as the current authorities remain in power."

"The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-putin-explains-his-side-of-the-story-to-trump-180807">Putin briefs Trump on Ukraine-Russia conflict</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he briefed his US counterpart Donald Trump on the Ukraine crisis as he came under pressure over Moscow's robust foreign policy at the G20 summit in Argentina.

Putin said he explained Moscow's position to Trump when the leaders met briefly at a summit dinner Friday.

"We spoke standing up. I replied to his questions about the incident in the Black Sea," Putin told reporters at the end of the summit.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-g20-pm-talks-about-trade-wars-and-terror-180797">At G20, Modi says trade war can do collateral damage to emerging economies</a>

Day 2 of the G20 summit came to an end Saturday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on the issue of terror and highlighting how trade wars can be detrimental to global economies.

Briefing the media, India's sherpa at the G20, Shaktikanta Das, said, "The PM highlighted escalating trade tension and the collateral damage it can do to emerging economies."

The big focus at this year's G20 has been the trade war between the world's two biggest economies, the US and China.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/spider-man-is-back-and-this-time-hes-black-and-latino-180806">Spider-Man is back. And this time he's black and Latino</a>

For what seems like the umpteenth time, Spider-Man is back on the big screen.&nbsp;

But this year, when Hollywood is under the microscope on the hot-button issue of diversity, the superhero is half-black and half-Latino.

Step aside, Peter Parker. There's a new Spidey in town. Hello, Miles Morales.

US says it is suspending new China tariffs for 90 days The United States said Saturday that it agreed in a long-awaited summit with China to suspend new tariffs for 90 days as the two powers seek to end a trade war.

US says it is suspending new China tariffs for 90 days The United States said Saturday that it agreed in a long-awaited summit with China to suspend new tariffs for 90 days as the two powers seek to end a trade war. The White House said a threatened increase of tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 to 25 percent, which was set to take effect on January 1, would be put off for 90 days. "If at the end of this period of time, the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the 10 percent tariffs will be raised to 25 percent," a White House statement said after dinner talks between President Donald Trump and his counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Buenos Aires. War will continue so long as Ukraine government stays: Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine "as long as the current authorities remain in power." "The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina. Putin briefs Trump on Ukraine-Russia conflict Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he briefed his US counterpart Donald Trump on the Ukraine crisis as he came under pressure over Moscow's robust foreign policy at the G20 summit in Argentina. Putin said he explained Moscow's position to Trump when the leaders met briefly at a summit dinner Friday. "We spoke standing up. I replied to his questions about the incident in the Black Sea," Putin told reporters at the end of the summit. At G20, Modi says trade war can do collateral damage to emerging economies Day 2 of the G20 summit came to an end Saturday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on the issue of terror and highlighting how trade wars can be detrimental to global economies. Briefing the media, India's sherpa at the G20, Shaktikanta Das, said, "The PM highlighted escalating trade tension and the collateral damage it can do to emerging economies." The big focus at this year's G20 has been the trade war between the world's two biggest economies, the US and China. Spider-Man is back. And this time he's black and Latino For what seems like the umpteenth time, Spider-Man is back on the big screen. But this year, when Hollywood is under the microscope on the hot-button issue of diversity, the superhero is half-black and half-Latino. Step aside, Peter Parker. There's a new Spidey in town. Hello, Miles Morales.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he briefed his US counterpart Donald Trump on the Ukraine crisis as he came under pressure over Moscow's robust foreign policy at the G20 summit in Argentina.

Putin said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/war-will-continue-so-long-as-ukraine-government-stays-putin-180802">he explained Moscow's position to Trump</a> when the leaders met briefly at a summit dinner Friday.

"We spoke standing up. I replied to his questions about the incident in the Black Sea," Putin told reporters at the end of the summit.

Putin strode into the summit under a cloud, having drawn outrage from Europe over last week's incident in which his navy detained three Ukrainian ships and 24 sailors -- causing Trump to abruptly cancel their scheduled meeting.

Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko kept up the pressure from Kiev, saying Putin had refused to take his calls since the crisis started.

He said that when the incident happened, he instructed his office to set up a call with the Kremlin leader to say "we are ready for this negotiation to de-escalate... and unfortunately, until now, Putin do not answer my request for direct phone conversation."

Poroshenko told France 24 in an interview that Ukraine would try to resolve the standoff diplomatically but insisted Russian forces withdraw from Crimea, and return its ships and sailors "captured illegally in the neutral water of the Black Sea."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel took Putin to task at length over the naval spat, a day after French President Emmanuel Macron urged him to "de-escalate" the crisis.

Merkel used a breakfast with Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit to voice her "concern" over the tensions in the Kerch Strait off Russian-annexed Crimea.

"Of course, we talked about the situation in the Sea of Azov, because it is important to avoid any aggravation," Merkel said in Buenos Aires.

Macron raised his concerns with the Russian leader at one of his first bilateral meetings, pressing him "to make the necessary gestures so that there is a de-escalation," said a French official.

Both European countries are members of the "Normandy Four" group with Moscow and Kiev, set up to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine involving Russian-backed rebels.

Merkel said she had also discussed Syria with Putin, "especially ... the Idlib region," where a fragile ceasefire has been negotiated between rebels and Syrian army forces backed by Moscow.&nbsp;

Her main focus, however, was on the situation in Ukraine.

"I want to make it quite clear, though, that free shipping to the Sea of Azov must be guaranteed to the Ukrainian coasts and cities. There is a basic contractual agreement from 2003 on this. Russia must comply with this basis," she said.

Away from the summit, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Moscow had shown "brazen contempt" for a deal "that allowed both Russian and Ukrainian ships free passage."

'Exhaustive explanations' 
Putin -- who has praised his navy for defending Russian territory -- "provided exhaustive explanations on this incident in the Black Sea, explaining everything in detail, in exactly the same manner as yesterday during his meeting with the French president," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Interfax.

According to a French aide, Friday's version entailed Putin drawing a map for Macron of the Kerch Strait, to buttress his position that the seized Ukrainian ships had intruded into Russian waters -- a claim denied by Kiev.

As for Macron, "the main message that he passed on is really that of a de-escalation," the aide said.

Far from offering comforting words, Putin said at a post-summit press conference he saw no end in sight to the four-year conflict in eastern Ukraine "as long as the current Ukrainian authorities remain in power."

"The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," he said.

The November 25 incident in the contested Kerch Strait -- which connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov -- was the first open military confrontation between Kiev and Moscow since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Merkel said Germany had suggested a meeting of the Normandy group to discuss the crisis.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he briefed his US counterpart Donald Trump on the Ukraine crisis as he came under pressure over Moscow's robust foreign policy at the G20 summit in Argentina.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he briefed his US counterpart Donald Trump on the Ukraine crisis as he came under pressure over Moscow's robust foreign policy at the G20 summit in Argentina. Putin said he explained Moscow's position to Trump when the leaders met briefly at a summit dinner Friday. "We spoke standing up. I replied to his questions about the incident in the Black Sea," Putin told reporters at the end of the summit. Putin strode into the summit under a cloud, having drawn outrage from Europe over last week's incident in which his navy detained three Ukrainian ships and 24 sailors -- causing Trump to abruptly cancel their scheduled meeting. Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko kept up the pressure from Kiev, saying Putin had refused to take his calls since the crisis started. He said that when the incident happened, he instructed his office to set up a call with the Kremlin leader to say "we are ready for this negotiation to de-escalate... and unfortunately, until now, Putin do not answer my request for direct phone conversation." Poroshenko told France 24 in an interview that Ukraine would try to resolve the standoff diplomatically but insisted Russian forces withdraw from Crimea, and return its ships and sailors "captured illegally in the neutral water of the Black Sea." German Chancellor Angela Merkel took Putin to task at length over the naval spat, a day after French President Emmanuel Macron urged him to "de-escalate" the crisis. Merkel used a breakfast with Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit to voice her "concern" over the tensions in the Kerch Strait off Russian-annexed Crimea. "Of course, we talked about the situation in the Sea of Azov, because it is important to avoid any aggravation," Merkel said in Buenos Aires. Macron raised his concerns with the Russian leader at one of his first bilateral meetings, pressing him "to make the necessary gestures so that there is a de-escalation," said a French official. Both European countries are members of the "Normandy Four" group with Moscow and Kiev, set up to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine involving Russian-backed rebels. Merkel said she had also discussed Syria with Putin, "especially ... the Idlib region," where a fragile ceasefire has been negotiated between rebels and Syrian army forces backed by Moscow. Her main focus, however, was on the situation in Ukraine. "I want to make it quite clear, though, that free shipping to the Sea of Azov must be guaranteed to the Ukrainian coasts and cities. There is a basic contractual agreement from 2003 on this. Russia must comply with this basis," she said. Away from the summit, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Moscow had shown "brazen contempt" for a deal "that allowed both Russian and Ukrainian ships free passage." 'Exhaustive explanations' Putin -- who has praised his navy for defending Russian territory -- "provided exhaustive explanations on this incident in the Black Sea, explaining everything in detail, in exactly the same manner as yesterday during his meeting with the French president," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Interfax. According to a French aide, Friday's version entailed Putin drawing a map for Macron of the Kerch Strait, to buttress his position that the seized Ukrainian ships had intruded into Russian waters -- a claim denied by Kiev. As for Macron, "the main message that he passed on is really that of a de-escalation," the aide said. Far from offering comforting words, Putin said at a post-summit press conference he saw no end in sight to the four-year conflict in eastern Ukraine "as long as the current Ukrainian authorities remain in power." "The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," he said. The November 25 incident in the contested Kerch Strait -- which connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov -- was the first open military confrontation between Kiev and Moscow since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Merkel said Germany had suggested a meeting of the Normandy group to discuss the crisis.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Putin explains his side of the story to Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-confirms-seizing-three-ukrainian-naval-ships-off-crimea-179412">the conflict in eastern Ukraine</a> "as long as the current authorities remain in power."

"The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina.

"As long as they remain in power, the war will continue," the Russian leader said.

The conflict pitting Russian separatists against Ukrainian government forces is estimated to have claimed more than 10,000 lives -- one-third of them civilian -- since it broke out four years ago.

The war has strained relations with Western powers. They blame Putin for starting the conflict in 2014, when his forces annexed Crimea, laying the ground for Russian separatists to seize cities in eastern Ukraine.

Heavy military spending and the loss of vital industries in the separatist regions have weighed heavily on Ukraine's economy.

And Kiev has received only around half of a $17.5 billion rescue loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) because of the slow pace of reforms that include anti-corruption measures.

But Putin dismissed Ukraine's economic problems on Saturday, saying, "It's always easier to blame economic failures on war."

"It's always the 'outside aggressor' who is guilty," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine "as long as the current authorities remain in power." "The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine "as long as the current authorities remain in power." "The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina. "As long as they remain in power, the war will continue," the Russian leader said. The conflict pitting Russian separatists against Ukrainian government forces is estimated to have claimed more than 10,000 lives -- one-third of them civilian -- since it broke out four years ago. The war has strained relations with Western powers. They blame Putin for starting the conflict in 2014, when his forces annexed Crimea, laying the ground for Russian separatists to seize cities in eastern Ukraine. Heavy military spending and the loss of vital industries in the separatist regions have weighed heavily on Ukraine's economy. And Kiev has received only around half of a $17.5 billion rescue loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) because of the slow pace of reforms that include anti-corruption measures. But Putin dismissed Ukraine's economic problems on Saturday, saying, "It's always easier to blame economic failures on war." "It's always the 'outside aggressor' who is guilty," he said.

War will continue so long as Ukraine government stays: Putin

While the world leaders at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-sidelined-in-g20-family-photo-180611">did not pay much heed to the Saudi crown prince</a> Mohammed bin Salman, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday exchanged a high-five with him on the first day of the summit.

Putin who took the seat next to the Crown prince at the plenary session at the G20 Summit laughed heartily with him while exchanging the high-five.

Putin's friendly behaviour towards the crown prince contrasted sharply with that of other leaders at the summit who sidelined the crown prince over the suspicious killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

Prince Mohammed was also&nbsp;sidelined during the official "family photo" of world leaders at Friday's gathering. He then quickly exited the stage without shaking hands or talking with the other leaders.

There has been rising furore regarding a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report that hints at Salman's hand in Khashoggi`s killing. The US president has refused to confirm the findings, while continuously reiterating the importance of having Saudi Arabia as an ally.

Russia has also refrained from criticising Saudi Arabia or the crown prince over the killing. Putin said in October he lacked information about the matter and said Russia would not tear up its relations with Saudi Arabia because of it.

However, Moscow has also fostered strong ties with Saudi Arabia's regional arch-foe Iran. Russia and Iran back President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, while Saudi Arabia along with Western countries have backed some rebel groups.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, US President Trump had earlier cancelled his meeting with Russian President Putin&nbsp;during the G20 summit.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

While the world leaders at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina did not pay much heed to the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday exchanged a high-five with him on the first day of the summit.

While the world leaders at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina did not pay much heed to the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday exchanged a high-five with him on the first day of the summit. Putin who took the seat next to the Crown prince at the plenary session at the G20 Summit laughed heartily with him while exchanging the high-five. Putin's friendly behaviour towards the crown prince contrasted sharply with that of other leaders at the summit who sidelined the crown prince over the suspicious killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. Prince Mohammed was also sidelined during the official "family photo" of world leaders at Friday's gathering. He then quickly exited the stage without shaking hands or talking with the other leaders. There has been rising furore regarding a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report that hints at Salman's hand in Khashoggi`s killing. The US president has refused to confirm the findings, while continuously reiterating the importance of having Saudi Arabia as an ally. Russia has also refrained from criticising Saudi Arabia or the crown prince over the killing. Putin said in October he lacked information about the matter and said Russia would not tear up its relations with Saudi Arabia because of it. However, Moscow has also fostered strong ties with Saudi Arabia's regional arch-foe Iran. Russia and Iran back President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, while Saudi Arabia along with Western countries have backed some rebel groups. Meanwhile, in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, US President Trump had earlier cancelled his meeting with Russian President Putin during the G20 summit. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Putin exchanges high-five with Saudi crown prince at G20 summit

Putin and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince exchanged a high-five at G20 Summit

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-asks-nato-to-send-ships-to-back-it-in-conflict-with-russia-180117">Ukraine asks NATO to send ships to back it in conflict with Russia</a>

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia.

"Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he told Germany's Bild daily.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-defends-lawful-seizure-of-ukrainian-ships-180120">Vladimir Putin defends 'lawful' seizure of Ukrainian ships</a>

President Vladimir Putin insisted Wednesday that Russian forces were in the right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend, but President Donald Trump expressed "deep concern" at Moscow's actions against a US ally.

In his first extensive remarks since the confrontation at sea on Sunday, Putin said it had been orchestrated by Kiev as a "provocation".

He said the Ukrainian ships had entered Russian territorial waters and refused to respond to requests to stop from Russian patrol boats.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-studying-new-auto-tariffs-after-general-motors-announces-job-cuts-180128">Trump studying new auto tariffs after General Motors announces job cuts</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that new auto tariffs were "being studied now," asserting they could prevent job cuts such as the US layoffs and plant closures that General Motors Co announced this week.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-love-and-respect-for-sidhu-in-pakistan-than-in-india-harsimrat-kaur-180122">More love and respect for Sidhu in Pakistan than in India: Harsimrat Kaur Badal</a>

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said that he seems to be getting more love and respect from Pakistan than India.

Badal`s statement comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor across the border said that Sidhu can also win elections in his country.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-made-to-look-like-butchers-against-psg-says-klopp-180125">Champions League: Liverpool made to look 'like butchers' against PSG, says Klopp</a>

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said his team "looked like butchers" because of the reactions of the Paris Saint-Germain players to challenges during the French team's 2-1 Champions League win on Wednesday.

"We are one of the fairest teams in England but tonight we looked like butchers," Klopp said.&nbsp;

Liverpool -- beaten in each of their past five games away from Anfield in the Champions League -- now face the real prospect of missing out on the knockout stages just six months after reaching the final against Real Madrid.

Ukraine asks NATO to send ships to back it in conflict with Russia Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia.

Ukraine asks NATO to send ships to back it in conflict with Russia Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia. "Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he told Germany's Bild daily. Vladimir Putin defends 'lawful' seizure of Ukrainian ships President Vladimir Putin insisted Wednesday that Russian forces were in the right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend, but President Donald Trump expressed "deep concern" at Moscow's actions against a US ally. In his first extensive remarks since the confrontation at sea on Sunday, Putin said it had been orchestrated by Kiev as a "provocation". He said the Ukrainian ships had entered Russian territorial waters and refused to respond to requests to stop from Russian patrol boats. Trump studying new auto tariffs after General Motors announces job cuts US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that new auto tariffs were "being studied now," asserting they could prevent job cuts such as the US layoffs and plant closures that General Motors Co announced this week. More love and respect for Sidhu in Pakistan than in India: Harsimrat Kaur Badal Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said that he seems to be getting more love and respect from Pakistan than India. Badal`s statement comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor across the border said that Sidhu can also win elections in his country. Champions League: Liverpool made to look 'like butchers' against PSG, says Klopp Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said his team "looked like butchers" because of the reactions of the Paris Saint-Germain players to challenges during the French team's 2-1 Champions League win on Wednesday. "We are one of the fairest teams in England but tonight we looked like butchers," Klopp said. Liverpool -- beaten in each of their past five games away from Anfield in the Champions League -- now face the real prospect of missing out on the knockout stages just six months after reaching the final against Real Madrid.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia.

"Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he told Germany's Bild daily.

President Vladimir Putin insisted Wednesday that Russian forces were right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend.

But Poroshenko charged that Putin "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-warns-of-threat-of-full-scale-war-with-russia-179864">wants nothing less than to occupy the sea</a>. The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world.

"We cannot accept this aggressive policy of Russia. First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov.&nbsp;

"Germany, too, has to ask itself: What will Putin do next if we do not stop him?" he added on the day Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman was to visit Berlin.

Russia fired on and then seized three Ukrainian ships on Sunday, accusing them of illegally entering its waters in the Sea of Azov, in a dramatic spike in tensions that raises fears of a wider escalation.

Kiev accused Russia, which annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, of launching "a new phase of aggression".

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday demanded Russia free the Ukrainian ships and sailors, warning Moscow that "its actions have consequences".

Poroshenko also told the German newspaper that German "Chancellor (Angela) Merkel is a great friend of Ukraine.&nbsp;

"In 2015, she already saved our country through her negotiations in Minsk, and we hope she will once again support us so strongly, together with our other allies.

"Putin wants to bring back the old Russian Empire. Crimea, Donbas, he wants the whole country," he added.&nbsp;

"As a Russian emperor, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine, he sees us as a colony."

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia. "Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he told Germany's Bild daily. President Vladimir Putin insisted Wednesday that Russian forces were right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend. But Poroshenko charged that Putin "wants nothing less than to occupy the sea. The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world. "We cannot accept this aggressive policy of Russia. First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov. "Germany, too, has to ask itself: What will Putin do next if we do not stop him?" he added on the day Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman was to visit Berlin. Russia fired on and then seized three Ukrainian ships on Sunday, accusing them of illegally entering its waters in the Sea of Azov, in a dramatic spike in tensions that raises fears of a wider escalation. Kiev accused Russia, which annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, of launching "a new phase of aggression". NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday demanded Russia free the Ukrainian ships and sailors, warning Moscow that "its actions have consequences". Poroshenko also told the German newspaper that German "Chancellor (Angela) Merkel is a great friend of Ukraine. "In 2015, she already saved our country through her negotiations in Minsk, and we hope she will once again support us so strongly, together with our other allies. "Putin wants to bring back the old Russian Empire. Crimea, Donbas, he wants the whole country," he added. "As a Russian emperor, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine, he sees us as a colony."

Ukraine asks NATO to send ships to back it in conflict with Russia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-pledges-50-million-to-un-palestinian-refugee-agency-179969">Saudi Arabia</a>'s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman landed in Buenos Aires on Wednesday for the G20 summit of industrialized nations, Argentine state television reported, a visit fraught with controversy over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Human Rights Watch asked Argentina on Monday to use a war crimes clause in its constitution to investigate any involvement by the crown prince in possible crimes against humanity in Yemen and Khashoggi's murder.

Prince Mohammed arrived in Buenos Aires from Tunisia, where he was met by protesters who denounced him as a murderer for the killing of Khashoggi. He was greeted by Argentine foreign minister Jorge Faurie.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he hoped to meet US President Donald Trump at the G20 summit in Argentina later this week and to talk about trade barriers. It remains unclear whether the meeting will take place.

The G20 leaders summit begins on Friday.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman landed in Buenos Aires on Wednesday for the G20 summit of industrialized nations, Argentine state television reported, a visit fraught with controversy over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman landed in Buenos Aires on Wednesday for the G20 summit of industrialized nations, Argentine state television reported, a visit fraught with controversy over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Human Rights Watch asked Argentina on Monday to use a war crimes clause in its constitution to investigate any involvement by the crown prince in possible crimes against humanity in Yemen and Khashoggi's murder. Prince Mohammed arrived in Buenos Aires from Tunisia, where he was met by protesters who denounced him as a murderer for the killing of Khashoggi. He was greeted by Argentine foreign minister Jorge Faurie. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he hoped to meet US President Donald Trump at the G20 summit in Argentina later this week and to talk about trade barriers. It remains unclear whether the meeting will take place. The G20 leaders summit begins on Friday.

Saudi crown prince Salman arrives in Argentina for G20 summit

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he may cancel his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Argentina because of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-warns-of-threat-of-full-scale-war-with-russia-179864">Russia`s maritime clash with Ukraine</a>.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Trump said he was awaiting a "full report" from his national security team Tuesday evening about Russia’s capture of three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews on Sunday.

"That will be very determinative," Trump told the Post. "Maybe I won`t have the meeting. Maybe I won`t even have the meeting ... I don`t like that aggression. I don`t want that aggression at all," he said.

Trump is due to meet Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, which convenes on Friday and Saturday. The Trump-Putin meeting will cover security issues, arms control, and issues in the Middle East and Ukraine, White House national security John Bolton told reporters.&nbsp;

Russia opened fire on the Ukrainian boats and then seized them and their crews on Sunday near Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Moscow and Kiev have tried to pin the blame on each other for the incident.&nbsp;

The US State Department urged European nations on Tuesday to do more to assist Ukraine in its standoff with Russia.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he may cancel his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Argentina because of Russia`s maritime clash with Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he may cancel his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Argentina because of Russia`s maritime clash with Ukraine. In an interview with the Washington Post, Trump said he was awaiting a "full report" from his national security team Tuesday evening about Russia’s capture of three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews on Sunday. "That will be very determinative," Trump told the Post. "Maybe I won`t have the meeting. Maybe I won`t even have the meeting ... I don`t like that aggression. I don`t want that aggression at all," he said. Trump is due to meet Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, which convenes on Friday and Saturday. The Trump-Putin meeting will cover security issues, arms control, and issues in the Middle East and Ukraine, White House national security John Bolton told reporters. Russia opened fire on the Ukrainian boats and then seized them and their crews on Sunday near Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Moscow and Kiev have tried to pin the blame on each other for the incident. The US State Department urged European nations on Tuesday to do more to assist Ukraine in its standoff with Russia.

Trump says he may cancel meeting with Putin at G20 over Ukraine conflict

As tensions between<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-russia-rams-navy-tugboat-off-crimea-179358"> Ukraine and Russia continued</a> to simmer, US President Trump said he wasn't happy about it.

Russian President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-signs-decree-to-introduce-martial-law-amid-tensions-with-russia-179605">Vladimir Putin expressed</a> "serious concern" on the current Ukraine-Russia situation. Putin called German Chancellor Angela Merkel and requested her to intervene.

"We do not like what's happening, either way we don't like what's happening and hopefully they'll get straight," the US president said, adding, "I know Europe is not they are not thrilled, they're working on it too."

"We're all working on it together," Trump said.

The situation turned into an ugly spat after Russia refused to return the two armoured artillery vessels and a tug boat which was involved in a skirmish with the Russian Navy. &nbsp;

President Petro Poroshenko on Monday pressed for a decree to impose martial law in the country, a move which was backed by Ukrainian lawmakers today.

The martial law will be imposed for the next 30 days in areas vulnerable to attack by Russia. Relations between the two countries nosedived after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 setting off a cold war-like situation.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called Russia to free Ukrainian ships and sailors while emphasising freedom of navigation for Ukraine in the sea of Azov and Kerch Strait. 
&nbsp; 
"There is no justification for the use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel," Stoltenberg said.

Ukraine has put its military on high alert after its ships were involved in a clash in the Sea of Azov. Kiev has urged Western nations to consider further sanctions against Moscow.

Russia, on the other hand, has reiterated that Ukraine provoked the situation by entering its territory. Russia reopened the Kerch Strait near Crimea Sea of Azov on Monday even as tensions continued to boil. Russian jet fighters flew over a bridge connecting the Russian mainland with the Crimean Peninsula&nbsp;

Kerch Strait links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, dividing Crimea from southern Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the Ukrainian vessels of illegally intruding into Russian territorial waters and of ignoring attempts by Russian border guards to contact them.&nbsp;

As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continued to simmer, US President Trump said he wasn't happy about it. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed "serious concern" on the current Ukraine-Russia situation.

As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continued to simmer, US President Trump said he wasn't happy about it. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed "serious concern" on the current Ukraine-Russia situation. Putin called German Chancellor Angela Merkel and requested her to intervene. "We do not like what's happening, either way we don't like what's happening and hopefully they'll get straight," the US president said, adding, "I know Europe is not they are not thrilled, they're working on it too." "We're all working on it together," Trump said. The situation turned into an ugly spat after Russia refused to return the two armoured artillery vessels and a tug boat which was involved in a skirmish with the Russian Navy. President Petro Poroshenko on Monday pressed for a decree to impose martial law in the country, a move which was backed by Ukrainian lawmakers today. The martial law will be imposed for the next 30 days in areas vulnerable to attack by Russia. Relations between the two countries nosedived after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 setting off a cold war-like situation. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called Russia to free Ukrainian ships and sailors while emphasising freedom of navigation for Ukraine in the sea of Azov and Kerch Strait. "There is no justification for the use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel," Stoltenberg said. Ukraine has put its military on high alert after its ships were involved in a clash in the Sea of Azov. Kiev has urged Western nations to consider further sanctions against Moscow. Russia, on the other hand, has reiterated that Ukraine provoked the situation by entering its territory. Russia reopened the Kerch Strait near Crimea Sea of Azov on Monday even as tensions continued to boil. Russian jet fighters flew over a bridge connecting the Russian mainland with the Crimean Peninsula Kerch Strait links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, dividing Crimea from southern Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the Ukrainian vessels of illegally intruding into Russian territorial waters and of ignoring attempts by Russian border guards to contact them.

Watch: Don't like Russia-Ukraine situation, Europe and US working on it, says Trump

German foreign minister&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-russia-rams-navy-tugboat-off-crimea-179358">Heiko Maas said today that</a> Russian blockade of the passage into the Sea of Azov was&nbsp;not acceptable and urged both Russia and Ukraine to de-escalate tensions.

Heiko Maas called for the opening of the blockade as tensions simmered between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia's FSB security service said its border patrol boats had seized two small Ukrainian armoured artillery vessels and a tug boat after opening fire. The security agency said three Ukrainian sailors were injured in the clash.

Russian foreign ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of sending the ships to deliberately provoke Russia. Ukraine said its ships hadn't done anything wrong.

The Ukraine vessels had allegedly ignored warnings sent by the Russian navy, the officials claimed.

Tensions between the two countries have been simmering since Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea in 2014 leading to worldwide condemnation. Ukraine asked the international community to punish Russia as the latest skirmish threatened to disrupt the uneasy peace.

Meanwhile, the UN will meet on Monday over the latest development on the request of both Russian and Ukrainian officials. Both the European Union and NATO urged both countries to exercise restraint and de-escalate the situation.

NATO said it will hold an emergency meeting with Ukrainian officials at alliance headquarters in Brussels on Monday.

Canada and Denmark sided with the Ukraine government as Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland asked Russia to release the captured vessels.

Meanwhile, the FSB has said Russia has opened a criminal case against Ukraine for ships illegal entry into Russia's territorial waters.

A bilateral treaty gives both Russia and Ukraine the right to use the Sea of Azov.&nbsp;

Russia had built road bridge linking southern Russia where the Kerch Strait is located after annexing Crimea. Ukraine has key ports in the Sea of Azov which has become the latest tug of war between the two countries.

German foreign minister Heiko Maas said today that Russian blockade of the passage into the Sea of Azov was not acceptable and urged both Russia and Ukraine to de-escalate tensions.

German foreign minister Heiko Maas said today that Russian blockade of the passage into the Sea of Azov was not acceptable and urged both Russia and Ukraine to de-escalate tensions. Heiko Maas called for the opening of the blockade as tensions simmered between Russia and Ukraine. Russia's FSB security service said its border patrol boats had seized two small Ukrainian armoured artillery vessels and a tug boat after opening fire. The security agency said three Ukrainian sailors were injured in the clash. Russian foreign ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of sending the ships to deliberately provoke Russia. Ukraine said its ships hadn't done anything wrong. The Ukraine vessels had allegedly ignored warnings sent by the Russian navy, the officials claimed. Tensions between the two countries have been simmering since Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea in 2014 leading to worldwide condemnation. Ukraine asked the international community to punish Russia as the latest skirmish threatened to disrupt the uneasy peace. Meanwhile, the UN will meet on Monday over the latest development on the request of both Russian and Ukrainian officials. Both the European Union and NATO urged both countries to exercise restraint and de-escalate the situation. NATO said it will hold an emergency meeting with Ukrainian officials at alliance headquarters in Brussels on Monday. Canada and Denmark sided with the Ukraine government as Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland asked Russia to release the captured vessels. Meanwhile, the FSB has said Russia has opened a criminal case against Ukraine for ships illegal entry into Russia's territorial waters. A bilateral treaty gives both Russia and Ukraine the right to use the Sea of Azov. Russia had built road bridge linking southern Russia where the Kerch Strait is located after annexing Crimea. Ukraine has key ports in the Sea of Azov which has become the latest tug of war between the two countries.

NATO calls emergency meeting over Russia-Ukraine standoff at Sea of Azov

Russia and Japan have agreed to accelerate talks to formally end World War II hostilities, using a Soviet-era peace declaration as their starting point and throwing into doubt the fate of four disputed islands.

The two countries are still technically at war, with neither side historically prepared to budge on a row over the ownership of the islands seized by Russia in the closing days of the conflict.

President Vladimir Putin first suggested the two countries sign a peace treaty "without any preconditions" in September but this was coolly received in Japan.

Diplomatic efforts have accelerated in recent months however and, after talks in Singapore Wednesday between Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, progress was announced.

Putin said Russia had "resumed dialogue with our Japanese partners on the basis of the 1956 declaration, exactly what our Japanese partners asked us to do.

"We are ready to work with them."

Japanese foreign ministry spokesman Takeshi Osuga confirmed both sides had agreed to push ahead with talks.&nbsp;

"Both leaders agreed to accelerate the negotiation of a peace treaty on the basis of the Japan USSR joint declaration of 1956," he told reporters on Thursday.

The 1956 declaration restored diplomatic ties but Tokyo and Russia stopped short of signing a formal peace treaty due to the territorial row.&nbsp;

At the time Russia offered to give Japan the two smallest islands in the strategically-located Kuril chain, occupied by Soviet troops at the end of the war in 1945, in exchange for agreeing to a treaty and Moscow keeping the bigger islands.&nbsp;

But this idea was rejected by Japan, which still claims the entire chain.

Some Japanese media interpreted Thursday's announcement as a shift in Tokyo's historical position, meaning that Abe might ultimately be willing to give up some territory in exchange for reaching a deal.

Japanese chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga hailed the news as "extremely significant".&nbsp;

"The government has always kept a policy direction of staying flexible... There is no change to this point."

Historically, Japan insists the islands, which were once inhabited by the Ainu indigenous people, have never belonged to anyone else.

Russia considers them spoils of war as agreed between then US president Franklin Roosevelt and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in 1945.&nbsp;

Strategically, control of the islands gives Russia year-round access to the Pacific Ocean for its Pacific fleet of warships and submarines based in Vladivostok, as the surrounding water does not freeze in winter.

Russia and Japan have agreed to accelerate talks to formally end World War II hostilities, using a Soviet-era peace declaration as their starting point and throwing into doubt the fate of four disputed islands.

Russia and Japan have agreed to accelerate talks to formally end World War II hostilities, using a Soviet-era peace declaration as their starting point and throwing into doubt the fate of four disputed islands. The two countries are still technically at war, with neither side historically prepared to budge on a row over the ownership of the islands seized by Russia in the closing days of the conflict. President Vladimir Putin first suggested the two countries sign a peace treaty "without any preconditions" in September but this was coolly received in Japan. Diplomatic efforts have accelerated in recent months however and, after talks in Singapore Wednesday between Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, progress was announced. Putin said Russia had "resumed dialogue with our Japanese partners on the basis of the 1956 declaration, exactly what our Japanese partners asked us to do. "We are ready to work with them." Japanese foreign ministry spokesman Takeshi Osuga confirmed both sides had agreed to push ahead with talks. "Both leaders agreed to accelerate the negotiation of a peace treaty on the basis of the Japan USSR joint declaration of 1956," he told reporters on Thursday. The 1956 declaration restored diplomatic ties but Tokyo and Russia stopped short of signing a formal peace treaty due to the territorial row. At the time Russia offered to give Japan the two smallest islands in the strategically-located Kuril chain, occupied by Soviet troops at the end of the war in 1945, in exchange for agreeing to a treaty and Moscow keeping the bigger islands. But this idea was rejected by Japan, which still claims the entire chain. Some Japanese media interpreted Thursday's announcement as a shift in Tokyo's historical position, meaning that Abe might ultimately be willing to give up some territory in exchange for reaching a deal. Japanese chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga hailed the news as "extremely significant". "The government has always kept a policy direction of staying flexible... There is no change to this point." Historically, Japan insists the islands, which were once inhabited by the Ainu indigenous people, have never belonged to anyone else. Russia considers them spoils of war as agreed between then US president Franklin Roosevelt and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in 1945. Strategically, control of the islands gives Russia year-round access to the Pacific Ocean for its Pacific fleet of warships and submarines based in Vladivostok, as the surrounding water does not freeze in winter.

Abe, Putin to accelerate WWII treaty talks stalled by island row

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that he is not scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his Paris visit this weekend, news agency AFP reported. He also added that he will not stop Russia collusion probe.

According to reports, US President Donald <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-says-putin-trump-will-speak-briefly-in-paris-this-weekend-176091">Trump was expected to "briefly" speak with his Russian counterpart</a> when the two presidents meet in Paris this weekend for World War I centenary events, an advisor for the Russian leader said Wednesday.

"It has been agreed that the leaders of the US and Russia will talk only briefly in Paris, it will be a standing meeting," foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov said, Russian news agencies reported.

The prospect of a full meeting between Putin and Trump had prompted huge international media interest, the advisor said, adding that the French organisers had expressed concern this could overshadow the commemorations.&nbsp;

Trump said Monday he did not expect to hold talks with Putin during the November 11 events, which 60 heads of state and government are expected to attend.

Meanwhile, Trump also stated that he will meet North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un 'early next year', adding that although he is 'happy' with North Korea talks, there is 'no rush,' news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

In a wide-ranging news conference after congressional elections, Trump said he was willing to accede to North Korea's key demand of easing sanctions "but they have to be responsive to us."

(With inputs from AFP)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that he is not scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his Paris visit this weekend, news agency AFP reported.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that he is not scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his Paris visit this weekend, news agency AFP reported. He also added that he will not stop Russia collusion probe. According to reports, US President Donald Trump was expected to "briefly" speak with his Russian counterpart when the two presidents meet in Paris this weekend for World War I centenary events, an advisor for the Russian leader said Wednesday. "It has been agreed that the leaders of the US and Russia will talk only briefly in Paris, it will be a standing meeting," foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov said, Russian news agencies reported. The prospect of a full meeting between Putin and Trump had prompted huge international media interest, the advisor said, adding that the French organisers had expressed concern this could overshadow the commemorations. Trump said Monday he did not expect to hold talks with Putin during the November 11 events, which 60 heads of state and government are expected to attend. Meanwhile, Trump also stated that he will meet North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un 'early next year', adding that although he is 'happy' with North Korea talks, there is 'no rush,' news agency AFP reported. In a wide-ranging news conference after congressional elections, Trump said he was willing to accede to North Korea's key demand of easing sanctions "but they have to be responsive to us." (With inputs from AFP)

Trump says no meeting with Putin set during Paris visit, hopes to meet North Korea's Kim 'early next year'

&nbsp;The White House has formally invited President Vladimir Putin to Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Friday, returning to an idea that was put on hold in July amid anger in the US&nbsp;over the prospect of such a summit.

President Donald Trump held a summit with Putin in Helsinki, the Finnish capital, and then issued Putin an invitation to visit Washington in the autumn. But that was postponed after Trump was accused of cozying up to the Kremlin.

"We have invited President Putin to Washington," Bolton said at a news conference during a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia, days after meeting Putin and senior security officials in Moscow.

It was not immediately clear if Putin had accepted the invitation, which is for next year.

Bolton, in a separate interview with Reuters, strongly criticised Russian foreign policy, saying Moscow's behaviour on the world stage was one of the reasons Washington had imposed sanctions on Russia and was now considering imposing more.

"It will be helpful if they (the Russians) stop interfering in our election ... get out of Crimea and the Donbass in Ukraine ... stop using illegal chemical weapons to conduct assassination attempts against Russian exiles in the West, and if they would be less intrusive in the Middle East," he said.

Russia denies meddling in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election, sending soldiers and equipment to eastern Ukraine, and has rejected Western allegations it was behind the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Britain.

Putin last held a meeting with a US&nbsp;president on American soil in 2015 when he met Barack Obama on the sidelines of a UN&nbsp;General Assembly.

Trump's earlier invitation to Putin sparked an outcry in Washington, including from lawmakers in Trump's Republican party, who argued that Putin was an adversary not worthy of a White House visit.

Trump has said it is in US&nbsp;interests to establish a solid working relationship with Putin however.

Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting in Paris on Nov. 11 on the sidelines of events to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One.

Bolton said that the Paris meeting would be brief and more of "a base-touching exercise."

"One of the most important subjects they will discuss is whether President Putin will accept President Trump's invitation to come to Washington or will President Putin once again extend his invitation to President Trump to go to Moscow," said Bolton.

"I think what President Trump would like would be more of an opportunity to discuss the issues at length and we'll have to see when it gets on the schedule."

The White House has formally invited President Vladimir Putin to Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Friday, returning to an idea that was put on hold in July amid anger in the US over the prospect of such a summit.

The White House has formally invited President Vladimir Putin to Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Friday, returning to an idea that was put on hold in July amid anger in the US over the prospect of such a summit. President Donald Trump held a summit with Putin in Helsinki, the Finnish capital, and then issued Putin an invitation to visit Washington in the autumn. But that was postponed after Trump was accused of cozying up to the Kremlin. "We have invited President Putin to Washington," Bolton said at a news conference during a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia, days after meeting Putin and senior security officials in Moscow. It was not immediately clear if Putin had accepted the invitation, which is for next year. Bolton, in a separate interview with Reuters, strongly criticised Russian foreign policy, saying Moscow's behaviour on the world stage was one of the reasons Washington had imposed sanctions on Russia and was now considering imposing more. "It will be helpful if they (the Russians) stop interfering in our election ... get out of Crimea and the Donbass in Ukraine ... stop using illegal chemical weapons to conduct assassination attempts against Russian exiles in the West, and if they would be less intrusive in the Middle East," he said. Russia denies meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, sending soldiers and equipment to eastern Ukraine, and has rejected Western allegations it was behind the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Britain. Putin last held a meeting with a US president on American soil in 2015 when he met Barack Obama on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly. Trump's earlier invitation to Putin sparked an outcry in Washington, including from lawmakers in Trump's Republican party, who argued that Putin was an adversary not worthy of a White House visit. Trump has said it is in US interests to establish a solid working relationship with Putin however. Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting in Paris on Nov. 11 on the sidelines of events to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One. Bolton said that the Paris meeting would be brief and more of "a base-touching exercise." "One of the most important subjects they will discuss is whether President Putin will accept President Trump's invitation to come to Washington or will President Putin once again extend his invitation to President Trump to go to Moscow," said Bolton. "I think what President Trump would like would be more of an opportunity to discuss the issues at length and we'll have to see when it gets on the schedule."

US invites Putin to Washington, but says get out of Ukraine

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