Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Mar 18) congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation.

In his message to the Russian president, PM Modi said that he was looking forward to further strengthen strategic partnership ties between India and Russia.

The Indian prime minister took to his official social media account and wrote, "Warm congratulations to H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin on his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation."

"Look forward to working together to further strengthen the time-tested Special &amp; Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia in the years to come. @KremlinRussia," PM Modi said.

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Warm congratulations to H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin on his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation. Look forward to working together to further strengthen the time-tested Special &amp; Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia in the years to come.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1769695046268309797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Putin wins elections</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed a landslide victory in the country's presidential elections extending his rule till 2030.&nbsp;

Vladimir Putin won 87.28% of the votes in the presidential election based on the results of processing 100% of the protocols, according to the CEC data. 
 
Putin's closest opponent, the Communist Party's Nikolay Kharitonov secured the second spot with 4.31% of the votes polled whereas New People Party candidate Vladislav Davankov stood third with 3.85% votes and Leonid Slutsky (LDPR) got&nbsp;3.20%. 
 
The CEC will announce the official election results at a special meeting on Thursday.

The voter turnout across Russia topped 74 per cent, the country's Central Election Commission said.&nbsp;

In a speech at his campaign headquarters on Sunday evening, Putin attempted to denounce the Western criticism of the elections and told his supporters that the West's reaction was on "expected" lines.&nbsp;

"What did you want, for them to applaud us? They’re fighting with us in an armed conflict … their goal is to contain our development. Of course, they are ready to say anything," he said.

<h2>Putin clinches landslide victory in 'new' territories&nbsp;</h2>

Putin gained 94.12 per cent of the votes in Luhansk and over 95 per cent in the Donetsk region, sometimes collectively referred to as the Donbas region that Russia now claims as its own in the wake of the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

The Russian state media reported that the results from the Republics of Tyva, Khakassia, and Yakutia, the regions of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Khabarovsk, and from Chukotka Autonomous Region also show Putin leading with roughly 90 per cent of the vote.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Mar 18) congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation. In his message to the Russian president, PM Modi said that he was looking forward to further strengthen strategic partnership ties between India and Russia.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Mar 18) congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation. In his message to the Russian president, PM Modi said that he was looking forward to further strengthen strategic partnership ties between India and Russia. The Indian prime minister took to his official social media account and wrote, "Warm congratulations to H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin on his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation." "Look forward to working together to further strengthen the time-tested Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia in the years to come. @KremlinRussia," PM Modi said. Warm congratulations to H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin on his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation. Look forward to working together to further strengthen the time-tested Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia in the years to come.… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 18, 2024 × Putin wins elections Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed a landslide victory in the country's presidential elections extending his rule till 2030. Vladimir Putin won 87.28% of the votes in the presidential election based on the results of processing 100% of the protocols, according to the CEC data. Putin's closest opponent, the Communist Party's Nikolay Kharitonov secured the second spot with 4.31% of the votes polled whereas New People Party candidate Vladislav Davankov stood third with 3.85% votes and Leonid Slutsky (LDPR) got 3.20%. The CEC will announce the official election results at a special meeting on Thursday. The voter turnout across Russia topped 74 per cent, the country's Central Election Commission said. In a speech at his campaign headquarters on Sunday evening, Putin attempted to denounce the Western criticism of the elections and told his supporters that the West's reaction was on "expected" lines. "What did you want, for them to applaud us? They’re fighting with us in an armed conflict … their goal is to contain our development. Of course, they are ready to say anything," he said. Putin clinches landslide victory in 'new' territories Putin gained 94.12 per cent of the votes in Luhansk and over 95 per cent in the Donetsk region, sometimes collectively referred to as the Donbas region that Russia now claims as its own in the wake of the war in Ukraine. The Russian state media reported that the results from the Republics of Tyva, Khakassia, and Yakutia, the regions of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Khabarovsk, and from Chukotka Autonomous Region also show Putin leading with roughly 90 per cent of the vote. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi congratulates Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election

Russian President Vladimir Putin clinched a historic fifth term, securing a landslide victory in the presidential polls with no serious challengers. In his victory speech Putin vowed to strengthen Russia's military.

Vladimir Putin wins Russian presidential polls for record fifth term

President Vladimir Putin won a record post-Soviet landslide in Russia's election on Sunday, cementing his already tight grip on power in a victory he said showed Moscow had been right to stand up to the West and send its troops into Ukraine.

Russia Elections: US says, 'Russian vote neither free nor fair'

Russia Elections: Navalny's widow writes her late husband's name on ballot

Putin wins poll with 87.97% votes, Opponents stage 'noon against Putin' protest

A Russian ballistic missile strike devastated a residential area in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, Ukraine on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and injuring over 70 others, marking Moscow's deadliest attack in weeks, according to Ukrainian officials.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the vile strike, vowing that Ukrainian forces would deliver a fair response to Russia for the assault on a city that has faced near-daily attacks by Russian drones or missiles throughout the month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-in-ukrainian-shelling-in-russias-belgorod-region-as-russian-presidential-vote-begins-700476">14 killed in Russian missile strike on Odesha, 1 dead in Ukraine shelling in Belgorod as Russian polls start</a>

Ukrainian regional governor Oleh Kiper reported that two Iskander-M missiles launched from the Russian-occupied Crimea peninsula caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, gas pipelines, and electricity supply lines in Odesa. Some residents experienced disruptions in gas and electricity services due to the strikes.

Kiper described the impact as severe, particularly from the second missile, emphasising its swift trajectory from the occupied Crimea. Tragically, a medic and rescuer were killed by a subsequent missile strike while attending to victims of the initial attack, with ten individuals sustaining serious injuries.

Zelensky assured that the Ukrainian Defense Forces would retaliate against the "Russian killers" in a proportionate manner.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-russia-enters-election-mode-with-new-territories-from-ukraine-top-points-700217" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-russia-enters-election-mode-with-new-territories-from-ukraine-top-points-700217&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiK8fiRpfaEAxV1yDgGHbw6BxMQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3KZwd27cpWZqZPHImV2vtL&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-russia-enters-election-mode-with-new-territories-from-ukraine-top-points-700217" target="_blank">Putin's&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;enters election mode with 'new' territories from Ukraine</a>

In response to the casualties, residents rushed to donate blood, leading to long queues at medical centers, prompting local authorities to declare Saturday as a day of mourning.

The assault obliterated a three-story recreational facility and approximately ten private residences, as confirmed by the southern military command. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to extinguish fires and clear debris, while bodies were solemnly attended to and laid out for identification.

Odesa, a vital Ukrainian port, has been a frequent target of Russian aggression, particularly following Moscow's withdrawal from a UN-brokered agreement that had ensured safe passage for Ukrainian grain shipments via the Black Sea.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia holds presidential election amid war with Ukraine

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Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak characterised the attack as Russian terror,&nbsp;underscoring the enemy's vulnerability as it engages in brutalities against civilians while struggling to maintain security within its own borders.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-threatens-west-says-moscow-ready-for-nulcear-war-699619" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-threatens-west-says-moscow-ready-for-nulcear-war-699619&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiK8fiRpfaEAxV1yDgGHbw6BxMQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2bep6ERhDMqxv1iVrhEoBp&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-threatens-west-says-moscow-ready-for-nulcear-war-699619" target="_blank">Putin threatens West, says Moscow 'ready' for nuclear war</a>

Despite Moscow's denial of targeting civilians, numerous civilian casualties have resulted from recurrent Russian airstrikes across Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine has retaliated using long-range drones, notably targeting oil refineries in the lead-up to Russia's presidential election from March 15-17, including an assault on a small refinery in Russia's Kaluga region.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian ballistic missile strike devastated a residential area in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, Ukraine on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and injuring over 70 others, marking Moscow's deadliest attack in weeks, according to Ukrainian officials.

A Russian ballistic missile strike devastated a residential area in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, Ukraine on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and injuring over 70 others, marking Moscow's deadliest attack in weeks, according to Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the vile strike, vowing that Ukrainian forces would deliver a fair response to Russia for the assault on a city that has faced near-daily attacks by Russian drones or missiles throughout the month. Also read: 14 killed in Russian missile strike on Odesha, 1 dead in Ukraine shelling in Belgorod as Russian polls start Ukrainian regional governor Oleh Kiper reported that two Iskander-M missiles launched from the Russian-occupied Crimea peninsula caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, gas pipelines, and electricity supply lines in Odesa. Some residents experienced disruptions in gas and electricity services due to the strikes. Kiper described the impact as severe, particularly from the second missile, emphasising its swift trajectory from the occupied Crimea. Tragically, a medic and rescuer were killed by a subsequent missile strike while attending to victims of the initial attack, with ten individuals sustaining serious injuries. Zelensky assured that the Ukrainian Defense Forces would retaliate against the "Russian killers" in a proportionate manner. Also read: Putin's Russia enters election mode with 'new' territories from Ukraine In response to the casualties, residents rushed to donate blood, leading to long queues at medical centers, prompting local authorities to declare Saturday as a day of mourning. The assault obliterated a three-story recreational facility and approximately ten private residences, as confirmed by the southern military command. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to extinguish fires and clear debris, while bodies were solemnly attended to and laid out for identification. Odesa, a vital Ukrainian port, has been a frequent target of Russian aggression, particularly following Moscow's withdrawal from a UN-brokered agreement that had ensured safe passage for Ukrainian grain shipments via the Black Sea. Watch: Russia holds presidential election amid war with Ukraine × Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak characterised the attack as Russian terror, underscoring the enemy's vulnerability as it engages in brutalities against civilians while struggling to maintain security within its own borders. Also read: Putin threatens West, says Moscow 'ready' for nuclear war Despite Moscow's denial of targeting civilians, numerous civilian casualties have resulted from recurrent Russian airstrikes across Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukraine has retaliated using long-range drones, notably targeting oil refineries in the lead-up to Russia's presidential election from March 15-17, including an assault on a small refinery in Russia's Kaluga region. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky says Russia will get 'fair response' for Odesa strike that killed at least 20

Putin wins another term as Russian President in a landslide victory

Russia is holding presidential elections but the fighting is unabated between Moscow and Kyiv. Russia accused Ukraine on Saturday (local time) of using "terrorist activities" to try to disrupt its presidential election and former President Dmitry Medvedev decried as "traitors" the scattered protesters who have tried to set fire to voting booths and pour dye into ballot boxes. Watch to know more!

Russia Elections 2024: Vladimir Putin tightens grip on power in Russian election

Russia began voting on Friday in an election set to prolong President Vladimir Putin's rule by six more years. Nearly 100,000 polling stations have been set up across the country. Watch in for more details!

Russia holds presidential election amid war with Ukraine

Polls opened in Russia's Far East for the first of the 3 days of voting in a presidential election set to prolong President Vladimir Putin's rule by six more years. Voting is also taking place in the Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine who are the candidates contesting against Putin and who all were barred from running all this in our next report.

Russian elections 2024: Who is on and off the ballot in Russia?

Polls opened in Russia's Far East for the first of the 3 days of voting in a presidential election set to prolong President Vladimir Putin's rule by six more years. Voting is also taking place in the Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine who are the candidates contesting against Putin and who all were barred from running all this in our next report. Watch to know more!

Russia Elections 2024: Occupied Ukrainian territories encouraged to vote in Russian election

Polls opened in Russia's Far East for the first of the 3 days of voting in a presidential election set to prolong President Vladimir Putin's rule by six more years. Voting is also taking place in the Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine, who are the candidates contesting against Putin and who all were barred from running all this in our next report. Watch to know more!

Russia Elections 2024: Russia holds election amidst escalating war with Ukraine

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu & Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov voted in the Presidential election. Russia's Defence Ministry released a video clip of both top generals casting their ballots.

Russia's top generals Shoigu and Gerasimov vote in Presidential election

Europe’s credibility will be destroyed if Russia is allowed to win in Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron has warned, as he defended his refusal to rule out sending troops to the country...

Russia-Ukraine war: If Ukraine falls, our security will be at risk: Macron

The end is nowhere in sight in the Russia Ukraine war. Russia is only beefing up its Arsenal while Ukraine struggles to get more arms and Aid despite Kyiv being in urgent need for aid from its allies. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Is Russia preparing for a long war?

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday urged Russians to vote for him at a "difficult" time for the country, hours before polls open. Watch in for more details!

Russia's Putin makes final pitch to voters ahead of election

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Mar 13) warned the West that the country was technically prepared for nuclear war and that if the United States sent its troops to Ukraine, it would lead to a significant escalation.

Speaking days ahead of the March 15-17 election in which Putin is certain to clinch victory and remain in power for the next six years, the Russian president said that the nuclear war scenario was not "rushing" up and as of now there is no need of using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

"From a military-technical point of view, we are, of course, ready," said Putin, while speaking to Rossiya-1 television and news agency RIA when asked if the country was prepared for a nuclear war.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-have-thwarted-attempted-incursions-from-ukraine-699433">Russia claims to have thwarted attempted incursions from Ukraine</a>

Putin added that the United States understood that if American troops were deployed on Russian territory or in Ukraine, Russia would see it as an intervention.

"(In the United States) there are enough specialists in the field of Russian-American relations and in the field of strategic restraint," said Putin.

"Therefore, I don't think that here everything is rushing to it (nuclear confrontation), but we are ready for this," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>'Weapons exist to be used'&nbsp;</h2>

Putin said that the Kremlin's nuclear doctrine clearly specifies&nbsp;the circumstances in which nuclear weapons may be used by the country.&nbsp;

"Weapons exist in order to use them. We have our own principles," said Putin.&nbsp;

Till now, Russia and the United States are the largest nuclear powers and have more than 90 per cent of the nuclear weapons present in the world under their control.

"Russia is ready for negotiations on Ukraine, but they should be based on reality - and not on cravings after the use of psychotropic drugs," said Putin.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war | Missiles hit apartment buildings in Ukraine

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He said that if nuclear tests are conducted by the United States, Russia might do the same. "It's not necessary ... we still need to think about it, but I don't rule out that we can do the same," he said.&nbsp;

Putin further said that Russia never faced the need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, against which it has waged a war since February 2022. "Why do we need to use weapons of mass destruction? There has never been such a need," he said.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Mar 13) warned the West that the country was technically prepared for nuclear war and that if the United States sent its troops to Ukraine, it would lead to a significant escalation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Mar 13) warned the West that the country was technically prepared for nuclear war and that if the United States sent its troops to Ukraine, it would lead to a significant escalation. Speaking days ahead of the March 15-17 election in which Putin is certain to clinch victory and remain in power for the next six years, the Russian president said that the nuclear war scenario was not "rushing" up and as of now there is no need of using nuclear weapons in Ukraine. "From a military-technical point of view, we are, of course, ready," said Putin, while speaking to Rossiya-1 television and news agency RIA when asked if the country was prepared for a nuclear war. Also Read: Russia claims to have thwarted attempted incursions from Ukraine Putin added that the United States understood that if American troops were deployed on Russian territory or in Ukraine, Russia would see it as an intervention. "(In the United States) there are enough specialists in the field of Russian-American relations and in the field of strategic restraint," said Putin. "Therefore, I don't think that here everything is rushing to it (nuclear confrontation), but we are ready for this," he added. 'Weapons exist to be used' Putin said that the Kremlin's nuclear doctrine clearly specifies the circumstances in which nuclear weapons may be used by the country. "Weapons exist in order to use them. We have our own principles," said Putin. Till now, Russia and the United States are the largest nuclear powers and have more than 90 per cent of the nuclear weapons present in the world under their control. "Russia is ready for negotiations on Ukraine, but they should be based on reality - and not on cravings after the use of psychotropic drugs," said Putin. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war | Missiles hit apartment buildings in Ukraine He said that if nuclear tests are conducted by the United States, Russia might do the same. "It's not necessary ... we still need to think about it, but I don't rule out that we can do the same," he said. Putin further said that Russia never faced the need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, against which it has waged a war since February 2022. "Why do we need to use weapons of mass destruction? There has never been such a need," he said. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin threatens West, says Moscow 'ready' for nuclear war

President Vladimir Putin's foreign intelligence service accused the United States of trying to meddle in Russia's presidential election and said that Washington even had plans to launch a cyber-attack on the online voting system.

Russia's spy service accuses US of trying to meddle in presidential polls

Russia's elite is expecting President Vladimir Putin to reshuffle government positions to bring in younger people after what it sees as the formality of his resounding election victory this weekend, four sources close to the authorities said.

In control of all state levers and with no serious political competitors, Putin - in power as president or prime minister since the last day of 1999 - is widely expected to win what will be his fifth presidential term and another six years in power.

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The four sources, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject, said they expected younger people to be brought into more senior government positions, including perhaps as deputy ministers and heads of ministerial departments, and for an older generation of government officials to be demoted or retire after the election.

One of the sources said ministerial portfolios were being reviewed too and that the reshuffle was expected to take place in May.

Changes at major state corporations, state energy behemoths and in Russia's more than 80 regional governorships are also seen as possible, the sources said. The Kremlin says it never comments on planned personnel changes ahead of time.

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At a time when Russia is waging war with Ukraine and needs continuity, two of the sources said they did not expect Putin to change his defence and foreign ministers, however.

"You don't change horses mid-stream," said the first source, who added that it would be surprising if Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, 68, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who turns 74 later this month, did not keep their posts.

In office since 2020, Mikhail Mishustin, the 58-year-old technocratic prime minister, is also expected to keep his job, they said. So is Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, three sources said.

YOUNGER GENERATION

Planned changes at the top of major ministries and in security agencies will only take place after the end of what Putin calls his special military operation in Ukraine, the first source said.

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The second source also expected a post-election reshuffle that would bring more younger people into play. Putin has not made major changes to the government since 2020.

Changes made to the constitution that same year allowed Putin, 71, to remain in power until 2036 if re-elected on Sunday and again in 2030.

But the tightly-controlled political system he has built and consolidated under his control over more than two decades affords less job security to his subordinates, even those of the same generation, given the need to renew the ranks to prepare for the future.

Apart from Shoigu and Lavrov, some of the older members of the current government include Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov, 72, Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev, 70, and Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev, 68.

In the meantime, a younger generation of officials, some of them the sons and daughters of serving ministers and bureaucrats - nicknamed red princes and princesses by some Russian political analysts - are rising through the ranks.

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Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev, 46, for example, is the son of 72-year old Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia's Security Council.

Putin's presidential administration has launched a series of programmes designed to identify and train a new generation of senior leaders, which includes a "reserve list" of 100 candidates.

Ahead of the election, speculation is swirling in particular around Boris Kovalchuk, the 46-year-old son of Putin ally and friend Yuri Kovalchuk, after the Kommersant daily newspaper reported earlier this month that he would be moving on for bigger things from his current post as head of the giant Inter RAO energy company. Inter RAO declined to comment.

Russia's elite is expecting President Vladimir Putin to reshuffle government positions to bring in younger people after what it sees as the formality of his resounding election victory this weekend, four sources close to the authorities said.

Russia's elite is expecting President Vladimir Putin to reshuffle government positions to bring in younger people after what it sees as the formality of his resounding election victory this weekend, four sources close to the authorities said. In control of all state levers and with no serious political competitors, Putin - in power as president or prime minister since the last day of 1999 - is widely expected to win what will be his fifth presidential term and another six years in power. Also read: Russia says US planning to launch cyber attacks The four sources, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject, said they expected younger people to be brought into more senior government positions, including perhaps as deputy ministers and heads of ministerial departments, and for an older generation of government officials to be demoted or retire after the election. One of the sources said ministerial portfolios were being reviewed too and that the reshuffle was expected to take place in May. Changes at major state corporations, state energy behemoths and in Russia's more than 80 regional governorships are also seen as possible, the sources said. The Kremlin says it never comments on planned personnel changes ahead of time. Also read: 'Any war is a tragedy', says Russian President Putin At a time when Russia is waging war with Ukraine and needs continuity, two of the sources said they did not expect Putin to change his defence and foreign ministers, however. "You don't change horses mid-stream," said the first source, who added that it would be surprising if Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, 68, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who turns 74 later this month, did not keep their posts. In office since 2020, Mikhail Mishustin, the 58-year-old technocratic prime minister, is also expected to keep his job, they said. So is Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, three sources said. YOUNGER GENERATION Planned changes at the top of major ministries and in security agencies will only take place after the end of what Putin calls his special military operation in Ukraine, the first source said. Also read: Vladimir Putin says Russia upgrading nuclear arsenal The second source also expected a post-election reshuffle that would bring more younger people into play. Putin has not made major changes to the government since 2020. Changes made to the constitution that same year allowed Putin, 71, to remain in power until 2036 if re-elected on Sunday and again in 2030. But the tightly-controlled political system he has built and consolidated under his control over more than two decades affords less job security to his subordinates, even those of the same generation, given the need to renew the ranks to prepare for the future. Apart from Shoigu and Lavrov, some of the older members of the current government include Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov, 72, Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev, 70, and Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev, 68. In the meantime, a younger generation of officials, some of them the sons and daughters of serving ministers and bureaucrats - nicknamed red princes and princesses by some Russian political analysts - are rising through the ranks. Also read: Vladimir Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev, 46, for example, is the son of 72-year old Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia's Security Council. Putin's presidential administration has launched a series of programmes designed to identify and train a new generation of senior leaders, which includes a "reserve list" of 100 candidates. Ahead of the election, speculation is swirling in particular around Boris Kovalchuk, the 46-year-old son of Putin ally and friend Yuri Kovalchuk, after the Kommersant daily newspaper reported earlier this month that he would be moving on for bigger things from his current post as head of the giant Inter RAO energy company. Inter RAO declined to comment.

Russian elite expects Putin to reshuffle some positions after election win

A recent survey poll is indicating that Zelensky will not win if elections were held now and according to the survey Zelensky is trailing behind the former General Zaluzhny. Watch in for more details!

Zelensky's popularity takes a hit; 41% of voters back Zaluzhny in first-round voting, says poll

An explosive report in the American media has revealed that in 2022, the U.S. had taken the help of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to avert a possible Russian nuclear strike on Ukraine. The report says that U.S. had already begun preparing for a possible nuclear catastrophe. Here are the details.

Gravitas: India's PM Modi helps avert a nuclear catastrophe

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach, coupled with diplomatic efforts from various countries, played a pivotal role in preventing Russia from a "potential nuclear attack" on Ukraine, a CNN report claimed.

PM Modi's outreach to Putin helped prevent potential nuclear war: CNN, hails PM Modi's diplomacy

Indian PM Modi's outreach to Putin helped prevent potential nuclear war: Report

A visit by President Emmanuel Macron to Ukraine should take place in the coming weeks. It is the third time that a planned trip to the country has been postponed since February. Watch this video for all detais.

Russia-Ukraine war: Why did France's Macron postpone trip to Ukraine?

Multilateral prisoner exchange negotiations were underway when Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died last month, reported CNN citing several sources.

The negotiations involved Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, as well as former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton in the early stages. Abramovich has been sanctioned in the West and mostly lives in the United Arab Emirates.

Abramovich was in contact with the US and European officials, and he also maintained contacts in the Kremlin following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

CNN quoted the sources as claiming that Abramovich even went to Moscow to secure the prisoner exchange deal, and he met Russian leader Vladimir Putin just hours before prison authorities declared Navalny dead.

<h2>‘Informal negotiator’</h2>

According to Maria Pevchikh, a close aide to Navalny, Abramovich had become involved in exploring a deal and had “delivered the proposal to swap Navalny” to the Kremlin. She also claimed that he was acting as “an informal negotiator in communication with American and European officials.”

Watch:&nbsp;Hundreds bid farewell to Alexei Navalny at his funeral

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The source said Abramovich was left shocked and ‘flabbergasted’ when he heard the news of Navalny’s death. It is to be noted that the Russian authorities have been evading questions about such a prisoner exchange programme.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had side-stepped questions about Abramovich’s involvement on February 27, just 11 days after Navalny’s death, saying, “You can ask Abramovich’s representatives. This is not a question to us.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwipyvWrmuaEAxUgTGcHHWf3BL4QvOMEKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-widow-takes-up-his-call-for-big-russian-election-day-protest-697412" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-widow-takes-up-his-call-for-big-russian-election-day-protest-697412&amp;ved=2ahUKEwipyvWrmuaEAxUgTGcHHWf3BL4QvOMEKAB6BAgPEAE">Alexei Navalny`s wife Yulia Navalnaya calls for big protest on Russian election day</a>

But a US official quoted by CNN said no such formal offer was extended to the Kremlin when Navalny died. “There was no formal offer extended to Russia at the time of Navalny’s death,” the source said.

<h2>Hillary Clinton’s involvement</h2>

CNN reported that Christo Grozev, who has worked with the Navalny team for several years, approached Hillary Clinton in the summer of 2022. Clinton reportedly agreed to the idea of exchanging Navalny ‘for a Russian linked to the security service, the FSB, who had been convicted of murder in Berlin’.

Clinton also passed on the message to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

However, it was unclear whether a final framework of the deal was hammered out.

(With inputs from agencies)

Multilateral prisoner exchange negotiations were underway when Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died last month, reported CNN citing several sources. The negotiations involved Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, as well as former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton in the early stages.

Multilateral prisoner exchange negotiations were underway when Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died last month, reported CNN citing several sources. The negotiations involved Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, as well as former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton in the early stages. Abramovich has been sanctioned in the West and mostly lives in the United Arab Emirates. Abramovich was in contact with the US and European officials, and he also maintained contacts in the Kremlin following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. CNN quoted the sources as claiming that Abramovich even went to Moscow to secure the prisoner exchange deal, and he met Russian leader Vladimir Putin just hours before prison authorities declared Navalny dead. ‘Informal negotiator’ According to Maria Pevchikh, a close aide to Navalny, Abramovich had become involved in exploring a deal and had “delivered the proposal to swap Navalny” to the Kremlin. She also claimed that he was acting as “an informal negotiator in communication with American and European officials.” Watch: Hundreds bid farewell to Alexei Navalny at his funeral × The source said Abramovich was left shocked and ‘flabbergasted’ when he heard the news of Navalny’s death. It is to be noted that the Russian authorities have been evading questions about such a prisoner exchange programme. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had side-stepped questions about Abramovich’s involvement on February 27, just 11 days after Navalny’s death, saying, “You can ask Abramovich’s representatives. This is not a question to us.” Also read: Alexei Navalny`s wife Yulia Navalnaya calls for big protest on Russian election day But a US official quoted by CNN said no such formal offer was extended to the Kremlin when Navalny died. “There was no formal offer extended to Russia at the time of Navalny’s death,” the source said. Hillary Clinton’s involvement CNN reported that Christo Grozev, who has worked with the Navalny team for several years, approached Hillary Clinton in the summer of 2022. Clinton reportedly agreed to the idea of exchanging Navalny ‘for a Russian linked to the security service, the FSB, who had been convicted of murder in Berlin’. Clinton also passed on the message to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. However, it was unclear whether a final framework of the deal was hammered out. (With inputs from agencies)

Prisoner exchange negotiations were ‘underway’ with Kremlin before Navalny’s death: Report

US President Joe Biden kicked off his speech by calling for Congress to support Ukraine. Anyone who thinks Russian President Vladimir Putin will stop with the war in Ukraine is wrong, he said. "Now my predecessor, a former Republican president, tells Putin, quote, 'Do whatever you want,'" Biden said. "I think it's outrageous, it's dangerous and it's unacceptable." Biden, who has been pushing Congress to provide additional funding to Ukraine for its war with Russia, also had a message for Putin: "We will not walk away," he said.

Biden warns Putin over Ukraine war, says 'I will not back down' | US State of Union Address

US State of Union Address 2024: President Joe Biden welcomes Sweden to NATO

The federal Medicare program need to bargain for at least 50 prescription medicine costs annually, according to President Joe Biden, rather than the existing goal of 20 medications.

Biden's address 2024: Biden promises to bring down price of prescription medicine

Delivering his third State of the Union address on Friday morning (IST), US President Joe Biden confronted numerous obstacles, including managing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the pressured US economy, and the Israel-Hamas conflict. The US president aided Ukraine at the start of his speech. Throughout the conflict with Russia, Biden has pushed for the passage of additional military aid for Ukraine.

Biden's address 2024: Biden warns Putin  that he  will not bow down in his state address

In his third State of Union address, President Biden attempted to take a defiant political tone aimed at the gridlock on Congress, never missing an oppurtunity to criticise his Opposition, Trump.

US State of Union Address: US President Joe Biden gives a clear message to Russian President Putin

US President Joe Biden delivered his annual State of the Union address to US Congress. Biden started his State of the Union Address with a focus on defending democracy economic recovery and Reproductive Rights but before any of this was brought up he attacked Russian President Putin for the Ukraine war. Biden warned Putin that he will not back down.

US President Biden's State of the Union Address; says, 'Political violence has no place in US'

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