Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit NATO member Turkey to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on February 12. Putin’s visit will be his first to a NATO member since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russian President Putin to visit NATO member Turkey on Feb 12

Some Russians are fighting against Russian President Putin alongside the Ukrainian army. Why are they doing that? What do they want?

Gravitas | Who are the Russians fighting against Putin?

Russian President Vladimir Putin is believed to own a highly guarded residence near Russia's border with Finland. Reports suggest that the complex has "three modern-style houses, two helicopter pads, as well as a personal waterfall."

'Secret Putin home' discovered near Finland

<p>Kremlin challenger Boris Nadezhdin has claimed to have collected enough signatures to stand as a candidate in Russia's upcoming presidential election. The former local councillor, known for his outspoken criticism of Putin and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stated that he submitted more than the required 100,000 signatures to the electoral authorities. The electoral commission must now review his application.</p>

<p>Nadezhdin&nbsp;positions himself as Russia's unexpected anti-war candidate against Vladimir Putin in the upcoming election. The bespectacled former bureaucrat, now an academic, is endorsed by notable figures like Alexei Navalny's wife and exiled oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky.</p>

<p>Nadezhdin, representing the Civic Initiative Party, aims to alter Russia's trajectory. Despite acknowledging he may not secure the presidency, his focus lies on achieving the best possible outcome. His primary objectives include halting the conflict with Ukraine, ending the military mobilization of Russian men, and fostering dialogue with the West. He also condemns Russia's repression of LGBTQ+ activism.</p>

<p>Putin, running independently, has already collected over 3 million signatures.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;'Secret Putin home' discovered near Finland</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Surprising popular support</strong></h2>

<p>Nadezhdin's unexpected surge in popularity has drawn supporters nationwide, with videos showing&nbsp;queues in various cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and even the Far East city of Yakutsk. Some speculate the Kremlin's surprise at Nadezhdin's momentum, though Putin's spokesperson downplays him as a non-rival.</p>

<p>Analysts debate whether Nadezhdin is a Kremlin-backed project aimed at lending false legitimacy to the election. His past association with figures like Sergei Kiriyenko and Boris Nemstov raises suspicions, although his current safety suggests he might not be perceived as a genuine threat.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-elections-finns-head-to-polls-in-tight-presidential-race-amid-russia-tensions-684565">Also read |&nbsp;Finland elections: Finns head to polls in tight presidential race, amid Russia tensions</a></p>

<p>The Kremlin's swift response to opposition figures following the election announcement is evident. Alexei Navalny's disappearance for three weeks, ending in a penal colony, and the extended pretrial detention of Igor Girkin, a pro-war challenger, highlight the lengths taken to suppress dissent ahead of the March 17 election.</p>

<p>In a CNN interview, Nadezhdin expressed&nbsp;bewilderment at avoiding arrest, raising questions about the Kremlin's intentions. Despite uncertainties, his candidacy adds an unexpected dynamic to Russia's political landscape, as the nation prepares for a crucial presidential election.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Kremlin challenger Boris Nadezhdin has claimed to have collected enough signatures to stand as a candidate in Russia's upcoming presidential election. The former local councillor, known for his outspoken criticism of Putin and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stated that he submitted more than the required 100,000 signatures to the electoral authorities.

Kremlin challenger Boris Nadezhdin has claimed to have collected enough signatures to stand as a candidate in Russia's upcoming presidential election. The former local councillor, known for his outspoken criticism of Putin and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stated that he submitted more than the required 100,000 signatures to the electoral authorities. The electoral commission must now review his application. Nadezhdin positions himself as Russia's unexpected anti-war candidate against Vladimir Putin in the upcoming election. The bespectacled former bureaucrat, now an academic, is endorsed by notable figures like Alexei Navalny's wife and exiled oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Nadezhdin, representing the Civic Initiative Party, aims to alter Russia's trajectory. Despite acknowledging he may not secure the presidency, his focus lies on achieving the best possible outcome. His primary objectives include halting the conflict with Ukraine, ending the military mobilization of Russian men, and fostering dialogue with the West. He also condemns Russia's repression of LGBTQ+ activism. Putin, running independently, has already collected over 3 million signatures. Also watch | 'Secret Putin home' discovered near Finland Surprising popular support Nadezhdin's unexpected surge in popularity has drawn supporters nationwide, with videos showing queues in various cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and even the Far East city of Yakutsk. Some speculate the Kremlin's surprise at Nadezhdin's momentum, though Putin's spokesperson downplays him as a non-rival. Analysts debate whether Nadezhdin is a Kremlin-backed project aimed at lending false legitimacy to the election. His past association with figures like Sergei Kiriyenko and Boris Nemstov raises suspicions, although his current safety suggests he might not be perceived as a genuine threat. Also read | Finland elections: Finns head to polls in tight presidential race, amid Russia tensions The Kremlin's swift response to opposition figures following the election announcement is evident. Alexei Navalny's disappearance for three weeks, ending in a penal colony, and the extended pretrial detention of Igor Girkin, a pro-war challenger, highlight the lengths taken to suppress dissent ahead of the March 17 election. In a CNN interview, Nadezhdin expressed bewilderment at avoiding arrest, raising questions about the Kremlin's intentions. Despite uncertainties, his candidacy adds an unexpected dynamic to Russia's political landscape, as the nation prepares for a crucial presidential election. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Putin challenger Boris Nadezhdin, who has submitted presidential bid in Russia?

CIA Director William Burns said Tuesday that Ukraine faces a test of staying power against Russia and that if the U.S. cut off support for Kyiv it would be a mistake of “historic proportions.”

CIA Chief warns against stopping Ukraine aid

The European Union are meeting again to finalise a $50 billion aid package for Ukraine. But Hungary is apprehensive, having vetoed the move once. Will it block the aid again?

European Union to grant more financial aid to Ukraine?

Sixty-year-old Boris Nadezhdin is emerging as a key competitor to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Can the leader's anti-war stance gather enough support?

Who is Vladimir Putin's competition ahead of elections?

The Russian city of St. Petersburg on Saturday marked the 80th anniversary of the end of a devastating World War II siege by Nazi forces with a series of memorial events attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and close allies.

Russia President Vladimir Putin honours Leningrad's heroes

As per claims made by Moscow, the plane was flying to the region before the prisoner swap which was to take place on Wednesday (Jan 24) when it was hit by anti-aircraft missiles. It said there were 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war present inside the aircraft. Watch to know more!

Russian plane crash: Kyiv shot down plane, unsure if its deliberate or by accident, says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for pursuing an independent foreign policy, which is “not easy in today’s world”, and managing one of the highest rates of economic development.

Putin lauds India's independent Foreign Policy

“In the past day, 82 combat engagements took place. Russian invaders carried out 2 missile attacks and 19 airstrikes, as well as 68 MLRS attacks on the positions of the Defense Forces of Ukraine and populated areas. As a result of Russian terrorist attacks, unfortunately, there are dead and wounded among the civilian population. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged,” the report says.

Ukraine maintains defensive front positions

Ukraine said Friday that Russia had returned the bodies of 77 soldiers, days after the downing of a Russian military plane threw doubt on the future of such exchanges.

Russia returns bodies of 77 Ukrainian soldiers

Russia-Ukraine war: Bodies of 77 Ukrainian soldiers repatriated to Kyiv

Ukraine may have risked exposing a precious Patriot launcher to take out 2 prized Russian planes, experts say.

Ukraine used patriot missile to down the plane?

<p>Prominent Russian nationalist Igor Girkin was on Thursday (Jan 25) convicted by a Moscow court for inciting extremism and jailed for four years.</p>

<p>Girkin, who denied the charges, has strongly condemned President Vladimir Putin for not effectively pursuing the war against Ukraine.</p>

<p>He reportedly had also actively contributed towards instigating the conflict between Kremlin-backed separatists and Kyiv's armed forces in Ukraine's Donbas region in the year 2014.</p>

<p>Moscow City Court said Girkin was found guilty of "public calls to carry out extremist activities", further adding that the 53-year-old would serve his sentence of imprisonment in a general regime colony.</p>

<p>"I serve the Fatherland!" Girkin yelled out after the verdict was read out.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-daria-trepova-receives-27-year-prison-term-for-killing-pro-war-blogger-683584">Daria Trepova gets 27 jail years for killing pro-war blogger in bombing</a></p>

<h2><strong>Arrests outside Moscow court</strong></h2>

<p>As per news agency AFP, police had captured three people, with one of them chanting "Freedom for Girkin!" while others held posters with nationalist slogans.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia: Putin's opponent Nadezhdin backs ending Ukraine war | Race to Power</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling the accusations against Girkin "absurd", his wife rebuffed the allegations.</p>

<p>"The accusation is absolutely absurd," Girkin's wife Miroslava Reginskaya said.</p>

<p>"My husband is a hero of the Russian Spring," she added, referring to the 2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine.</p>

<p>His lawyer, Alexander Molokhov, called the sentence "an ugly judicial act", and&nbsp;said he would&nbsp;appeal against the verdict soon.</p>

<p>Girkin was arrested in 2023 over the charges of "extremism" after months of public attacks on Russian troops.</p>

<p>He had also denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin for not pushing an offensive aggressive enough against Ukraine.</p>

<p>Dubbing Putin "an old idiot", he took to his social media handle and said that the "country will not survive another six years of this cowardly mediocrity in power", before being arrested.</p>

<p>Girkin's detention was considered a prominent example of how Russia was suppressing the nationalist critics.</p>

<p>During his pre-trial custody, he launched a campaign to challenge Putin in the next presidential election scheduled to be held in March.</p>

<p>While in jail, he gave an interview to the Russian media, where he said that the country had "entered a period of acute instability" and faced "imminent catastrophe".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prominent Russian nationalist Igor Girkin was on Thursday (Jan 25) convicted by a Moscow court for inciting extremism and jailed for four years. Girkin, who denied the charges, has strongly condemned President Vladimir Putin for not effectively pursuing the war against Ukraine.

Prominent Russian nationalist Igor Girkin was on Thursday (Jan 25) convicted by a Moscow court for inciting extremism and jailed for four years. Girkin, who denied the charges, has strongly condemned President Vladimir Putin for not effectively pursuing the war against Ukraine. He reportedly had also actively contributed towards instigating the conflict between Kremlin-backed separatists and Kyiv's armed forces in Ukraine's Donbas region in the year 2014. Moscow City Court said Girkin was found guilty of "public calls to carry out extremist activities", further adding that the 53-year-old would serve his sentence of imprisonment in a general regime colony. "I serve the Fatherland!" Girkin yelled out after the verdict was read out. Also read: Daria Trepova gets 27 jail years for killing pro-war blogger in bombing Arrests outside Moscow court As per news agency AFP, police had captured three people, with one of them chanting "Freedom for Girkin!" while others held posters with nationalist slogans. WATCH | Russia: Putin's opponent Nadezhdin backs ending Ukraine war | Race to Power × Calling the accusations against Girkin "absurd", his wife rebuffed the allegations. "The accusation is absolutely absurd," Girkin's wife Miroslava Reginskaya said. "My husband is a hero of the Russian Spring," she added, referring to the 2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine. His lawyer, Alexander Molokhov, called the sentence "an ugly judicial act", and said he would appeal against the verdict soon. Girkin was arrested in 2023 over the charges of "extremism" after months of public attacks on Russian troops. He had also denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin for not pushing an offensive aggressive enough against Ukraine. Dubbing Putin "an old idiot", he took to his social media handle and said that the "country will not survive another six years of this cowardly mediocrity in power", before being arrested. Girkin's detention was considered a prominent example of how Russia was suppressing the nationalist critics. During his pre-trial custody, he launched a campaign to challenge Putin in the next presidential election scheduled to be held in March. While in jail, he gave an interview to the Russian media, where he said that the country had "entered a period of acute instability" and faced "imminent catastrophe". (With inputs from agencies)

Russia jails ultra-nationalist Putin critic Igor Girkin for four years over 'extremism' charges

Russian President Vladimir Putin showered praises on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his leadership while interacting with university students in Kaliningrad Region. He also appreciated India for following an 'independent' foreign policy, which is difficult to pursue in the current scenario.

Vladimir Putin showers praises on PM Modi, expresses admiration for Indian culture

Russian President Vladimir Putin is hinting at restarting negotiations in the ongoing Ukraine war through secret indirect channels. As per reports citing sources Russia has sent signals to United States through back channels that it may be willing to consider dropping its insistence on Ukraine's neutrality and also ultimately abandon opposition to its eventual NATO membership.

US-Russia secret back channel talks? | Talks to agree on security guarantees: Reports

Did Zelensky's men order the bombing of the Russian plane that was carrying 65 Ukrainian POWs. Russia certainly thinks so. If Moscow is right, why would Ukraine kill its soldiers? What led to the crash of Russia's 100-ton aircraft on January 24th? Was the plane even carrying POWs? We piece together the details of what has come out on this episode of Gravitas.

Gravitas: Putin fumes as Russian jet with POWs crashes near Ukraine | Did Zelensky order the hit?

Nadezhdin, a Russian opposition politician who has spoken out against the war in Ukraine, collected the necessary 100,000 signatures of support to enter the race, news agency reported on Tuesday.

Russia: Putin's opponent Nadezhdin backs ending Ukraine war | Race to Power

The CIA has launched a new campaign with a video aimed at recruiting Russians to spy for the US. CNN's Alex Marquardt reports.

CIA launches video to recruit Russian spies

Russian anti-war candidate gathers signatures to challenge Putin in presidential run

Will Russia see a Putin opponent in March polls? Russian missiles hit two Ukrainian cities

Russia-Ukraine war continues to rage on. There is no end in sight as war enters 2024. Both Kyiv & Moscow are attacking inside each other's territories. Now, Putin vows to intensify attacks on Ukraine. Watch this video for all details.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia will 'intensify' attacks on Ukraine

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in the biggest single release of captives since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022.

Russia and Ukraine exchange hundreds of prisoners of war

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin observed the Orthodox feast of Epiphany by immersing himself in frigid waters, a ritual performed in the early hours of January 19, media reports said citing Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.&nbsp;Throughout Russia, authorities have established designated bathing sites for believers, even in Siberian regions where temperatures plummeted to below -22°F. However, it is not clear where Putin took the dip on Friday (Jan 19).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yes, he did it to mark Epiphany according to tradition," Peskov confirmed when reportedly asked about the president's participation in the Epiphany dip, Moscow Times reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video of Putin immersing himself in water on Friday (Jan 19)&nbsp;is not available. However, in 2018, the video of the 65-year-old leader was publicised on Russian television where he was seen approaching a hole cut in the ice on Lake Seliger in northwestern Russia. He then plunged into the icy waters, crossing himself.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WATCH: Putin takes an icy dip to mark Orthodox Epiphany. More from <a href="https://twitter.com/ReutersTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ReutersTV</a>: <a href="https://t.co/aOw4lSGCPj">https://t.co/aOw4lSGCPj</a> <a href="https://t.co/nB9JFmwBhk">pic.twitter.com/nB9JFmwBhk</a></p>
— Reuters (@Reuters) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/954345742541426688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In adherence to Orthodox tradition, water blessed by a priest during Epiphany week is considered sacred and imbued with healing properties. Epiphany, celebrated on January 19, marks the Baptism of the Lord.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-get-real-slap-in-the-face-if-aggression-expanded-warns-hezbollah-681717">Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah</a></p>

<p>This is a significant Christian holiday observed by Orthodox believers worldwide. The act of immersing oneself in icy waters during this time is a customary practice.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-hosts-conference-of-mayors-as-us-faces-extreme-weather-conditions-681749">Biden hosts conference of Mayors as US faces extreme weather conditions</a></strong></p>

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<p>Peskov revealed that the president had followed this tradition in previous years but had not publicised it until 2018. In 2023, Putin opted for an icy dip in a Moscow suburb.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin observed the Orthodox feast of Epiphany by immersing himself in frigid waters, a ritual performed in the early hours of January 19, media reports said citing Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Russian President Vladimir Putin observed the Orthodox feast of Epiphany by immersing himself in frigid waters, a ritual performed in the early hours of January 19, media reports said citing Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Throughout Russia, authorities have established designated bathing sites for believers, even in Siberian regions where temperatures plummeted to below -22°F. However, it is not clear where Putin took the dip on Friday (Jan 19). "Yes, he did it to mark Epiphany according to tradition," Peskov confirmed when reportedly asked about the president's participation in the Epiphany dip, Moscow Times reported. The video of Putin immersing himself in water on Friday (Jan 19) is not available. However, in 2018, the video of the 65-year-old leader was publicised on Russian television where he was seen approaching a hole cut in the ice on Lake Seliger in northwestern Russia. He then plunged into the icy waters, crossing himself. WATCH: Putin takes an icy dip to mark Orthodox Epiphany. More from @ReutersTV: https://t.co/aOw4lSGCPj pic.twitter.com/nB9JFmwBhk — Reuters (@Reuters) January 19, 2018 × In adherence to Orthodox tradition, water blessed by a priest during Epiphany week is considered sacred and imbued with healing properties. Epiphany, celebrated on January 19, marks the Baptism of the Lord. Also Read | Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah This is a significant Christian holiday observed by Orthodox believers worldwide. The act of immersing oneself in icy waters during this time is a customary practice. Watch | Biden hosts conference of Mayors as US faces extreme weather conditions × Peskov revealed that the president had followed this tradition in previous years but had not publicised it until 2018. In 2023, Putin opted for an icy dip in a Moscow suburb. (With inputs from agencies)

VIRAL VIDEO | Putin takes dip in icy waters. Here's why

Russian President Vladimir Putin's campaign office announced that he has collected more than two million signatures in support of his candidacy in the March presidential election.

Russian presidential elections: Putin gathers over two million re-election signatures

"A shortage of ammunition is a very real and pressing problem that our armed forces are facing right now," Defence Minister Rustem Umerov wrote on X after speaking by video link to the group led by France and the United States.

Russia-Ukraine war: The victory in war may come down to who can last longer

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine facing critical ammunition shortage | Zelensky balmes world production

Russian police use tear gas to disperse protests that erupted in the central Bashkortostan region after a court sentenced a local activist to four years in prison. Fail Alsynov, who campaigns against gold mining in the Urals region and advocates for the protection of the large ethnic Bashkir population's language, was sentenced for "inciting hatred" in the town of Baymak.

Putin says 2020 US elections rigged, gets signatures from donetsk ahead of elections

Leaked super-secret documents from Germany's defence ministry outline a scenario where Russia goes to war with NATO. It envisages a step-by-step doomsday scenario on how Russian President Vladimir Putin could escalate the war in Ukraine to an even bigger battle in Europe.

Gravitas: Putin planning World War 3? Leaked documents from German MoD reveal NATO's worst nightmare

UK to deploy 20,000 troops alongside nato allies in a major show of strength. Grant Shapps set out his vision for deterring threats, leading among allies, and defending the UK as ‘the foundations of the world order are being shaken to their core’. Meanwhile, the UN seeks $4.2 Billion to support refugees of the Russia-Ukraine war. The agency seeks funding to aid 8.5 million people in war-ravaged spots and 2.3 million refugees.

UK to send 20,000 service personnel for NATO’s military exercises

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