At a party conference in Moscow, representatives of the ruling party of Russia reportedly unanimously supported President Vladimir Putin's candidacy for reelection.

Vladimir Putin: Russia will be sovereign or won't exist

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed Sunday to make Russia "sovereign and self-sufficient" in the face of the West, in his first campaign speech before a March vote to extend his long rule until at least 2030.

Putin addresses ruling party conference | Accuses West of disruption across sectors

5 months after China's former FM Qin Gang disappeared, reports have emerged claiming that it was Russian President Vladimir Putin who tipped Xi about Qin Gang's treachery. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Did Putin inform Xi Jinping about Qin Gang's shenanigans?

Ukraine unveils its ambitious blueprint for victory, not just on the battlefield, but in cutting-edge technology. In the midst of a 21-month conflict with Russia, the nation introduces 'Win 2030,' a strategic plan that aims to propel Ukraine to the forefront of high-tech industries.

Minister Fedorov pledges policy changes to propel tech growth

Surging egg prices, against a backdrop of high inflation and economic sanctions, are worrying the Russian authorities, especially as eggs are a symbolic and central ingredient of the festive season.

Worry in Russia as egg prices soar ahead of festive season

<p>In a shocking turn of events, the 35-year-old deputy editor-in-chief of Komsomolskaya Pravda, a newspaper famously favoured by Vladimir Putin, was discovered dead at her Moscow residence.</p>

<p>The incident, reminiscent of a series of mysterious deaths in Russia, has left authorities and the public puzzled.</p>

<p>Anna Tsareva's lifeless body was found by her father in her apartment after she had been out of contact since Sunday (Dec 10).</p>

<p>Concerned about the prolonged silence, her parents visited her residence, only to discover the tragic scene.</p>

<p>Prior to her demise, Tsareva had reportedly expressed feeling unwell and complained of a high temperature, fuelling suspicions of a potential health-related cause.</p>

<h2><strong>Speculations surrounding acute heart failure</strong></h2>

<p>While a law enforcement spokesperson confirmed the discovery of Tsareva's body, local reports have raised speculations about the cause of death, with some suggesting "acute heart failure."</p>

<p>The uncertainty surrounding the circumstances has prompted an official investigation by the police, who have yet to find any signs of forced entry into her apartment.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin's 'favourite'&nbsp;newspaper</strong></h2>

<p>Anna Tsareva, who served as the deputy editor-in-chief for six years, was a prominent figure at Komsomolskaya Pravda, Russia's largest news website with a massive readership of 83.9 million in October 2023.</p>

<p>Notably, the publication holds a special place in Vladimir Putin's esteem, as he once referred to it as his "favourite newspaper" in a document from the European Commission.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-says-unaware-of-navalnys-whereabouts-rebuffs-us-concerns-over-his-disappearance-668976">Also read |&nbsp;Kremlin says unaware of Navalny's whereabouts, rebuffs US concerns over his 'disappearance'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Eerie parallel: Vladimir Sungorkin's mysterious death</strong></h2>

<p>The untimely demise of Anna Tsareva bears an eerie resemblance to the mysterious death of her former boss, Vladimir Sungorkin, just a year ago.</p>

<p>Sungorkin, the editor-in-chief of Pravda and a key ally of President Putin, suffered a stroke during a business trip to Khabarovsk.</p>

<p>His sudden death was announced via the state media's Telegram account, noting that he had been on a trip to collect material for a book about Vladimir Arseniev, a great pioneer of the Far East.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia President Putin reveals 2 new nuclear submarines</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-president-putin-reveals-2-new-nuclear-submarines-israel-offensive-deepens-wion-speed-news-668935/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The recent tragedy has prompted the opening of a police investigation, as authorities aim to unravel the circumstances surrounding Anna Tsareva's death. Meanwhile, it's worth noting that Vladimir Sungorkin, Tsareva's predecessor, was among the Russian public figures sanctioned by the European Commission in April, following Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a shocking turn of events, the 35-year-old deputy editor-in-chief of Komsomolskaya Pravda, a newspaper famously favoured by Vladimir Putin, was discovered dead at her Moscow residence.

In a shocking turn of events, the 35-year-old deputy editor-in-chief of Komsomolskaya Pravda, a newspaper famously favoured by Vladimir Putin, was discovered dead at her Moscow residence. The incident, reminiscent of a series of mysterious deaths in Russia, has left authorities and the public puzzled. Anna Tsareva's lifeless body was found by her father in her apartment after she had been out of contact since Sunday (Dec 10). Concerned about the prolonged silence, her parents visited her residence, only to discover the tragic scene. Prior to her demise, Tsareva had reportedly expressed feeling unwell and complained of a high temperature, fuelling suspicions of a potential health-related cause. Speculations surrounding acute heart failure While a law enforcement spokesperson confirmed the discovery of Tsareva's body, local reports have raised speculations about the cause of death, with some suggesting "acute heart failure." The uncertainty surrounding the circumstances has prompted an official investigation by the police, who have yet to find any signs of forced entry into her apartment. Putin's 'favourite' newspaper Anna Tsareva, who served as the deputy editor-in-chief for six years, was a prominent figure at Komsomolskaya Pravda, Russia's largest news website with a massive readership of 83.9 million in October 2023. Notably, the publication holds a special place in Vladimir Putin's esteem, as he once referred to it as his "favourite newspaper" in a document from the European Commission. Also read | Kremlin says unaware of Navalny's whereabouts, rebuffs US concerns over his 'disappearance' Eerie parallel: Vladimir Sungorkin's mysterious death The untimely demise of Anna Tsareva bears an eerie resemblance to the mysterious death of her former boss, Vladimir Sungorkin, just a year ago. Sungorkin, the editor-in-chief of Pravda and a key ally of President Putin, suffered a stroke during a business trip to Khabarovsk. His sudden death was announced via the state media's Telegram account, noting that he had been on a trip to collect material for a book about Vladimir Arseniev, a great pioneer of the Far East. Also watch | Russia President Putin reveals 2 new nuclear submarines The recent tragedy has prompted the opening of a police investigation, as authorities aim to unravel the circumstances surrounding Anna Tsareva's death. Meanwhile, it's worth noting that Vladimir Sungorkin, Tsareva's predecessor, was among the Russian public figures sanctioned by the European Commission in April, following Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia: Deputy editor of Putin's 'favourite' newspaper found dead under mysterious circumstances

In a sinister plot, the Wagner Group is exploiting Africa's gold resources. Backed by the Kremlin, this private military company has secured over $2.5 billion from the African gold trade since the invasion of Ukraine. Gaining control of mines in the Central African Republic and Sudan, Wagner's operations extend Russia's geopolitical influence and indirectly finance its global campaigns.

Gravitas | Russia's Wagner group brings Putin a fortune from the African gold trade

Russian President Vladamir Putin held his end-of-year press conference today. He spoke about a wide range of issues spanning from Russia's objectives in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War, the current state of diplomatic relations with western countries, all the way to his country's financial health and a forecast of the Russian economy.

Gravitas | Putin asserts Russian Sovereignty & Ukraine War goals in annual presser

<p>The usage 'Putin vs Putin' may, for some, reflect the fierce nature of general competition to become Russia's president, but such a situation in a literal sense, albeit in non-political context, was witnessed by those who were present for the Putin's annual news conference in Moscow.</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin was asked a question by his own AI-generated version. The question was about Putin's body doubles, or if there were any.</p>

<p>President Putin (the real one) took about a dozen questions&nbsp;via video link from callers across the country during the conference. Putin answered these questions in front of a live audience with a moderator leading the proceedings.</p>

<p>Those present were amused when the AI-generated Putin appeared on the screen and started talking with the real one.</p>

<p>"Vladimir Vladimirovich, hello, I am a student at St Petersburg State University. I want to ask, is it true you have a lot of doubles?" asked the AI Putin.</p>

<p>"And also: How do you view the dangers that artificial intelligence and neural networks bring into our lives?"</p>

<p>The questions prompted laughter from the audience who was&nbsp;amused because of this unique situation.</p>

<p>The Russian president, who is usually quick with words appeared to take a considerable pause before answering the question from his AI self, apparently trying to decide how to answer.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Putin has just asked himself a question about AI and body doubles.<br />
<br />
This conference is insane. <a href="https://t.co/q8SflP07kZ">pic.twitter.com/q8SflP07kZ</a></p>
— Tom Watling (@TomAWatling) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomAWatling/status/1735275600074432847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I see you may resemble me and speak with my voice. But I have thought about it and decided that only one person must be like me and speak with my voice, and that will be me," he eventually said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Gravitas: What Happened to 'Putin Critic' Alexei Navalny?</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-is-confident-over-victory-in-war-says-goals-have-not-changed-in-ukraine-669620">Vladimir Putin is confident of victory in war, says goals have not changed in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>The body double speculation</strong></h2>

<p>There has been intense speculation around the world, particularly in the Western camp about whether the Russian president has body doubles who cover for him during public appearances. There is also talk about the Russian president's worsening health, which, it is speculated, may have caused him to hire body doubles.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-of-its-kind-chatgpt-to-pay-politico-business-insider-for-content-access-to-let-summarise-articles-669577">‘First of its kind’: ChatGPT to pay Politico, Business Insider for content access, summarising articles</a></strong></p>

<p>The Kremlin has regularly denied claims about Putin's health and has maintained that the president is in excellent condition.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The usage 'Putin vs Putin' may, for some, reflect the fierce nature of general competition to become Russia's president, but such a situation in a literal sense, albeit in non-political context, was witnessed by those who were present for the Putin's annual news conference in Moscow.

The usage 'Putin vs Putin' may, for some, reflect the fierce nature of general competition to become Russia's president, but such a situation in a literal sense, albeit in non-political context, was witnessed by those who were present for the Putin's annual news conference in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin was asked a question by his own AI-generated version. The question was about Putin's body doubles, or if there were any. President Putin (the real one) took about a dozen questions via video link from callers across the country during the conference. Putin answered these questions in front of a live audience with a moderator leading the proceedings. Those present were amused when the AI-generated Putin appeared on the screen and started talking with the real one. "Vladimir Vladimirovich, hello, I am a student at St Petersburg State University. I want to ask, is it true you have a lot of doubles?" asked the AI Putin. "And also: How do you view the dangers that artificial intelligence and neural networks bring into our lives?" The questions prompted laughter from the audience who was amused because of this unique situation. The Russian president, who is usually quick with words appeared to take a considerable pause before answering the question from his AI self, apparently trying to decide how to answer. Putin has just asked himself a question about AI and body doubles. This conference is insane. pic.twitter.com/q8SflP07kZ — Tom Watling (@TomAWatling) December 14, 2023 × "I see you may resemble me and speak with my voice. But I have thought about it and decided that only one person must be like me and speak with my voice, and that will be me," he eventually said. Watch | Gravitas: What Happened to 'Putin Critic' Alexei Navalny? × Also Read | Vladimir Putin is confident of victory in war, says goals have not changed in Ukraine The body double speculation There has been intense speculation around the world, particularly in the Western camp about whether the Russian president has body doubles who cover for him during public appearances. There is also talk about the Russian president's worsening health, which, it is speculated, may have caused him to hire body doubles. Also Read | ‘First of its kind’: ChatGPT to pay Politico, Business Insider for content access, summarising articles The Kremlin has regularly denied claims about Putin's health and has maintained that the president is in excellent condition. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin vs Putin: AI-generated self of Russian president asks him about body doubles

For the first time since he ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, President Vladimir Putinfaced the Russian public and media in a year-end news conference and telephone call-in. The marathon session, which saw him take questions from soldiers, journalists and members of the public, ended after four hours.

Russian president Vladimir Putin's re-election pitch

Russia’s goals in ukraine are unchanged, with no peace until they’re achieved. The russian president holds first end-of-year news conference since the ukraine war began.

Russian president organises annual news conference in Russia

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had no reason to block Ukraine's EU membership.

President Volodymyr Zelensky says Hungary has no reason to block Ukraine's EU membership

In a concerning development, Russian anti-corruption activist and prominent Putin opponent, Alexei Navalny, has vanished from public view. His disappearance, coinciding with Vladimir Putin's announcement for a fifth presidential term, raises suspicions of a calculated move to silence dissent. Navalny, facing deteriorating health in prison, has been a symbol of resistance against the Russian regime. The ambiguity surrounding his whereabouts is alarming, posing serious questions about the future of political opposition in Russia.

Gravitas: What Happened to 'Putin Critic' Alexei Navalny?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived Tuesday in US Congress to press increasingly reluctant Republicans to back his country's fight against Russian invasion with renewed US military aid.

Zelensky arrives in us congress to push for military aid to Ukraine

Russia's presidential election next March will include voting in four regions of Ukraine that Russia claimed as its own territory last year, Interfax news agency quoted the central election commission as saying on Monday.

Russia to hold presidential election in four annexed Ukrainian regions

Here we tell you roundup of news in a day.

Russia President Putin reveals 2 new nuclear submarines | Israel offensive deepens | WION Speed News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an impassioned plea for continued US military support Monday in a Washington speech, warning that failure to help his country is fulfilling the Kremlin’s “dreams”. The IMF has approved a $900 Mn payout for Ukraine, Will this impact U.S. ongoing debate over aid for Ukraine? What are Zelensky's chances of gaining aid for Ukraine?

Russia-Ukraine : ‘Delays in Ukraine Aid Will Fulfil Putin’s Dreams’ - Zelensky

<p>Alexey Navalny's lawyers on Monday (Dec 11) said that they had lost all contact with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader and his whereabouts are unknown.</p>

<p>Navalny's lawyers made several attempts to get access to two penal colonies near Moscow where he was believed to be but they were informed that the 47-year-old was neither at IK-6 nor at IK-7.</p>

<p>Spokesperson Kira Yarmysh took to social media platform X and said, "Today, as on Friday, the lawyers tried to get to IK-6 and IK-7 — &nbsp;two colonies in the Vladimir region where Alexey Navalny might be. They have just been informed simultaneously in both colonies that he is not there. We still don't know where Alexey is."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, as on Friday, the lawyers tried to get to IK-6 and IK-7 — two colonies in the Vladimir region where Alexey <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@navalny</a> might be. They have just been informed simultaneously in both colonies that he is not there.<br />
<br />
We still don't know where Alexey is.</p>
— Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kira_Yarmysh/status/1734206839581995171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yarmysh said staff at the IK-6 facility in Melekhovo, 235 km (145 miles) east of Moscow, had told his lawyer waiting outside that the opposition leader was no longer among its inmates.</p>

<p>"Where they have taken him, they refuse to say," she said on social media platform X.</p>

<h2><strong>Navalny's disappearance '0% coincidence, 100% direct political control,' says&nbsp;aide Volkov</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny aide Leonid Volkov in a posting on X said that the timing was "0% coincidence and 100% direct manual political control from the Kremlin."</p>

<p>He added: "It is no secret to Putin who his main opponent is in these 'elections'. And he wants to make sure that Navalny’s voice is not heard."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ru">Судя по всему, Алексея Навального нет во Владимирской области (с поправкой на то, что верить ФСИН на слово безоговорочно не стоит).<br />
Это значит, что он может быть где угодно.<br />
Что хуже всего — может несколько недель быть на этапе.<br />
Разумеется, то, что это происходит именно сейчас…</p>
— Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) <a href="https://twitter.com/leonidvolkov/status/1734212927639416877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Navalny was charged by Russian prosecutors under article 214 of the Kremlin's penal code, to which he had responded by saying, “I don’t even know whether to describe my latest news as sad, funny or absurd.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-hold-presidential-vote-in-four-occupied-ukrainian-regions-668598">&nbsp;</a></strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-hold-presidential-vote-in-four-occupied-ukrainian-regions-668598">Russia to hold presidential vote in four occupied Ukrainian regions</a></p>

<p>He said that his charges were part of the Kremlin's desire to initiate a new criminal case against him every three months. Never before has a convict in solitary confinement for more than a year had such a rich social and political life, he added.</p>

<p>Alexei Navalny, 47, who is one of the most ardent opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for campaigning against official corruption and organizing major anti-Kremlin protests, was arrested in 2021 after he returned to Russia from Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, he has been handed three prison terms.</p>

<p>In August, the Kremlin critic was given an extra 19 years in prison in addition to a sentence of 11.5 years he had been already serving. His political movement has been outlawed and declared "extremist."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;</em></p>


Alexey Navalny's lawyers on Monday (Dec 11) said that they had lost all contact with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader and his whereabouts are unknown. Navalny's lawyers made several attempts to get access to two penal colonies near Moscow where he was believed to be but they were informed that the 47-year-old was neither at IK-6 nor at IK-7.

Alexey Navalny's lawyers on Monday (Dec 11) said that they had lost all contact with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader and his whereabouts are unknown. Navalny's lawyers made several attempts to get access to two penal colonies near Moscow where he was believed to be but they were informed that the 47-year-old was neither at IK-6 nor at IK-7. Spokesperson Kira Yarmysh took to social media platform X and said, "Today, as on Friday, the lawyers tried to get to IK-6 and IK-7 — two colonies in the Vladimir region where Alexey Navalny might be. They have just been informed simultaneously in both colonies that he is not there. We still don't know where Alexey is." Today, as on Friday, the lawyers tried to get to IK-6 and IK-7 — two colonies in the Vladimir region where Alexey @navalny might be. They have just been informed simultaneously in both colonies that he is not there. We still don't know where Alexey is. — Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) December 11, 2023 × Yarmysh said staff at the IK-6 facility in Melekhovo, 235 km (145 miles) east of Moscow, had told his lawyer waiting outside that the opposition leader was no longer among its inmates. "Where they have taken him, they refuse to say," she said on social media platform X. Navalny's disappearance '0% coincidence, 100% direct political control,' says aide Volkov Navalny aide Leonid Volkov in a posting on X said that the timing was "0% coincidence and 100% direct manual political control from the Kremlin." He added: "It is no secret to Putin who his main opponent is in these 'elections'. And he wants to make sure that Navalny’s voice is not heard." Судя по всему, Алексея Навального нет во Владимирской области (с поправкой на то, что верить ФСИН на слово безоговорочно не стоит). Это значит, что он может быть где угодно. Что хуже всего — может несколько недель быть на этапе. Разумеется, то, что это происходит именно сейчас… — Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) December 11, 2023 × Earlier this month, Navalny was charged by Russian prosecutors under article 214 of the Kremlin's penal code, to which he had responded by saying, “I don’t even know whether to describe my latest news as sad, funny or absurd.” Also read: Russia to hold presidential vote in four occupied Ukrainian regions He said that his charges were part of the Kremlin's desire to initiate a new criminal case against him every three months. Never before has a convict in solitary confinement for more than a year had such a rich social and political life, he added. Alexei Navalny, 47, who is one of the most ardent opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for campaigning against official corruption and organizing major anti-Kremlin protests, was arrested in 2021 after he returned to Russia from Germany. Since then, he has been handed three prison terms. In August, the Kremlin critic was given an extra 19 years in prison in addition to a sentence of 11.5 years he had been already serving. His political movement has been outlawed and declared "extremist." (With inputs from agencies)

Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny goes missing from prison: Lawyers

<p>The voting for Russian presidential elections, which is scheduled to be held in March 2024, is set to be conducted also in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed last year, Moscow said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11).</p>

<p>The Central Elections Commission said that the voting in March would be given a go-ahead in Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, the Ukrainian regions where Russia still doesn't have complete military control.</p>

<p>"The decision was adopted unanimously," commission vice-president Nikolay Bulayev said, according to the state-run news agency TASS.</p>

<p>The elections are set to be conducted over three days from March 15 to 17.</p>

<p>Earlier, Ukraine had urged the international community to "resolutely condemn Russia's intention to hold presidential elections in the occupied Ukrainian territories".</p>

<p>Kyiv had also called on the West to sanction individuals responsible.</p>

<p>Russia had previously also conducted elections in occupied regions of Ukraine. The polling was condemned by Kyiv and the West and was dubbed as null and void.</p>

<p>In the month of September, Moscow had also held ballots for local officials in the four Ukrainian regions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-injured-after-russian-strike-on-kyiv-biden-to-host-zelensky-at-white-house-amid-deadlock-on-aid-668361">At least 4 injured after airstrike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at W. House</a></p>

<p>A year earlier, it had held a "referendum" to annex the territories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both the votes were denounced by Kyiv and the West.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin to run again in presidential polls</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to take part in the upcoming presidential vote, giving him a chance to extend his decades-long grip on power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per state-run news agencies, Putin told Lieutenant Colonel Artyom Zhoga, a Russian military officer, about this decision following an awards ceremony for army personnel at the Kremlin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This came after Russian lawmakers on Thursday moved Putin a step closer to a fifth term in office by setting the date of the country's 2024 presidential election for March 17, which was voted unanimously by the members of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Valentina Matviyenko, the head of the chamber, had said "With this decision, we are effectively launching the start of the election campaign."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said, "By choosing a head of state together, we fully share the common responsibility and common destiny of our fatherland."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even though five major parties have been allowed to submit a candidate for the vote, Putin is likely to win the elections as most of his critics, who could challenge him, are either in jail or in exile.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The voting for Russian presidential elections, which is scheduled to be held in March 2024, is set to be conducted also in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed last year, Moscow said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11).

The voting for Russian presidential elections, which is scheduled to be held in March 2024, is set to be conducted also in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed last year, Moscow said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11). The Central Elections Commission said that the voting in March would be given a go-ahead in Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, the Ukrainian regions where Russia still doesn't have complete military control. "The decision was adopted unanimously," commission vice-president Nikolay Bulayev said, according to the state-run news agency TASS. The elections are set to be conducted over three days from March 15 to 17. Earlier, Ukraine had urged the international community to "resolutely condemn Russia's intention to hold presidential elections in the occupied Ukrainian territories". Kyiv had also called on the West to sanction individuals responsible. Russia had previously also conducted elections in occupied regions of Ukraine. The polling was condemned by Kyiv and the West and was dubbed as null and void. In the month of September, Moscow had also held ballots for local officials in the four Ukrainian regions. Also read: At least 4 injured after airstrike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at W. House A year earlier, it had held a "referendum" to annex the territories. Both the votes were denounced by Kyiv and the West. Putin to run again in presidential polls Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to take part in the upcoming presidential vote, giving him a chance to extend his decades-long grip on power. As per state-run news agencies, Putin told Lieutenant Colonel Artyom Zhoga, a Russian military officer, about this decision following an awards ceremony for army personnel at the Kremlin. This came after Russian lawmakers on Thursday moved Putin a step closer to a fifth term in office by setting the date of the country's 2024 presidential election for March 17, which was voted unanimously by the members of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly. Valentina Matviyenko, the head of the chamber, had said "With this decision, we are effectively launching the start of the election campaign." She said, "By choosing a head of state together, we fully share the common responsibility and common destiny of our fatherland." Even though five major parties have been allowed to submit a candidate for the vote, Putin is likely to win the elections as most of his critics, who could challenge him, are either in jail or in exile. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to hold presidential vote in four occupied Ukrainian regions

With his hands on all the levers of power in Russia, Vladimir Putin appears unbeatable in a presidential election but opposition activists scent a chance to show he is vulnerable.

Russia Presidential Polls: Navalny camp sets strategy to disrupt Putin's path to new term

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was travelling to Argentina on Saturday to attend the inauguration of new Argentine President Javier Milei, his first trip to Latin America.

Ukraine’s President heads to Argentina, hoping to win Global South’s support

This week, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Putin has rarely left Russia since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him. So, what explains his sudden visit to the Gulf? Is there a secret alliance being formed? Should the United States be worried? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

Putin meets Saudi Crown Prince and UAE President: An anti-US alliance in the making?

This week, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Putin has rarely left Russia since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him. So, what explains his sudden visit to the Gulf? Is there a secret alliance being formed? Should the United States be worried? To understand this better watch Vikram Chandra's discussion with the former spokesperson of Vladimir Putin, Dr Sergey Lavrov.

Putin visits the Gulf: Is Russia formulating an anti-US alliance?

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday announced that he will seek re-election in 2024 for his third consecutive term, and sixth overall, media reports said.

Putin to seek re-election in 2024 Presidential polls

Putin sends message to the world with election announcement

Earlier this year, we told you about an alliance taking shape - CHIMS, standing for China, Iran, Moscow and Saudi Arabia. Over the last 48 hours, we have seen developments which confirm that new equations have been established with long term strategic consequences. The allies also now form a ring around the oil-rich Caspian. Molly Gambhir brings you more details.

Putin, Xi, MBS And Raisi's Great Alliance | China Going to New Industrial Powerhouse? | Gravitas

As India, U.S. tensions over Khalistani elements soar, Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised PM Modi's policies on national security. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Putin showers praises on India's PM Modi

The UK and US Governments have jointly accused russian intelligence of orchestrating a wide-ranging hacking campaign. Kremlin faces accusations of targeting British MPs, civil servants, and journalists to meddle in the UK's next general elections.

UK accuses Russia of cyber interference

Russian President conveyed his desire to run for president again. Putin told soldiers who had fought in Ukraine that he will run again in the 2024 election. After Putin awarded Ukraine, war veterans, with Russia's highest military honour.The Hero of Russia's gold star, a lieutenant colonel named Artyom Zhoga asked Putin to run again for President. On this, Putin told the soldier that he would run again in the 2024 election

Russian President Putin to run for presidential elections again in 2024

Russia president Vladimir Putin praises Indian PM Narendra Modi

Russian President Vladimir Putin got a royal welcome in Abu Dhabi, the first leg of his blitz gulf tour. UAE staged a lavish welcome ceremony with jets flying over the city leaving contrails in the colours of the Russian flag. Camel and horse cavalry guards lined the route of Putin's motorcade from the airport to the presidential palace.

Putin in UAE: Russia asserts its power

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