U.S. Media reports indicate that the airplane bombing assassination of russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin --- Was orchestrated by Nikolai Patrushev. Patrushev is a top Putin confidant and Moscow's security council secretary...

Putin aide involved in Prigozhin killing: Report

New US order acts against those helping Russia evade sanctions. The new order broadens the import ban on seafood & diamonds. Russia hits back at these sanctions by taking control over the assets of western companies.

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin seizes control of Russia's biggest car dealership

The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday.

Russia-Ukraine War: Netherlands to deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

<p>Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television.</p>

<p>The commission's chief, Ella Pamfilova, released a statement saying that the members rejected Duntsova's bid to stand in the elections to be held next year.</p>

<p>It further said Duntsova, who is a former journalist and city councillor campaigning "for peace and democratic processes", could not move on to the next stage of assembling thousands of supporters' signatures.</p>

<p>Pamfilova told her: "You are a young woman, you have everything ahead of you."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drone-strike-hits-ship-off-indias-coast-says-report-672821">Missile strike hits merchant ship off India's coast; crew included 21 Indians</a></p>

<p>She further said that at least 29 people had filed to run for the presidency in Russia.</p>

<p>The 40-year-old former journalist was asked to provide documents proving that a group of at least 500 people had held a meeting supporting her.</p>

<p>"A people's initiative is not needed, is not welcomed," Duntsova told journalists, saying she would not have time to file another application as an independent candidate.</p>

<p>She then took to her official social media account saying that she would file an appeal against the ruling with the Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Anti-war candidate</strong></h2>

<p>Duntsova submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She had planned to run on a scaffold of ending the war in Ukraine and freeing political prisoners.</p>

<p>Duntsova, in an interview with Reuters last month, called for an end to the war and the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/czech-president-attends-mass-for-victims-of-prague-attack-as-country-holds-national-mourning-672861">Prague shooting: Czech president attends mass for victims as nation mourns</a></p>

<p>“I feel a sense of accomplishment: We’ve done everything that we needed to do. We’ve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us,” said Duntsova, speaking to journalists in Moscow on Wednesday.</p>

<p>In her interview with Reuters, Duntsova avoided using the word “war” to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Putin calls his “special military operation", but did acknowledge that she was afraid. “Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television.

Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television. The commission's chief, Ella Pamfilova, released a statement saying that the members rejected Duntsova's bid to stand in the elections to be held next year. It further said Duntsova, who is a former journalist and city councillor campaigning "for peace and democratic processes", could not move on to the next stage of assembling thousands of supporters' signatures. Pamfilova told her: "You are a young woman, you have everything ahead of you." Also read: Missile strike hits merchant ship off India's coast; crew included 21 Indians She further said that at least 29 people had filed to run for the presidency in Russia. The 40-year-old former journalist was asked to provide documents proving that a group of at least 500 people had held a meeting supporting her. "A people's initiative is not needed, is not welcomed," Duntsova told journalists, saying she would not have time to file another application as an independent candidate. She then took to her official social media account saying that she would file an appeal against the ruling with the Supreme Court. Anti-war candidate Duntsova submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024. She had planned to run on a scaffold of ending the war in Ukraine and freeing political prisoners. Duntsova, in an interview with Reuters last month, called for an end to the war and the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Also read: Prague shooting: Czech president attends mass for victims as nation mourns “I feel a sense of accomplishment: We’ve done everything that we needed to do. We’ve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us,” said Duntsova, speaking to journalists in Moscow on Wednesday. In her interview with Reuters, Duntsova avoided using the word “war” to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Putin calls his “special military operation", but did acknowledge that she was afraid. “Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win.” (With inputs from agencies)

Russia bars anti-war candidate Yekaterina Duntsova from presidential ballot

<p>Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin has taken control of Rolf, Russia's largest car dealership owned by a Cyprus-based firm, placing it under temporary state management.</p>

<p>The Kremlin insisted that the move is driven by commercial considerations, citing the need to comply with Russian legislation and address the challenging international economic situation.</p>

<p>Rolf, originally founded by Russian businessman Sergei Petrov, has been a prominent player in the automotive industry since the post-Soviet era.&nbsp;Petrov, who resides in Austria, faces accusations from Russian authorities of illegally moving money abroad.&nbsp;However, he has denied these allegations.</p>

<p>This seizure follows Moscow's trend of temporarily assuming control of Western-owned assets in response to sanctions disrupting Russian assets abroad.</p>

<p>West has been imposing sanctions on Russia primarily in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Sanctions were also imposed in connection with issues such as human rights abuses, cyberattacks, and interference in foreign elections.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-outpaces-colombia-in-alarming-cocaine-consumption-data-672826">UK outpaces Colombia in alarming cocaine consumption: Data</a></p>

<p>Notably, this marks the first instance of a high-profile Russian business leader losing control of their property in this manner.</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that this is "solely linked to&nbsp; economic expediency and compliance with the current legislation of the Russian Federation and taking into account the known international economic situation that is around us now."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rolf has announced the appointment of Alexei Gulyaev as the new CEO and Svetlana Vinogradova as the first deputy, assuring that the temporary management will not impact its operations.</p>

<p>Russia's federal property management agency, Rosimushchestvo, plans to develop Rolf and enhance its financial performance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-upgraded-warship-cheonan-begins-mission-amidst-north-korean-tensions-672819">South Korea's upgraded warship, Cheonan, begins mission amidst North Korean tensions</a></p>

<p>Petrov, however, viewed this move as a severe blow to Russia's investment landscape, questioning the willingness of investors, especially from Asia, to engage with Russian assets.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nikhil-dhar-associate-vp-digital-marketing-indigo-speaks-to-wion-672840">Nikhil Dhar, Associate VP- digital &amp; marketing, Indigo speaks to WION</a></strong></p>

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<p>"This has a devastating effect on everyone. The state is, as a rule, inefficient, especially in such things as retail," Petrov said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>
</section>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin has taken control of Rolf, Russia's largest car dealership owned by a Cyprus-based firm, placing it under temporary state management.

Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin has taken control of Rolf, Russia's largest car dealership owned by a Cyprus-based firm, placing it under temporary state management. The Kremlin insisted that the move is driven by commercial considerations, citing the need to comply with Russian legislation and address the challenging international economic situation. Rolf, originally founded by Russian businessman Sergei Petrov, has been a prominent player in the automotive industry since the post-Soviet era. Petrov, who resides in Austria, faces accusations from Russian authorities of illegally moving money abroad. However, he has denied these allegations. This seizure follows Moscow's trend of temporarily assuming control of Western-owned assets in response to sanctions disrupting Russian assets abroad. West has been imposing sanctions on Russia primarily in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Sanctions were also imposed in connection with issues such as human rights abuses, cyberattacks, and interference in foreign elections. Also Read | UK outpaces Colombia in alarming cocaine consumption: Data Notably, this marks the first instance of a high-profile Russian business leader losing control of their property in this manner. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that this is "solely linked to economic expediency and compliance with the current legislation of the Russian Federation and taking into account the known international economic situation that is around us now." Rolf has announced the appointment of Alexei Gulyaev as the new CEO and Svetlana Vinogradova as the first deputy, assuring that the temporary management will not impact its operations. Russia's federal property management agency, Rosimushchestvo, plans to develop Rolf and enhance its financial performance. Also Read | South Korea's upgraded warship, Cheonan, begins mission amidst North Korean tensions Petrov, however, viewed this move as a severe blow to Russia's investment landscape, questioning the willingness of investors, especially from Asia, to engage with Russian assets. Watch | Nikhil Dhar, Associate VP- digital & marketing, Indigo speaks to WION × "This has a devastating effect on everyone. The state is, as a rule, inefficient, especially in such things as retail," Petrov said. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin brings Rolf, Russia’s largest car dealership owned by Cyprus-based firm, under state management

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow takes control over the assets of western companies

A new Wall Street Journal report has revealed more details of Wagner chief Prigozhin's plane crash. The report claims that Putin's right-hand man Nikolai Patrushev orchestrated the plan to get the Wagner chief killed.

Gravitas: Did Putin order the killing of Wagner Chief?

According to senior American and European officials, the Biden administration is subtly indicating that it is now in favor of seizing over $300 billion in assets that the Russian central bank has hidden in Western countries. It has also commenced urgent talks with allies about utilizing these funds to support Ukraine's war effort during a period when financial support is diminishing.

Russia-Ukraine war: US to use nearly $5 billion Russian assests as aid to Ukraine

The strong relationship between the two nations, which has endured despite Russia's military invasion of its neighbour Ukraine in early 2022, has faced pointed criticism from Western leaders in recent years.

Strong Russia ties a strategic choice, says Chinas President Xi Jinping

Russia & China hit trade target ahead of schedule; Russian PM praises Beijing-Moscow relationship

Russia PM Mishustin praises China-Russia relationship | Xi calls for deeper bilateral cooperation

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has lasted for more than a year. The allies of Ukraine are growing weary as tensions rise. Questioning Ukraine's legitimacy, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated, "Won't give up on what's ours!"

Russia-Ukraine war | Russian President questions legitimacy of Ukrainian nation

Russia-Ukraine war | Zelensky: Army seeks extra 500,000 soldiers

The government of Russia has announced that Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will begin an official two-day visit to China on Tuesday. According to the agreement reached with the Chinese side, Mikhail Mishustin will visit China on December 19–20, according to a statement released by the Russian government on Telegram on Monday.

Russian PM visits China: Visit comes two months after Xi-Putin meet

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will hold talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a visit on December 19-20, the Chinese foreign ministry said. Mishustin will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Russian government said on Monday.

Russia-China ties: Ties have grown closer since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine

There are questions about the Ukrainian military's performance on the battleground. Ukraine's top spy has owned up to failure. Aleksey Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, has admitted that forced conscriptions have failed on the frontlines.

Gravitas: Ukraine forcing its people to fight on border

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

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