Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first on Friday for talks expected to focus on Iran.

Naftali took office in June, following Benjamin Netanyahu who was in power for 12 years and had close ties with Putin.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/israel-to-join-india-based-international-solar-alliance-421685">Israel to join India based International Solar Alliance</a>

Russian state television aired footage of the pair meeting ahead of the talks in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi.&nbsp;

Putin said the two countries have "unique" ties and hoped for "continuity" of the "trusting relationship" he developed with Israel's previous government.&nbsp;

Bennett told Putin that Israel views him as "a true friend of the Jewish people" and praised the Soviet war effort in fighting Nazi Germany.&nbsp;

He said the pair will discuss the "situation in Syria and our efforts to prevent a breakthrough in Iran's military nuclear program".&nbsp;

As he left for Sochi, Bennett said Israel's relations with Moscow are an "important element" of the country's foreign policy.&nbsp;

This was in part due, he said, "to the million Russian speakers in Israel, who constitute a bridge between the two countries".&nbsp;

The visit may be one of Putin's last face-to-face meetings with a foreign leader before Russia's new Covid restrictions come into force next week.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has said the 69-year-old will scrap in-person meetings during a nationwide week-long holiday starting October 30 designed to curb record virus deaths. &nbsp;

Last week, Bennett's office said the pair will discuss Iran's nuclear programme.&nbsp;

Moscow is one of the signatories to a 2015 deal that saw sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for limits to its nuclear capability.&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions, leading Tehran to gradually roll back its commitments under the agreement.

Bennett told the United Nations General Assembly last month that Israel "will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon."&nbsp;

Putin had congratulated Bennett after he was sworn in and said that Russian-Israeli cooperation would help strengthen "peace, security and stability in the Middle East."

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first on Friday for talks expected to focus on Iran. Naftali took office in June, following Benjamin Netanyahu who was in power for 12 years and had close ties with Putin.

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first on Friday for talks expected to focus on Iran. Naftali took office in June, following Benjamin Netanyahu who was in power for 12 years and had close ties with Putin. Also Read | Israel to join India based International Solar Alliance Russian state television aired footage of the pair meeting ahead of the talks in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi. Putin said the two countries have "unique" ties and hoped for "continuity" of the "trusting relationship" he developed with Israel's previous government. Bennett told Putin that Israel views him as "a true friend of the Jewish people" and praised the Soviet war effort in fighting Nazi Germany. He said the pair will discuss the "situation in Syria and our efforts to prevent a breakthrough in Iran's military nuclear program". As he left for Sochi, Bennett said Israel's relations with Moscow are an "important element" of the country's foreign policy. This was in part due, he said, "to the million Russian speakers in Israel, who constitute a bridge between the two countries". The visit may be one of Putin's last face-to-face meetings with a foreign leader before Russia's new Covid restrictions come into force next week. The Kremlin has said the 69-year-old will scrap in-person meetings during a nationwide week-long holiday starting October 30 designed to curb record virus deaths. Last week, Bennett's office said the pair will discuss Iran's nuclear programme. Moscow is one of the signatories to a 2015 deal that saw sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for limits to its nuclear capability. Former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions, leading Tehran to gradually roll back its commitments under the agreement. Bennett told the United Nations General Assembly last month that Israel "will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon." Putin had congratulated Bennett after he was sworn in and said that Russian-Israeli cooperation would help strengthen "peace, security and stability in the Middle East."

Israeli PM holds first talks with Putin

On Thursday (October 22), China's foreign ministry stated that it will not make concessions or compromises on matters concerning its vital interests and sovereignty.

China also advised the United States to exercise caution in Taiwan after President Joe Biden stated that the US would defend the self-ruled island against Chinese assault.&nbsp;

"China has no room for compromise on issues involving its core interests, " foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, warning that Washington "should act and speak cautiously on the Taiwan issue." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-russia-aware-of-us-military-might-will-defend-taiwan-if-beijing-attacks-biden-422795">Also read | China, Russia aware of US’ military might, will defend Taiwan if Beijing attacks: Biden</a> 
 
Earlier, US President Joe Biden said in a CNN town hall meeting that the United States would come to Taiwan's defence if it came under attack by China.

"Yes, we have a commitment to do that," Biden said on Thursday when asked if the United States would defend Taiwan if China attacked the country.

He also said that China and Russia know the United States has the most powerful military in the history of the world. 
 
Watch | The tension between China and Taiwan at their highest

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-tension-between-china-and-taiwan-at-their-highest-421423/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Communist China considers self-ruled Taiwan to be its own territory and has promised to take the island one day, using force if necessary.

Beijing's bellicose rhetoric has increased in recent years, fueling worries that the island of 23 million people could become a major global flashpoint.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday (October 22), China's foreign ministry stated that it will not make concessions or compromises on matters concerning its vital interests and sovereignty.

On Thursday (October 22), China's foreign ministry stated that it will not make concessions or compromises on matters concerning its vital interests and sovereignty. China also advised the United States to exercise caution in Taiwan after President Joe Biden stated that the US would defend the self-ruled island against Chinese assault. "China has no room for compromise on issues involving its core interests, " foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, warning that Washington "should act and speak cautiously on the Taiwan issue." Also read | China, Russia aware of US’ military might, will defend Taiwan if Beijing attacks: Biden Earlier, US President Joe Biden said in a CNN town hall meeting that the United States would come to Taiwan's defence if it came under attack by China. "Yes, we have a commitment to do that," Biden said on Thursday when asked if the United States would defend Taiwan if China attacked the country. He also said that China and Russia know the United States has the most powerful military in the history of the world. Watch | The tension between China and Taiwan at their highest Communist China considers self-ruled Taiwan to be its own territory and has promised to take the island one day, using force if necessary. Beijing's bellicose rhetoric has increased in recent years, fueling worries that the island of 23 million people could become a major global flashpoint. (With inputs from agencies)

'No compromise on sovereignty, act with caution over Taiwan': China warns US

The death toll from an explosion and fire at the Elastic factory in Russia's Ryazan region has risen - 15, according to a spokeswoman for the ministry of emergency situations on Friday.

Earlier in the day, the spokesperson stated that 12 individuals were killed in the tragedy.

"Three additional bodies have been discovered, bringing the total to 15," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

On Russian social media, amateur video footage showed rows of fire vehicles with flaming debris in a forested area near the plant in the town of Lesnoye, 300 kilometres (180 miles) from Moscow.&nbsp;

It was previously said that the fire might have started due to "violations of technological procedures and safety precautions" at the PGUP Elastic facility in the Ryazan area.

According to the plant's website, it manufactures industrial explosives for civilian use, as well as ammunition for the defence industry and gas generators for submarines. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-in-russia-may-be-more-contagious-report-422780">New virus variant in Russia may be more contagious: Report</a>

At 08:22 a.m. local time, the emergency ministry got word that a fire had broken out at the facility.

According to the chairman of the local government, the 17 individuals were inside the plant's workshop at the time of the incident.

According to the ministry, more than 170 rescuers have been dispatched to the region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll from an explosion and fire at the Elastic factory in Russia's Ryazan region has risen - 15, according to a spokeswoman for the ministry of emergency situations on Friday.

The death toll from an explosion and fire at the Elastic factory in Russia's Ryazan region has risen - 15, according to a spokeswoman for the ministry of emergency situations on Friday. Earlier in the day, the spokesperson stated that 12 individuals were killed in the tragedy. "Three additional bodies have been discovered, bringing the total to 15," the spokesperson added. On Russian social media, amateur video footage showed rows of fire vehicles with flaming debris in a forested area near the plant in the town of Lesnoye, 300 kilometres (180 miles) from Moscow. It was previously said that the fire might have started due to "violations of technological procedures and safety precautions" at the PGUP Elastic facility in the Ryazan area. According to the plant's website, it manufactures industrial explosives for civilian use, as well as ammunition for the defence industry and gas generators for submarines. Also Read | New virus variant in Russia may be more contagious: Report At 08:22 a.m. local time, the emergency ministry got word that a fire had broken out at the facility. According to the chairman of the local government, the 17 individuals were inside the plant's workshop at the time of the incident. According to the ministry, more than 170 rescuers have been dispatched to the region. (With inputs from agencies)

15 killed after explosion at factory in Russia’s Ryazan region

India is participating in the Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan on 20th October, 2021. The meeting will be attended by the representatives of 10 countries, including Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries in Central Asia and a high-level delegation from Taliban.&nbsp;

This is the first meeting of the Moscow Format being held since the Taliban captured power by force on 15th August this year, and also the first collective interaction between the Taliban and regional players since then. The meeting therefore should provide an important opportunity to convey the expectations of the international community from Taliban and listen to the Taliban’s perspective and if possible lay a road map for the stabilisation of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The invitation to India and India’s acceptance are significant in more than one sense. For the first time India would be face-to-face with Taliban delegation within the Moscow format, and it is second &nbsp;officially &nbsp;acknowledged interaction with Taliban since the formation of an interim government in Kabul.

The first interaction took place when Taliban’s representative Stanekzai met India’s Ambassador to Qatar, at the Indian Embassy in Doha on August 31. The meeting was projected as one with limited objective of the safe evacuation of the Indian nationals from Afghanistan and to convey India’s concerns over the presence of anti-India terror outfits in Afghanistan.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/two-months-of-taliban-20-challenges-and-threats-420937">Two months of Taliban 2.0: Challenges and threats</a>

It is noteworthy that India has been invited to participate in a dialogue with Taliban, despite the known fact that India has questioned the legitimacy of the interim government in Kabul, and expressed its serious apprehensions over the possible misuse of the Afghan soil for acts of terrorism in the region and beyond.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-is-taliban-interior-minister-haqqanis-face-being-blurred-in-public-photographs-422333">Why is Taliban interior minister Haqqani's face being blurred in public photographs?</a>

The invitation therefore reflects the acknowledgement on the part of other regional players that India can play an important role in the stabilisation of the situation in Afghanistan, and it cannot be excluded from any collective processes which aim at handling the situation arising out of the Taliban’s take-over.

From India’s perspective, the participation in Moscow Format is justified for more than one reason.&nbsp;

Firstly, the agenda of the Moscow Format meeting as revealed by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, is in tune with India’s own priorities and also in line with the demands placed on Taliban through the UNSC Resolution 2593 of 30th August.&nbsp;

For instance, Lavrov was reported to have said,"We encourage them (Taliban) &nbsp;to live up to the promises they made when they came to power, including ensuring that the government is inclusive not only along the ethnic lines, but also along the political lines, so that the full range of political beliefs of the society is reflected in the government's composition”. &nbsp;

He further said that the meeting would focus on the developments related to the political and security situation in Afghanistan, and on the consolidation of the efforts by the international community to prevent humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Significantly, Lavrov is also reported to have said that the recognition of the Taliban-led government in Kabul was not on the agenda.

Further, and perhaps more importantly, India remained by and large excluded from the processes which were meant to shape the future road-map of Afghanistan, even though India made a valuable contribution towards the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan by investing over $3bn in nearly 500 big and small infrastructure projects during the tenure of the elected governments in Afghanistan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-us-military-presence-in-the-middle-east-the-less-the-better-420728">Opinion | US military presence in the Middle East: The less the better</a>

Despite being a strategic partner of the USA, India was not kept informed on certain aspects of the deal which the Trump Administration struck with the Taliban on 29th February, 2020. Being a part of the Moscow Format therefore offers an opportunity to stay in the game and remain relevant in a strategic space where India’s adversaries namely Pakistan and China appear to have an edge at this point of time.

It is abundantly clear that India has no intention to sit on the fence and watch in silence, which can only deprive it of the chance to influence the future course of developments in Afghanistan. It must be underlined in this context that India has reportedly invited the National Security Advisors of the countries in the region including China, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan etc. for a meeting on Afghanistan in November this year.

In short India appears to have taken a right decision to participate in the Moscow Format meeting; it would be erroneous to interpret it as softening of India’s attitude towards Taliban or dilution of its principled stand or as a prelude to its recognition of the Taliban-led government in Kabul. It may, however, not be easy for India to push its point of view in the presence of Pakistan and China. The absence of the USA (which has decided to pull out of the meeting for the time being) would also mean the absence of support from a like-minded partner, though it would not be easy for the adversaries also to sideline India, considering that India can persist on its own and also count on the support from Russia and Iran and some Central Asian countries.

It would be interesting to watch the outcome of the Moscow Format meeting even if it is unlikely to resolve all the issues at hand.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

India is participating in the Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan on 20th October, 2021. The meeting will be attended by the representatives of 10 countries, including Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries in Central Asia and a high-level delegation from Taliban.

India is participating in the Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan on 20th October, 2021. The meeting will be attended by the representatives of 10 countries, including Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries in Central Asia and a high-level delegation from Taliban. This is the first meeting of the Moscow Format being held since the Taliban captured power by force on 15th August this year, and also the first collective interaction between the Taliban and regional players since then. The meeting therefore should provide an important opportunity to convey the expectations of the international community from Taliban and listen to the Taliban’s perspective and if possible lay a road map for the stabilisation of Afghanistan. The invitation to India and India’s acceptance are significant in more than one sense. For the first time India would be face-to-face with Taliban delegation within the Moscow format, and it is second officially acknowledged interaction with Taliban since the formation of an interim government in Kabul. The first interaction took place when Taliban’s representative Stanekzai met India’s Ambassador to Qatar, at the Indian Embassy in Doha on August 31. The meeting was projected as one with limited objective of the safe evacuation of the Indian nationals from Afghanistan and to convey India’s concerns over the presence of anti-India terror outfits in Afghanistan. Also Read | Two months of Taliban 2.0: Challenges and threats It is noteworthy that India has been invited to participate in a dialogue with Taliban, despite the known fact that India has questioned the legitimacy of the interim government in Kabul, and expressed its serious apprehensions over the possible misuse of the Afghan soil for acts of terrorism in the region and beyond. Also Read | Why is Taliban interior minister Haqqani's face being blurred in public photographs? The invitation therefore reflects the acknowledgement on the part of other regional players that India can play an important role in the stabilisation of the situation in Afghanistan, and it cannot be excluded from any collective processes which aim at handling the situation arising out of the Taliban’s take-over. From India’s perspective, the participation in Moscow Format is justified for more than one reason. Firstly, the agenda of the Moscow Format meeting as revealed by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, is in tune with India’s own priorities and also in line with the demands placed on Taliban through the UNSC Resolution 2593 of 30th August. For instance, Lavrov was reported to have said,"We encourage them (Taliban) to live up to the promises they made when they came to power, including ensuring that the government is inclusive not only along the ethnic lines, but also along the political lines, so that the full range of political beliefs of the society is reflected in the government's composition”. He further said that the meeting would focus on the developments related to the political and security situation in Afghanistan, and on the consolidation of the efforts by the international community to prevent humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Significantly, Lavrov is also reported to have said that the recognition of the Taliban-led government in Kabul was not on the agenda. Further, and perhaps more importantly, India remained by and large excluded from the processes which were meant to shape the future road-map of Afghanistan, even though India made a valuable contribution towards the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan by investing over $3bn in nearly 500 big and small infrastructure projects during the tenure of the elected governments in Afghanistan. Also Read | Opinion | US military presence in the Middle East: The less the better Despite being a strategic partner of the USA, India was not kept informed on certain aspects of the deal which the Trump Administration struck with the Taliban on 29th February, 2020. Being a part of the Moscow Format therefore offers an opportunity to stay in the game and remain relevant in a strategic space where India’s adversaries namely Pakistan and China appear to have an edge at this point of time. It is abundantly clear that India has no intention to sit on the fence and watch in silence, which can only deprive it of the chance to influence the future course of developments in Afghanistan. It must be underlined in this context that India has reportedly invited the National Security Advisors of the countries in the region including China, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan etc. for a meeting on Afghanistan in November this year. In short India appears to have taken a right decision to participate in the Moscow Format meeting; it would be erroneous to interpret it as softening of India’s attitude towards Taliban or dilution of its principled stand or as a prelude to its recognition of the Taliban-led government in Kabul. It may, however, not be easy for India to push its point of view in the presence of Pakistan and China. The absence of the USA (which has decided to pull out of the meeting for the time being) would also mean the absence of support from a like-minded partner, though it would not be easy for the adversaries also to sideline India, considering that India can persist on its own and also count on the support from Russia and Iran and some Central Asian countries. It would be interesting to watch the outcome of the Moscow Format meeting even if it is unlikely to resolve all the issues at hand. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Moscow talks are a chance for India to influence Afghan situation

Russia said Wednesday 1,028 people died of Covid over the past 24 hours, a new record, as President Vladimir Putin mulls introducing nationwide restrictions to curb the spread of the disease.

The country recorded 34,074 new coronavirus cases, according to a government tally.

Russian officials have been accused of downplaying the severity of the pandemic, but even the official figures bring the country's official COVID-19 death toll to 226,353 -- the highest in Europe.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mix-and-match-vaccines-highly-effective-against-covid-19-lancet-study-421715">Mix-and-match vaccines highly effective against COVID-19: Lancet study</a>

Virus cases have soared in Russia amid a stalled vaccination campaign, with only 35 per cent of the population fully inoculated despite the homegrown Sputnik V jab being widely available.&nbsp;

Later Wednesday Putin is expected to rule on a government proposal to introduce a nationwide week-long holiday at the end of the month to curb the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin ordered the city's first coronavirus restrictions since the summer.&nbsp;

He told unvaccinated over-60s in the capital to work from home and extended mandatory vaccinations for service workers. Those restrictions take effect next Monday and are set to last until the end of February.&nbsp;

Sobyanin also told employers to move 30 per cent of their staff to home working.

The surge in cases has come without any strict restrictions in place to limit the spread of the virus, although several regions have re-introduced QR codes for access to public places.

Figures published by statistics agency Rosstat in October suggested that more than 400,000 people have died in the country from the Covid disease.&nbsp;

Russia said Wednesday 1,028 people died of Covid over the past 24 hours, a new record, as President Vladimir Putin mulls introducing nationwide restrictions to curb the spread of the disease.

Russia said Wednesday 1,028 people died of Covid over the past 24 hours, a new record, as President Vladimir Putin mulls introducing nationwide restrictions to curb the spread of the disease. The country recorded 34,074 new coronavirus cases, according to a government tally. Russian officials have been accused of downplaying the severity of the pandemic, but even the official figures bring the country's official COVID-19 death toll to 226,353 -- the highest in Europe. Also Read | Mix-and-match vaccines highly effective against COVID-19: Lancet study Virus cases have soared in Russia amid a stalled vaccination campaign, with only 35 per cent of the population fully inoculated despite the homegrown Sputnik V jab being widely available. Later Wednesday Putin is expected to rule on a government proposal to introduce a nationwide week-long holiday at the end of the month to curb the spread of the virus. On Tuesday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin ordered the city's first coronavirus restrictions since the summer. He told unvaccinated over-60s in the capital to work from home and extended mandatory vaccinations for service workers. Those restrictions take effect next Monday and are set to last until the end of February. Sobyanin also told employers to move 30 per cent of their staff to home working. The surge in cases has come without any strict restrictions in place to limit the spread of the virus, although several regions have re-introduced QR codes for access to public places. Figures published by statistics agency Rosstat in October suggested that more than 400,000 people have died in the country from the Covid disease.

Russia reports record daily Covid deaths

Russia on Wednesday called&nbsp;for humanitarian support to Afghanistan as it hosted the Taliban for an international conference. Russia regretted that the US was not part of the discussion. Washington has skipped the Moscow meeting citing technical reasons but has said it plans to join similar talks in the future.

“We are convinced that it is time to mobilise the resources of the international community to provide Kabul with effective financial humanitarian support, including to prevent a humanitarian crisis and reduce migration flows," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters before the start of talks with Taliban, Chinese and Pakistani officials.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sirajuddin-haqqani-top-taliban-minister-praises-suicide-bombers-422088">Sirajuddin Haqqani, top Taliban minister, praises suicide bombers</a>

Russia's keenness to hold talks is partly inspired by its attempt to fill the power vacuum created by withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. Russia fears that any instability in Afghanistan may spill over to central Asian countries which were part of the Soviet Union.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/under-taliban-kabuls-drug-addicts-forced-into-withdrawal-422264">Under Taliban, Kabul's drug addicts forced into withdrawal</a>

Moscow is also concerned about possible flow of migrant flow.

“We call on the Taliban movement – and we discussed this with their distinguished delegation - to prevent the use of Afghanistan’s territory against third countries, most importantly neighbours," Lavrov said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-two-people-injured-in-explosion-in-kabuls-dehmazang-locality-422311">Afghanistan: Two people injured in explosion in Kabul's Dehmazang locality</a>

Russia fought its own war in Afghanistan in the 1980s and has close military and political ties with former Soviet Central Asian states that border Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Wednesday called for humanitarian support to Afghanistan as it hosted the Taliban for an international conference. Russia regretted that the US was not part of the discussion.

Russia on Wednesday called for humanitarian support to Afghanistan as it hosted the Taliban for an international conference. Russia regretted that the US was not part of the discussion. Washington has skipped the Moscow meeting citing technical reasons but has said it plans to join similar talks in the future. “We are convinced that it is time to mobilise the resources of the international community to provide Kabul with effective financial humanitarian support, including to prevent a humanitarian crisis and reduce migration flows," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters before the start of talks with Taliban, Chinese and Pakistani officials. Also Read | Sirajuddin Haqqani, top Taliban minister, praises suicide bombers Russia's keenness to hold talks is partly inspired by its attempt to fill the power vacuum created by withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. Russia fears that any instability in Afghanistan may spill over to central Asian countries which were part of the Soviet Union. Also Read | Under Taliban, Kabul's drug addicts forced into withdrawal Moscow is also concerned about possible flow of migrant flow. “We call on the Taliban movement – and we discussed this with their distinguished delegation - to prevent the use of Afghanistan’s territory against third countries, most importantly neighbours," Lavrov said. Also Read | Afghanistan: Two people injured in explosion in Kabul's Dehmazang locality Russia fought its own war in Afghanistan in the 1980s and has close military and political ties with former Soviet Central Asian states that border Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Russia calls for humanitarian aid as it hosts Taliban

In what appears to be Moscow's strongest effort to rein in foreign tech firms, Russia said on Tuesday that it will seek to fine Google a percentage of its annual Russian turnover for failing to delete content deemed illegal.

Communications regulator Roskomnadzor said Google had failed to pay 32.5 million roubles ($458,100) in penalties levied so far this year and that it would now seek a fine of 5-20% of Google's Russian turnover, which could reach as much as $240 million, a significant increase.

There was no immediate comment from Google.

Russia is seeking to assert greater control on the internet in the country and has increased pressure on foreign tech companies. This has resulted in slowing down the speed of Twitter since March and other measures like fines for content violations.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backs-china-over-hypersonic-test-row-422096">Russia backs China over hypersonic test row</a>

Opposition activists have accused Alphabet's Google and Apple of caving to Kremlin pressure after they removed an anti-government tactical voting app from their stores.

Roskomnadzor earlier in October said it would ask a court to impose a turnover fine on social media firm Facebook, citing legislation signed by President Vladimir Putin in December 2020.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-recognise-common-threats-coming-from-afghanistan-indian-envoy-to-russia-422098">India, Russia recognise common threats coming from Afghanistan: Indian envoy to Russia</a>

"A similar case will be put together in October against Google," Roskomnadzor said in emailed comments to Reuters on Tuesday, noting that the company also owned video-hosting site YouTube.

The SPARK business database showed that Google's turnover in Russia in 2020 was 85.5 billion roubles. A 5-20% fine would amount to between 4.3 and 17.1 billion roubles.

Google is currently fighting a court ruling demanding it unblock the YouTube account of a sanctioned Russian businessman or face a compounding fine on its overall turnover that would double every week and force Google out of business within months if paid.

(With inputs for agencies)

In what appears to be Moscow's strongest effort to rein in foreign tech firms, Russia said on Tuesday that it will seek to fine Google a percentage of its annual Russian turnover for failing to delete content deemed illegal.

In what appears to be Moscow's strongest effort to rein in foreign tech firms, Russia said on Tuesday that it will seek to fine Google a percentage of its annual Russian turnover for failing to delete content deemed illegal. Communications regulator Roskomnadzor said Google had failed to pay 32.5 million roubles ($458,100) in penalties levied so far this year and that it would now seek a fine of 5-20% of Google's Russian turnover, which could reach as much as $240 million, a significant increase. There was no immediate comment from Google. Russia is seeking to assert greater control on the internet in the country and has increased pressure on foreign tech companies. This has resulted in slowing down the speed of Twitter since March and other measures like fines for content violations. Also Read | Russia backs China over hypersonic test row Opposition activists have accused Alphabet's Google and Apple of caving to Kremlin pressure after they removed an anti-government tactical voting app from their stores. Roskomnadzor earlier in October said it would ask a court to impose a turnover fine on social media firm Facebook, citing legislation signed by President Vladimir Putin in December 2020. Also Read | India, Russia recognise common threats coming from Afghanistan: Indian envoy to Russia "A similar case will be put together in October against Google," Roskomnadzor said in emailed comments to Reuters on Tuesday, noting that the company also owned video-hosting site YouTube. The SPARK business database showed that Google's turnover in Russia in 2020 was 85.5 billion roubles. A 5-20% fine would amount to between 4.3 and 17.1 billion roubles. Google is currently fighting a court ruling demanding it unblock the YouTube account of a sanctioned Russian businessman or face a compounding fine on its overall turnover that would double every week and force Google out of business within months if paid. (With inputs for agencies)

Russia plans to fine Google up to 20 per cent of annual turnover

Ahead of crucial Moscow format talks involving Taliban on Wednesday, the Indian envoy to Russia DB Venkatesh Varma has said both India and Russia "recognize common threats emanating from Afghanistan probably more than any other set of countries". Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan involves 10 countries, including India, Pakistan, China and will focus on humanitarian crisis emerging in the country and formation of an inclusive government. A joint statement will be adopted after the meeting that is to start around 12 noon local time.

"India and Russia, I believe, may have travelled along different roads - we were not part of the Doha &amp; Troika processes but our destination is common," said the Indian envoy as he spoke to Russia's Kommersant newspaper.

When it comes to the ongoing developments in Afghanistan. Both India and Russia have not recognized the govt announced by Taliban as worries mount over humanitarian crisis emerging in the country with the onset of the winters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sirajuddin-haqqani-top-taliban-minister-praises-suicide-bombers-422088">Sirajuddin Haqqani, top Taliban minister, praises suicide bombers</a>

Since the fall of Afghan govt led by Ashraf Ghani and Taliban takeover of the country in August, both the countries have had number of conversations on the issues. Russian President Putin spoke to Prime Minister Modi in August following which Secretary of the Russian Security Council General Patrushev visited India and had discussions with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Asked if Taliban will wipe out terrorism from Afghan territory, envoy Varma said, "In the last several months, unfortunately we have seen that Afghanistan is a story of broken promises. Whether the Taliban will stand by their commitments and back words with deeds - we will wait and see."

International concern has been mounting over Afghan territory being used by terror groups. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2593 passed under India's presidency of the security council in August specially mentioned that the country's territory should not be used to shelter and train terrorists among other things.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-soaring-fuel-prices-and-dwindling-cash-reserves-in-afghanistan-taliban-say-all-is-well-421995">Amid soaring fuel prices and dwindling cash reserves in Afghanistan, Taliban say ‘all is well’</a>

Interestingly, the Indian Envoy pointed out how, "India was not allowed to participate in" in Troika plus talks on Afghanistan involving Russia, US, China, plus Pakistan. It is well known that Islamabad was not keen on New Delhi being present in the talks led by Russia.&nbsp;

He also highlighted while Troika plus talks and Doha process "pursued certain objectives" when it comes to Afghanistan "reality turned out to be quite different from what was originally envisaged", tangentially referring to their failure.

Meanwhile, in first official confirmation by the Indian side, the envoy said, "India will be hosting a high-level meeting of NSAs of regional countries in Afghanistan in November".&nbsp;

India has sent invite to Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and other countries in the region for the talks which is seen as a significant outreach by New Delhi on the issue.

Ahead of crucial Moscow format talks involving Taliban on Wednesday, the Indian envoy to Russia DB Venkatesh Varma has said both India and Russia "recognize common threats emanating from Afghanistan probably more than any other set of countries".

Ahead of crucial Moscow format talks involving Taliban on Wednesday, the Indian envoy to Russia DB Venkatesh Varma has said both India and Russia "recognize common threats emanating from Afghanistan probably more than any other set of countries". Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan involves 10 countries, including India, Pakistan, China and will focus on humanitarian crisis emerging in the country and formation of an inclusive government. A joint statement will be adopted after the meeting that is to start around 12 noon local time. "India and Russia, I believe, may have travelled along different roads - we were not part of the Doha & Troika processes but our destination is common," said the Indian envoy as he spoke to Russia's Kommersant newspaper. When it comes to the ongoing developments in Afghanistan. Both India and Russia have not recognized the govt announced by Taliban as worries mount over humanitarian crisis emerging in the country with the onset of the winters. Also Read | Sirajuddin Haqqani, top Taliban minister, praises suicide bombers Since the fall of Afghan govt led by Ashraf Ghani and Taliban takeover of the country in August, both the countries have had number of conversations on the issues. Russian President Putin spoke to Prime Minister Modi in August following which Secretary of the Russian Security Council General Patrushev visited India and had discussions with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Asked if Taliban will wipe out terrorism from Afghan territory, envoy Varma said, "In the last several months, unfortunately we have seen that Afghanistan is a story of broken promises. Whether the Taliban will stand by their commitments and back words with deeds - we will wait and see." International concern has been mounting over Afghan territory being used by terror groups. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2593 passed under India's presidency of the security council in August specially mentioned that the country's territory should not be used to shelter and train terrorists among other things. Also Read | Amid soaring fuel prices and dwindling cash reserves in Afghanistan, Taliban say ‘all is well’ Interestingly, the Indian Envoy pointed out how, "India was not allowed to participate in" in Troika plus talks on Afghanistan involving Russia, US, China, plus Pakistan. It is well known that Islamabad was not keen on New Delhi being present in the talks led by Russia. He also highlighted while Troika plus talks and Doha process "pursued certain objectives" when it comes to Afghanistan "reality turned out to be quite different from what was originally envisaged", tangentially referring to their failure. Meanwhile, in first official confirmation by the Indian side, the envoy said, "India will be hosting a high-level meeting of NSAs of regional countries in Afghanistan in November". India has sent invite to Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and other countries in the region for the talks which is seen as a significant outreach by New Delhi on the issue.

India, Russia recognise common threats coming from Afghanistan: Indian envoy to Russia

Russia on Monday decided to close&nbsp;NATO's offices in Moscow after the European military alliance had expelled members of Moscow's delegation for alleged spying.

Russia's foreign minister Lavrov said: "Following certain measures taken by NATO, the basic conditions for common work no longer exist," while informing that the country would be suspending work of its official mission to NATO in Brussels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-expels-eight-russians-from-its-mission-claiming-they-were-working-as-intelligence-officers-418899">Also Read:&nbsp;NATO expels eight Russians from its mission</a>

Russia announced that NATO's staff in the capital would be stripped of their accreditation from November 1. NATO's information office will also be closed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-vladimir-putin-says-that-country-ready-to-hold-direct-talks-with-nato-420565">Watch:&nbsp;Putin says ready to hold direct talks with NATO</a>

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"NATO has already greatly reduced its contacts with our mission," Lavrov said. The move comes after NATO declared it had expelled eight members of the country's NATO mission as they allegedly were "undeclared Russian intelligence officers."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-trying-to-violate-its-territorial-waters-421069">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia accuses US of trying to violate its territorial waters</a>

Lavrov said NATO wasn't "interested in equitable dialogue and joint work" as ties between the Western nations and Russia touched a new low.

"We see no reason to pretend that any change is possible in the foreseeable future," Lavrov said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia on Monday decided to close NATO's offices in Moscow after the European military alliance had expelled members of Moscow's delegation for alleged spying. Russia's foreign minister Lavrov said: "Following certain measures taken by NATO, the basic conditions for common work no longer exist," while informing that the country would be suspending work of its official mission to NATO in Brussels.

Russia on Monday decided to close NATO's offices in Moscow after the European military alliance had expelled members of Moscow's delegation for alleged spying. Russia's foreign minister Lavrov said: "Following certain measures taken by NATO, the basic conditions for common work no longer exist," while informing that the country would be suspending work of its official mission to NATO in Brussels. Also Read: NATO expels eight Russians from its mission Russia announced that NATO's staff in the capital would be stripped of their accreditation from November 1. NATO's information office will also be closed. Watch: Putin says ready to hold direct talks with NATO "NATO has already greatly reduced its contacts with our mission," Lavrov said. The move comes after NATO declared it had expelled eight members of the country's NATO mission as they allegedly were "undeclared Russian intelligence officers." Also Read: Russia accuses US of trying to violate its territorial waters Lavrov said NATO wasn't "interested in equitable dialogue and joint work" as ties between the Western nations and Russia touched a new low. "We see no reason to pretend that any change is possible in the foreseeable future," Lavrov said. (With inputs from Agencies)

'No reason to pretend': Russia shuts NATO missions amid spying row

Russia on Saturday topped 1,000 deaths over 24 hours for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, with the country's jab drive at a standstill and few restrictions in place.

An official government tally showed 1,002 deaths and 33,208 new infections, setting a high for both fatalities and cases for the third day in a row.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-development-finance-corporation-chief-to-visit-india-to-boost-vaccine-manufacturing-421167">&nbsp;US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing</a>

The surging outbreak has come with just 31 per cent of Russians fully inoculated as of Saturday, according to the Gogov website, which tallies COVID-19 data from the regions.

A lack of tough restrictions has allowed the virus to spread unchecked, though a number of regions have re-introduced QR codes for access to public places.

The Kremlin has avoided re-introducing major restrictions despite calling the country's vaccination rate "unacceptably" low, saying this week authorities have to ensure "the economy continues working".

It also said that Russia's medical system is prepared to take in the rising number of patients, describing it as not "overwhelmed".

Authorities have blamed Russians for the growing outbreak.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko this week pointed to their "behaviour", while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said everything had been done to give the public the chance to "save their lives by getting vaccinated".&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-adds-18132-new-covid-19-cases-tally-lowest-in-over-7-months-419794">India adds 18,132 new COVID-19 cases, tally lowest in over 7 months</a>

While several Russian-developed jabs have been available for months, authorities have struggled to inoculate a vaccine-sceptic population.

Independent polls show that more than half of Russians do not plan to get a shot.

Russia's fatalities from Covid now stand at 222,315 -- the highest toll in Europe -- even as authorities are accused of downplaying the severity of Russia's outbreak.

Under a broader definition of deaths linked to the virus, the Rosstat statistics agency has said that by the end of August more than 400,000 people in Russia had died with the coronavirus.&nbsp;

Russia on Saturday topped 1,000 deaths over 24 hours for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, with the country's jab drive at a standstill and few restrictions in place.

Russia on Saturday topped 1,000 deaths over 24 hours for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, with the country's jab drive at a standstill and few restrictions in place. An official government tally showed 1,002 deaths and 33,208 new infections, setting a high for both fatalities and cases for the third day in a row. Also Read | US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing The surging outbreak has come with just 31 per cent of Russians fully inoculated as of Saturday, according to the Gogov website, which tallies COVID-19 data from the regions. A lack of tough restrictions has allowed the virus to spread unchecked, though a number of regions have re-introduced QR codes for access to public places. The Kremlin has avoided re-introducing major restrictions despite calling the country's vaccination rate "unacceptably" low, saying this week authorities have to ensure "the economy continues working". It also said that Russia's medical system is prepared to take in the rising number of patients, describing it as not "overwhelmed". Authorities have blamed Russians for the growing outbreak. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko this week pointed to their "behaviour", while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said everything had been done to give the public the chance to "save their lives by getting vaccinated". Also Read | India adds 18,132 new COVID-19 cases, tally lowest in over 7 months While several Russian-developed jabs have been available for months, authorities have struggled to inoculate a vaccine-sceptic population. Independent polls show that more than half of Russians do not plan to get a shot. Russia's fatalities from Covid now stand at 222,315 -- the highest toll in Europe -- even as authorities are accused of downplaying the severity of Russia's outbreak. Under a broader definition of deaths linked to the virus, the Rosstat statistics agency has said that by the end of August more than 400,000 people in Russia had died with the coronavirus.

Russia tops 1,000 daily COVID-19 deaths for first time

The United States has disproved of Russia’s claims that one of its military vessels chased away an American naval destroyer that attempted to violate its territorial waters while drills between Russian and Chinese navies were underway in the Sea of Japan on Friday. &nbsp;

According to the US military, the guided missile destroyer Chafee was conducting routine operations in international waters in the Sea of Japan when a Russian destroyer came within 65 yards (60 metres) of the ship. The interactions during the incident were safe and professional. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Tense faceoff during Russian-Chinese war games in sea of Japan

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In the statement, the US military&nbsp;said, "The statement from the Russian Defense Ministry about the interaction between our two navy ships is false. At all times, USS Chafee conducted operations in accordance with international law and custom.” &nbsp;

Earlier, the Russian defense ministry said the crew of a Russian anti-submarine vessel, the Admiral Tributs, had radioed a warning to the USS Chafee that it was "in an area closed to navigation due to exercises with artillery fire." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offers-condolence-payments-relocation-to-kin-of-afghans-killed-in-botched-drone-attack-421207" hreflang="en">US offers condolence payments, relocation to kin of Afghans killed in botched drone attack</a>

Russian defence ministry said in its statement that the US destroyer failed to change course and instead raised a flag to indicate that it was preparing to launch helicopter from its deck, meaning it was unable to change course and speed. &nbsp;

"Acting within the framework of the international rules of navigation, the Admiral Tributs set a course for ousting the intruder from Russian territorial waters," it said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-slammed-for-likening-former-senator-dodd-with-one-who-would-not-disrespect-a-waitress-421154" hreflang="en">US President Joe Biden slammed for likening former Senator Dodd with one who would not 'disrespect a waitress'</a>&nbsp;

The Chafee eventually changed course when the two vessels were less than 60 meters apart, it said. &nbsp;

The ministry said that incident lasted for about 50 minutes and took place in Peter the Great Bay, which lies south of Vladivostok in the west of the Sea of Japan. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United States has disproved of Russia’s claims that one of its military vessels chased away an American naval destroyer that attempted to violate its territorial waters while drills between Russian and Chinese navies were underway in the Sea of Japan on Friday.

The United States has disproved of Russia’s claims that one of its military vessels chased away an American naval destroyer that attempted to violate its territorial waters while drills between Russian and Chinese navies were underway in the Sea of Japan on Friday. According to the US military, the guided missile destroyer Chafee was conducting routine operations in international waters in the Sea of Japan when a Russian destroyer came within 65 yards (60 metres) of the ship. The interactions during the incident were safe and professional. Watch: Tense faceoff during Russian-Chinese war games in sea of Japan × In the statement, the US military said, "The statement from the Russian Defense Ministry about the interaction between our two navy ships is false. At all times, USS Chafee conducted operations in accordance with international law and custom.” Earlier, the Russian defense ministry said the crew of a Russian anti-submarine vessel, the Admiral Tributs, had radioed a warning to the USS Chafee that it was "in an area closed to navigation due to exercises with artillery fire." Also Read: US offers condolence payments, relocation to kin of Afghans killed in botched drone attack Russian defence ministry said in its statement that the US destroyer failed to change course and instead raised a flag to indicate that it was preparing to launch helicopter from its deck, meaning it was unable to change course and speed. "Acting within the framework of the international rules of navigation, the Admiral Tributs set a course for ousting the intruder from Russian territorial waters," it said. Also Read: US President Joe Biden slammed for likening former Senator Dodd with one who would not 'disrespect a waitress' The Chafee eventually changed course when the two vessels were less than 60 meters apart, it said. The ministry said that incident lasted for about 50 minutes and took place in Peter the Great Bay, which lies south of Vladivostok in the west of the Sea of Japan. (With inputs from agencies)

US military refutes Russia's claims over naval face-off in Sea of Japan

Russia said on Friday that a US naval destroyer attempted to violate Russian territorial waters as Russian-Chinese naval drills took place in the Sea of Japan. Russia claimed that one of its military vessels chased the US destroyer away. There was no immediate comment from the US.

The Russian defense ministry said the crew of a Russian anti-submarine vessel, the Admiral Tributs, had radioed a warning to the USS Chafee that it was "in an area closed to navigation due to exercises with artillery fire."

Russian defence ministry said in its statement that the US destroyer failed to change course and instead raised a flag to indicate that it was preparing to launch helicopter from its deck, &nbsp;meaning it was unable to change course and speed

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-hypersonic-nukes-capable-of-wiping-out-us-cities-on-alert-putin-420839">Russian hypersonic nukes capable of wiping out US cities 'on alert': Putin</a>

"Acting within the framework of the international rules of navigation, the Admiral Tributs set a course for ousting the intruder from Russian territorial waters," it said.

The Chafee eventually changed course when the two vessels were less than 60 meters apart, it said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-contracts-needed-to-boost-europe-gas-supplies-russia-420419">New contracts needed to boost Europe gas supplies: Russia</a>

The ministry said that incident lasted for about 50 minutes and took place in Peter the Great Bay, which lies south of Vladivostok in the west of the Sea of Japan.

It was the second time in four months Russia has said it chased a NATO-member warship from its waters. In June, Russia accused a British destroyer, the Defender, of breaching its territorial waters in the Black Sea, and said it had forced the ship away with warning shots and dropped bombs in its path.

Britain rejected Moscow's account of the incident, which took place off Crimea, part of Ukraine which Russia annexed in 2014 in a move not recognized internationally. London said at the time its ship was operating lawfully in Ukrainian waters.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia said on Friday that a US naval destroyer attempted to violate Russian territorial waters as Russian-Chinese naval drills took place in the Sea of Japan. Russia claimed that one of its military vessels chased the US destroyer away.

Russia said on Friday that a US naval destroyer attempted to violate Russian territorial waters as Russian-Chinese naval drills took place in the Sea of Japan. Russia claimed that one of its military vessels chased the US destroyer away. There was no immediate comment from the US. The Russian defense ministry said the crew of a Russian anti-submarine vessel, the Admiral Tributs, had radioed a warning to the USS Chafee that it was "in an area closed to navigation due to exercises with artillery fire." Russian defence ministry said in its statement that the US destroyer failed to change course and instead raised a flag to indicate that it was preparing to launch helicopter from its deck, meaning it was unable to change course and speed Also Read | Russian hypersonic nukes capable of wiping out US cities 'on alert': Putin "Acting within the framework of the international rules of navigation, the Admiral Tributs set a course for ousting the intruder from Russian territorial waters," it said. The Chafee eventually changed course when the two vessels were less than 60 meters apart, it said. Also Read | New contracts needed to boost Europe gas supplies: Russia The ministry said that incident lasted for about 50 minutes and took place in Peter the Great Bay, which lies south of Vladivostok in the west of the Sea of Japan. It was the second time in four months Russia has said it chased a NATO-member warship from its waters. In June, Russia accused a British destroyer, the Defender, of breaching its territorial waters in the Black Sea, and said it had forced the ship away with warning shots and dropped bombs in its path. Britain rejected Moscow's account of the incident, which took place off Crimea, part of Ukraine which Russia annexed in 2014 in a move not recognized internationally. London said at the time its ship was operating lawfully in Ukrainian waters. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia accuses US of trying to violate its territorial waters

Abdulla Shahid, the president of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, on Tuesday clarified to WION that Myanmar did not speak at the assembly hall because it failed to make a request as per the protocols.

Speaking exclusively to WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay, he sought to put to&nbsp;rest speculation that the country now under a military junta was not allowed to speak at the behest of US, China and Russia.

Shahid said a committee will meet in November to decide whether&nbsp;Myanmar’s current UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun will be allowed to retain his seat.

“No country has decided that Myanmar will not speak. We have a lot of procedures here which are being followed. There is a committee on credentials who are meeting in November and their report will be adopted by the general assembly. So, it is up to the membership of the UN to decide on these things,” Shahid said.

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"I received no request from Myanmar" 
 
UNGA President Abdulla Shahid (<a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abdulla_shahid</a>) speaks exclusively with WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Myanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Myanmar</a>'s exclusion from the list of speakers at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNGA76?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNGA76</a>, says "everyone who requested to speak were given the floor"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONatUNGA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONatUNGA</a> <a href="https://t.co/J5d6Gb0MFN">pic.twitter.com/J5d6Gb0MFN</a>
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When pointed out that Myanmar’s current UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun – appointed by Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government— was not allowed to address the assembly, Shahid said, “I am not aware of it. As the president of UNGA, I am not aware of anyone not allowing it. I am the person who either allows or doesn’t allow.”

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-wont-address-world-at-un-ousted-afghan-government-will-416300">&nbsp;Myanmar won't address world at UN, ousted Afghan government will</a>

When the president was asked if the Myanmar representative make a request to address the UNGA, Shahid said, “There was no request from the Myanmar delegation to speak."

"I just completed the general debate at the assembly hall and the list of speakers was exhausted. Meaning: Everyone who requested to speak were given the floor, in which 194 delegations spoke," he said, pointing out that Myanmar was the only one who did not make a request to speak.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-says-plot-against-myanmar-un-envoy-fits-disturbing-pattern-403812">US says plot against Myanmar UN envoy fits 'disturbing pattern'</a>

There were reports that China, Russia and the United States had reached an understanding to prevent&nbsp;Kyaw Moe Tun&nbsp;from addressing the general assembly.

Watch

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Kyaw Moe Tun is supported by the international community and has retained his seat at the United Nations following the February 1 military coup.

In May, the junta had appointed a former general to replace him, but the United Nations has not yet approved the appointment.

UN accreditation issues are dealt with by a nine-member committee, whose members include the US, China and Russia. It traditionally meets in October or November.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since Aung San Suu Kyi’s government was overthrown by the military in February, sparking a nationwide uprising that the military has tried to crush.

(With inputs from agencies)

Abdulla Shahid, the president of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, on Tuesday clarified to WION that Myanmar did not speak at the assembly hall because it failed to make a request as per the protocols.

Abdulla Shahid, the president of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, on Tuesday clarified to WION that Myanmar did not speak at the assembly hall because it failed to make a request as per the protocols. Speaking exclusively to WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay, he sought to put to rest speculation that the country now under a military junta was not allowed to speak at the behest of US, China and Russia. Shahid said a committee will meet in November to decide whether Myanmar’s current UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun will be allowed to retain his seat. “No country has decided that Myanmar will not speak. We have a lot of procedures here which are being followed. There is a committee on credentials who are meeting in November and their report will be adopted by the general assembly. So, it is up to the membership of the UN to decide on these things,” Shahid said. "I received no request from Myanmar" UNGA President Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) speaks exclusively with WION's @palkisu on #Myanmar's exclusion from the list of speakers at #UNGA76, says "everyone who requested to speak were given the floor"#WIONatUNGA pic.twitter.com/J5d6Gb0MFN — WION (@WIONews) September 28, 2021 × When pointed out that Myanmar’s current UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun – appointed by Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government— was not allowed to address the assembly, Shahid said, “I am not aware of it. As the president of UNGA, I am not aware of anyone not allowing it. I am the person who either allows or doesn’t allow.” Also read | Myanmar won't address world at UN, ousted Afghan government will When the president was asked if the Myanmar representative make a request to address the UNGA, Shahid said, “There was no request from the Myanmar delegation to speak." "I just completed the general debate at the assembly hall and the list of speakers was exhausted. Meaning: Everyone who requested to speak were given the floor, in which 194 delegations spoke," he said, pointing out that Myanmar was the only one who did not make a request to speak. Also read | US says plot against Myanmar UN envoy fits 'disturbing pattern' There were reports that China, Russia and the United States had reached an understanding to prevent Kyaw Moe Tun from addressing the general assembly. Watch Kyaw Moe Tun is supported by the international community and has retained his seat at the United Nations following the February 1 military coup. In May, the junta had appointed a former general to replace him, but the United Nations has not yet approved the appointment. UN accreditation issues are dealt with by a nine-member committee, whose members include the US, China and Russia. It traditionally meets in October or November. Myanmar has been in turmoil since Aung San Suu Kyi’s government was overthrown by the military in February, sparking a nationwide uprising that the military has tried to crush. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar did not make a request to speak, UNGA president Abdulla Shahid clarifies to WION

As the Russian&nbsp;independent editor Dmitry Muratov&nbsp;was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize 2021, Russia’s authorities labelled few journalists and publications as 'foreign agents'.<o:p></o:p>

A few hours after the world celebrated Russia’s investigative journalist, the Russian authorities labelled an investigative news outlet, Bellingcat, as a ‘foreign agent’. Along with the media firm, nine other journalists and two other media houses were also treated the same way.<o:p></o:p>

This action by the Russian authorities is being understood as a trial of hampering the work carried out by these journalists and media houses, which is also a lot of times against the ruling government.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobel-peace-prize-awarded-to-journalists-maria-ressa-and-dmitry-muratov-419104">Nobel Peace Prize awarded to journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov</a></o:p>

However, the Kremlin has denied these allegations, but has maintained that three companies and nine journalists are acting as foreign agents.<o:p></o:p>

The decision by Kremlin was not supported by the Nobel Peace Prize winner, who tweeted, "we will try to help people who have been designated as [foreign] agents, who are being hounded and forced out of Russia."<o:p></o:p>

Bellingcat is known for revealing Russia agents who had been accused of carrying out the Novichok nerve agent attack in Salisbury in 2018.<o:p></o:p>

The news did not come as a shock for the investigative journalism firm.<o:p></o:p>

"What took you so long?" tweeted Christo Grozev, an investigator for Bellingcat.<o:p></o:p>

"Bellingcat has been deemed such a threat to Russia that we've been declared a foreign agent," said Eliot Higgins, Bellingcat’s founder. “I guess this is the Russian Nobel prize?”<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, US-registered MNews.world and the Caucasus Knot website have also been included in this list of 'foreign agents'.<o:p></o:p>

Any individual or company that has been labelled as a 'foreign agent' by the Russian government is supposed to register with the authorities and report all activities and finances every six months. In addition to this, all their exchanges, including text messages, are to come with a disclaimer that reads that the concerned person is a foreign agent.<o:p></o:p>

As the Russian independent editor Dmitry Muratov was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize 2021, Russia’s authorities labelled few journalists and publications as 'foreign agents'.

As the Russian independent editor Dmitry Muratov was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize 2021, Russia’s authorities labelled few journalists and publications as 'foreign agents'. A few hours after the world celebrated Russia’s investigative journalist, the Russian authorities labelled an investigative news outlet, Bellingcat, as a ‘foreign agent’. Along with the media firm, nine other journalists and two other media houses were also treated the same way. This action by the Russian authorities is being understood as a trial of hampering the work carried out by these journalists and media houses, which is also a lot of times against the ruling government. Also read | Nobel Peace Prize awarded to journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov However, the Kremlin has denied these allegations, but has maintained that three companies and nine journalists are acting as foreign agents. The decision by Kremlin was not supported by the Nobel Peace Prize winner, who tweeted, "we will try to help people who have been designated as [foreign] agents, who are being hounded and forced out of Russia." Bellingcat is known for revealing Russia agents who had been accused of carrying out the Novichok nerve agent attack in Salisbury in 2018. The news did not come as a shock for the investigative journalism firm. "What took you so long?" tweeted Christo Grozev, an investigator for Bellingcat. "Bellingcat has been deemed such a threat to Russia that we've been declared a foreign agent," said Eliot Higgins, Bellingcat’s founder. “I guess this is the Russian Nobel prize?” Meanwhile, US-registered MNews.world and the Caucasus Knot website have also been included in this list of 'foreign agents'. Any individual or company that has been labelled as a 'foreign agent' by the Russian government is supposed to register with the authorities and report all activities and finances every six months. In addition to this, all their exchanges, including text messages, are to come with a disclaimer that reads that the concerned person is a foreign agent.

'Russian Nobel Prize?': Russia labels Bellingcat and other journalists as 'foreign agents'

14 people have died of alcohol poisoning in Russia, officials said Friday, with investigators launching criminal probes.

An additional eight people were hospitalised in the region of Orenburg, around 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) southeast of Moscow in the southern Urals.

"As of now we know of 22 victims, 14 of whom have died," the governor's office said on messaging app Telegram.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-russia-launches-tsirkon-hypersonic-missile-from-submarine-418118">In a first, Russia launches Tsirkon hypersonic missile from submarine</a>

Governor Denis Pasler said regional authorities had launched inspections of alcohol distributors.

"Before the results of the checks are received consumption of alcohol can threaten your life," Pasler was quoted as saying.

The Orenburg branch of the Investigative Committee said on Friday it had opened five probes including into the sale of goods not meeting safety standards. Three people had been detained in connection with the deaths.&nbsp;

One of them, a 29-year-old man from the town of Orsk --is suspected of producing surrogate alcohol, investigators said in a statement. The workshop producing alcohol has also been uncovered.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-expels-eight-russians-from-its-mission-claiming-they-were-working-as-intelligence-officers-418899">NATO expels eight Russians from its mission, claiming they were working as intelligence officers</a>

Homemade spirits and household products containing alcohol are popular throughout the former Soviet Union as a cheap alternative to standard brands, but are also blamed for a large number of alcohol-related deaths.

Those who buy them to drink are usually the most socially disadvantaged.

In 2016, dozens of people died in the Siberian city of Irkutsk after drinking bath essence containing methanol, a toxic substance used in anti-freeze.

14 people have died of alcohol poisoning in Russia, officials said Friday, with investigators launching criminal probes. An additional eight people were hospitalised in the region of Orenburg, around 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) southeast of Moscow in the southern Urals.

14 people have died of alcohol poisoning in Russia, officials said Friday, with investigators launching criminal probes. An additional eight people were hospitalised in the region of Orenburg, around 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) southeast of Moscow in the southern Urals. "As of now we know of 22 victims, 14 of whom have died," the governor's office said on messaging app Telegram. Also Read | In a first, Russia launches Tsirkon hypersonic missile from submarine Governor Denis Pasler said regional authorities had launched inspections of alcohol distributors. "Before the results of the checks are received consumption of alcohol can threaten your life," Pasler was quoted as saying. The Orenburg branch of the Investigative Committee said on Friday it had opened five probes including into the sale of goods not meeting safety standards. Three people had been detained in connection with the deaths. One of them, a 29-year-old man from the town of Orsk --is suspected of producing surrogate alcohol, investigators said in a statement. The workshop producing alcohol has also been uncovered. Also Read | NATO expels eight Russians from its mission, claiming they were working as intelligence officers Homemade spirits and household products containing alcohol are popular throughout the former Soviet Union as a cheap alternative to standard brands, but are also blamed for a large number of alcohol-related deaths. Those who buy them to drink are usually the most socially disadvantaged. In 2016, dozens of people died in the Siberian city of Irkutsk after drinking bath essence containing methanol, a toxic substance used in anti-freeze.

14 die of alcohol poisoning in Russia

Eight "undeclared" Russian intelligence personnel were ejected from Moscow's delegation to NATO's defence alliance in Brussels on Wednesday. 
 
According to Sky News, the expulsions were carried out "in reaction to suspected harmful Russian operations, such as murder and espionage."&nbsp;

"We can confirm that we have withdrawn the accreditation of eight members of the Russian Mission to NATO, who were undeclared Russian intelligence officers," a NATO official said, per the Associated Press.

"NATO's strategy toward Russia is unchanged.In response to Russia's provocative measures, we have increased our deterrent and defensive capabilities while remaining open to constructive engagement, "added the official.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-remains-bedrock-for-european-security-says-stoltenberg-amid-aukus-row-418607">Also read | NATO remains bedrock for European security, says Stoltenberg amid AUKUS row</a>

NATO is also decreasing the size of Russia's delegation from 20 to 10.

A request for comment from Insider was not immediately returned by the Russian authorities.

The eight Russians were expelled at a time when relations between Moscow and the West are at an all-time high, owing in large part to Russia's unilateral annexation of Crimea in 2014.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-foreign-minister-lavrov-slams-quad-aukus-417837">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia's foreign minister Lavrov slams Quad, AUKUS</a>

It is the first time NATO has taken such action against Moscow since seven Russian ambassadors were removed from the mission following the Salisbury espionage poisonings in 2018.

The West, according to Russian authorities, is exploiting Moscow as a "bogeyman."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Eight "undeclared" Russian intelligence personnel were ejected from Moscow's delegation to NATO's defence alliance in Brussels on Wednesday. According to Sky News, the expulsions were carried out "in reaction to suspected harmful Russian operations, such as murder and espionage.

Eight "undeclared" Russian intelligence personnel were ejected from Moscow's delegation to NATO's defence alliance in Brussels on Wednesday. According to Sky News, the expulsions were carried out "in reaction to suspected harmful Russian operations, such as murder and espionage." "We can confirm that we have withdrawn the accreditation of eight members of the Russian Mission to NATO, who were undeclared Russian intelligence officers," a NATO official said, per the Associated Press. "NATO's strategy toward Russia is unchanged.In response to Russia's provocative measures, we have increased our deterrent and defensive capabilities while remaining open to constructive engagement, "added the official. Also read | NATO remains bedrock for European security, says Stoltenberg amid AUKUS row NATO is also decreasing the size of Russia's delegation from 20 to 10. A request for comment from Insider was not immediately returned by the Russian authorities. The eight Russians were expelled at a time when relations between Moscow and the West are at an all-time high, owing in large part to Russia's unilateral annexation of Crimea in 2014. Also Read: Russia's foreign minister Lavrov slams Quad, AUKUS It is the first time NATO has taken such action against Moscow since seven Russian ambassadors were removed from the mission following the Salisbury espionage poisonings in 2018. The West, according to Russian authorities, is exploiting Moscow as a "bogeyman." (With inputs from agencies)

NATO expels eight Russians from its mission, claiming they were working as intelligence officers

On Tuesday, a group of 45 nations, including Britain, Germany and Canada,&nbsp;at OPCW, the global toxic arms watchdog,&nbsp;called on Russia to provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Delegates said that as per the rules of the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Russia has to respond within 10 days to questions posed by the countries.

"Today, 45 States Parties, including Britain have informed the OPCW executive council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of @navalny under Article 9 of the Convention," British delegates said in a tweet.

"Russia has 10 days to answer," they added.

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Today, 45 States Parties, including 🇬🇧, have informed the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPCW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPCW</a> Executive Council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Navalny</a>, under Article IX of the Convention. Russia has 10 days to answer. Details will appear here: <a href="https://t.co/hfvYMeEVwP">https://t.co/hfvYMeEVwP</a> <a href="https://t.co/rhY3rk3HX5">pic.twitter.com/rhY3rk3HX5</a>
— UK Delegation OPCW (@UK_OPCW) <a href="https://twitter.com/UK_OPCW/status/1445396570900422673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Canada and Germany also tweeted that they were part of the 45-country statement.

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🧵1/2 
 
Despite repeated requests, there has been no investigation by 🇷🇺 into the attack on Alexei <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Navalny?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Navalny</a> with a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Novichok?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Novichok</a> nerve agent. 🇨🇦 joins 44 other countries in taking the next step, asking 🇷🇺to clarify the circumstances of this attack under Article 9 of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EC98?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EC98</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fki24JKrfW">pic.twitter.com/Fki24JKrfW</a>
— Canada in OPCW (@CanadaOPCW) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaOPCW/status/1445398887871700996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Case of Alexey Navalny: Today in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPCW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPCW</a> Executive Council several states including Germany demanded answers from Russia under a special consultation procedure. Russia must explain the finding of a prohibited chemical warfare agent.
— Susanne Baumann (@GERMANYonUN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GERMANYonUN/status/1445407533921931266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"It is essential that Russia sets out in detail the steps taken to investigate and shed light on the use of a chemical weapon on its territory," said a portion of the statement quoted on the British delegation's Twitter account.

Western governments claim that opposition leader Navalny was poisoned with an old Soviet-era nerve agent, known as Novichok, last August in Russia.

After receiving treatment in Germany, he returned to Russia, where he is in jail now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-preparing-new-russia-sanctions-over-navalny-poisoning-392792">US says preparing new Russia sanctions over Navalny poisoning</a>

Western states have also called on Syria, a close ally of Russia, to allow arms inspectors in, saying Damascus is continuing to violate its obligations to the OPCW.

Many countries have called for the Russian government to provide more information about and clarify Navalny's poisoning.

However, the Kremlin has always denied involvement.

Vladimir Putin is directly accused by Navalny of being responsible for the attack. On his return from treatment in Germany, the opposition leader was arrested and jailed on old fraud charges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-hits-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-with-new-charge-that-could-add-to-jail-term-404725">Russia hits Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with new charge that could add to jail term</a>

The executive council of the OPCW, which has 41 member states, meets this week to discuss progress in eliminating chemical weapons, including taking action when member states do not comply.

Meanwhile, Britain has said it will not relent in pressing Russia over the Novichok attack on&nbsp;Sergei Skripal,&nbsp;a former double agent in the English city of Salisbury.&nbsp;

As a result of the attack, both Sergei Skripal and his daughter were left battling for their lives, while the police officer investigating the case fell gravely ill. A local woman who was exposed to the nerve agent died later.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Tuesday, a group of 45 nations, including Britain, Germany and Canada, at OPCW, the global toxic arms watchdog, called on Russia to provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

On Tuesday, a group of 45 nations, including Britain, Germany and Canada, at OPCW, the global toxic arms watchdog, called on Russia to provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Delegates said that as per the rules of the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Russia has to respond within 10 days to questions posed by the countries. "Today, 45 States Parties, including Britain have informed the OPCW executive council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of @navalny under Article 9 of the Convention," British delegates said in a tweet. "Russia has 10 days to answer," they added. Today, 45 States Parties, including 🇬🇧, have informed the #OPCW Executive Council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of @Navalny, under Article IX of the Convention. Russia has 10 days to answer. Details will appear here: https://t.co/hfvYMeEVwP pic.twitter.com/rhY3rk3HX5 — UK Delegation OPCW (@UK_OPCW) October 5, 2021 × Canada and Germany also tweeted that they were part of the 45-country statement. 🧵1/2 Despite repeated requests, there has been no investigation by 🇷🇺 into the attack on Alexei #Navalny with a #Novichok nerve agent. 🇨🇦 joins 44 other countries in taking the next step, asking 🇷🇺to clarify the circumstances of this attack under Article 9 of the #CWC. #EC98 pic.twitter.com/Fki24JKrfW — Canada in OPCW (@CanadaOPCW) October 5, 2021 × Case of Alexey Navalny: Today in the #OPCW Executive Council several states including Germany demanded answers from Russia under a special consultation procedure. Russia must explain the finding of a prohibited chemical warfare agent. — Susanne Baumann (@GERMANYonUN) October 5, 2021 × "It is essential that Russia sets out in detail the steps taken to investigate and shed light on the use of a chemical weapon on its territory," said a portion of the statement quoted on the British delegation's Twitter account. Western governments claim that opposition leader Navalny was poisoned with an old Soviet-era nerve agent, known as Novichok, last August in Russia. After receiving treatment in Germany, he returned to Russia, where he is in jail now. Also read | US says preparing new Russia sanctions over Navalny poisoning Western states have also called on Syria, a close ally of Russia, to allow arms inspectors in, saying Damascus is continuing to violate its obligations to the OPCW. Many countries have called for the Russian government to provide more information about and clarify Navalny's poisoning. However, the Kremlin has always denied involvement. Vladimir Putin is directly accused by Navalny of being responsible for the attack. On his return from treatment in Germany, the opposition leader was arrested and jailed on old fraud charges. Also read | Russia hits Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with new charge that could add to jail term The executive council of the OPCW, which has 41 member states, meets this week to discuss progress in eliminating chemical weapons, including taking action when member states do not comply. Meanwhile, Britain has said it will not relent in pressing Russia over the Novichok attack on Sergei Skripal, a former double agent in the English city of Salisbury. As a result of the attack, both Sergei Skripal and his daughter were left battling for their lives, while the police officer investigating the case fell gravely ill. A local woman who was exposed to the nerve agent died later. (With inputs from agencies)

At OPCW, 45 nations push Russia for answers on Navalny poisoning

Russia has reported the highest number of daily Covid-related deaths on Wednesday becoming the fifth worst-hit country in the world.<o:p></o:p>

Vladimir Putin-led government reported 929 Covid deaths in the past 24 hours. This is the highest death toll the country has reported since the pandemic took over the world in the start of 2020.<o:p></o:p>

Russia is now the fifth worst-hit country by coronavirus in the world now as the total coronavirus cases rose to more than 7.5 million infections.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-stole-millions-of-covid-vaccines-from-uk-in-an-act-of-war-report-418646">France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report</a></o:p>

This has come at a time when the country has been facing a surge in Covid cases due to the Delta variant which has been infecting more people in Russia.<o:p></o:p>

Although people in Russia are being inoculated with Russian-made vaccines, the hesitancy among locals seems to be growing. People have been trying to stay away from getting vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

As of now, less than 30 per cent of the total population has been vaccinated, out of 146 million. While the 30 per cent population has been fully vaccinated, the remaining population is not coming forward to get inoculated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-vatican-swiss-guards-resign-over-covid-vaccination-mandate-says-report-418499">Three Vatican Swiss Guards resign over Covid vaccination mandate, says report</a>

<o:p></o:p>

Some surveys have also revealed that more than half of the Russian population is planning on not getting a Covid shot, increasing concerns for the medical experts.<o:p></o:p>

Experts have also reported that the Covid-related deaths are higher in the unvaccinated population, rather than the vaccinated people. Authorities are suing these polls and surveys to spread awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-struggles-with-high-coronavirus-cases-record-929-deaths-in-24-hours-418706">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-struggles-with-high-coronavirus-cases-record-929-deaths-in-24-hours-418706/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, authorities have also cleared the air about lockdowns. Kremlin spokesperson Dmity Peskov&nbsp;has said that lockdowns are "an absolutely undesirable scenario for any region" especially as several regions are "taking action individually"&nbsp;to control the spread of coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

Russia has reported the highest number of daily Covid-related deaths on Wednesday becoming the fifth worst-hit country in the world. Vladimir Putin-led government reported 929 Covid deaths in the past 24 hours.

Russia has reported the highest number of daily Covid-related deaths on Wednesday becoming the fifth worst-hit country in the world. Vladimir Putin-led government reported 929 Covid deaths in the past 24 hours. This is the highest death toll the country has reported since the pandemic took over the world in the start of 2020. Russia is now the fifth worst-hit country by coronavirus in the world now as the total coronavirus cases rose to more than 7.5 million infections. Also read | France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report This has come at a time when the country has been facing a surge in Covid cases due to the Delta variant which has been infecting more people in Russia. Although people in Russia are being inoculated with Russian-made vaccines, the hesitancy among locals seems to be growing. People have been trying to stay away from getting vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. As of now, less than 30 per cent of the total population has been vaccinated, out of 146 million. While the 30 per cent population has been fully vaccinated, the remaining population is not coming forward to get inoculated. Also read | Three Vatican Swiss Guards resign over Covid vaccination mandate, says report Some surveys have also revealed that more than half of the Russian population is planning on not getting a Covid shot, increasing concerns for the medical experts. Experts have also reported that the Covid-related deaths are higher in the unvaccinated population, rather than the vaccinated people. Authorities are suing these polls and surveys to spread awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated. WATCH | However, authorities have also cleared the air about lockdowns. Kremlin spokesperson Dmity Peskov has said that lockdowns are "an absolutely undesirable scenario for any region" especially as several regions are "taking action individually" to control the spread of coronavirus.

Russia reports highest daily Covid deaths as Delta variant surges

Russia on Tuesday recorded its highest daily coronavirus death toll as cases linked to the Delta variant spike amid a lacklustre vaccination drive and few anti-virus restrictions.

A government tally reported 895 fatalities over the past 24 hours, a record in Russia since the start of the pandemic.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-highest-covid-death-toll-for-second-consecutive-day-416898">Russia reports highest Covid death toll for second consecutive day</a>&nbsp;

The new figure brings total deaths from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;to 211,696 -&nbsp;the highest in Europe.

Authorities have been accused of playing down the severity of the outbreak.

The surging infections have come without any real pandemic restrictions to limit the spread.

Russia, the world's fifth worst-hit country with more than seven million infections, has seen cases climb as vaccinations stall.

Moscow, the epicentre of Russia's outbreak, has experienced a spike over the past few weeks, with officials warning of rising hospital admissions.

Authorities say that the highly contagious Delta variant now accounts for all of the cases in the Russian capital.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-tourism-surges-in-july-but-falls-short-of-pre-covid-levels-418165">World tourism surges in July, but falls short of pre-Covid levels</a>

Free jabs have been available since early December, but authorities have struggled to convince a vaccine-sceptic population to get immunised.

Independent polling shows that more than half of Russians do not plan on getting a shot.

As of Tuesday, only 29 per cent of the population had been fully vaccinated, according to the Gogov website, which tallies Covid data from the regions.

Under a broader definition for deaths linked to the coronavirus, statistics agency Rosstat reported in August that Russia had seen more than 350,000 fatalities.

Russia on Tuesday recorded its highest daily coronavirus death toll as cases linked to the Delta variant spike amid a lacklustre vaccination drive and few anti-virus restrictions.

Russia on Tuesday recorded its highest daily coronavirus death toll as cases linked to the Delta variant spike amid a lacklustre vaccination drive and few anti-virus restrictions. A government tally reported 895 fatalities over the past 24 hours, a record in Russia since the start of the pandemic. Also Read | Russia reports highest Covid death toll for second consecutive day The new figure brings total deaths from COVID-19 to 211,696 - the highest in Europe. Authorities have been accused of playing down the severity of the outbreak. The surging infections have come without any real pandemic restrictions to limit the spread. Russia, the world's fifth worst-hit country with more than seven million infections, has seen cases climb as vaccinations stall. Moscow, the epicentre of Russia's outbreak, has experienced a spike over the past few weeks, with officials warning of rising hospital admissions. Authorities say that the highly contagious Delta variant now accounts for all of the cases in the Russian capital. Also Read | World tourism surges in July, but falls short of pre-Covid levels Free jabs have been available since early December, but authorities have struggled to convince a vaccine-sceptic population to get immunised. Independent polling shows that more than half of Russians do not plan on getting a shot. As of Tuesday, only 29 per cent of the population had been fully vaccinated, according to the Gogov website, which tallies Covid data from the regions. Under a broader definition for deaths linked to the coronavirus, statistics agency Rosstat reported in August that Russia had seen more than 350,000 fatalities.

Russia reports record daily coronavirus deaths

The so-called Pandora Papers include no information on the "secret riches" of those close to President Vladimir Putin, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who added that there is no information about the "hidden wealth" of people close to Putin.&nbsp;

"There, to be honest, we did not see any hidden wealth of Putin's inner circle. I do not know. It seems like the publication will continue there, but so far we have not seen anything special. Let's just say that the work of this organisation is also well known to us. We do not know where they get information from or how they get information, " Peskov told reporters. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandora-papers-largest-leak-of-offshore-data-in-history-explained-417996">Also Read |&nbsp;Pandora Papers: Largest leak of offshore data in history explained</a>

The Kremlin spokesman also said that the publication contains a set of "unfounded statements."

"It is just not clear what this information is, what it’s about, there are many things that raise questions, so it is not clear how you can trust this information. Initially, something should appear, while we are talking about some such statements, it is not clear what they are based on and, of course, this is not a reason for any investigations, there should be some serious publication before," Peskov added. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shakira-to-sachin-tendulkar-famous-names-emerge-in-the-investigation-of-pandora-papers-418007">Also read | Shakira to Sachin Tendulkar: Famous names emerge in the investigation of Pandora Papers</a> 
 
Despite its promises to combat corruption and money laundering, the Pandora Papers demonstrate that the United States remains the world's greatest tax haven, according to Peskov.&nbsp; 
 
"Probably, the only thing that really catches the eye is the revelation of which country is the world's largest offshore and tax haven. This is certainly the US. This does not quite match the claims about the intention to fight corruption, tax evasion and money laundering. But this is the reality. We see that the US is the main tax haven for the whole world, " Peskov told reporters.

Putin's name does not appear in the files, despite the fact that the US accuses him of possessing a hidden fortune.

However, a few close acquaintances do, notably his childhood best friend, the late Petr Kolbin, whom opponents have referred to as a "wallet" for Putin's personal riches, and a lady with whom the Russian leader was apparently romantically involved.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The so-called Pandora Papers include no information on the "secret riches" of those close to President Vladimir Putin, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who added that there is no information about the "hidden wealth" of people close to Putin.

The so-called Pandora Papers include no information on the "secret riches" of those close to President Vladimir Putin, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who added that there is no information about the "hidden wealth" of people close to Putin. "There, to be honest, we did not see any hidden wealth of Putin's inner circle. I do not know. It seems like the publication will continue there, but so far we have not seen anything special. Let's just say that the work of this organisation is also well known to us. We do not know where they get information from or how they get information, " Peskov told reporters. Also Read | Pandora Papers: Largest leak of offshore data in history explained The Kremlin spokesman also said that the publication contains a set of "unfounded statements." "It is just not clear what this information is, what it’s about, there are many things that raise questions, so it is not clear how you can trust this information. Initially, something should appear, while we are talking about some such statements, it is not clear what they are based on and, of course, this is not a reason for any investigations, there should be some serious publication before," Peskov added. Also read | Shakira to Sachin Tendulkar: Famous names emerge in the investigation of Pandora Papers Despite its promises to combat corruption and money laundering, the Pandora Papers demonstrate that the United States remains the world's greatest tax haven, according to Peskov. "Probably, the only thing that really catches the eye is the revelation of which country is the world's largest offshore and tax haven. This is certainly the US. This does not quite match the claims about the intention to fight corruption, tax evasion and money laundering. But this is the reality. We see that the US is the main tax haven for the whole world, " Peskov told reporters. Putin's name does not appear in the files, despite the fact that the US accuses him of possessing a hidden fortune. However, a few close acquaintances do, notably his childhood best friend, the late Petr Kolbin, whom opponents have referred to as a "wallet" for Putin's personal riches, and a lady with whom the Russian leader was apparently romantically involved. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia sees nothing special in Pandora Papers leak and dismisses ‘unsubstantiated claims’

Elections in Russia are always tricky for the Kremlin. Offer too much choice, and citizens may pick the wrong candidates. Offer too little, and the underlying authoritarianism of the regime becomes grimly apparent.

This year, for the parliamentary elections that began on Friday and end on Sunday, President Vladimir Putin is not taking any chances. From the moment Aleksei Navalny, the opposition leader and the Kremlin’s best-known critic, returned to the country in January, the president has overseen a wave of repression.

Scores of independent media outlets have been labeled foreign agents, hobbling their activities, and opposition figures have either been banned from political activity or intimidated into exile. Mr. Navalny is in jail, most of his closest associates have left the country and his organization has been disbanded. The opposition is in tatters.

There has been no sustained outcry within the country against these moves. Mr. Putin’s approval ratings remain solid, and the election is likely to return a majority for his party, United Russia. The system grinds on.

At the heart of the Kremlin’s continued social and political control sits the Russian media. A sprawling network of television stations and newspapers, often lurid in style and spurious in content, the Kremlin’s propaganda system is a central pillar of Mr. Putin’s power. Against all the dissent and discontent with his regime, inside and outside the country, it acts as an impermeable shield. Combined with repression, it is how he wins.

Nearly all of Russia’s television stations and newspapers are under state control. Some, like REN TV, are owned by private companies with links to the Kremlin. Others, like Rossiya and Channel One, are state-owned and often deliver outright propaganda as the news.

Behind the scenes, Mr. Putin’s accomplices — like Alexei Gromov, who as deputy chief of staff in the presidential administration oversees the media — carefully manage the message. Failures are downplayed, criticism avoided and, at every turn, praise heaped on the president, who is cast as a sensible and wise leader.

This machine doesn’t need coercion. An army of reporters, editors and producers, happy to toe any political line in return for promotion and payment, churns out an endless stream of fawning accounts of Mr. Putin, the prime minister and influential regional governors. Conformists and careerists, these journalists are not blind to the realities of contemporary Russia. But they choose to work on the side of the winners.

Funded to the tune of billions of dollars by those close to Mr. Putin, the media preys on the population’s worst fears. The threats of economic disaster and territorial disintegration, in a country that suffered both in the 1990s, are constantly invoked: Only loyalty to the Kremlin can keep the monsters at bay. The European Union, Britain and the United States are portrayed as sites of moral decay, rife with political instability and impoverishment.

In a country where 72 percent of the population doesn’t have a passport and where the financial means to travel abroad remain generally out of reach, such messages find a receptive audience.

This wall-to-wall coverage has profound effects on public opinion. In 2008, as conflict between Russia and neighboring Georgia escalated, the media went into overdrive, depicting Georgia as a haven of anti-Russian activity intent on violence. The results were stunning: A year later, after the war ended, 62 percent of Russians considered Georgia, a small republic in the south Caucasus, to be Russia’s main enemy.

Now ruled by a government more friendly to Russia, Georgia has largely disappeared from state television. The view of it as the main enemy has steadily dropped and is now held by just 15 percent of Russians.

Both broadcast and print are comprehensively under the Kremlin’s control. So too, nearly, is the internet. Ten years ago, social networks helped bring people to the streets in protest against rigged parliamentary elections. Since then, a set of technological and legislative measures — tapping users’ phones and computers, introducing criminal charges for content labeled “extremist” and curtailing the independence of Russia’s biggest tech company, Yandex — have turned the internet into heavily policed terrain. A social media post can cost a few years in prison.

But that’s not the whole story. The great success of Mr. Navalny’s film about Mr. Putin’s alleged mansion by the Black Sea, which has been watched by at least 118 million people since it was released in January, shows that the state’s domination over the media is not enough to prevent undesired content from reaching ordinary Russians. No matter how extensively the Kremlin intervenes in internet platforms — through bots, paid trolls and law enforcement — it remains possible to spread information injurious to the regime.

There are still a few independent local and nationwide media outlets in Russia. Though they can hardly compete with state-funded television channels and newspapers, they are able to reach a sizable slice of the population.

Meduza, for example, one of Russia’s most respected independent news outlets, draws millions of readers to its website a year, and MediaZona, an independent outlet that focuses on corruption and the misuse of law enforcement powers, added more than two million readers earlier this year through its coverage of Mr. Navalny’s trial. TV Rain, an independent television channel, manages to command the attention of 2.3 million viewers.

This success, however small and circumscribed, proved too much for Mr. Putin — and he turned to repression. Through the “foreign agent law,” introduced in 2012 and initially aimed at foreign-funded media such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, the Kremlin has been able to decimate the ranks of independent media. Six outlets were given the designation this year, along with 19 journalists. For the smaller publications, it was the end. Bigger outlets, including Meduza, are scrapping for survival.

The situation, though bleak, is not lost. Independent journalists and outlets continue to find a way to operate, inventively sidestepping the constraints cast on them by the Kremlin through canny crowdfunding and humor. In this, they offer an example to other independent journalists around the world fighting to keep authoritarian politicians accountable.

Even so, Mr. Putin’s media method — propaganda on one hand, repression on the other — continues to bear fruit. Faced with a stagnant economy, an aging population and simmering discontent, it surely can’t go on forever. But, for now, it’s working.

Elections in Russia are always tricky for the Kremlin. Offer too much choice, and citizens may pick the wrong candidates. Offer too little, and the underlying authoritarianism of the regime becomes grimly apparent.

Elections in Russia are always tricky for the Kremlin. Offer too much choice, and citizens may pick the wrong candidates. Offer too little, and the underlying authoritarianism of the regime becomes grimly apparent. This year, for the parliamentary elections that began on Friday and end on Sunday, President Vladimir Putin is not taking any chances. From the moment Aleksei Navalny, the opposition leader and the Kremlin’s best-known critic, returned to the country in January, the president has overseen a wave of repression. Scores of independent media outlets have been labeled foreign agents, hobbling their activities, and opposition figures have either been banned from political activity or intimidated into exile. Mr. Navalny is in jail, most of his closest associates have left the country and his organization has been disbanded. The opposition is in tatters. There has been no sustained outcry within the country against these moves. Mr. Putin’s approval ratings remain solid, and the election is likely to return a majority for his party, United Russia. The system grinds on. At the heart of the Kremlin’s continued social and political control sits the Russian media. A sprawling network of television stations and newspapers, often lurid in style and spurious in content, the Kremlin’s propaganda system is a central pillar of Mr. Putin’s power. Against all the dissent and discontent with his regime, inside and outside the country, it acts as an impermeable shield. Combined with repression, it is how he wins. Nearly all of Russia’s television stations and newspapers are under state control. Some, like REN TV, are owned by private companies with links to the Kremlin. Others, like Rossiya and Channel One, are state-owned and often deliver outright propaganda as the news. Behind the scenes, Mr. Putin’s accomplices — like Alexei Gromov, who as deputy chief of staff in the presidential administration oversees the media — carefully manage the message. Failures are downplayed, criticism avoided and, at every turn, praise heaped on the president, who is cast as a sensible and wise leader. This machine doesn’t need coercion. An army of reporters, editors and producers, happy to toe any political line in return for promotion and payment, churns out an endless stream of fawning accounts of Mr. Putin, the prime minister and influential regional governors. Conformists and careerists, these journalists are not blind to the realities of contemporary Russia. But they choose to work on the side of the winners. Funded to the tune of billions of dollars by those close to Mr. Putin, the media preys on the population’s worst fears. The threats of economic disaster and territorial disintegration, in a country that suffered both in the 1990s, are constantly invoked: Only loyalty to the Kremlin can keep the monsters at bay. The European Union, Britain and the United States are portrayed as sites of moral decay, rife with political instability and impoverishment. In a country where 72 percent of the population doesn’t have a passport and where the financial means to travel abroad remain generally out of reach, such messages find a receptive audience. This wall-to-wall coverage has profound effects on public opinion. In 2008, as conflict between Russia and neighboring Georgia escalated, the media went into overdrive, depicting Georgia as a haven of anti-Russian activity intent on violence. The results were stunning: A year later, after the war ended, 62 percent of Russians considered Georgia, a small republic in the south Caucasus, to be Russia’s main enemy. Now ruled by a government more friendly to Russia, Georgia has largely disappeared from state television. The view of it as the main enemy has steadily dropped and is now held by just 15 percent of Russians. Both broadcast and print are comprehensively under the Kremlin’s control. So too, nearly, is the internet. Ten years ago, social networks helped bring people to the streets in protest against rigged parliamentary elections. Since then, a set of technological and legislative measures — tapping users’ phones and computers, introducing criminal charges for content labeled “extremist” and curtailing the independence of Russia’s biggest tech company, Yandex — have turned the internet into heavily policed terrain. A social media post can cost a few years in prison. But that’s not the whole story. The great success of Mr. Navalny’s film about Mr. Putin’s alleged mansion by the Black Sea, which has been watched by at least 118 million people since it was released in January, shows that the state’s domination over the media is not enough to prevent undesired content from reaching ordinary Russians. No matter how extensively the Kremlin intervenes in internet platforms — through bots, paid trolls and law enforcement — it remains possible to spread information injurious to the regime. There are still a few independent local and nationwide media outlets in Russia. Though they can hardly compete with state-funded television channels and newspapers, they are able to reach a sizable slice of the population. Meduza, for example, one of Russia’s most respected independent news outlets, draws millions of readers to its website a year, and MediaZona, an independent outlet that focuses on corruption and the misuse of law enforcement powers, added more than two million readers earlier this year through its coverage of Mr. Navalny’s trial. TV Rain, an independent television channel, manages to command the attention of 2.3 million viewers. This success, however small and circumscribed, proved too much for Mr. Putin — and he turned to repression. Through the “foreign agent law,” introduced in 2012 and initially aimed at foreign-funded media such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, the Kremlin has been able to decimate the ranks of independent media. Six outlets were given the designation this year, along with 19 journalists. For the smaller publications, it was the end. Bigger outlets, including Meduza, are scrapping for survival. The situation, though bleak, is not lost. Independent journalists and outlets continue to find a way to operate, inventively sidestepping the constraints cast on them by the Kremlin through canny crowdfunding and humor. In this, they offer an example to other independent journalists around the world fighting to keep authoritarian politicians accountable. Even so, Mr. Putin’s media method — propaganda on one hand, repression on the other — continues to bear fruit. Faced with a stagnant economy, an aging population and simmering discontent, it surely can’t go on forever. But, for now, it’s working.

There’s a reason Putin keeps winning

The delivery of US nuclear submarines to Australia under the AUKUS cooperation, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, will place Canberra among the top five countries with such weapons, posing a significant risk to the non-proliferation system.

During a debate on strategic stability at the Geneva Center for Security Policy, Ryabkov said, "We are concerned ... about the recent announcement by the US, UK and Australia to develop a technologically advanced partnership that will allow Australia, after 18 months of consultation and several years of practical effort, to obtain large numbers of nuclear submarines, putting it in the top five countries with similar arsenals. This is a big challenge to the international non-proliferation regime,". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-seeks-to-mend-ties-with-us-amid-row-over-submarine-deal-with-australia-415068">Also read | EU seeks to mend ties with US amid row over submarine deal with Australia</a>

The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister also stated that Moscow will not repeat its offer to Washington of freezing nuclear warheads for a year.

"This was a one-time proposal. It [the US] missed this opportunity, "Ryabkov said.

"We agreed to set up two working groups that will address these [strategic stability] issues," he said. 
 
Watch | After submarine deal, US Air Force to be stationed in Australia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-submarine-deal-us-air-force-to-be-stationed-in-australia-413828/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, Russia and the United States have agreed to establish two working groups on strategic stability problems.&nbsp;

"First, we will have to continue the exchange of signals, rather than questions and answers, which are the core of the work at the current stage. It can be done as the work proceeds. For instance, today the methodology included responding to questions that each side had sent to the other before, " he said, adding that the groups will be tasked with analysing each other’s approaches.

"Then, we will see more clearly when it is time for another offline meeting," he noted.

One group would deal with arms control problems, while the other would deal with technical elements of the countries' nuclear arsenals and "each other's activities" that might have a strategic impact, according to Ryabkov.

"In other words, on the one hand, thoughts and theories, and on the other hand, practical issues and what the sides have," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The delivery of US nuclear submarines to Australia under the AUKUS cooperation, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, will place Canberra among the top five countries with such weapons, posing a significant risk to the non-proliferation system.

The delivery of US nuclear submarines to Australia under the AUKUS cooperation, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, will place Canberra among the top five countries with such weapons, posing a significant risk to the non-proliferation system. During a debate on strategic stability at the Geneva Center for Security Policy, Ryabkov said, "We are concerned ... about the recent announcement by the US, UK and Australia to develop a technologically advanced partnership that will allow Australia, after 18 months of consultation and several years of practical effort, to obtain large numbers of nuclear submarines, putting it in the top five countries with similar arsenals. This is a big challenge to the international non-proliferation regime,". Also read | EU seeks to mend ties with US amid row over submarine deal with Australia The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister also stated that Moscow will not repeat its offer to Washington of freezing nuclear warheads for a year. "This was a one-time proposal. It [the US] missed this opportunity, "Ryabkov said. "We agreed to set up two working groups that will address these [strategic stability] issues," he said. Watch | After submarine deal, US Air Force to be stationed in Australia According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, Russia and the United States have agreed to establish two working groups on strategic stability problems. "First, we will have to continue the exchange of signals, rather than questions and answers, which are the core of the work at the current stage. It can be done as the work proceeds. For instance, today the methodology included responding to questions that each side had sent to the other before, " he said, adding that the groups will be tasked with analysing each other’s approaches. "Then, we will see more clearly when it is time for another offline meeting," he noted. One group would deal with arms control problems, while the other would deal with technical elements of the countries' nuclear arsenals and "each other's activities" that might have a strategic impact, according to Ryabkov. "In other words, on the one hand, thoughts and theories, and on the other hand, practical issues and what the sides have," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US submarines transfer to Australia threatens non-proliferation regime: Russia

Some of India's private hospitals have cancelled orders for Russia's Sputnik V vaccine as they struggle to sell COVID-19 shots amid surging supplies of free doses of other vaccines offered by the government.

Industry officials said low demand and the extremely cold storage temperatures required have spurred at least three big hospitals to cancel orders for Sputnik V, sold only on the private market in the world's biggest vaccine-producing country.

"With storage and everything, we have cancelled our order for 2,500 doses," said Jitendra Oswal, a senior medical official at Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College and Hospital in the western city of Pune.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-vitamin-a-help-in-treating-covid-resulted-loss-of-smell-experts-answer-416845">Can Vitamin A help in treating Covid-resulted loss of smell? Experts answer</a>

"Demand is also not great. There is a class of people, barely 1%, that wanted to go for Sputnik. For the rest, anything would do."

From May until last week, private hospitals accounted for just about six&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of all vaccines administered in India, although the government had freed them to buy up to a quarter of domestic output, health ministry data show.

India is set to become a major production centre of Sputnik V, with planned capacity of about 850 million shots a year, and low domestic uptake could mean higher exports instead, a step backers are already pushing for&nbsp;Indian companies have already started making Sputnik doses.

The health ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Since a June launch event by Indian distributor Dr. Reddy`s Laboratories Ltd, only 943,000 doses of Sputnik V have been administered by hospitals, a fraction of the national total of more than 876 million.

Dr. Reddy`s, which has imported about 3 million doses of the vaccine from Russia and refunded hospitals for cancelled orders, declined to comment. 
Its partner the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which markets Sputnik V internationally, also declined to comment.

Cheaper, easier alternatives

The mainstay of India's inoculation drive is the AstraZeneca vaccine, which can be stored in regular refrigerators, unlike Sputnik V, which needs temperatures of -18 degrees Celsius (-0.4°F), impossible to guarantee in most of India.

The vaccine is also as much as 47 per cent&nbsp;more expensive than AstraZeneca on the private market.

Avis Hospitals, which runs eight vaccination centres in the southern city of Hyderabad, has also cancelled an order for 10,000 Sputnik V doses, said a source with direct knowledge of the matter who sought anonymity in discussing business matters. Avis did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Another Pune hospital, which declined to be identified, said it had also cancelled its Sputnik V orders. Sputnik V is just one of the vaccines suffering from a sharp fall in private sales.

Pune's Bharati hospital will end its COVID-19 vaccination programme when it runs out of AstraZeneca doses, as daily inoculations have fallen about 90&nbsp;per cent to 100 from their June levels, Oswal said.

Just 9,000 doses remain of stocks of 62,000 it ordered.

Avis's COVID-19 vaccine sales have shrunk 40 per cent with existing stocks expected to last until December, instead of October, said the source.

India's monthly production of vaccine, mainly of the AstraZeneca shot known domestically as Covishield, has quadrupled to 300 million doses from April, when a dramatic surge in infections and deaths prompted a halt in exports.

Overseas sales are to resume&nbsp;in October.

Covishield accounts for 88&nbsp;per cent of India's inoculations, followed by Bharat Biotech`s domestically developed Covaxin. Both are administered for free at government centres since mid-January. 
&nbsp;

Some of India's private hospitals have cancelled orders for Russia's Sputnik V vaccine as they struggle to sell COVID-19 shots amid surging supplies of free doses of other vaccines offered by the government.

Some of India's private hospitals have cancelled orders for Russia's Sputnik V vaccine as they struggle to sell COVID-19 shots amid surging supplies of free doses of other vaccines offered by the government. Industry officials said low demand and the extremely cold storage temperatures required have spurred at least three big hospitals to cancel orders for Sputnik V, sold only on the private market in the world's biggest vaccine-producing country. "With storage and everything, we have cancelled our order for 2,500 doses," said Jitendra Oswal, a senior medical official at Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College and Hospital in the western city of Pune. Also read | Can Vitamin A help in treating Covid-resulted loss of smell? Experts answer "Demand is also not great. There is a class of people, barely 1%, that wanted to go for Sputnik. For the rest, anything would do." From May until last week, private hospitals accounted for just about six per cent of all vaccines administered in India, although the government had freed them to buy up to a quarter of domestic output, health ministry data show. India is set to become a major production centre of Sputnik V, with planned capacity of about 850 million shots a year, and low domestic uptake could mean higher exports instead, a step backers are already pushing for Indian companies have already started making Sputnik doses. The health ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Since a June launch event by Indian distributor Dr. Reddy`s Laboratories Ltd, only 943,000 doses of Sputnik V have been administered by hospitals, a fraction of the national total of more than 876 million. Dr. Reddy`s, which has imported about 3 million doses of the vaccine from Russia and refunded hospitals for cancelled orders, declined to comment. Its partner the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which markets Sputnik V internationally, also declined to comment. Cheaper, easier alternatives The mainstay of India's inoculation drive is the AstraZeneca vaccine, which can be stored in regular refrigerators, unlike Sputnik V, which needs temperatures of -18 degrees Celsius (-0.4°F), impossible to guarantee in most of India. The vaccine is also as much as 47 per cent more expensive than AstraZeneca on the private market. Avis Hospitals, which runs eight vaccination centres in the southern city of Hyderabad, has also cancelled an order for 10,000 Sputnik V doses, said a source with direct knowledge of the matter who sought anonymity in discussing business matters. Avis did not respond to an email seeking comment. Another Pune hospital, which declined to be identified, said it had also cancelled its Sputnik V orders. Sputnik V is just one of the vaccines suffering from a sharp fall in private sales. Pune's Bharati hospital will end its COVID-19 vaccination programme when it runs out of AstraZeneca doses, as daily inoculations have fallen about 90 per cent to 100 from their June levels, Oswal said. Just 9,000 doses remain of stocks of 62,000 it ordered. Avis's COVID-19 vaccine sales have shrunk 40 per cent with existing stocks expected to last until December, instead of October, said the source. India's monthly production of vaccine, mainly of the AstraZeneca shot known domestically as Covishield, has quadrupled to 300 million doses from April, when a dramatic surge in infections and deaths prompted a halt in exports. Overseas sales are to resume in October. Covishield accounts for 88 per cent of India's inoculations, followed by Bharat Biotech`s domestically developed Covaxin. Both are administered for free at government centres since mid-January.

Staggering private sales of Covid vaccines in India deal blow to Russia's Sputnik V

President Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey still intended to buy a second batch of S-400 missile defence systems from Russia, a move that might escalate tensions with the United States, which has already warned that it puts the security of the NATO alliance at risk.&nbsp;

"In the future, nobody will be able to interfere in terms of what kind of defence systems we acquire, from which country at what level," told American broadcaster CBS News.&nbsp;

During the interview, which was taped Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and aired on Sunday (September 26), Erdogan said, "I explained everything to President Biden."&nbsp;

Erdogan also claimed that after America refused to sell Turkey the US-made Patriots system as an alternative, his government had no choice but to purchase the Russian system instead.&nbsp;This claim, however, has been disputed by the US.

On being asked about his intention, Erdogan said, "Of course, of course, yes."&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hillary-clinton-called-war-criminal-as-she-becomes-chancellor-of-queens-university-416187">Hillary Clinton called 'war criminal' as she becomes Chancellor of Queen's University</a>

Previously, Turkey's Defence Industry Directorate, chief Ismail Demir and three other employees were slapped with sanctions by the United States over the country's acquisition of the first batch of S-400s.&nbsp;

According to Washington, the S-400s pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and to NATO's broader defence systems. The US government also said that S-400 would collect detailed information about the F-35s and might erase their stealth advantages.&nbsp;

Although, talks continued between Russia and Turkey about the delivery of a second batch and might trigger fresh sanctions.&nbsp;

Erdogan will visit Russia next week to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss issues including the violence in northwestern Syria.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

President Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey still intended to buy a second batch of S-400 missile defence systems from Russia, a move that might escalate tensions with the United States, which has already warned that it puts the security of the NATO alliance at risk.

President Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey still intended to buy a second batch of S-400 missile defence systems from Russia, a move that might escalate tensions with the United States, which has already warned that it puts the security of the NATO alliance at risk. "In the future, nobody will be able to interfere in terms of what kind of defence systems we acquire, from which country at what level," told American broadcaster CBS News. During the interview, which was taped Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and aired on Sunday (September 26), Erdogan said, "I explained everything to President Biden." Erdogan also claimed that after America refused to sell Turkey the US-made Patriots system as an alternative, his government had no choice but to purchase the Russian system instead. This claim, however, has been disputed by the US. On being asked about his intention, Erdogan said, "Of course, of course, yes." ALSO READ | Hillary Clinton called 'war criminal' as she becomes Chancellor of Queen's University Previously, Turkey's Defence Industry Directorate, chief Ismail Demir and three other employees were slapped with sanctions by the United States over the country's acquisition of the first batch of S-400s. According to Washington, the S-400s pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and to NATO's broader defence systems. The US government also said that S-400 would collect detailed information about the F-35s and might erase their stealth advantages. Although, talks continued between Russia and Turkey about the delivery of a second batch and might trigger fresh sanctions. Erdogan will visit Russia next week to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss issues including the violence in northwestern Syria. (With inputs from agencies)

President Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey intends to buy more Russian defence systems

The official website of the Kremlin on Sunday (September 26) published a series of appealing photos in which Russian President Vladimir Putin can be seen hiking and fishing in Siberia.&nbsp;

Kremlin stated that the Russian President stopped over in Siberia for a short vacation, following a working trip to the Primorye Territory and the Amur Region in early September.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-yo-jong-says-peace-will-come-only-if-south-shows-respect-416140">North Korea's Kim Yo-jong says peace will come only if South shows 'respect'</a>

The statement also revealed that Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu accompanied Putin on his trip.&nbsp;

Well, such adventurous trips&nbsp;is nothing new for the multi-talented Putin, who previously has been pictured riding a horse bare-chested and in sunglasses, as well as carrying a hunting rifle and piloting a fighter jet.&nbsp;

Now, the Kremlin has published photos of Putin standing in a river and catching a fish, walking through lush meadows.&nbsp;

<img alt="Vladimir Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43d34833-d65b-473b-8787-12a1b1149340" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-09-26T075004Z_1_LYNXMPEH8P02S_RTROPTP_4_RUSSIA-PUTIN-VACATIONS.JPG" />

Image:&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;spends a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia, Russia. Source: Reuters

<img alt="Vladimir Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="597d992c-420a-4e19-9ac4-11e109981438" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-09-26T075004Z_1_LYNXMPEH8P02R_RTROPTP_4_RUSSIA-PUTIN-VACATIONS.JPG" />

Image: Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;fishes during a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia. Source: Reuters

<img alt="Vladimir Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ddd1ee3-0868-4a0d-bf8b-5b5461c2b1c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Putin_0.jpg" />

&nbsp;

Image:&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;spends a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia Russia. Source: Reuters

<img alt="Vladimir Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f64e77de-1480-4960-947f-1af3191aa723" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/putin%20%282%29.jpg" />

Image:&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;spends a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia Russia. Source: Reuters

In September mid, the 68-year-old Putin cancelled all in-person events and said he was self-isolating after announcing an outbreak in the Kremlin.

Several people in Putin's entourage tested positive for the Coronavirus, the Russian leader had revealed amid rising infection rates in Russia.&nbsp;

"Cases of the coronavirus were detected in my inner circle. Not just one or two but several dozen people," Putin said, speaking via video link at a meeting of a Moscow-led security alliance.&nbsp;

Putin, 68, has had two shots of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. The Kremlin has said he was feeling healthy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The official website of the Kremlin on Sunday (September 26) published a series of appealing photos in which Russian President Vladimir Putin can be seen hiking and fishing in Siberia.

The official website of the Kremlin on Sunday (September 26) published a series of appealing photos in which Russian President Vladimir Putin can be seen hiking and fishing in Siberia. Kremlin stated that the Russian President stopped over in Siberia for a short vacation, following a working trip to the Primorye Territory and the Amur Region in early September. ALSO READ | North Korea's Kim Yo-jong says peace will come only if South shows 'respect' The statement also revealed that Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu accompanied Putin on his trip. Well, such adventurous trips is nothing new for the multi-talented Putin, who previously has been pictured riding a horse bare-chested and in sunglasses, as well as carrying a hunting rifle and piloting a fighter jet. Now, the Kremlin has published photos of Putin standing in a river and catching a fish, walking through lush meadows. Image: Russian President Vladimir Putin spends a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia, Russia. Source: Reuters Image: Russian President Vladimir Putin fishes during a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia. Source: Reuters Image: Russian President Vladimir Putin spends a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia Russia. Source: Reuters Image: Russian President Vladimir Putin spends a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia Russia. Source: Reuters In September mid, the 68-year-old Putin cancelled all in-person events and said he was self-isolating after announcing an outbreak in the Kremlin. Several people in Putin's entourage tested positive for the Coronavirus, the Russian leader had revealed amid rising infection rates in Russia. "Cases of the coronavirus were detected in my inner circle. Not just one or two but several dozen people," Putin said, speaking via video link at a meeting of a Moscow-led security alliance. Putin, 68, has had two shots of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. The Kremlin has said he was feeling healthy. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin releases photos of Vladimir Putin hiking and fishing in Siberia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called Saturday on the United States to take a more active approach to help resume stalled talks aimed at reviving the Iran nuclear deal.

"It seems evident they should be more active" in "resolving all issues related" to the accord, Lavrov told reporters at the United Nations in New York.

Lavrov added that he hoped negotiations in Vienna among Iran, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany would resume "as soon as possible."

The talks, brokered by the Europeans, seek the return of the United States to the 2015 agreement trashed by former president Donald Trump -- as well as Iran's return to full compliance.

Trump pulled America out in 2018, reinstating sanctions on Iran that Washington had lifted as part of the agreement.

Since then, Tehran has also retreated from many of its commitments.

Lavrov said Iran no longer meets elements of the agreement "simply because the United States has left it."

He added that sanctions reimposed on Iran also affected countries who "trade legally" with Tehran.

"These sanctions should be lifted as part of the restoration of the nuclear deal," he said, adding that Iran's "should not suffer from unilateral US measures."

Trump's successor Joe Biden has indicated he wants to return to the deal, but his administration has expressed impatience at the stalled talks.

Discussions between Iran and the remaining five parties aimed at reviving the deal began in Vienna in April but have been suspended since June, when ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi was elected president.

Hopes of reviving the deal were kept alive earlier this month when Iran agreed to a new compromise with the UN nuclear agency on the monitoring of its nuclear facilities.

Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said Friday the talks would resume "very soon," but the United States said Tehran had not been specific about the timeframe.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called Saturday on the United States to take a more active approach to help resume stalled talks aimed at reviving the Iran nuclear deal.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called Saturday on the United States to take a more active approach to help resume stalled talks aimed at reviving the Iran nuclear deal. "It seems evident they should be more active" in "resolving all issues related" to the accord, Lavrov told reporters at the United Nations in New York. Lavrov added that he hoped negotiations in Vienna among Iran, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany would resume "as soon as possible." The talks, brokered by the Europeans, seek the return of the United States to the 2015 agreement trashed by former president Donald Trump -- as well as Iran's return to full compliance. Trump pulled America out in 2018, reinstating sanctions on Iran that Washington had lifted as part of the agreement. Since then, Tehran has also retreated from many of its commitments. Lavrov said Iran no longer meets elements of the agreement "simply because the United States has left it." He added that sanctions reimposed on Iran also affected countries who "trade legally" with Tehran. "These sanctions should be lifted as part of the restoration of the nuclear deal," he said, adding that Iran's "should not suffer from unilateral US measures." Trump's successor Joe Biden has indicated he wants to return to the deal, but his administration has expressed impatience at the stalled talks. Discussions between Iran and the remaining five parties aimed at reviving the deal began in Vienna in April but have been suspended since June, when ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi was elected president. Hopes of reviving the deal were kept alive earlier this month when Iran agreed to a new compromise with the UN nuclear agency on the monitoring of its nuclear facilities. Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said Friday the talks would resume "very soon," but the United States said Tehran had not been specific about the timeframe.

Russia calls on US to 'be more active' to revive Iran nuclear deal

The European Union slammed Russia for alleged interference in the German elections after observing malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as #Ghostwriter, ahead of the parliamentary election in Germany on Sunday (September 26).&nbsp;

EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted that the fight against cyber attacks is crucial for European security as the cyberattacks threaten the integrity, democratic values and principles of EU member countries.&nbsp;

"Some EU Member States have observed malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as 'Ghostwriter', and associated these with the Russian state," a press release on the behalf of Borrell read.&nbsp;

The statement further added, "These malicious cyber activities are targeting numerous members of Parliaments, government officials, politicians, and members of the press and civil society in the EU by accessing computer systems and personal accounts and stealing data."

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Borrell also stated that activities are contrary to the norms of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace as endorsed by all UN Member States and the attacks are an attempt to undermine democratic institutions and processes.&nbsp;

Previously, Berlin criticised what it called Russian attempts to influence the September 26 election of a new parliament and pointed the finger at hackers from Russia's "Ghostwriter" group which reportedly specialises in spreading disinformation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-hospitals-face-possible-mass-firings-as-workers-spurn-vaccines-415880">New York hospitals face possible mass firings as workers spurn vaccines</a>

German intelligence believes they have been trying to gain access to the private email accounts of federal and regional MPs.&nbsp;

The European Union and member states strongly have strongly denounced the cyber activities, warned that all involved must put an end to it.&nbsp;

The members urged the Russian Federation to adhere to the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union slammed Russia for alleged interference in the German elections after observing malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as #Ghostwriter, ahead of the parliamentary election in Germany on Sunday (September 26).

The European Union slammed Russia for alleged interference in the German elections after observing malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as #Ghostwriter, ahead of the parliamentary election in Germany on Sunday (September 26). EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted that the fight against cyber attacks is crucial for European security as the cyberattacks threaten the integrity, democratic values and principles of EU member countries. "Some EU Member States have observed malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as 'Ghostwriter', and associated these with the Russian state," a press release on the behalf of Borrell read. The statement further added, "These malicious cyber activities are targeting numerous members of Parliaments, government officials, politicians, and members of the press and civil society in the EU by accessing computer systems and personal accounts and stealing data." ALSO READ | Biden reiterates US support for India's permanent seat in UNSC, entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group Borrell also stated that activities are contrary to the norms of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace as endorsed by all UN Member States and the attacks are an attempt to undermine democratic institutions and processes. Previously, Berlin criticised what it called Russian attempts to influence the September 26 election of a new parliament and pointed the finger at hackers from Russia's "Ghostwriter" group which reportedly specialises in spreading disinformation. ALSO READ | New York hospitals face possible mass firings as workers spurn vaccines German intelligence believes they have been trying to gain access to the private email accounts of federal and regional MPs. The European Union and member states strongly have strongly denounced the cyber activities, warned that all involved must put an end to it. The members urged the Russian Federation to adhere to the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union slams Russia for alleged cyberattacks and hacking ahead of German election

All Indian students at Russia's Perm State University, where at least six people were killed and 24 others injured on Monday when a gunman went on a shooting spree, are safe,&nbsp;according to the Indian embassy.

A recent batch of students for the Perm State Medical University (2020-21) had departed from New Delhi on August 29. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Shocked at the horrific attack at Perm State University in Russia; our deep condolences for loss of life and best wishes for early recovery of those injured. The embassy is in touch with local authorities and the representatives of Indian students. All Indian students at Perm State Medical University are safe," the embassy said.

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Embassy is in touch with local authorities and representatives of Indian students. All Indian students at Perm State Medical University are safe. (2/2)<a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a>
— India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndEmbMoscow/status/1439872769668251648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Perm State Medical University&nbsp;is one of Russia's oldest.

It is located in Perm, about 1,300 kilometres east of Moscow.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

All Indian students at Russia's Perm State University, where at least six people were killed and 24 others injured on Monday when a gunman went on a shooting spree, are safe, according to the Indian embassy.

All Indian students at Russia's Perm State University, where at least six people were killed and 24 others injured on Monday when a gunman went on a shooting spree, are safe, according to the Indian embassy. A recent batch of students for the Perm State Medical University (2020-21) had departed from New Delhi on August 29. "Shocked at the horrific attack at Perm State University in Russia; our deep condolences for loss of life and best wishes for early recovery of those injured. The embassy is in touch with local authorities and the representatives of Indian students. All Indian students at Perm State Medical University are safe," the embassy said. Embassy is in touch with local authorities and representatives of Indian students. All Indian students at Perm State Medical University are safe. (2/2)@PMOIndia @narendramodi @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia — India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) September 20, 2021 × Perm State Medical University is one of Russia's oldest. It is located in Perm, about 1,300 kilometres east of Moscow. (With inputs from agencies)

All Indian students safe after Perm University shooting, says embassy

Early results in Russia’s parliamentary elections showed a rise in opposition to President Vladimir Putin’s governing party, though it was nevertheless expected to cruise easily to victory.

In partial results broadcast by state television after three days of voting ended Sunday, the party, United Russia, carried 44% of the vote, 10 percentage points less than in the previous election in 2016. In second place, the Communist Party received 22%, compared with 13% in 2016.

Russian elections are not free and fair, and parliament’s role in recent years has mainly been to rubber-stamp the Kremlin’s initiatives while providing a veneer of democratic legitimacy to Putin’s rule. Over the weekend, videos of ballot stuffing and other apparent instances of fraud circulated widely on social media. But allies of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny had hoped to use the elections to deliver a rebuke to Putin by consolidating the opposition vote.

The weekend’s elections came amid a harsh crackdown on dissent by the Kremlin and murmurings of popular discontent. Apparently fearing a rebuke at the ballot box, authorities barred just about all well-known opposition figures from running for parliament, while forcing many dissidents into exile and declaring popular independent media outlets to be “foreign agents.”

The multiday nature of the elections — measures officially put in place to reduce the spread of the coronavirus — increased the likelihood of fraud by making the process harder to monitor, election observers and Kremlin critics said. And given the system by which the 450 seats in the lower house of parliament, the Duma, are apportioned, United Russia could still maintain its two-thirds majority in the chamber despite getting less than half of the votes.

The opposition’s uphill battle was complicated by decisions by Google and Apple to comply with Russian government demands to block access to Navalny-related content that was supposed to coordinate the protest vote. After the two tech giants on Friday removed from their stores a smartphone app connected to Navalny’s movement, Google over the weekend went further, apparently complying with a government request to block YouTube videos and Google Docs files that Navalny’s allies were using to coordinate voting across the country’s 225 electoral districts.

Google did not respond Sunday to a request for comment. Navalny’s allies, who are organizing the protest vote campaign from abroad, said they were notified by Google that their content could be blocked because of a government request.

“This content is not available on this country domain due to a legal complaint from the government,” a YouTube message says when users in Russia try to open one of the blocked videos.

Google’s compliance with Russia’s demands in recent days has represented a remarkable concession for a company that prides itself on enabling the open exchange of information. In Russia, Google’s products — in particular, YouTube — have helped provide avenues for free expression even as the Kremlin has rolled back democratic freedoms.

Specific threats of prosecution against some of Google’s more than 100 employees inside Russia forced the company to take down the Navalny smartphone app, a person familiar with Google’s decision told The New York Times on Friday. Russian courts in recent months have outlawed Navalny’s movement as extremist and declared his “smart voting” campaign to be illegal.

Nevertheless, Navalny’s allies have been pushing the tactic they call “smart voting” to pool opposition votes and elect as many challengers to United Russia as possible, no matter the challengers’ political views. Their campaign garnered support among opposition-minded voters, many of whom managed to find out which candidate the “smart voting” campaign supported in their district despite Google and Apple’s compliance with the Russian government’s demands.

“This is an election without any choice, and while they can make up whatever result is necessary for them, ‘smart voting’ is a good mechanism,” said Philipp Samsonov, 32, a photographer in Moscow. “I hope that one day I can vote with my heart.”

Samsonov said he planned to vote for the candidate picked by the Navalny team in his district — in his case, a Communist — as the person with the best chance of defeating the governing party’s candidate. Samsonov also said he planned to vote Sunday evening to reduce the chances that something would happen to his ballot.

It was too early to tell Sunday evening whether Navalny’s smart voting campaign had borne fruit, with the early results providing little clarity on how individual candidates were faring on a district-by-district level. But nationwide, the surge in support for the Communists and the decline for United Russia reflected an increase in Russian discontent. On a YouTube broadcast Sunday evening, a top aide to Navalny, Leonid Volkov, described the probable loss of seats by United Russia as progress in the strategy of chipping away at Putin’s hold on power.

“This is, to put it lightly, a significant shift in the political landscape of the Russian Federation,” Volkov said.

Gennadi A. Zyuganov, the leader of the Communist Party in Russia, said there had been a “huge amount” of violations in the elections and warned of demonstrations in the coming days — a notable statement because the Communists are typically loyal to Putin on key issues.

“I can’t rule out that all this will lead to mass protests,” Zyuganov said Saturday on Twitter. “I am sure that people won’t stand for a blatant substitution of their choice.”

In St. Petersburg, some independent election observers were removed from polling stations and detained by police right before votes were counted. One observer, Ksenia Frolova, was detained after filing numerous complaints about irregularities.

“We discovered that the same person cast a vote several times at different polling stations,” Frolova, 18, a biology student, said in a phone interview shortly after being released from a police station. “I feel morally exhausted. You just feel that none of your complaints mattered.”

Last year, widespread fraud in the presidential election in neighboring Belarus set off huge street protests — an outcome that analysts say the Kremlin is determined to prevent from occurring in Russia. Buses of riot police officers were stationed around central Moscow throughout the weekend, but there were no significant protests.

During the election, authorities appeared to be pulling out all the stops to get the typical United Russia base to the polls: public sector workers, members of the military and security services, and pensioners. In central Moscow on Friday, groups of men in civilian clothes, all with similar, tightly cropped haircuts, lined up outside a polling station that covers the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Some acknowledged that they were members of the military and that they had been “strongly advised” by their commanders to vote Friday. Others said that they had been given time off to vote before the weekend, which they planned to spend out of town.

And many Russians continue to support Putin. Outside a Moscow polling place, a teacher, Tatyana Kolosova, 46, said she had voted against United Russia to inject some “competition into the political sphere.” She said she hoped for a government shake-up after the elections that would result in more being done to reduce unemployment and support private business.

But she dismissed Navalny as “an enemy of our country” and promised to vote for Putin if he ran for a fifth term as president in 2024, recalling the relative poverty and chaos of the 1990s, before he came to power.

“I’m thankful that God gave us such a leader,” she said.

Early results in Russia’s parliamentary elections showed a rise in opposition to President Vladimir Putin’s governing party, though it was nevertheless expected to cruise easily to victory.

Early results in Russia’s parliamentary elections showed a rise in opposition to President Vladimir Putin’s governing party, though it was nevertheless expected to cruise easily to victory. In partial results broadcast by state television after three days of voting ended Sunday, the party, United Russia, carried 44% of the vote, 10 percentage points less than in the previous election in 2016. In second place, the Communist Party received 22%, compared with 13% in 2016. Russian elections are not free and fair, and parliament’s role in recent years has mainly been to rubber-stamp the Kremlin’s initiatives while providing a veneer of democratic legitimacy to Putin’s rule. Over the weekend, videos of ballot stuffing and other apparent instances of fraud circulated widely on social media. But allies of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny had hoped to use the elections to deliver a rebuke to Putin by consolidating the opposition vote. The weekend’s elections came amid a harsh crackdown on dissent by the Kremlin and murmurings of popular discontent. Apparently fearing a rebuke at the ballot box, authorities barred just about all well-known opposition figures from running for parliament, while forcing many dissidents into exile and declaring popular independent media outlets to be “foreign agents.” The multiday nature of the elections — measures officially put in place to reduce the spread of the coronavirus — increased the likelihood of fraud by making the process harder to monitor, election observers and Kremlin critics said. And given the system by which the 450 seats in the lower house of parliament, the Duma, are apportioned, United Russia could still maintain its two-thirds majority in the chamber despite getting less than half of the votes. The opposition’s uphill battle was complicated by decisions by Google and Apple to comply with Russian government demands to block access to Navalny-related content that was supposed to coordinate the protest vote. After the two tech giants on Friday removed from their stores a smartphone app connected to Navalny’s movement, Google over the weekend went further, apparently complying with a government request to block YouTube videos and Google Docs files that Navalny’s allies were using to coordinate voting across the country’s 225 electoral districts. Google did not respond Sunday to a request for comment. Navalny’s allies, who are organizing the protest vote campaign from abroad, said they were notified by Google that their content could be blocked because of a government request. “This content is not available on this country domain due to a legal complaint from the government,” a YouTube message says when users in Russia try to open one of the blocked videos. Google’s compliance with Russia’s demands in recent days has represented a remarkable concession for a company that prides itself on enabling the open exchange of information. In Russia, Google’s products — in particular, YouTube — have helped provide avenues for free expression even as the Kremlin has rolled back democratic freedoms. Specific threats of prosecution against some of Google’s more than 100 employees inside Russia forced the company to take down the Navalny smartphone app, a person familiar with Google’s decision told The New York Times on Friday. Russian courts in recent months have outlawed Navalny’s movement as extremist and declared his “smart voting” campaign to be illegal. Nevertheless, Navalny’s allies have been pushing the tactic they call “smart voting” to pool opposition votes and elect as many challengers to United Russia as possible, no matter the challengers’ political views. Their campaign garnered support among opposition-minded voters, many of whom managed to find out which candidate the “smart voting” campaign supported in their district despite Google and Apple’s compliance with the Russian government’s demands. “This is an election without any choice, and while they can make up whatever result is necessary for them, ‘smart voting’ is a good mechanism,” said Philipp Samsonov, 32, a photographer in Moscow. “I hope that one day I can vote with my heart.” Samsonov said he planned to vote for the candidate picked by the Navalny team in his district — in his case, a Communist — as the person with the best chance of defeating the governing party’s candidate. Samsonov also said he planned to vote Sunday evening to reduce the chances that something would happen to his ballot. It was too early to tell Sunday evening whether Navalny’s smart voting campaign had borne fruit, with the early results providing little clarity on how individual candidates were faring on a district-by-district level. But nationwide, the surge in support for the Communists and the decline for United Russia reflected an increase in Russian discontent. On a YouTube broadcast Sunday evening, a top aide to Navalny, Leonid Volkov, described the probable loss of seats by United Russia as progress in the strategy of chipping away at Putin’s hold on power. “This is, to put it lightly, a significant shift in the political landscape of the Russian Federation,” Volkov said. Gennadi A. Zyuganov, the leader of the Communist Party in Russia, said there had been a “huge amount” of violations in the elections and warned of demonstrations in the coming days — a notable statement because the Communists are typically loyal to Putin on key issues. “I can’t rule out that all this will lead to mass protests,” Zyuganov said Saturday on Twitter. “I am sure that people won’t stand for a blatant substitution of their choice.” In St. Petersburg, some independent election observers were removed from polling stations and detained by police right before votes were counted. One observer, Ksenia Frolova, was detained after filing numerous complaints about irregularities. “We discovered that the same person cast a vote several times at different polling stations,” Frolova, 18, a biology student, said in a phone interview shortly after being released from a police station. “I feel morally exhausted. You just feel that none of your complaints mattered.” Last year, widespread fraud in the presidential election in neighboring Belarus set off huge street protests — an outcome that analysts say the Kremlin is determined to prevent from occurring in Russia. Buses of riot police officers were stationed around central Moscow throughout the weekend, but there were no significant protests. During the election, authorities appeared to be pulling out all the stops to get the typical United Russia base to the polls: public sector workers, members of the military and security services, and pensioners. In central Moscow on Friday, groups of men in civilian clothes, all with similar, tightly cropped haircuts, lined up outside a polling station that covers the Russian Ministry of Defense. Some acknowledged that they were members of the military and that they had been “strongly advised” by their commanders to vote Friday. Others said that they had been given time off to vote before the weekend, which they planned to spend out of town. And many Russians continue to support Putin. Outside a Moscow polling place, a teacher, Tatyana Kolosova, 46, said she had voted against United Russia to inject some “competition into the political sphere.” She said she hoped for a government shake-up after the elections that would result in more being done to reduce unemployment and support private business. But she dismissed Navalny as “an enemy of our country” and promised to vote for Putin if he ran for a fifth term as president in 2024, recalling the relative poverty and chaos of the 1990s, before he came to power. “I’m thankful that God gave us such a leader,” she said.

Russian election shows declining support for Putin’s party

Reports said at least eight people were killed and six&nbsp;injured during an attack in a Russian university.

The assailant was reportedly a student who began attacking people at a&nbsp;university campus in Perm, reports said.

The motive of the attacker is still unknown.&nbsp;Investigators said the attacker has been detained while adding that eight people were killed and six injured during the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;campus shooting.

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Grim morning in Russia. Eight people have been confirmed dead, with six injured, after a shooting on the campus of a university in Perm, near the Urals. 
 
Police have apprehended the 18-year-old perpetrator. Terrified students were filmed escaping through windows. <a href="https://t.co/wJEGPFsNtz">pic.twitter.com/wJEGPFsNtz</a>
— Bryan MacDonald (@27khv) <a href="https://twitter.com/27khv/status/1439873001923747854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Reports claimed the attacker entered the university building and opened fire as students hid in the auditorium. Some students jumped off buildings as the gunman went on a shooting rampage.

Russia's TASS news agency reported&nbsp;"the person who opened fire was armed with ‘traumatic’ non-lethal weapon."

TASS news agency said the attacker was a student. He was reportedly wounded during the arrest.

Investigators said the suspect's identity is being established.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports said at least eight people were killed and six injured during an attack in a Russian university. The assailant was reportedly a student who began attacking people at a university campus in Perm, reports said.

Reports said at least eight people were killed and six injured during an attack in a Russian university. The assailant was reportedly a student who began attacking people at a university campus in Perm, reports said. The motive of the attacker is still unknown. Investigators said the attacker has been detained while adding that eight people were killed and six injured during the Russian campus shooting. Grim morning in Russia. Eight people have been confirmed dead, with six injured, after a shooting on the campus of a university in Perm, near the Urals. Police have apprehended the 18-year-old perpetrator. Terrified students were filmed escaping through windows. pic.twitter.com/wJEGPFsNtz — Bryan MacDonald (@27khv) September 20, 2021 × Reports claimed the attacker entered the university building and opened fire as students hid in the auditorium. Some students jumped off buildings as the gunman went on a shooting rampage. Russia's TASS news agency reported "the person who opened fire was armed with ‘traumatic’ non-lethal weapon." TASS news agency said the attacker was a student. He was reportedly wounded during the arrest. Investigators said the suspect's identity is being established. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian university student guns down at least 8 in campus rampage

Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia Party has won majority in Russian parliamentary elections. At the time when 85 per cent of the votes were counted. United Russia party had bagged nearly 50 per cent votes while its nearest rival the Communist Party had just under 20 per cent votes in their favour.

Although United Russia's performance was enough to secure majority, it was weaker than 2016 elections when it had bagged about 54 per cent votes

Elections this time were preceded by massive crackdown on the opposition.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Vladmir Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efedc234-1e58-405e-a766-67852fa81566" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9N24A9.jpg" />

(Vladimir Putin casts his vote online on September 17)

Putin's fiercest critic Alexei Navalny is in jail. In the run-up to the elections, Navalny's top allies were arrested while some of them fled the country. His organisation was termed 'extremist' and anyone associated was kept from running for elections.

Navalny's team had called for opposition supporters to back other candidates who could potentially defeat United Russia, most of them from the Communists, and results indicated the "Smart Voting" campaign may have had some success.

United Russia's general council secretary Andrei Turchak congratulated supporters at party headquarters on a "clean and honest victory".

But Navalny's allies said the vote was being falsified on a massive scale, pointing especially to repeated delays in releasing the results of electronic voting in liberal and opposition-friendly Moscow.

"We have rattled their political system. We forced them to either admit defeat or to falsify, in front of everyone, absolutely brazenly, without any shame. To admit moral bankruptcy," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said during a live stream on YouTube.

Authorities had taken drastic measures to deter the "Smart Voting" campaign, which provided lists of candidates with the best hope of denying Kremlin-aligned politicians a seat.&nbsp;

The campaign's website was shut down and on Friday Apple and Google removed the Smart Voting app from their stores, causing an uproar among the opposition who accused them of giving in to Kremlin "blackmail".

Sources familiar with Google and Apple's decision told AFP the move was taken under pressure from Russian authorities, including threats to arrest the tech giants' local staff.

The popular Telegram messenger also removed Navalny's Smart Voting bot, and on Sunday Google Docs and YouTube videos containing the lists of recommended candidates were blocked.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia Party has won majority in Russian parliamentary elections. At the time when 85 per cent of the votes were counted.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia Party has won majority in Russian parliamentary elections. At the time when 85 per cent of the votes were counted. United Russia party had bagged nearly 50 per cent votes while its nearest rival the Communist Party had just under 20 per cent votes in their favour. Although United Russia's performance was enough to secure majority, it was weaker than 2016 elections when it had bagged about 54 per cent votes Elections this time were preceded by massive crackdown on the opposition. (Vladimir Putin casts his vote online on September 17) Putin's fiercest critic Alexei Navalny is in jail. In the run-up to the elections, Navalny's top allies were arrested while some of them fled the country. His organisation was termed 'extremist' and anyone associated was kept from running for elections. Navalny's team had called for opposition supporters to back other candidates who could potentially defeat United Russia, most of them from the Communists, and results indicated the "Smart Voting" campaign may have had some success. United Russia's general council secretary Andrei Turchak congratulated supporters at party headquarters on a "clean and honest victory". But Navalny's allies said the vote was being falsified on a massive scale, pointing especially to repeated delays in releasing the results of electronic voting in liberal and opposition-friendly Moscow. "We have rattled their political system. We forced them to either admit defeat or to falsify, in front of everyone, absolutely brazenly, without any shame. To admit moral bankruptcy," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said during a live stream on YouTube. Authorities had taken drastic measures to deter the "Smart Voting" campaign, which provided lists of candidates with the best hope of denying Kremlin-aligned politicians a seat. The campaign's website was shut down and on Friday Apple and Google removed the Smart Voting app from their stores, causing an uproar among the opposition who accused them of giving in to Kremlin "blackmail". Sources familiar with Google and Apple's decision told AFP the move was taken under pressure from Russian authorities, including threats to arrest the tech giants' local staff. The popular Telegram messenger also removed Navalny's Smart Voting bot, and on Sunday Google Docs and YouTube videos containing the lists of recommended candidates were blocked. (With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin's party wins majority in Russian elections

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