A central Russian region on Saturday suspended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccinations</a> for two days due to a shortage of doses, local officials said, as the country reported its highest daily increase in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases since mid-January.

Russia is facing a surge in new cases that authorities blame on the highly infectious Delta variant and slow progress on vaccinating people, with deaths hitting a new record in the capital, Moscow, on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-moscow-orders-work-from-home-amid-rise-in-delta-variant-cases-394002">COVID-19: Moscow orders work-from-home amid rise in Delta variant cases</a>

Following shortages that suspended inoculation campaigns from Friday at some centres in the Bashkiria and Khabarovsk regions, health officials in the central Udmurtia region said vaccinations would stop until Monday due to a supply crunch.

The Kremlin said the issue would be resolved in the coming days, and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced additional health spending of 25 billion roubles ($346.80 million) for the care of COVID-19 patients.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said cases of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Delta variant</a>, which was first detected in India, were on the increase in the city.

"To drastically solve the issues, you need people to get vaccinated or head to lockdowns and shut down everything," he told state TV.

So far, 21 million of Russia's 144 million people have received at least one vaccine dose, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Friday.

By the end of this month, 2.5 million doses of the country's Sputnik Light single-dose vaccine will be put into circulation, he said on Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-registers-record-high-covid-19-cases-deaths-393736">Russia registers record high COVID-19 cases, deaths</a>&nbsp;

Russia reported 21,665 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, more than a third of them in Moscow, taking the official national tally since the pandemic began to nearly 5.5 million.

The government's coronavirus task force said 619 people had died of COVID-19-linked causes in the past 24 hours, the highest number since late December and pushing the overall death toll to 132,683.

St Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, saw a record daily death toll from the novel coronavirus of 107 in the past 24 hours.

A central Russian region on Saturday suspended COVID-19 vaccinations for two days due to a shortage of doses, local officials said, as the country reported its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases since mid-January.

A central Russian region on Saturday suspended COVID-19 vaccinations for two days due to a shortage of doses, local officials said, as the country reported its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases since mid-January. Russia is facing a surge in new cases that authorities blame on the highly infectious Delta variant and slow progress on vaccinating people, with deaths hitting a new record in the capital, Moscow, on Friday. Also read | COVID-19: Moscow orders work-from-home amid rise in Delta variant cases Following shortages that suspended inoculation campaigns from Friday at some centres in the Bashkiria and Khabarovsk regions, health officials in the central Udmurtia region said vaccinations would stop until Monday due to a supply crunch. The Kremlin said the issue would be resolved in the coming days, and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced additional health spending of 25 billion roubles ($346.80 million) for the care of COVID-19 patients. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said cases of the Delta variant, which was first detected in India, were on the increase in the city. "To drastically solve the issues, you need people to get vaccinated or head to lockdowns and shut down everything," he told state TV. So far, 21 million of Russia's 144 million people have received at least one vaccine dose, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Friday. By the end of this month, 2.5 million doses of the country's Sputnik Light single-dose vaccine will be put into circulation, he said on Saturday. Also read | Russia registers record high COVID-19 cases, deaths Russia reported 21,665 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, more than a third of them in Moscow, taking the official national tally since the pandemic began to nearly 5.5 million. The government's coronavirus task force said 619 people had died of COVID-19-linked causes in the past 24 hours, the highest number since late December and pushing the overall death toll to 132,683. St Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, saw a record daily death toll from the novel coronavirus of 107 in the past 24 hours.

Russian regions run low on vaccines as COVID-19 cases jump

France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was not obsessed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at an EU-Russia summit. His comments came after eastern European leaders shot down a Franco-German proposal to hold such a summit. The east European nations of the EU opined that such a summit would send a wrong message to Moscow.

The meeting with Putin was proposed by Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Both the leaders have chosen to take a less confrontational stance with Russia in recent years.

"There was no consensus for a quick summit. It's no tragedy in my view," Macron said at a news conference in Brussels. "The most important thing is to remain united. Divisions weaken us."

"The aberration today is that we're the toughest power vis-a-vis Russia, despite the fact they're our neighbour," he said, adding that fellow EU leaders had not expressed the same objections when U.S. President Joe Biden met Putin.

EU summits with Russia were discontinued after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014. The West had then imposed sanctions on Russia.

Macron also said tensions with Turkey have eased over the last few weeks but European countries will remain cautious.

He added that leaders also agreed at this week's summit on the need to accelerate work towards a possible European banking union, which would mean setting up a controversial common deposit insurance scheme that would sharply reduce the possibility of a major banking crisis in the 19 countries sharing the euro.

(With inputs from agencies)

France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was not obsessed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at an EU-Russia summit. His comments came after eastern European leaders shot down a Franco-German proposal to hold such a summit.

France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was not obsessed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at an EU-Russia summit. His comments came after eastern European leaders shot down a Franco-German proposal to hold such a summit. The east European nations of the EU opined that such a summit would send a wrong message to Moscow. The meeting with Putin was proposed by Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Both the leaders have chosen to take a less confrontational stance with Russia in recent years. "There was no consensus for a quick summit. It's no tragedy in my view," Macron said at a news conference in Brussels. "The most important thing is to remain united. Divisions weaken us." "The aberration today is that we're the toughest power vis-a-vis Russia, despite the fact they're our neighbour," he said, adding that fellow EU leaders had not expressed the same objections when U.S. President Joe Biden met Putin. EU summits with Russia were discontinued after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014. The West had then imposed sanctions on Russia. Macron also said tensions with Turkey have eased over the last few weeks but European countries will remain cautious. He added that leaders also agreed at this week's summit on the need to accelerate work towards a possible European banking union, which would mean setting up a controversial common deposit insurance scheme that would sharply reduce the possibility of a major banking crisis in the 19 countries sharing the euro. (With inputs from agencies)

Not 'obsessed' to meet Putin, says Macron

Germany and France are pushing EU counterparts to consider a summit with Russian leader Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;as the bloc weighs its strategy to keep Moscow in check, diplomats said Wednesday.

The EU's 27 leaders are set to discuss ties with its vast eastern neighbour at a meeting on Thursday as Brussels admits that relations with the Kremlin have reached their "lowest level".&nbsp;

Berlin and Paris put forward a last-minute proposal for the bloc to contemplate a potential summit in the wake of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">US President Joe Biden's</a> sit-down with&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;in Geneva last week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-putin-summit-takeaways-respect-optimism-and-some-scepticism-392063">Biden-Putin summit takeaways: Respect, optimism, and some scepticism</a>

But there remains opposition from numerous EU members states, especially in eastern Europe -- wary of talking to the Kremlin.&nbsp;

EU ambassadors were set to hold a meeting late Wednesday evening to try to thrash out a common position.&nbsp;

"The EU must stand firm and establish a counterbalance against Russia. It must also put itself in a position to resist, in particular, cyberattacks. And it must be able to engage in dialogue with Russia on the subjects for which it has interests," one European diplomat argued.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-you-want-peace-prepare-for-war-russia-ready-to-cut-ties-with-eu-over-sanctions-asserts-lavrov-363130">'If you want peace, prepare for war': Russia ready to cut ties with EU over sanctions, asserts Lavrov</a>

"But there is a question over the format for this dialogue. How to conduct this dialogue? At what level? Through what channel? And what role should be given to the EU institutions."

Another diplomat insisted that it was "premature" to talk about a meeting with the Russian leader.&nbsp;

"Why have a summit with&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;if there is nothing positive to discuss," the diplomat said.&nbsp;

Ties between the EU and Russia have been in the doldrums since the Kremlin annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

The bloc has slapped waves of sanctions on Moscow, and Russia has responded with its own counter-measures.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-will-retaliate-if-eu-imposes-new-sanctions-over-navalny-362989">Russia warns will retaliate if EU imposes new sanctions over Navalny</a>

The last summit between EU chiefs in Brussels and&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;took place in early 2014, with the Kremlin strongman preferring to deal bilaterally with individual nations since then.&nbsp;

While the German-French proposal mooted engagement with Moscow, it also made clear the bloc needed to remain united in the face of Russian aggression.&nbsp;

Proposed summit conclusions seen by AFP said there needs "a firm and coordinated response by the EU and the Member States to Russia's malign activities, making full use of all instruments at the EU's disposal, and ensuring coordination with other partners."

The draft statement said that leaders would task EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell "to present options for additional adequate and effective economic sanctions against responsible parties in reaction to destabilising actions by Russia".

Germany and France are pushing EU counterparts to consider a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin as the bloc weighs its strategy to keep Moscow in check, diplomats said Wednesday.

Germany and France are pushing EU counterparts to consider a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin as the bloc weighs its strategy to keep Moscow in check, diplomats said Wednesday. The EU's 27 leaders are set to discuss ties with its vast eastern neighbour at a meeting on Thursday as Brussels admits that relations with the Kremlin have reached their "lowest level". Berlin and Paris put forward a last-minute proposal for the bloc to contemplate a potential summit in the wake of US President Joe Biden's sit-down with Putin in Geneva last week. Also read | Biden-Putin summit takeaways: Respect, optimism, and some scepticism But there remains opposition from numerous EU members states, especially in eastern Europe -- wary of talking to the Kremlin. EU ambassadors were set to hold a meeting late Wednesday evening to try to thrash out a common position. "The EU must stand firm and establish a counterbalance against Russia. It must also put itself in a position to resist, in particular, cyberattacks. And it must be able to engage in dialogue with Russia on the subjects for which it has interests," one European diplomat argued. Also read | 'If you want peace, prepare for war': Russia ready to cut ties with EU over sanctions, asserts Lavrov "But there is a question over the format for this dialogue. How to conduct this dialogue? At what level? Through what channel? And what role should be given to the EU institutions." Another diplomat insisted that it was "premature" to talk about a meeting with the Russian leader. "Why have a summit with Putin if there is nothing positive to discuss," the diplomat said. Ties between the EU and Russia have been in the doldrums since the Kremlin annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The bloc has slapped waves of sanctions on Moscow, and Russia has responded with its own counter-measures. Also read | Russia warns will retaliate if EU imposes new sanctions over Navalny The last summit between EU chiefs in Brussels and Putin took place in early 2014, with the Kremlin strongman preferring to deal bilaterally with individual nations since then. While the German-French proposal mooted engagement with Moscow, it also made clear the bloc needed to remain united in the face of Russian aggression. Proposed summit conclusions seen by AFP said there needs "a firm and coordinated response by the EU and the Member States to Russia's malign activities, making full use of all instruments at the EU's disposal, and ensuring coordination with other partners." The draft statement said that leaders would task EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell "to present options for additional adequate and effective economic sanctions against responsible parties in reaction to destabilising actions by Russia".

Germany, France propose EU-Russia summit: Diplomats

US envoy in Moscow returned to Russia on Thursday and said that he was ready to work on "stable and predictable relationship" after a summit between US and Russia aimed at reducing tensions.&nbsp;

"Arrived back in Moscow today," Ambassador John Sullivan said in a statement, several days after Russia's envoy to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, resumed his own posting, saying he hoped to build "equal and pragmatic ties".&nbsp;

Sullivan said he was ready to work with Russia "on our goal of a stable and predictable relationship between our countries."

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said that both, Russia and the US had agreed for the respective ambassadors to return to their posts. Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden and Putin held summit talks in Geneva.

In March, Russia had recalled Antonov and recommended the United States bring back Sullivan for consultations after Biden agreed with a description of Putin as a "killer".

Sullivan departed Moscow for Washington the next month, as the US and Russia announced a series of tit-for-tat sanctions and expulsions of diplomats.

Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down after Biden took office and accused the Kremlin of interfering in US elections and launching cyberattacks.

In May, Russia formally designated the United States an "unfriendly" state, barring its embassy from employing Russian nationals. The only other country on that list is the Czech Republic.

(With agency inputs)

US envoy in Moscow returned to Russia on Thursday and said that he was ready to work on "stable and predictable relationship" after a summit between US and Russia aimed at reducing tensions.

US envoy in Moscow returned to Russia on Thursday and said that he was ready to work on "stable and predictable relationship" after a summit between US and Russia aimed at reducing tensions. "Arrived back in Moscow today," Ambassador John Sullivan said in a statement, several days after Russia's envoy to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, resumed his own posting, saying he hoped to build "equal and pragmatic ties". Sullivan said he was ready to work with Russia "on our goal of a stable and predictable relationship between our countries." Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said that both, Russia and the US had agreed for the respective ambassadors to return to their posts. Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden and Putin held summit talks in Geneva. In March, Russia had recalled Antonov and recommended the United States bring back Sullivan for consultations after Biden agreed with a description of Putin as a "killer". Sullivan departed Moscow for Washington the next month, as the US and Russia announced a series of tit-for-tat sanctions and expulsions of diplomats. Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down after Biden took office and accused the Kremlin of interfering in US elections and launching cyberattacks. In May, Russia formally designated the United States an "unfriendly" state, barring its embassy from employing Russian nationals. The only other country on that list is the Czech Republic. (With agency inputs)

US envoy to Russia returns to Moscow

Myanmar's junta chief on Tuesday thanked Russia, a major weapons supplier to the troubled Southeast Asian country, for strengthening the army which seized power in a coup earlier this year.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) government in February.

Russia has backed its ally and warned the West against sanctioning the junta.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/six-killed-in-clashes-between-myanmar-army-and-anti-junta-militia-393183" hreflang="en">Six killed in clashes between Myanmar army and anti-junta militia</a>

"Thanks to Russia, our army has become one of the strongest in the region," Russian news agency TASS cited Min Aung Hlaing as telling Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a meeting in Moscow.&nbsp;

The friendship between Russia and Myanmar is becoming "stronger and stronger", the junta leader said, according to his comments translated into Russian.&nbsp;

"Myanmar for us is a time-tested strategic partner and reliable ally," Shoigu said, adding that military cooperation is an "important component" of Russia-Myanmar relations.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-back-in-junta-court-on-sedition-charges-393182" hreflang="en">Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court on sedition charges</a>

"We are committed to continue making efforts to strengthen bilateral ties," the Russian defence minister said.&nbsp;

Min Aung Hlaing is in Moscow for a three-day international security conference which kicked off Tuesday and brings together defence officials from across the globe.

It is the junta chief's second known trip abroad since he seized power.

On Monday, he met with Russian Security Council chief Nikolai Patrushev, with the two agreeing to improve ties between their two countries.

Min Aung Hlaing then met the head of state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheyev, to discuss "potential military technical cooperation," a junta spokesperson said.

Since February, the junta's brutal crackdown on dissent has left at least 870 civilians dead, according to a local monitoring group.&nbsp;

Although the Kremlin has said it was "concerned" by the civilian casualties, Moscow has sought to develop ties with the junta.&nbsp;

In March, a Russian deputy defence minister joined an annual parade showcasing Myanmar's military prowess, including Russian-made jets, tanks and helicopters.

Myanmar's junta chief on Tuesday thanked Russia, a major weapons supplier to the troubled Southeast Asian country, for strengthening the army which seized power in a coup earlier this year.

Myanmar's junta chief on Tuesday thanked Russia, a major weapons supplier to the troubled Southeast Asian country, for strengthening the army which seized power in a coup earlier this year. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) government in February. Russia has backed its ally and warned the West against sanctioning the junta. Also read | Six killed in clashes between Myanmar army and anti-junta militia "Thanks to Russia, our army has become one of the strongest in the region," Russian news agency TASS cited Min Aung Hlaing as telling Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a meeting in Moscow. The friendship between Russia and Myanmar is becoming "stronger and stronger", the junta leader said, according to his comments translated into Russian. "Myanmar for us is a time-tested strategic partner and reliable ally," Shoigu said, adding that military cooperation is an "important component" of Russia-Myanmar relations. Also read | Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court on sedition charges "We are committed to continue making efforts to strengthen bilateral ties," the Russian defence minister said. Min Aung Hlaing is in Moscow for a three-day international security conference which kicked off Tuesday and brings together defence officials from across the globe. It is the junta chief's second known trip abroad since he seized power. On Monday, he met with Russian Security Council chief Nikolai Patrushev, with the two agreeing to improve ties between their two countries. Min Aung Hlaing then met the head of state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheyev, to discuss "potential military technical cooperation," a junta spokesperson said. Since February, the junta's brutal crackdown on dissent has left at least 870 civilians dead, according to a local monitoring group. Although the Kremlin has said it was "concerned" by the civilian casualties, Moscow has sought to develop ties with the junta. In March, a Russian deputy defence minister joined an annual parade showcasing Myanmar's military prowess, including Russian-made jets, tanks and helicopters.

Myanmar junta leader thanks Russia for boosting military

Russian state prosecutor's office said on Monday it banned Bard College, a US&nbsp;non-governmental organisation, after labelling it 'undesirable'. 
 
The Russian foreign ministry said in April, it would end the activity in Russia of US&nbsp;funds and NGOs which it believed interfere in the country's internal affairs, in retaliation to an array of US&nbsp;government sanctions imposed on Moscow. 
 
The state prosecutor's office said that the activity of educational NGO Bard College 'represents the threat to the constitutional order and security of Russian Federation'. Bard was not immediately available to comment. 
 
Russia-US&nbsp;ties slumped to a new post-Cold War in March after US&nbsp;President Joe Biden said he thought his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin was a 'killer', while Moscow and Washington recalled their ambassadors. 
 
Biden and Putin met in Geneva last week and agreed for the envoys to return. 
 
Speaking at a news conference after meeting with Biden, Putin said the organizations, which are supported by the United States, would 'contain' Russia. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Russian state prosecutor's office said on Monday it banned Bard College, a US non-governmental organisation, after labelling it 'undesirable'. The Russian foreign ministry said in April, it would end the activity in Russia of US funds and NGOs which it believed interfere in the country's internal affairs, in retaliation to an array of US government sanctions imposed on Moscow.

Russian state prosecutor's office said on Monday it banned Bard College, a US non-governmental organisation, after labelling it 'undesirable'. The Russian foreign ministry said in April, it would end the activity in Russia of US funds and NGOs which it believed interfere in the country's internal affairs, in retaliation to an array of US government sanctions imposed on Moscow. The state prosecutor's office said that the activity of educational NGO Bard College 'represents the threat to the constitutional order and security of Russian Federation'. Bard was not immediately available to comment. Russia-US ties slumped to a new post-Cold War in March after US President Joe Biden said he thought his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin was a 'killer', while Moscow and Washington recalled their ambassadors. Biden and Putin met in Geneva last week and agreed for the envoys to return. Speaking at a news conference after meeting with Biden, Putin said the organizations, which are supported by the United States, would 'contain' Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia bans US NGO Bard College after labelling it 'undesirable'

Myanmar military junta chief arrived in Moscow on Sunday to attend a security conference. This marks his second known trip abroad since military coup in Myanmar.

Myanmar military toppled civilian government led by Aung Sab Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing left the capital Naypyidaw Sunday on a special flight to attend the Moscow Conference for International Security, state-run MRTV said.

The report said that he was attending at "the invitation of Russian Defence Minister". It added that he had been "greeted" by the Russian ambassador to Myanmar at the airport.

The report didn't give details on how long he was expected to stay in Russia. It is an ally and a major arms supplier to the Myanmar military.

Myanmar's embassy in Russia later confirmed Min Aung Hlaing's arrival to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. 
"The commander-in-chief has arrived in Moscow," an embassy spokesperson was cited by the news agency as saying.

The junta's brutal crackdown on dissent has since killed at least 870 civilians, according to a local monitoring group.

In May local media reported the chief of Myanmar's air force attended a military helicopter exhibition in Moscow.

Min Aung Hlaing's visit comes after the UN General Assembly took the rare step on Friday of calling on member states to "prevent the flow of arms" into Myanmar.

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar military junta chief arrived in Moscow on Sunday to attend a security conference. This marks his second known trip abroad since military coup in Myanmar.

Myanmar military junta chief arrived in Moscow on Sunday to attend a security conference. This marks his second known trip abroad since military coup in Myanmar. Myanmar military toppled civilian government led by Aung Sab Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1 Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing left the capital Naypyidaw Sunday on a special flight to attend the Moscow Conference for International Security, state-run MRTV said. The report said that he was attending at "the invitation of Russian Defence Minister". It added that he had been "greeted" by the Russian ambassador to Myanmar at the airport. The report didn't give details on how long he was expected to stay in Russia. It is an ally and a major arms supplier to the Myanmar military. Myanmar's embassy in Russia later confirmed Min Aung Hlaing's arrival to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. "The commander-in-chief has arrived in Moscow," an embassy spokesperson was cited by the news agency as saying. The junta's brutal crackdown on dissent has since killed at least 870 civilians, according to a local monitoring group. In May local media reported the chief of Myanmar's air force attended a military helicopter exhibition in Moscow. Min Aung Hlaing's visit comes after the UN General Assembly took the rare step on Friday of calling on member states to "prevent the flow of arms" into Myanmar. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar military junta leader arrives in Moscow for conference

The United States is preparing fresh sanctions against Russia over the near-fatal poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a top White House advisor warned Sunday.

Jailed opposition leader Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's most prominent opponent, was arrested in January upon returning to Russia after recovering from a poisoning he says was orchestrated by Moscow.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-us-russia-fight-it-out-or-resolve-issues-377626">Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues?</a>

"We have sanctioned Russia for the poisoning of Alexei Navalny... We rallied European allies in a joint effort to impose costs on Russia for the use of a chemical agent against one of their citizens on Russian soil," US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden's</a> national security advisor Jake Sullivan told CNN's "State of the Union."

The United States in March imposed sanctions on the director of Russia's FSB security agency after finding it carried out the poisoning of Navalny.

"We are preparing another package of sanctions to apply in this case, as well. We've shown along the way we're not going to pull our punches," Sullivan added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-russia-of-consequences-if-alexei-navalny-dies-378474">US warns Russia of 'consequences' if Alexei Navalny dies</a>

He spoke days after Biden and Putin met in Geneva for their first summit, where the leaders sought to cool tensions in the combustible US-Russian relationship.

Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down since Biden took office in January.

After Biden likened Putin to a "killer," Russia in March took the rare step of recalling its ambassador Anatoly Antonov. The US envoy, John Sullivan, likewise returned to Washington.

Putin rejected criticism of his treatment of opponents, many high-profile critics have been killed in Russia during his rule and the media is almost entirely muzzled, saying that the United States had bigger problems.

A day after the summit, the Kremlin was guarded about future dialogue with Washington.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-over-poisoning-of-kremlin-critic-navalny-367479">US imposes sanctions on Russia over poisoning of Kremlin critic Navalny</a>

"We are ready to continue this dialogue to the same extent as the American side is," Putin said in televised remarks.&nbsp;

The Russian leader said the meeting was "quite friendly" and that he and Biden "were able to understand each other on key issues."

The United States is preparing fresh sanctions against Russia over the near-fatal poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a top White House advisor warned Sunday.

The United States is preparing fresh sanctions against Russia over the near-fatal poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a top White House advisor warned Sunday. Jailed opposition leader Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's most prominent opponent, was arrested in January upon returning to Russia after recovering from a poisoning he says was orchestrated by Moscow. Also read | Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? "We have sanctioned Russia for the poisoning of Alexei Navalny... We rallied European allies in a joint effort to impose costs on Russia for the use of a chemical agent against one of their citizens on Russian soil," US President Joe Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan told CNN's "State of the Union." The United States in March imposed sanctions on the director of Russia's FSB security agency after finding it carried out the poisoning of Navalny. "We are preparing another package of sanctions to apply in this case, as well. We've shown along the way we're not going to pull our punches," Sullivan added. Also read | US warns Russia of 'consequences' if Alexei Navalny dies He spoke days after Biden and Putin met in Geneva for their first summit, where the leaders sought to cool tensions in the combustible US-Russian relationship. Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down since Biden took office in January. After Biden likened Putin to a "killer," Russia in March took the rare step of recalling its ambassador Anatoly Antonov. The US envoy, John Sullivan, likewise returned to Washington. Putin rejected criticism of his treatment of opponents, many high-profile critics have been killed in Russia during his rule and the media is almost entirely muzzled, saying that the United States had bigger problems. A day after the summit, the Kremlin was guarded about future dialogue with Washington. Also read | US imposes sanctions on Russia over poisoning of Kremlin critic Navalny "We are ready to continue this dialogue to the same extent as the American side is," Putin said in televised remarks. The Russian leader said the meeting was "quite friendly" and that he and Biden "were able to understand each other on key issues."

US says preparing new Russia sanctions over Navalny poisoning

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday proposed spendings of billions of rubles ahead of parliamentary polls due in September. Putin made the announcement at his United Russia party congress. The parliamentary polls are likely to see the deeply unpopular party struggle.

The party congress took place in a Moscow convention centre. The Russian capital is seeing high number of new Covid cases.

The spending for public support Putin proposed included 50 billion rubles ($687 million) on public transport, 30 billion rubles for repairing roads and 20 billion rubles to clean up rivers, among other spending projects on infrastructure and healthcare.

"The program of the party of the leader has to be the program of the people," the 68-year-old Kremlin chief said in a speech broadcast on state television.

He also said the state would be allocating payments and new forms of support for families starting next month.&nbsp;

"Our task is to significantly increase the prosperity of Russian families and the incomes of our citizens," Putin said.

The gathering, which determines the ruling party's candidates and electoral platform for September's lower house of parliament vote, comes after the party has seen support tumble in recent years amid economic stagnation, entrenched corruption and widespread voter fatigue.

On Friday, state-run pollster VTsIOM published a survey showing that 30 percent of voters support United Russia -- a 10-point drop from the last lower house State Duma elections in 2016.

Navalny neutralised

But the party, which controls a majority of the State Duma, is projecting calm.

"It is a good base of support that can be further increased during the election campaign," party chairman and former president and prime minister Dmitry Medvedev said at the start of the month.

Putin, who came to power in 2000, himself boasts much higher support than his party with an approval rating of 61.5 percent, according to VTsIOM.

The pollster also predicts that three opposition parties that are seen as doing the Kremlin's bidding -- the nationalist LDPR, the Communists and A Just Russia -- will garner around 30 percent of the vote.

Further buoying the Kremlin's prospects in September is the recent dismantling of the movement of Russia's main opposition politician Alexei Navalny.

Barring his organisations from working in the country, a Moscow court earlier this month branded them as "extremist", while Putin signed legislation outlawing staff, members and sponsors of "extremist" groups from running in parliamentary elections.

Critics say the moves were aimed at ensuring that Navalny, who was jailed earlier this year for two-and-a-half years on old fraud charges he says are politically motivated, does not spoil September's vote for the Kremlin.

Despite the clampdown, Navalny's allies are promoting his Smart Voting strategy that backs candidates best placed to defeat Kremlin-linked politicians -- a tactic that has seen United Russia lose a number of seats in recent local elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday proposed spendings of billions of rubles ahead of parliamentary polls due in September. Putin made the announcement at his United Russia party congress.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday proposed spendings of billions of rubles ahead of parliamentary polls due in September. Putin made the announcement at his United Russia party congress. The parliamentary polls are likely to see the deeply unpopular party struggle. The party congress took place in a Moscow convention centre. The Russian capital is seeing high number of new Covid cases. The spending for public support Putin proposed included 50 billion rubles ($687 million) on public transport, 30 billion rubles for repairing roads and 20 billion rubles to clean up rivers, among other spending projects on infrastructure and healthcare. "The program of the party of the leader has to be the program of the people," the 68-year-old Kremlin chief said in a speech broadcast on state television. He also said the state would be allocating payments and new forms of support for families starting next month. "Our task is to significantly increase the prosperity of Russian families and the incomes of our citizens," Putin said. The gathering, which determines the ruling party's candidates and electoral platform for September's lower house of parliament vote, comes after the party has seen support tumble in recent years amid economic stagnation, entrenched corruption and widespread voter fatigue. On Friday, state-run pollster VTsIOM published a survey showing that 30 percent of voters support United Russia -- a 10-point drop from the last lower house State Duma elections in 2016. Navalny neutralised But the party, which controls a majority of the State Duma, is projecting calm. "It is a good base of support that can be further increased during the election campaign," party chairman and former president and prime minister Dmitry Medvedev said at the start of the month. Putin, who came to power in 2000, himself boasts much higher support than his party with an approval rating of 61.5 percent, according to VTsIOM. The pollster also predicts that three opposition parties that are seen as doing the Kremlin's bidding -- the nationalist LDPR, the Communists and A Just Russia -- will garner around 30 percent of the vote. Further buoying the Kremlin's prospects in September is the recent dismantling of the movement of Russia's main opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Barring his organisations from working in the country, a Moscow court earlier this month branded them as "extremist", while Putin signed legislation outlawing staff, members and sponsors of "extremist" groups from running in parliamentary elections. Critics say the moves were aimed at ensuring that Navalny, who was jailed earlier this year for two-and-a-half years on old fraud charges he says are politically motivated, does not spoil September's vote for the Kremlin. Despite the clampdown, Navalny's allies are promoting his Smart Voting strategy that backs candidates best placed to defeat Kremlin-linked politicians -- a tactic that has seen United Russia lose a number of seats in recent local elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin promises billions in public spending ahead of polls

France on Friday accused Russia of making efforts amounting to "seizure of power" in Central African Republic (CAR) acknowledging CAR's CAR's cooperation with Russian "mercenaries" had prompted Paris to scale down its military support.

France suspended military help and budgetary aid to the CAR this month&nbsp;accusing it of being "complicit" in anti-French disinformation campaign backed by Russia.

The CAR has become a key area in the controversy over the role in Africa of the Wagner mercenary group which is allegedly run by the shadowy businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close confidant of President Vladimir Putin.

"In the Central African Republic, there is a form of a seizure of power, and in particular of military power, by Russian mercenaries," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM TV.

"We are fighting this and it has led us to take measures to withdraw a certain number of our military personnel."

French Foreign Minister said Russian personnel were surrounding CAR President Faustin Archange Touadera and were exploiting the wealth of the country.

CAR is one of the poorest countries in the world. It has been chronically unstable since its independence from France.

France launched three-year military operation in 2013 to halt sectarian violence. The operation was launched after the then president Francois Bozize, was ousted by predominantly Muslim rebel groups.

The CAR's closer relationship with Moscow dates back to 2018, when Russia sent "instructors" to help train its beleaguered armed forces and supplied small arms, gaining exemption from a UN weapons embargo.

Last December, under a bilateral cooperation agreement, the Kremlin sent several hundred personnel to shore up Touadera, who was threatened by a rebel offensive.&nbsp;

Russians also provide the president's personal protection and his powerful national security advisor, Valery Zakharov, is a Russian.

On May 30, in an interview with France's Journal du Dimanche newspaper, French President Emmanuel Macron said "anti-French talk has provided legitimacy to predatory Russian mercenaries at the apex of the state.

"Touadera... today is a hostage of the Wagner group," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

France on Friday accused Russia of making efforts amounting to "seizure of power" in Central African Republic (CAR) acknowledging CAR's CAR's cooperation with Russian "mercenaries" had prompted Paris to scale down its military support.

France on Friday accused Russia of making efforts amounting to "seizure of power" in Central African Republic (CAR) acknowledging CAR's CAR's cooperation with Russian "mercenaries" had prompted Paris to scale down its military support. France suspended military help and budgetary aid to the CAR this month accusing it of being "complicit" in anti-French disinformation campaign backed by Russia. The CAR has become a key area in the controversy over the role in Africa of the Wagner mercenary group which is allegedly run by the shadowy businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close confidant of President Vladimir Putin. "In the Central African Republic, there is a form of a seizure of power, and in particular of military power, by Russian mercenaries," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM TV. "We are fighting this and it has led us to take measures to withdraw a certain number of our military personnel." French Foreign Minister said Russian personnel were surrounding CAR President Faustin Archange Touadera and were exploiting the wealth of the country. CAR is one of the poorest countries in the world. It has been chronically unstable since its independence from France. France launched three-year military operation in 2013 to halt sectarian violence. The operation was launched after the then president Francois Bozize, was ousted by predominantly Muslim rebel groups. The CAR's closer relationship with Moscow dates back to 2018, when Russia sent "instructors" to help train its beleaguered armed forces and supplied small arms, gaining exemption from a UN weapons embargo. Last December, under a bilateral cooperation agreement, the Kremlin sent several hundred personnel to shore up Touadera, who was threatened by a rebel offensive. Russians also provide the president's personal protection and his powerful national security advisor, Valery Zakharov, is a Russian. On May 30, in an interview with France's Journal du Dimanche newspaper, French President Emmanuel Macron said "anti-French talk has provided legitimacy to predatory Russian mercenaries at the apex of the state. "Touadera... today is a hostage of the Wagner group," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

France decries Russia's 'seizure of power' in central Africa

Mayor of Russian capital Moscow said on Thursday that new variants of coronavirus were suspected of causing jump in the number of cases.

"It's most likely we are facing new, more aggressive variants which spread more quickly," said mayor Sergei Sobyanin during a video conference with government officials battling the pandemic.

Sobyanin noted that daily infections in the capital had soared from 3,000 to 7,000 within a few days and were expected to hit more than 9,000 on Friday.

"It's tripling, there's an enormous dynamic that we have not seen during the previous waves," Sobyanin added. 
The mayor had on Wednesday ordered mandatory vaccinations for Moscow residents working in the service industry, citing a "dramatic" rise in coronavirus infections.

60 per cent of all service industry workers in Moscow were ordered to be fully vaccinated by August 15. This amounts to just over two million people.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told the video conference the number of cases across Russia had climbed an average of 30 percent in recent weeks and people aged 30-40 were particularly affected.

"The proportion of the Indian (Delta) variant has clearly progressed over the last two weeks," added Anna Popova, head of the health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mayor of Russian capital Moscow said on Thursday that new variants of coronavirus were suspected of causing jump in the number of cases. "It's most likely we are facing new, more aggressive variants which spread more quickly," said mayor Sergei Sobyanin during a video conference with government officials battling the pandemic.

Mayor of Russian capital Moscow said on Thursday that new variants of coronavirus were suspected of causing jump in the number of cases. "It's most likely we are facing new, more aggressive variants which spread more quickly," said mayor Sergei Sobyanin during a video conference with government officials battling the pandemic. Sobyanin noted that daily infections in the capital had soared from 3,000 to 7,000 within a few days and were expected to hit more than 9,000 on Friday. "It's tripling, there's an enormous dynamic that we have not seen during the previous waves," Sobyanin added. The mayor had on Wednesday ordered mandatory vaccinations for Moscow residents working in the service industry, citing a "dramatic" rise in coronavirus infections. 60 per cent of all service industry workers in Moscow were ordered to be fully vaccinated by August 15. This amounts to just over two million people. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told the video conference the number of cases across Russia had climbed an average of 30 percent in recent weeks and people aged 30-40 were particularly affected. "The proportion of the Indian (Delta) variant has clearly progressed over the last two weeks," added Anna Popova, head of the health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor. (With inputs from agencies)

Moscow mayor says new variant is behind Covid spike

US President Joe Biden said Monday he would lay down "red lines" to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at their upcoming meeting, after rallying NATO allies to face up to challenges from Moscow and Beijing.

Speaking after his first NATO summit since being elected, Biden insisted: "I'm not looking for conflict with Russia, but that we will respond if Russia continues its harmful activities." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-business-as-usual-nato-takes-on-russia-and-china-391475">Also read | No 'business as usual': NATO takes on Russia and China</a>

Biden also called Putin "tough" and "a worthy adversary" ahead of their hotly anticipated meeting in Geneva on Wednesday.

The warning to the Kremlin leader came as Biden pressed to renew Washington's transatlantic ties with allies after years of tensions under his predecessor Donald Trump.

At Biden's urging, NATO leaders agreed to work together against the "systemic challenges" posed by China's aggressive policies as the alliance fleshed out its nascent approach to Beijing.

China's increasingly assertive actions in building a nuclear arsenal as well as space and cyber warfare capabilities threaten the international order, they said in a statement.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the allies would seek to cooperate with China on global issues like climate change, as European capitals wanted.

But, in a nod to Washington's growing concern, he warned: "China's growing influence and international policies present challenges to Alliance security."

"Leaders agreed that we need to address such challenges together as an alliance and that we need to engage with China to defend our security interests," he said.

In the summit communique, the leaders told Russia that there would be no quick return to "business as usual".

Russia's military build-up and provocative behaviour on NATO's eastern frontier "increasingly threaten the security of the Euro-Atlantic area and contribute to instability along NATO borders and beyond".

"Right balance"

On China, Biden is picking up from where Trump left off by getting NATO to start paying attention to Beijing.

But European allies have been wary that an increase of focus on China could distract NATO from its major priority -- Russia.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel insisted that alliance members should not "overestimate" the dangers posed from Beijing.

"We have to find the right balance," she said. "China is a rival on many issues, but at the same time it is also a partner on many issues."

French President Emmanuel Macron insisted that NATO should not spread itself too thin and "skew" the relationship with China.

"NATO is a military organisation, the subject of our relationship with China is not only military," he said, stressing NATO's North Atlantic focus.

Afghanistan&nbsp;

Looming large in the background for the summit was also the scramble to complete NATO's hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan after Biden surprised partners by ordering US troops home by September 11.

Biden discussed with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan an offer from Ankara to keep troops in the country to secure Kabul airport -- provided the US gave support.

Erdogan announced no firm deal on the issue -- or any progress on the thorny dispute over Turkey's purchase of Russia's S-400 missile system.

But Erdogan insisted that he had held "fruitful and sincere" talks with his US counterpart.

The final NATO summit statement did not mention Turkey's role at the airport but did stress that the alliance would continue to pay to keep the facility open.

Much of the summit Monday was dedicated to trying to forge a way forward by greenlighting a 2030 reform plan to revitalise an alliance that Macron warned in 2019 was undergoing "brain death".

Allies endorsed a new cyber defence policy to tackle rising threats and agreed for the first time that an attack in space could trigger the Article 5 collective defence clause.

They also committed to increasing the alliance's budget and spending more on "common funding" -- but details remained sparse after opposition to increased spending led by France.

US President Joe Biden said Monday he would lay down "red lines" to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at their upcoming meeting, after rallying NATO allies to face up to challenges from Moscow and Beijing.

US President Joe Biden said Monday he would lay down "red lines" to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at their upcoming meeting, after rallying NATO allies to face up to challenges from Moscow and Beijing. Speaking after his first NATO summit since being elected, Biden insisted: "I'm not looking for conflict with Russia, but that we will respond if Russia continues its harmful activities." Also read | No 'business as usual': NATO takes on Russia and China Biden also called Putin "tough" and "a worthy adversary" ahead of their hotly anticipated meeting in Geneva on Wednesday. The warning to the Kremlin leader came as Biden pressed to renew Washington's transatlantic ties with allies after years of tensions under his predecessor Donald Trump. At Biden's urging, NATO leaders agreed to work together against the "systemic challenges" posed by China's aggressive policies as the alliance fleshed out its nascent approach to Beijing. China's increasingly assertive actions in building a nuclear arsenal as well as space and cyber warfare capabilities threaten the international order, they said in a statement. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the allies would seek to cooperate with China on global issues like climate change, as European capitals wanted. But, in a nod to Washington's growing concern, he warned: "China's growing influence and international policies present challenges to Alliance security." "Leaders agreed that we need to address such challenges together as an alliance and that we need to engage with China to defend our security interests," he said. In the summit communique, the leaders told Russia that there would be no quick return to "business as usual". Russia's military build-up and provocative behaviour on NATO's eastern frontier "increasingly threaten the security of the Euro-Atlantic area and contribute to instability along NATO borders and beyond". "Right balance" On China, Biden is picking up from where Trump left off by getting NATO to start paying attention to Beijing. But European allies have been wary that an increase of focus on China could distract NATO from its major priority -- Russia. German Chancellor Angela Merkel insisted that alliance members should not "overestimate" the dangers posed from Beijing. "We have to find the right balance," she said. "China is a rival on many issues, but at the same time it is also a partner on many issues." French President Emmanuel Macron insisted that NATO should not spread itself too thin and "skew" the relationship with China. "NATO is a military organisation, the subject of our relationship with China is not only military," he said, stressing NATO's North Atlantic focus. Afghanistan Looming large in the background for the summit was also the scramble to complete NATO's hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan after Biden surprised partners by ordering US troops home by September 11. Biden discussed with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan an offer from Ankara to keep troops in the country to secure Kabul airport -- provided the US gave support. Erdogan announced no firm deal on the issue -- or any progress on the thorny dispute over Turkey's purchase of Russia's S-400 missile system. But Erdogan insisted that he had held "fruitful and sincere" talks with his US counterpart. The final NATO summit statement did not mention Turkey's role at the airport but did stress that the alliance would continue to pay to keep the facility open. Much of the summit Monday was dedicated to trying to forge a way forward by greenlighting a 2030 reform plan to revitalise an alliance that Macron warned in 2019 was undergoing "brain death". Allies endorsed a new cyber defence policy to tackle rising threats and agreed for the first time that an attack in space could trigger the Article 5 collective defence clause. They also committed to increasing the alliance's budget and spending more on "common funding" -- but details remained sparse after opposition to increased spending led by France.

Joe Biden vows to lay down 'red lines' to Vladimir Putin

US President Joe Biden on Monday warned that North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) must prepare to adapt to 'new challenges' from China and Russia. Biden arrived at the NATO headquarters for summit with 29 counterparts. Biden said that alliance was "critically important" for US security. This is Biden's first visit to NATO summit as US president

"I think that there is a growing recognition over the last couple of years that we have new challenges," Biden told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at bilateral talks ahead of the main summit.

"We have Russia that is not acting in a way that is consistent with what we had hoped, as well as China," he said.

"I want to make it clear: NATO is critically important for US interests in and of itself. If there weren't one, we'd have to invent it," he said.

And he stressed once again that Article 5 of the NATO treaty -- the obligation of members to defend one another, once called into question by Trump -- was a "sacred obligation".

The allies were due to agree a statement stressing common ground on securing their withdrawal from Afghanistan, joint responses to cyber-attacks and the challenge of a rising China.

"We're not entering a new Cold War and China is not our adversary, not our enemy," Stoltenberg told reporters as he arrived at NATO headquarters ahead of the leaders.

"But we need to address together, as the alliance, the challenges that the rise of China poses to our security."

Erdogan talks

Looming large at the summit is also the scramble to complete NATO's hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan after Biden surprised partners by ordering US troops home by September 11.

France's President Emmanuel Macron met one-on-one with his Turkish counterpart and fellow ally Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of the summit, and Biden was due to meet him later.

On the table will be Ankara's offer to secure Kabul airport after NATO troops leave -- but also concerns in other capitals about Turkey's own aggressive regional policy.&nbsp;

In contrast to Trump, Biden has firmly reasserted American backing for the 72-year-old military alliance -- and his administration has been making a show of consulting more with partners.

"I welcome the fact that we have a president of the United States who is strongly committed to NATO, to North America and Europe, working together in NATO," Stoltenberg said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Monday warned that North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) must prepare to adapt to 'new challenges' from China and Russia. Biden arrived at the NATO headquarters for summit with 29 counterparts.

US President Joe Biden on Monday warned that North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) must prepare to adapt to 'new challenges' from China and Russia. Biden arrived at the NATO headquarters for summit with 29 counterparts. Biden said that alliance was "critically important" for US security. This is Biden's first visit to NATO summit as US president "I think that there is a growing recognition over the last couple of years that we have new challenges," Biden told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at bilateral talks ahead of the main summit. "We have Russia that is not acting in a way that is consistent with what we had hoped, as well as China," he said. "I want to make it clear: NATO is critically important for US interests in and of itself. If there weren't one, we'd have to invent it," he said. And he stressed once again that Article 5 of the NATO treaty -- the obligation of members to defend one another, once called into question by Trump -- was a "sacred obligation". The allies were due to agree a statement stressing common ground on securing their withdrawal from Afghanistan, joint responses to cyber-attacks and the challenge of a rising China. "We're not entering a new Cold War and China is not our adversary, not our enemy," Stoltenberg told reporters as he arrived at NATO headquarters ahead of the leaders. "But we need to address together, as the alliance, the challenges that the rise of China poses to our security." Erdogan talks Looming large at the summit is also the scramble to complete NATO's hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan after Biden surprised partners by ordering US troops home by September 11. France's President Emmanuel Macron met one-on-one with his Turkish counterpart and fellow ally Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of the summit, and Biden was due to meet him later. On the table will be Ankara's offer to secure Kabul airport after NATO troops leave -- but also concerns in other capitals about Turkey's own aggressive regional policy. In contrast to Trump, Biden has firmly reasserted American backing for the 72-year-old military alliance -- and his administration has been making a show of consulting more with partners. "I welcome the fact that we have a president of the United States who is strongly committed to NATO, to North America and Europe, working together in NATO," Stoltenberg said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Not acting consistent': Biden takes a dig at Russia, China ahead of Putin summit

Alexander Gintsburg, the head of Russia's Gamaleya institute, expressed hope that the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in the form of nasal drops would be available by September 2021 or at the beginning of the following year.

According to the scientist who oversaw the creation of the Sputnik V vaccine, Russia has tested a nasal spray form of its COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 8 to 12 and aims to introduce the new medication in September.&nbsp;

As per news reports, Gintsburg stated the spray for youngsters used the same Sputnik V vaccine "except instead of a needle, a nozzle is put on."&nbsp;

"We are inoculating our little (patients) nasally, we are just administering the same vaccine as a nasal spray," Gintsburg said, without giving further details about the study such as how many children were involved.

Gintsburg also stated that the study group tested the vaccination on youngsters aged eight to twelve and discovered no negative effects, including no increase in body temperature in the test group, as reported by the TASS news agency. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Alexander Gintsburg, the head of Russia's Gamaleya institute, expressed hope that the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in the form of nasal drops would be available by September 2021 or at the beginning of the following year.

Alexander Gintsburg, the head of Russia's Gamaleya institute, expressed hope that the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in the form of nasal drops would be available by September 2021 or at the beginning of the following year. According to the scientist who oversaw the creation of the Sputnik V vaccine, Russia has tested a nasal spray form of its COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 8 to 12 and aims to introduce the new medication in September. As per news reports, Gintsburg stated the spray for youngsters used the same Sputnik V vaccine "except instead of a needle, a nozzle is put on." "We are inoculating our little (patients) nasally, we are just administering the same vaccine as a nasal spray," Gintsburg said, without giving further details about the study such as how many children were involved. Gintsburg also stated that the study group tested the vaccination on youngsters aged eight to twelve and discovered no negative effects, including no increase in body temperature in the test group, as reported by the TASS news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia tests COVID-19 vaccine nasal spray in children, to launch in September: Reports

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that 'autocrat' Vladimir Putin was right to suggest that relations between USA and Russia were at their lowest. Biden suggested that Russia might be weaker than it seemed.

Joe Biden argued that the world's richest democracies faced existential contest from "autocrats". This, he said would define 21st century.

Biden is scheduled to attend NATO summit on Monday. He will then meet Putin in Geneva on June 16. The meeting of the two presidents is likely to be a combative encounter given the disputes between the two countries over spying, hacking, election meddling, Ukraine, Belarus and human rights

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-cautions-g7-small-groups-dont-rule-the-world-391151">China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world</a>

Biden, who called the former KGB spy a killer in March, cast Russia as engaging in unacceptable behaviour on a range of fronts but also pointed to Russia's own "dilemmas" - its post-Soviet economic collapse, what he called overreach in Syria and problems with COVID-19.

Asked why Putin, who has served as Russia's paramount leader since Boris Yeltsin resigned in 1999, had not changed despite years of Western sanctions, Biden quipped: "He's Vladimir Putin".

"Autocrats have enormous power and they don't have to answer to a public and the fact is that it may very well be if I respond in kind, as I will, that it doesn't dissuade him - he wants to keep going," Biden said of Putin.

The two former Cold War foes have had a turbulent relationship for years though relations soured after Putin sought to rebuild some of the clout lost in the chaotic 1991 Soviet collapse and began meddling far beyond Russia's borders.

U.S. and other Western leaders now see Putin and Xi Jinping's China as their main strategic threats, though the Kremlin dismisses as fiction almost all allegations against Russia and says the West is gripped by anti-Russian hysteria.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that 'autocrat' Vladimir Putin was right to suggest that relations between USA and Russia were at their lowest. Biden suggested that Russia might be weaker than it seemed.

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that 'autocrat' Vladimir Putin was right to suggest that relations between USA and Russia were at their lowest. Biden suggested that Russia might be weaker than it seemed. Joe Biden argued that the world's richest democracies faced existential contest from "autocrats". This, he said would define 21st century. Biden is scheduled to attend NATO summit on Monday. He will then meet Putin in Geneva on June 16. The meeting of the two presidents is likely to be a combative encounter given the disputes between the two countries over spying, hacking, election meddling, Ukraine, Belarus and human rights Also Read: China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world Biden, who called the former KGB spy a killer in March, cast Russia as engaging in unacceptable behaviour on a range of fronts but also pointed to Russia's own "dilemmas" - its post-Soviet economic collapse, what he called overreach in Syria and problems with COVID-19. Asked why Putin, who has served as Russia's paramount leader since Boris Yeltsin resigned in 1999, had not changed despite years of Western sanctions, Biden quipped: "He's Vladimir Putin". "Autocrats have enormous power and they don't have to answer to a public and the fact is that it may very well be if I respond in kind, as I will, that it doesn't dissuade him - he wants to keep going," Biden said of Putin. The two former Cold War foes have had a turbulent relationship for years though relations soured after Putin sought to rebuild some of the clout lost in the chaotic 1991 Soviet collapse and began meddling far beyond Russia's borders. U.S. and other Western leaders now see Putin and Xi Jinping's China as their main strategic threats, though the Kremlin dismisses as fiction almost all allegations against Russia and says the West is gripped by anti-Russian hysteria. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden says 'autocrat' Putin's Russia might be weaker than it seems

The White House said on Saturday that US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not hold a joint press conference after their meet. Biden will hold a solo press conference after he meets Putin.

A US official said the meeting in Geneva on Wednesday is expected to be "candid and straightforward".

But they added: "A solo press conference is the appropriate format to clearly communicate with the free press the topics that were raised in the meeting, both in terms of areas where we may agree and in areas where we have significant concerns."

The White House said the meeting would involve "a working session and a smaller session", without giving further details.

Many issues are on the table as the two presidents meet. These include US concerns about Russian Sabre-rattling on Ukrainian border, imprisonment of Alexei Navalny and Putin's support for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

Biden also blames Russia for the massive SolarWinds cyberattack, election interference, and harbouring criminals behind a spate of ransomware attacks.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-booed-on-plane-tells-critics-to-take-a-donkey-391010">Bolsonaro booed on plane, tells critics to 'take a donkey'</a>

Washington has insisted for weeks now that its aim is to make relations between the two countries more "stable and predictable".&nbsp;

The joint press conference that followed the meeting between Biden's predecessor Donald Trump and Putin in Helsinki in July 2018 is still fresh in the memory in the United States.

Trump caused an outcry in his own camp by indicating he accepted the word of Putin above the conclusions of his own intelligence agencies that Russia did not interfere in the 2016 US presidential election campaign.

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House said on Saturday that US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not hold a joint press conference after their meet. Biden will hold a solo press conference after he meets Putin.

The White House said on Saturday that US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not hold a joint press conference after their meet. Biden will hold a solo press conference after he meets Putin. A US official said the meeting in Geneva on Wednesday is expected to be "candid and straightforward". But they added: "A solo press conference is the appropriate format to clearly communicate with the free press the topics that were raised in the meeting, both in terms of areas where we may agree and in areas where we have significant concerns." The White House said the meeting would involve "a working session and a smaller session", without giving further details. Many issues are on the table as the two presidents meet. These include US concerns about Russian Sabre-rattling on Ukrainian border, imprisonment of Alexei Navalny and Putin's support for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. Biden also blames Russia for the massive SolarWinds cyberattack, election interference, and harbouring criminals behind a spate of ransomware attacks. Also Read | Bolsonaro booed on plane, tells critics to 'take a donkey' Washington has insisted for weeks now that its aim is to make relations between the two countries more "stable and predictable". The joint press conference that followed the meeting between Biden's predecessor Donald Trump and Putin in Helsinki in July 2018 is still fresh in the memory in the United States. Trump caused an outcry in his own camp by indicating he accepted the word of Putin above the conclusions of his own intelligence agencies that Russia did not interfere in the 2016 US presidential election campaign. (With inputs from agencies)

No joint press conference after Biden-Putin meet, says White House

The Pentagon announced on Friday a new package of $150 million in military assistance for Ukraine that will include counter-artillery radar, electronic warfare equipment and counter-drone technology, bolstering Kyiv amid elevated tensions with Moscow. 
 
Although the funds were already committed by Congress, the Defense Department's announcement details specifically how the US&nbsp;military will allocate assistance earmarked for Ukraine before the end of the US&nbsp;government's fiscal year in September. 
 
The latest tranche of assistance will come in addition to the $125 million that the Pentagon announced on March 1, which included armed Mark VI patrol boats. 
 
Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and backed a pro-Russian separatist uprising in eastern Ukraine that triggered a conflict that has killed over 14,000 people. 
 
Tensions have flared again in recent months after the two countries traded blame for a surge in fighting in Ukraine's Donbass, and Russia, in what it called a defensive exercise, massed troops on its border with Ukraine and in Crimea. 
 
US&nbsp;President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday that he will stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity ahead of a summit between Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16. 
 
The Pentagon said the US&nbsp;security assistance included capabilities 'to enhance the lethality, command and control and situational awareness of Ukraine's forces'. 
 
It would provide counter-artillery radars, counter-drone systems, secure communications gear, electronic warfare and military medical evacuation equipment. The United States would also provide training and equipment to improve the operational safety and capacity of Ukrainian Air Force bases, it said. 
 
The US&nbsp;assistance followed certification by the Pentagon that Ukraine 'made sufficient progress on defence reforms this year',&nbsp;as required by US&nbsp;law. 
 
When he was the US&nbsp;president, Donald Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House of Representatives in 2019 after accusing him of using US&nbsp;aid as leverage to try to force Kyiv into smearing Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 presidential election. The Republican-led Senate later acquitted Trump. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Pentagon announced on Friday a new package of $150 million in military assistance for Ukraine that will include counter-artillery radar, electronic warfare equipment and counter-drone technology, bolstering Kyiv amid elevated tensions with Moscow.

The Pentagon announced on Friday a new package of $150 million in military assistance for Ukraine that will include counter-artillery radar, electronic warfare equipment and counter-drone technology, bolstering Kyiv amid elevated tensions with Moscow. Although the funds were already committed by Congress, the Defense Department's announcement details specifically how the US military will allocate assistance earmarked for Ukraine before the end of the US government's fiscal year in September. The latest tranche of assistance will come in addition to the $125 million that the Pentagon announced on March 1, which included armed Mark VI patrol boats. Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and backed a pro-Russian separatist uprising in eastern Ukraine that triggered a conflict that has killed over 14,000 people. Tensions have flared again in recent months after the two countries traded blame for a surge in fighting in Ukraine's Donbass, and Russia, in what it called a defensive exercise, massed troops on its border with Ukraine and in Crimea. US President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday that he will stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity ahead of a summit between Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16. The Pentagon said the US security assistance included capabilities 'to enhance the lethality, command and control and situational awareness of Ukraine's forces'. It would provide counter-artillery radars, counter-drone systems, secure communications gear, electronic warfare and military medical evacuation equipment. The United States would also provide training and equipment to improve the operational safety and capacity of Ukrainian Air Force bases, it said. The US assistance followed certification by the Pentagon that Ukraine 'made sufficient progress on defence reforms this year', as required by US law. When he was the US president, Donald Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House of Representatives in 2019 after accusing him of using US aid as leverage to try to force Kyiv into smearing Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 presidential election. The Republican-led Senate later acquitted Trump. (With inputs from agencies)

Eying Russia, Pentagon to send Ukraine counter-drone, electronic warfare equipment

Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny received a human rights award on Tuesday, May 8, and he dedicated the prize to all the political prisoners in Russia and Belarus.&nbsp;

The Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, which is an annual conference sponsored by 25 human rights NGOs all across the globe, gave the Moral Courage Award to Navalny.&nbsp;

Navalny has been imprisoned in a penal colony near Moscow for four months now. He was sentenced to over three years in prison by a Moscow court in February for violating the terms of his probation linked to a 2014 ruling.&nbsp;

Navalny's daughter, Daria Navalny, in a virtual speech accepting the award on his behalf, said, “My dad asked me today to give this award to every single political prisoner in Russia and Belarus”.&nbsp;

Citing a letter she received from her father, she said, “He wrote that most of them are in a much worse situation compared to me because they're not well known or famous. They should know that they are not alone or forgotten about”.

She described herself "as a proud daughter and as a Russian citizen, concerned about the fast downfall of democracy in my country”.&nbsp;

Navalny will be required to spend two years and eight months in prison as he has served a year on house arrest in 2014. Doctors have expressed concerns about his health while in prison.&nbsp;

Navalny also temporarily went on a hunger strike at one point to gain access to better medical care. He began refusing food to demand treatment for acute pain in his back that’s spreading to his legs, and an end to prison guards waking him each hour.&nbsp;

As per his supporters, Navalny had already lost eight kilograms in the three weeks before beginning the hunger strike, taking his weight to 85 kilograms.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny received a human rights award on Tuesday, May 8, and he dedicated the prize to all the political prisoners in Russia and Belarus.

Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny received a human rights award on Tuesday, May 8, and he dedicated the prize to all the political prisoners in Russia and Belarus. The Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, which is an annual conference sponsored by 25 human rights NGOs all across the globe, gave the Moral Courage Award to Navalny. Navalny has been imprisoned in a penal colony near Moscow for four months now. He was sentenced to over three years in prison by a Moscow court in February for violating the terms of his probation linked to a 2014 ruling. Navalny's daughter, Daria Navalny, in a virtual speech accepting the award on his behalf, said, “My dad asked me today to give this award to every single political prisoner in Russia and Belarus”. Citing a letter she received from her father, she said, “He wrote that most of them are in a much worse situation compared to me because they're not well known or famous. They should know that they are not alone or forgotten about”. She described herself "as a proud daughter and as a Russian citizen, concerned about the fast downfall of democracy in my country”. Navalny will be required to spend two years and eight months in prison as he has served a year on house arrest in 2014. Doctors have expressed concerns about his health while in prison. Navalny also temporarily went on a hunger strike at one point to gain access to better medical care. He began refusing food to demand treatment for acute pain in his back that’s spreading to his legs, and an end to prison guards waking him each hour. As per his supporters, Navalny had already lost eight kilograms in the three weeks before beginning the hunger strike, taking his weight to 85 kilograms. (With inputs from agencies)

Navalny dedicates human rights award to political prisoners in Russia and Belarus 

Russian opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov said on Sunday, he had left Russia after receiving warnings by people close to the Kremlin that he would be arrested if he stayed in the country. 
 
A former member of the Russian parliament, Gudkov, 41, was detained by Russian law enforcement officials on Tuesday over allegations he failed to pay a debt on a rented property, which he denies. 
 
He was released from custody on Thursday but remains a suspect in a criminal case. A group of Kremlin opponents, many of them allies of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, have fled the country due to the latest crackdown on the opposition after street rallies to demand Navalny's release. 
 
Gudkov said the true purpose of the probe was barring him from the September parliamentary election. 
 
"I`m approaching Kyiv where I have long-planned meetings and TV appearances," he posted on his Telegram account. 
 
"Several sources close to the presidential administration circle said that if I do not leave the country, my fake criminal case would be taken further to the point of my arrest," he said. 
 
The Kremlin has said recent arrests of politicians, such as Gudkov have nothing to do with politics, and denies trying to clear the field of political opponents. 
 
Gudkov said on Sunday, he would make a decision later about his further plans. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Russian opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov said on Sunday, he had left Russia after receiving warnings by people close to the Kremlin that he would be arrested if he stayed in the country.

Russian opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov said on Sunday, he had left Russia after receiving warnings by people close to the Kremlin that he would be arrested if he stayed in the country. A former member of the Russian parliament, Gudkov, 41, was detained by Russian law enforcement officials on Tuesday over allegations he failed to pay a debt on a rented property, which he denies. He was released from custody on Thursday but remains a suspect in a criminal case. A group of Kremlin opponents, many of them allies of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, have fled the country due to the latest crackdown on the opposition after street rallies to demand Navalny's release. Gudkov said the true purpose of the probe was barring him from the September parliamentary election. "I`m approaching Kyiv where I have long-planned meetings and TV appearances," he posted on his Telegram account. "Several sources close to the presidential administration circle said that if I do not leave the country, my fake criminal case would be taken further to the point of my arrest," he said. The Kremlin has said recent arrests of politicians, such as Gudkov have nothing to do with politics, and denies trying to clear the field of political opponents. Gudkov said on Sunday, he would make a decision later about his further plans. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin critic Gudkov leaves Russia fearing new arrest

US&nbsp;officials on Sunday ratcheted up pressure on companies and foreign adversaries to fight cybercriminals, and said President Joe Biden is considering all options, including a military response, to counter the growing threat. 
 
The Biden administration is looking at 'all of the options', to defend the country against ransomware criminals, US&nbsp;Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in an interview on Sunday, when asked if military action was being considered. 
 
Raimondo did not detail what those options could look like, but said the topic will be on the agenda when the president meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin this month. The rising threat of cyberattacks has pushed the Biden administration into a more aggressive stance against Russia, which is thought to be harboring some of the perpetrators. 
 
"We're not taking anything off the table as we think about possible repercussions, consequences or retaliation," Raimondo said. 
 
Last weekend, the world`s largest meatpacker was targeted by cybercriminals and in May, the largest fuel pipeline in the United States was attacked, stoking fears over supply disruptions of food and fuel. 
 
US&nbsp;adversaries have the ability to shut down the country's entire power grid, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said separately in an interview with CNN, noting 'thousands of attacks on all aspects of the energy sector'. 
 
The recent high-profile attacks have prompted Biden to put the issue of Russia harboring hackers on the agenda for his meeting with Putin. 
 
The White House plans to use the June 16 summit to deliver a clear message to the Russian leader, officials say. A next step could be destabilisation of the computer servers used to carry out such hacks, some cyber experts say. 
 
US&nbsp;officials are asking private companies to be more vigilant and transparent about attacks. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Sunday said the May attack on Colonial Pipeline, which created temporary gasoline shortages, showed the national implications of a hack on a private company. 
 
"Part of our vulnerability on cybersecurity is you're only as strong as your weakest link," he said in an interview with CBS. 
 
Companies need to alert the federal government when they are targeted, Granholm said, and stop paying attackers. "You shouldn't be paying ransomware attacks, because it only encourages the bad guys," she said. 
 
While she opposes ransomware payments, she said she is uncertain whether Biden or Congress is prepared to outlaw them. 
 
Companies should be required to report ransomware attacks, Democratic Senator Mark Warner from Virginia said on Sunday, though he stopped short of saying he supported making such payments illegal. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US officials on Sunday ratcheted up pressure on companies and foreign adversaries to fight cybercriminals, and said President Joe Biden is considering all options, including a military response, to counter the growing threat.

US officials on Sunday ratcheted up pressure on companies and foreign adversaries to fight cybercriminals, and said President Joe Biden is considering all options, including a military response, to counter the growing threat. The Biden administration is looking at 'all of the options', to defend the country against ransomware criminals, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in an interview on Sunday, when asked if military action was being considered. Raimondo did not detail what those options could look like, but said the topic will be on the agenda when the president meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin this month. The rising threat of cyberattacks has pushed the Biden administration into a more aggressive stance against Russia, which is thought to be harboring some of the perpetrators. "We're not taking anything off the table as we think about possible repercussions, consequences or retaliation," Raimondo said. Last weekend, the world`s largest meatpacker was targeted by cybercriminals and in May, the largest fuel pipeline in the United States was attacked, stoking fears over supply disruptions of food and fuel. US adversaries have the ability to shut down the country's entire power grid, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said separately in an interview with CNN, noting 'thousands of attacks on all aspects of the energy sector'. The recent high-profile attacks have prompted Biden to put the issue of Russia harboring hackers on the agenda for his meeting with Putin. The White House plans to use the June 16 summit to deliver a clear message to the Russian leader, officials say. A next step could be destabilisation of the computer servers used to carry out such hacks, some cyber experts say. US officials are asking private companies to be more vigilant and transparent about attacks. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Sunday said the May attack on Colonial Pipeline, which created temporary gasoline shortages, showed the national implications of a hack on a private company. "Part of our vulnerability on cybersecurity is you're only as strong as your weakest link," he said in an interview with CBS. Companies need to alert the federal government when they are targeted, Granholm said, and stop paying attackers. "You shouldn't be paying ransomware attacks, because it only encourages the bad guys," she said. While she opposes ransomware payments, she said she is uncertain whether Biden or Congress is prepared to outlaw them. Companies should be required to report ransomware attacks, Democratic Senator Mark Warner from Virginia said on Sunday, though he stopped short of saying he supported making such payments illegal. (With inputs from agencies)

US officials up pressure on firms, foreign adversaries over cyberattacks

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the United States was wrong to think that it is "powerful enough" to get away with threatening other countries, a mistake, he said, that led to the downfall of the former Soviet Union.

Putin made the comments during a press briefing late on Friday as he spoke about U.S. sanctions against Moscow, according to Russia's news agency TASS.

He was speaking just days before a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden whose cabinet in April imposed a broad array of sanctions on Russia, including curbs to its sovereign debt market.

"We hear threats from the Congress, from other sources. It is all done within the context of the United States' domestic political process," Putin was quoted as saying.

"The people who do this, they probably assume that the United States has such economic, military and political might that it can get away with that. It is no big deal, that is what they think."

Putin said such behaviour reminded him of the Soviet Union.

"The problem with empires is that they think they are powerful enough to make some mistakes. We will buy these (people), bully them, make a deal with them, give necklaces to them, threaten them with battleships. And this will solve all the problems. But problems accumulate. A moment comes when they cannot be solved anymore."

Biden and Putin will meet in Geneva on June 16, the White House and the Kremlin have said, to discuss "the full range of pressing issues", according to Washington.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the United States was wrong to think that it is "powerful enough" to get away with threatening other countries, a mistake, he said, that led to the downfall of the former Soviet Union.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the United States was wrong to think that it is "powerful enough" to get away with threatening other countries, a mistake, he said, that led to the downfall of the former Soviet Union. Putin made the comments during a press briefing late on Friday as he spoke about U.S. sanctions against Moscow, according to Russia's news agency TASS. He was speaking just days before a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden whose cabinet in April imposed a broad array of sanctions on Russia, including curbs to its sovereign debt market. "We hear threats from the Congress, from other sources. It is all done within the context of the United States' domestic political process," Putin was quoted as saying. "The people who do this, they probably assume that the United States has such economic, military and political might that it can get away with that. It is no big deal, that is what they think." Putin said such behaviour reminded him of the Soviet Union. "The problem with empires is that they think they are powerful enough to make some mistakes. We will buy these (people), bully them, make a deal with them, give necklaces to them, threaten them with battleships. And this will solve all the problems. But problems accumulate. A moment comes when they cannot be solved anymore." Biden and Putin will meet in Geneva on June 16, the White House and the Kremlin have said, to discuss "the full range of pressing issues", according to Washington.

Putin says US threats smack of Soviet Union's fatal mistakes

Russia may provide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> vaccinations for a fee to foreigners who travel to the country, President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;told an economic forum on Friday, as Moscow seeks to enhance its global reputation with its Sputnik V <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a>.

Addressing the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF),&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;said many people are coming to Russia to get a shot. "I am asking the government to study this issue in full by the end of the month, to establish conditions for foreign citizens to get vaccinated in our country for a fee," he said without providing more detail.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-accuses-russia-of-using-its-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-as-propaganda-tool-373370">France accuses Russia of using its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine as 'propaganda' tool</a>

The Russian vaccine has been approved by 66 nations and is under review both by the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency(EMA). Approval by the latter agency is required for use in the European Union.

The pace of vaccination in Russia has been slower than in many developed countries. The health minister said last week around 17 million of Russia's 144 million people had received at least one dose.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/long-queues-in-pakistan-to-buy-sputnik-v-as-commercial-sales-begin-375476">Long queues in Pakistan to buy Sputnik V as commercial sales begin</a>

Those attending the conference were required to have coronavirus tests and wear masks and gloves. Moscow pitches the gathering as the Russian version of the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Many other big global events were either cancelled or moved online amid the pandemic.

Attended by a couple thousand people, the SPIEF is intended to attract foreign investment to Russia, but activity was more subdued this year.

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Rosneft, Russia's top oil company, skipped its usual booth, and its CEO, Igor Sechin, decided against running a public panel about the global oil market as he has traditionally done.

Sechin, in a mask and gloves, told a Reuters correspondent to "mind a distance" when approached. The former and current CEOs of BP Plc, Bob Dudley and Bernard Looney, were there in masks. BP holds a 19.75 per cent stake in Rosneft.

Russia may provide coronavirus vaccinations for a fee to foreigners who travel to the country, President Vladimir Putin told an economic forum on Friday, as Moscow seeks to enhance its global reputation with its Sputnik V vaccine.

Russia may provide coronavirus vaccinations for a fee to foreigners who travel to the country, President Vladimir Putin told an economic forum on Friday, as Moscow seeks to enhance its global reputation with its Sputnik V vaccine. Addressing the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin said many people are coming to Russia to get a shot. "I am asking the government to study this issue in full by the end of the month, to establish conditions for foreign citizens to get vaccinated in our country for a fee," he said without providing more detail. Also Read | France accuses Russia of using its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine as 'propaganda' tool The Russian vaccine has been approved by 66 nations and is under review both by the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency(EMA). Approval by the latter agency is required for use in the European Union. The pace of vaccination in Russia has been slower than in many developed countries. The health minister said last week around 17 million of Russia's 144 million people had received at least one dose. Also Read | Long queues in Pakistan to buy Sputnik V as commercial sales begin Those attending the conference were required to have coronavirus tests and wear masks and gloves. Moscow pitches the gathering as the Russian version of the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Many other big global events were either cancelled or moved online amid the pandemic. Attended by a couple thousand people, the SPIEF is intended to attract foreign investment to Russia, but activity was more subdued this year. Also Read | Sputnik Light, Russia's single-dose Covid vaccine will be produced in India Rosneft, Russia's top oil company, skipped its usual booth, and its CEO, Igor Sechin, decided against running a public panel about the global oil market as he has traditionally done. Sechin, in a mask and gloves, told a Reuters correspondent to "mind a distance" when approached. The former and current CEOs of BP Plc, Bob Dudley and Bernard Looney, were there in masks. BP holds a 19.75 per cent stake in Rosneft.

Putin plans to offer vaccinations to visiting foreigners for a fee

Former Russian lawmaker and Kremlin critic Gennady Gudkov said on Thursday that Russian authorities had opened a criminal case against him over ammunition found at his apartment. Gudkov lives abroad.

The pistol ammunition was found in a safe during a police search of Gudkov's apartment in Russia. The search was carried out over an unrelated criminal case this week. He said it was an award he received in 2005 and that the police had been earlier informed about it.

There was no official confirmation of the criminal case from law enforcement.

The action has come amid a broad crackdown on the Kremlin's political opponents. The 64-year-old, who lives in European Union member state Bulgaria, accused authorities of opening the case to stop him from being able to return to Russia.

His son, Dmitry Gudkov, who is a prominent opposition politician, was detained in Moscow on Tuesday over an allegedly unpaid debt on a rented property dating from several years ago. His father said his son had nothing to do with that debt.

A Moscow court had been expected on Thursday to consider the terms of pre-trial custody for Dmitry. However, no hearing had begun by early evening and he was due to be released from custody at 1640 GMT unless it took place, his lawyer said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Russian lawmaker and Kremlin critic Gennady Gudkov said on Thursday that Russian authorities had opened a criminal case against him over ammunition found at his apartment.

Former Russian lawmaker and Kremlin critic Gennady Gudkov said on Thursday that Russian authorities had opened a criminal case against him over ammunition found at his apartment. Gudkov lives abroad. The pistol ammunition was found in a safe during a police search of Gudkov's apartment in Russia. The search was carried out over an unrelated criminal case this week. He said it was an award he received in 2005 and that the police had been earlier informed about it. There was no official confirmation of the criminal case from law enforcement. The action has come amid a broad crackdown on the Kremlin's political opponents. The 64-year-old, who lives in European Union member state Bulgaria, accused authorities of opening the case to stop him from being able to return to Russia. His son, Dmitry Gudkov, who is a prominent opposition politician, was detained in Moscow on Tuesday over an allegedly unpaid debt on a rented property dating from several years ago. His father said his son had nothing to do with that debt. A Moscow court had been expected on Thursday to consider the terms of pre-trial custody for Dmitry. However, no hearing had begun by early evening and he was due to be released from custody at 1640 GMT unless it took place, his lawyer said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia: Kremlin critic, ex-lawmaker says criminal case opened against him 

Russian authorities raided the apartment of opposition activist Andrei Pivovarov on Tuesday a day after he was hauled off a plane and taken into custody as part of a broader crackdown on critics of the Kremlin. 
 
Police removed Pivovarov, director of Open Russia, a now defunct opposition group linked to exiled former oil tycoon and Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, from a flight that was about to take off to Warsaw from St. Petersburg`s Pulkovo airport late on Monday. 
 
His team said police questioned him, searched his apartment and opened a criminal case against him on Tuesday for allegedly violating Russia`s legislation on "undesirable organisations". 
 
"These situations show us that they are afraid of us, and we are a majority," Pivovarov`s Twitter account said. 
 
The Investigative Committee in the southern region of Krasnodar said in a statement it had opened a case over an online post from August 2020 that called for the public to support the Open Russia organisation, the Interfax news agency reported. 
 
It did not give details of the post, nor name Pivovarov, but gave the same charges that his team cited. 
 
Russia declared the London-based Open Russia group "undesirable" in 2017, effectively banning its activities. Its allies in Russia continued their activism under a separate legal entity to try to protect themselves from prosecution. 
 
The group folded its activities in Russia last week to prevent its supporters from facing criminal prosecution as parliament prepares to adopt legislation that would increase criminal liability for anyone who cooperates with "undesirable organisations". 
 
Russia says the law is needed to protect its national security and stave off external interference. 
 
Pivovarov`s detention drew international attention. 
 
"As the international community, we should react to what is happening in civil society in Russia," Deputy Polish Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz told state-run broadcaster TVP Info. 
 
"..We have to thoroughly analyse the situation. If it turns out from these analyses, including legal ones, that there have been violations of specific regulations, or customary behaviour in aviation then of course we will react." 
 
In a separate incident on Tuesday, opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov said police were searching a cottage he was staying at outside the city of Kolomna. 
 
He said police had also targeted former and current members of his staff. 
 
"I don`t know the formal reason for this," Gudkov wrote on the Telegram social media platform. "But the real (reason) is clear." 
 
Gudkov`s father Gennady, also critical of the Kremlin, described the searches as "a special operation to eliminate Gudkov`s team".

Russian authorities raided the apartment of opposition activist Andrei Pivovarov on Tuesday a day after he was hauled off a plane and taken into custody as part of a broader crackdown on critics of the Kremlin.

Russian authorities raided the apartment of opposition activist Andrei Pivovarov on Tuesday a day after he was hauled off a plane and taken into custody as part of a broader crackdown on critics of the Kremlin. Police removed Pivovarov, director of Open Russia, a now defunct opposition group linked to exiled former oil tycoon and Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, from a flight that was about to take off to Warsaw from St. Petersburg`s Pulkovo airport late on Monday. His team said police questioned him, searched his apartment and opened a criminal case against him on Tuesday for allegedly violating Russia`s legislation on "undesirable organisations". "These situations show us that they are afraid of us, and we are a majority," Pivovarov`s Twitter account said. The Investigative Committee in the southern region of Krasnodar said in a statement it had opened a case over an online post from August 2020 that called for the public to support the Open Russia organisation, the Interfax news agency reported. It did not give details of the post, nor name Pivovarov, but gave the same charges that his team cited. Russia declared the London-based Open Russia group "undesirable" in 2017, effectively banning its activities. Its allies in Russia continued their activism under a separate legal entity to try to protect themselves from prosecution. The group folded its activities in Russia last week to prevent its supporters from facing criminal prosecution as parliament prepares to adopt legislation that would increase criminal liability for anyone who cooperates with "undesirable organisations". Russia says the law is needed to protect its national security and stave off external interference. Pivovarov`s detention drew international attention. "As the international community, we should react to what is happening in civil society in Russia," Deputy Polish Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz told state-run broadcaster TVP Info. "..We have to thoroughly analyse the situation. If it turns out from these analyses, including legal ones, that there have been violations of specific regulations, or customary behaviour in aviation then of course we will react." In a separate incident on Tuesday, opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov said police were searching a cottage he was staying at outside the city of Kolomna. He said police had also targeted former and current members of his staff. "I don`t know the formal reason for this," Gudkov wrote on the Telegram social media platform. "But the real (reason) is clear." Gudkov`s father Gennady, also critical of the Kremlin, described the searches as "a special operation to eliminate Gudkov`s team".

Russian activist has home raided after being hauled off plane

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday (May 31) that personnel at Belarus' diplomatic mission to NATO will have their access restricted at the alliance's headquarters. This step comes just days after a passenger plane en route to Lithuania was diverted and forced to land in Belarus.

Belarus is not a member of NATO but has had ties with the military alliance since 1992 following the fall of the Soviet Union, and has maintained a diplomatic mission to NATO since 1998.

Belarusian personnel can attend seminars and meetings at NATO and in NATO countries as part of a cooperation partnership that tackles issues such as arms control and military education.

"We have decided to restrict the access of Belarusian personnel to the NATO headquarters," Stoltenberg told a news conference ahead of meetings of NATO defence and foreign ministers on Tuesday, without giving more details.

Earlier this month, Belarus had scrambled a military fighter jet to force Lithuania-bound Ryanair plane to land in Minsk. The reason given was bomb alert, but Belarusian authorities swooped in to detain dissident activist Roman Protasevich.

Protasevich has been a critic of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

Asked about new Russian military formations and units, intended to be deployed close to the alliance's borders, Stoltenberg said NATO would continue to seek dialogue with Moscow, while also exercising troops for defensive purposes.

"It is important to manage difficult relationship with Russia with transparency on military activities, risk reduction and also for instance related issues like arms control," Stoltenberg told reporters.

Russia's ties with the West are currently accutely strained over jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a military buildup near Ukraine and allegations of election hacking.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday (May 31) that personnel at Belarus' diplomatic mission to NATO will have their access restricted at the alliance's headquarters.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday (May 31) that personnel at Belarus' diplomatic mission to NATO will have their access restricted at the alliance's headquarters. This step comes just days after a passenger plane en route to Lithuania was diverted and forced to land in Belarus. Belarus is not a member of NATO but has had ties with the military alliance since 1992 following the fall of the Soviet Union, and has maintained a diplomatic mission to NATO since 1998. Belarusian personnel can attend seminars and meetings at NATO and in NATO countries as part of a cooperation partnership that tackles issues such as arms control and military education. "We have decided to restrict the access of Belarusian personnel to the NATO headquarters," Stoltenberg told a news conference ahead of meetings of NATO defence and foreign ministers on Tuesday, without giving more details. Earlier this month, Belarus had scrambled a military fighter jet to force Lithuania-bound Ryanair plane to land in Minsk. The reason given was bomb alert, but Belarusian authorities swooped in to detain dissident activist Roman Protasevich. Protasevich has been a critic of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. Asked about new Russian military formations and units, intended to be deployed close to the alliance's borders, Stoltenberg said NATO would continue to seek dialogue with Moscow, while also exercising troops for defensive purposes. "It is important to manage difficult relationship with Russia with transparency on military activities, risk reduction and also for instance related issues like arms control," Stoltenberg told reporters. Russia's ties with the West are currently accutely strained over jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a military buildup near Ukraine and allegations of election hacking. (With inputs from agencies)

NATO restricts Belarusian access to headquarters

Russia will move ahead with a second $500 million loan to Belarus next month, following talks between the two countries' leaders amid uproar in the West over the grounding of a passenger jet in Minsk and the arrest of a dissident blogger.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko held a second day of talks, as well as a yacht tour, in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Saturday, as the Russian leader showed his longstanding ally support in this latest standoff with the West.&nbsp;

Russia promised Belarus a $1.5 billion loan last year as part of Moscow's efforts to stabilise its neighbour. Minsk received a first instalment of $500 million in October.&nbsp;

Belarus is to receive the second tranche before the end of June, the RIA news agency reported.&nbsp;

Several Western countries accused Belarus of piracy this week after Belarusian air traffic control informed the pilot of a Ryanair passenger jet of a hoax bomb threat.&nbsp;

Minsk scrambled a MiG-29 fighter plane to escort the jetliner down, and then arrested Roman Protasevich, a blogger and critic of Lukashenko, who was on board.&nbsp;

Arrested with Protasevich was his girlfriend, a Russian citizen.&nbsp;

Putin on Saturday raised the topic of Sofia Sapega, the TASS news agency reported, citing Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov.&nbsp;

"President Lukashenko informed his Russian colleague in detail about what happened with the Ryanair flight," TASS cited Peskov as saying.&nbsp;

"On the initiative of the Russian president the topic of the Russian citizen, who was detained, was raised .... Naturally, we are not indifferent to her fate," Peskov was cited as saying.&nbsp;

He added the Kremlin would take note of the fact that Sapega also has a Belarusian residency permit.&nbsp;

Putin and Lukashenko completed the day of talks with a yacht tour in Sochi. A video appeared to show the two leaders laughing and spotting dolphins off the Russian coast.&nbsp;

Most of Belarus's neighbours and many other European nations have banned flights by Belarusian national airline Belavia following Sunday's forced landing of the Ryanair jet, which was en route to Lithuania from Greece.&nbsp;

The issue of air travel for Belarusian citizens was raised during Saturday's meeting, Peskov was cited by Interfax as saying, adding the transport ministries of Moscow and Minsk had been tasked with helping Belarusian citizens currently in Europe to return home.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia will move ahead with a second $500 million loan to Belarus next month, following talks between the two countries' leaders amid uproar in the West over the grounding of a passenger jet in Minsk and the arrest of a dissident blogger.

Russia will move ahead with a second $500 million loan to Belarus next month, following talks between the two countries' leaders amid uproar in the West over the grounding of a passenger jet in Minsk and the arrest of a dissident blogger. President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko held a second day of talks, as well as a yacht tour, in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Saturday, as the Russian leader showed his longstanding ally support in this latest standoff with the West. Russia promised Belarus a $1.5 billion loan last year as part of Moscow's efforts to stabilise its neighbour. Minsk received a first instalment of $500 million in October. Belarus is to receive the second tranche before the end of June, the RIA news agency reported. Several Western countries accused Belarus of piracy this week after Belarusian air traffic control informed the pilot of a Ryanair passenger jet of a hoax bomb threat. Minsk scrambled a MiG-29 fighter plane to escort the jetliner down, and then arrested Roman Protasevich, a blogger and critic of Lukashenko, who was on board. Arrested with Protasevich was his girlfriend, a Russian citizen. Putin on Saturday raised the topic of Sofia Sapega, the TASS news agency reported, citing Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov. "President Lukashenko informed his Russian colleague in detail about what happened with the Ryanair flight," TASS cited Peskov as saying. "On the initiative of the Russian president the topic of the Russian citizen, who was detained, was raised .... Naturally, we are not indifferent to her fate," Peskov was cited as saying. He added the Kremlin would take note of the fact that Sapega also has a Belarusian residency permit. Putin and Lukashenko completed the day of talks with a yacht tour in Sochi. A video appeared to show the two leaders laughing and spotting dolphins off the Russian coast. Most of Belarus's neighbours and many other European nations have banned flights by Belarusian national airline Belavia following Sunday's forced landing of the Ryanair jet, which was en route to Lithuania from Greece. The issue of air travel for Belarusian citizens was raised during Saturday's meeting, Peskov was cited by Interfax as saying, adding the transport ministries of Moscow and Minsk had been tasked with helping Belarusian citizens currently in Europe to return home. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia confirms second loan for Belarus, raises issue of detained citizen 

Russia approved flight plans of Air France and Lufthansa to the country that avoid Belarus. After Belarus forced landing of a Ryanair passenger plane in Minsk and arrested a dissident journalist on May 23, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had advised airlines to avoid Belarusian airspace.

Air France said its new flight path to Moscow started on Saturday and had been authorised for this weekend.

"We ... are awaiting a green light from Russian authorities for our flights after this weekend," a spokesman said.

Air France, part of the Air France-KLM group, operates one or two flights a day between Paris and Moscow.

A spokeswoman for Lufthansa, Germany's biggest airline, said it had been given approval for the new routes on its flights from Frankfurt to Moscow and St Petersburg for the foreseeable future.

Lufthansa currently operates seven return flights from Frankfurt to Moscow and three return flights from Frankfurt to St Petersburg per week.

(With inputs from agenies)

Russia approved flight plans of Air France and Lufthansa to the country that avoid Belarus. After Belarus forced landing of a Ryanair passenger plane in Minsk and arrested a dissident journalist on May 23, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had advised airlines to avoid Belarusian airspace.

Russia approved flight plans of Air France and Lufthansa to the country that avoid Belarus. After Belarus forced landing of a Ryanair passenger plane in Minsk and arrested a dissident journalist on May 23, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had advised airlines to avoid Belarusian airspace. Air France said its new flight path to Moscow started on Saturday and had been authorised for this weekend. "We ... are awaiting a green light from Russian authorities for our flights after this weekend," a spokesman said. Air France, part of the Air France-KLM group, operates one or two flights a day between Paris and Moscow. A spokeswoman for Lufthansa, Germany's biggest airline, said it had been given approval for the new routes on its flights from Frankfurt to Moscow and St Petersburg for the foreseeable future. Lufthansa currently operates seven return flights from Frankfurt to Moscow and three return flights from Frankfurt to St Petersburg per week. (With inputs from agenies)

Russia approves Air France, Lufthansa routes which avoid Belarus airspace

The United States told Russia on Thursday it will not rejoin the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, a US official said.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was confirming a report by the Associated Press.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pulls-out-of-open-skies-treaty-russia-says-it-will-affect-all-members-300258">US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members</a>

US&nbsp;Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman conveyed the decision to her Russian counterpart the official said, saying US&nbsp;allies in the NATO Western security alliance and other partners had been informed.

The United States left the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;arms control and verification treaty in November, accusing Russia of violating it, something Moscow denied.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-parliaments-lower-house-votes-to-exit-from-open-skies-treaty-386020">Russian parliament's lower house votes to exit from Open Skies Treaty</a>

The Russian government, which in January announced plans to leave the pact, on May 11 submitted legislation to parliament to formalize its departure. At that time, a Kremlin spokesman said one reason was that the United States was still able to receive information acquired via the treaty from its NATO allies.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-pulls-out-from-open-skies-treaty-from-russia-300289/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The treaty, which was signed in 1992 and entered into force in 2002, permits nations to carry out short-notice, unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of the other parties.

The purpose of the treaty, which allows nations to collect information on one another’s military forces, is to increase transparency and build confidence among countries.

The United States told Russia on Thursday it will not rejoin the Open Skies arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, a US official said.

The United States told Russia on Thursday it will not rejoin the Open Skies arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, a US official said. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was confirming a report by the Associated Press. Also Read | US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman conveyed the decision to her Russian counterpart the official said, saying US allies in the NATO Western security alliance and other partners had been informed. The United States left the Open Skies arms control and verification treaty in November, accusing Russia of violating it, something Moscow denied. Also Read | Russian parliament's lower house votes to exit from Open Skies Treaty The Russian government, which in January announced plans to leave the pact, on May 11 submitted legislation to parliament to formalize its departure. At that time, a Kremlin spokesman said one reason was that the United States was still able to receive information acquired via the treaty from its NATO allies. The treaty, which was signed in 1992 and entered into force in 2002, permits nations to carry out short-notice, unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of the other parties. The purpose of the treaty, which allows nations to collect information on one another’s military forces, is to increase transparency and build confidence among countries.

US tells Russia it will not rejoin Open Skies arms control pact

Russia said on Friday a US decision not to rejoin the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member states, is a "political mistake" ahead of a summit between the countries' presidents.

The original US decision to quit the pact was taken last year by the administration of US President Donald Trump, but Moscow had hoped his successor Joe Biden would reverse it.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-pulls-out-from-open-skies-treaty-from-russia-300289/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, however, the Biden administration informed Moscow that it would not re-enter the pact, accusing Russia of violating it, something Moscow denied.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, said on Friday that Washington's move was a missed opportunity to bolster security in Europe.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pulls-out-of-open-skies-treaty-russia-says-it-will-affect-all-members-300258">US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members</a>

"The US has made another political mistake, inflicting a new blow to the European security system," TASS quoted him as saying. "We gave them a good chance, which they did not take. They continue circulating fabrications about Russia's violations of this agreement, which is completely absurd."

Separately, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow regretted the US decision, saying the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;accord would lose much of its utility without the participation of Russia and the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Biden are due to hold a summit in Geneva next month and Ryabkov was cited as saying that the US refusal to rejoin&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;did not create an atmosphere conducive to arms control discussions at the summit.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-parliaments-lower-house-votes-to-exit-from-open-skies-treaty-386020">Russian parliament's lower house votes to exit from Open Skies Treaty</a>

In January, Russia announced its own plans to leave the pact, and the government submitted legislation to parliament this month to formalise its departure.

At that time, a Kremlin spokesman said one reason was that the United States was still able to receive information acquired via the treaty from its NATO allies.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-to-discuss-open-skies-treaty-after-us-announces-withdrawal-300411">NATO to discuss Open Skies treaty after US announces withdrawal</a>

US officials have said Russia has violated the pact's terms by restricting US overflights of Russia's neighbour Georgia and the Russian enclave in Kaliningrad on the Baltic coast. Russia denies committing any violations.

The treaty, which was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002, allows countries to conduct short-notice, unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of other parties and collect information on one another's military forces.

Its objective is to increase transparency and build confidence among countries.

Russia said on Friday a US decision not to rejoin the Open Skies arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member states, is a "political mistake" ahead of a summit between the countries' presidents.

Russia said on Friday a US decision not to rejoin the Open Skies arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member states, is a "political mistake" ahead of a summit between the countries' presidents. The original US decision to quit the pact was taken last year by the administration of US President Donald Trump, but Moscow had hoped his successor Joe Biden would reverse it. On Thursday, however, the Biden administration informed Moscow that it would not re-enter the pact, accusing Russia of violating it, something Moscow denied. Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, said on Friday that Washington's move was a missed opportunity to bolster security in Europe. Also Read | US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members "The US has made another political mistake, inflicting a new blow to the European security system," TASS quoted him as saying. "We gave them a good chance, which they did not take. They continue circulating fabrications about Russia's violations of this agreement, which is completely absurd." Separately, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow regretted the US decision, saying the Open Skies accord would lose much of its utility without the participation of Russia and the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Biden are due to hold a summit in Geneva next month and Ryabkov was cited as saying that the US refusal to rejoin Open Skies did not create an atmosphere conducive to arms control discussions at the summit. Also Read | Russian parliament's lower house votes to exit from Open Skies Treaty In January, Russia announced its own plans to leave the pact, and the government submitted legislation to parliament this month to formalise its departure. At that time, a Kremlin spokesman said one reason was that the United States was still able to receive information acquired via the treaty from its NATO allies. Also Read | NATO to discuss Open Skies treaty after US announces withdrawal US officials have said Russia has violated the pact's terms by restricting US overflights of Russia's neighbour Georgia and the Russian enclave in Kaliningrad on the Baltic coast. Russia denies committing any violations. The treaty, which was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002, allows countries to conduct short-notice, unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of other parties and collect information on one another's military forces. Its objective is to increase transparency and build confidence among countries.

Russia says US decision not to rejoin Open Skies arms pact is 'political mistake'

Following EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell statement that the bloc was monitoring whether&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;was systematically refusing to let European airlines land if they avoided Belarus. The Kremlin on Friday said&nbsp;that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;was working to resolve what it called technical issues thrown up by a decision by some European airlines to skirt Belarusian airspace when flying to and from&nbsp;Russia.

The European Union has urged its airlines to avoid Belarus and has moved to close its own airspace to Belarusian carriers amid outrage over Sunday's interception of a Ryanair RYA.I jet en route to Lithuania from Greece, and the arrest of a dissident journalist on board.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-plane-crisis-tightens-lukashenkos-awkward-embrace-of-putin-387605">Belarus plane crisis tightens Lukashenko’s awkward embrace of Putin</a>

Josep Borrell had while speaking to journalists, said "We don't know if it is case by case, specific cases, or is a general norm from the Russian authorities in order to make the European planes overfly Belarus,".

Russia&nbsp;on Thursday withheld clearance for an Austrian Airlines Vienna-Moscow flight plan avoiding Belarus - a day after failing to approve a revised Air France&nbsp;Paris-Moscow route. Both flights were cancelled.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airlines-re-route-to-avoid-belarus-opposition-says-journalist-beaten-387395">Airlines re-route to avoid Belarus, opposition says journalist beaten</a>&nbsp;

It did allow an Austrian Airlines Vienna-Moscow flight to bypass Belarusian airspace on Friday however, the TASS news agency cited the company as saying, and allowed in other foreign carriers on Thursday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the problems were purely technical in nature and that the issue should not become an irritant in EU-Russia&nbsp;ties.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-aviation-body-may-probe-belarus-plane-forced-landing-incident-387881">UN aviation body may probe Belarus plane forced landing incident</a>

Russia's federal aviation agency Rosaviatsiya has told airlines that changes to routes from Europe to&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;due to the political row over Belarus may result in longer clearance times due to more such requests.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Following EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell statement that the bloc was monitoring whether Russia was systematically refusing to let European airlines land if they avoided Belarus.

Following EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell statement that the bloc was monitoring whether Russia was systematically refusing to let European airlines land if they avoided Belarus. The Kremlin on Friday said that Russia was working to resolve what it called technical issues thrown up by a decision by some European airlines to skirt Belarusian airspace when flying to and from Russia. The European Union has urged its airlines to avoid Belarus and has moved to close its own airspace to Belarusian carriers amid outrage over Sunday's interception of a Ryanair RYA.I jet en route to Lithuania from Greece, and the arrest of a dissident journalist on board. Also Read | Belarus plane crisis tightens Lukashenko’s awkward embrace of Putin Josep Borrell had while speaking to journalists, said "We don't know if it is case by case, specific cases, or is a general norm from the Russian authorities in order to make the European planes overfly Belarus,". Russia on Thursday withheld clearance for an Austrian Airlines Vienna-Moscow flight plan avoiding Belarus - a day after failing to approve a revised Air France Paris-Moscow route. Both flights were cancelled. Also Read | Airlines re-route to avoid Belarus, opposition says journalist beaten It did allow an Austrian Airlines Vienna-Moscow flight to bypass Belarusian airspace on Friday however, the TASS news agency cited the company as saying, and allowed in other foreign carriers on Thursday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the problems were purely technical in nature and that the issue should not become an irritant in EU-Russia ties. Also Read | UN aviation body may probe Belarus plane forced landing incident Russia's federal aviation agency Rosaviatsiya has told airlines that changes to routes from Europe to Russia due to the political row over Belarus may result in longer clearance times due to more such requests. (With inputs from agencies)

France, Australian flight cancellations were due to 'technical issues,' says Russia

As the world battles <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> and many struggle&nbsp;to get a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> against the deadly disease, some are busy plotting against some of the pharmaceutical companies offering the jabs.

Several social media influencers and bloggers in Europe have claimed they were contacted by a UK-based PR agency to spread rumours about the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-50-adult-population-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19-387402">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-50-adult-population-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19-387402/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The PR agency, which is said to have links with Russia, had been calling and asking several bloggers to post videos and links on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram to discredit the Pfizer vaccine.

They were told to&nbsp;"explain … the death rate among the vaccinated with&nbsp;Pfizer&nbsp;is almost 3x higher than the vaccinated by AstraZeneca," the influencers claimed.

Influencers were instructed to question the motive of several governments who have been buying the Pfizer vaccine for the masses. The report claims that the mainstream media has been ignoring the facts and governments have been promoting vaccines for commercial and economical success.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-says-covid-vaccine-highly-effective-among-adolescents-aged-12-and-above-387313" hreflang="en">Moderna says Covid vaccine 'highly effective' among adolescents aged 12 and above</a>

The claim was substantiated by several bloggers and influencers who took to social media to prove that they had indeed been contacted for spreading fake rumours.

Mirko Drotschmann, a famous podcast host with millions of subscribers, shared a screenshot of the email he had received. He had been told it was an "information campaign"&nbsp;that would highlight the high number of deaths apparently caused by the Pfizer vaccine.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
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Sehr interessant: Eine Agentur meldet sich und fragt, ob ich Teil einer „Informationskampagne“ sein will. Es geht darum, einen Link zu angeblich geleakten Dokumenten zu Todesfällen bei Corona-Impfungen zu teilen. Gegen Geld. Sitz der Agentur: London. Wohnort des CEO: Moskau. <a href="https://t.co/5x0Wqx79oZ">pic.twitter.com/5x0Wqx79oZ</a>
— Mirko Drotschmann (@MrWissen2Go) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrWissen2Go/status/1394716050596450312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The mail also asked the podcast host to "please send us statistics on the age of your subscribers … and how much it would cost".

Local media has reported that the PR agency, Fazze, was founded by a Russian entrepreneur and a lot of the management has Russian connections.

Meanwhile, the agency has disabled its website and has made its Instagram account private. Although the agency claims to be based in London, no such registered address was found.

As the world battles coronavirus and many struggle to get a vaccine against the deadly disease, some are busy plotting against some of the pharmaceutical companies offering the jabs.

As the world battles coronavirus and many struggle to get a vaccine against the deadly disease, some are busy plotting against some of the pharmaceutical companies offering the jabs. Several social media influencers and bloggers in Europe have claimed they were contacted by a UK-based PR agency to spread rumours about the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech. WATCH | The PR agency, which is said to have links with Russia, had been calling and asking several bloggers to post videos and links on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram to discredit the Pfizer vaccine. They were told to "explain … the death rate among the vaccinated with Pfizer is almost 3x higher than the vaccinated by AstraZeneca," the influencers claimed. Influencers were instructed to question the motive of several governments who have been buying the Pfizer vaccine for the masses. The report claims that the mainstream media has been ignoring the facts and governments have been promoting vaccines for commercial and economical success. Also read | Moderna says Covid vaccine 'highly effective' among adolescents aged 12 and above The claim was substantiated by several bloggers and influencers who took to social media to prove that they had indeed been contacted for spreading fake rumours. Mirko Drotschmann, a famous podcast host with millions of subscribers, shared a screenshot of the email he had received. He had been told it was an "information campaign" that would highlight the high number of deaths apparently caused by the Pfizer vaccine. Sehr interessant: Eine Agentur meldet sich und fragt, ob ich Teil einer „Informationskampagne“ sein will. Es geht darum, einen Link zu angeblich geleakten Dokumenten zu Todesfällen bei Corona-Impfungen zu teilen. Gegen Geld. Sitz der Agentur: London. Wohnort des CEO: Moskau. pic.twitter.com/5x0Wqx79oZ — Mirko Drotschmann (@MrWissen2Go) May 18, 2021 × The mail also asked the podcast host to "please send us statistics on the age of your subscribers … and how much it would cost". Local media has reported that the PR agency, Fazze, was founded by a Russian entrepreneur and a lot of the management has Russian connections. Meanwhile, the agency has disabled its website and has made its Instagram account private. Although the agency claims to be based in London, no such registered address was found.

Russia-linked agency hires influencers to spread fake news about Pfizer vaccine

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