British government on Monday said that it had instructed UK aircraft&nbsp;to avoid Belarus airspace. Additionally, it slapped a ban on Belarusian flag carrier Belavia. UK also summoned Belarusian ambassador over the issue of forced diversion of a passenger plane that culminated into arrest of a 26-year-old Belarusian activist who opposed country's President Alexander Lukashenko.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he had told the Civil Aviation Authority to issue instructions "in order to keep passengers safe".&nbsp;

He also suspended the operating permit of Belavia, which flies daily London Gatwick to Minsk flights via Paris in a code-share with Air France.

Belarus on Sunday (Indian time) sent a fighter jet plane to divert a Lithuania-bound Rayanair passenger plane and arrested a 26-year-old opposition activist Roman Protasevich. This has raised tensions as Belarus drew a lot of flak from European countries as well as the USA.

Russia appears to have sided with Belarus as it said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-finds-belarus-approach-to-plane-incident-reasonable-387125">Belarusian response to the plane incident was "reasonable"</a>

Roman Protasevich (26), who was arrested by Belarus authorities on Sunday is a Belarusian journalist and activist.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-finds-belarus-approach-to-plane-incident-reasonable-387125">Russia finds Belarus approach to plane incident 'reasonable'</a>

Together with co-founder Stepan Putilo he had until recently run the Nexta telegram channel that galvanised and directed huge protests against Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

British government on Monday said that it had instructed UK aircraft to avoid Belarus airspace. Additionally, it slapped a ban on Belarusian flag carrier Belavia.

British government on Monday said that it had instructed UK aircraft to avoid Belarus airspace. Additionally, it slapped a ban on Belarusian flag carrier Belavia. UK also summoned Belarusian ambassador over the issue of forced diversion of a passenger plane that culminated into arrest of a 26-year-old Belarusian activist who opposed country's President Alexander Lukashenko. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he had told the Civil Aviation Authority to issue instructions "in order to keep passengers safe". He also suspended the operating permit of Belavia, which flies daily London Gatwick to Minsk flights via Paris in a code-share with Air France. Belarus on Sunday (Indian time) sent a fighter jet plane to divert a Lithuania-bound Rayanair passenger plane and arrested a 26-year-old opposition activist Roman Protasevich. This has raised tensions as Belarus drew a lot of flak from European countries as well as the USA. Russia appears to have sided with Belarus as it said that Belarusian response to the plane incident was "reasonable" Roman Protasevich (26), who was arrested by Belarus authorities on Sunday is a Belarusian journalist and activist. Also Read | Russia finds Belarus approach to plane incident 'reasonable' Together with co-founder Stepan Putilo he had until recently run the Nexta telegram channel that galvanised and directed huge protests against Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

UK orders aircraft to avoid Belarus airspace, suspends Belavia

Russia on Monday backed Belarus in its decision to divert a plane carrying opposition activist. The activist was later arrested by Belarus. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended Belarus' decision.

Belarus,&nbsp;led by its strongman President Alexander Lukashenko late on Sunday (Indian time) sent a figher plane to divert Ryanair passenger plane bound for Lithuania. The plane was forced to land in Belarus and 26-year-old opposition activist Roman Protasevich was arrested

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists that Belarus had treated the incident with an "absolutely reasonable approach".&nbsp;

"A representative of the Belarusian foreign ministry... stressed the readiness of the Belarusian authorities to act on the issue in a transparent manner and to follow all international rules," Lavrov said during a press conference following a meeting with his Greek counterpart.

"I think this is an absolutely reasonable approach."

He called on the global community to "soberly assess the situation".

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Belarus has received harsh criticism from western countries. Western leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-sends-fighter-jet-to-divert-passenger-plane-detains-opponent-386961">called the incident an "act of state terrorism"</a> and the EU was expected Monday to toughen sanctions against Belarus.

Protasevich (26), who was arrested by Belarus authorities is a Belarusian journalist and activist.

Together with co-founder Stepan Putilo he had until recently run the Nexta telegram channel that galvanised and directed huge protests against Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August 2020.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-sends-fighter-jet-to-divert-passenger-plane-detains-opponent-386961">Belarus sends fighter jet to divert passenger plane, detains opponent</a>

Last year, Protasevich and Putilo were accused by Belarusian authorities of a number of crimes including organising mass riots. Protasevich left the Nexta project last year.

He faces a sentence of up to 15 years in Belarus.

Lufthansa flight takes off from Minsk

Meanwhile, Lufthansa flight suspended in Minsk on Monday due to security alert took off for Frankfurt with all passengers on board.

"The flight took off 10 minutes ago," an airline spokesman told AFP at about 1330 GMT, one day after the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Belarus.&nbsp;

"All passengers were on board as planned."&nbsp;

Lufthansa said all luggage and freight had been removed from the aircraft, in which there were 51 people including five crew members, for fresh security checks after Belarusian authorities said they had received a "security warning".

"We regret the inconvenience for the passengers but the security of our passengers, crew and the plane take top priority at Lufthansa," the spokesman said.

Soon after Lufthansa announced the flight's suspension, Minsk airport said on its Telegram channel that "all necessary measures" to check the plane and its passengers had been completed.

(With agency inputs)

Russia on Monday backed Belarus in its decision to divert a plane carrying opposition activist. The activist was later arrested by Belarus. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended Belarus' decision.

Russia on Monday backed Belarus in its decision to divert a plane carrying opposition activist. The activist was later arrested by Belarus. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended Belarus' decision. Belarus, led by its strongman President Alexander Lukashenko late on Sunday (Indian time) sent a figher plane to divert Ryanair passenger plane bound for Lithuania. The plane was forced to land in Belarus and 26-year-old opposition activist Roman Protasevich was arrested Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists that Belarus had treated the incident with an "absolutely reasonable approach". "A representative of the Belarusian foreign ministry... stressed the readiness of the Belarusian authorities to act on the issue in a transparent manner and to follow all international rules," Lavrov said during a press conference following a meeting with his Greek counterpart. "I think this is an absolutely reasonable approach." He called on the global community to "soberly assess the situation". × Belarus has received harsh criticism from western countries. Western leaders called the incident an "act of state terrorism" and the EU was expected Monday to toughen sanctions against Belarus. Protasevich (26), who was arrested by Belarus authorities is a Belarusian journalist and activist. Together with co-founder Stepan Putilo he had until recently run the Nexta telegram channel that galvanised and directed huge protests against Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August 2020. Also Read | Belarus sends fighter jet to divert passenger plane, detains opponent Last year, Protasevich and Putilo were accused by Belarusian authorities of a number of crimes including organising mass riots. Protasevich left the Nexta project last year. He faces a sentence of up to 15 years in Belarus. Lufthansa flight takes off from Minsk Meanwhile, Lufthansa flight suspended in Minsk on Monday due to security alert took off for Frankfurt with all passengers on board. "The flight took off 10 minutes ago," an airline spokesman told AFP at about 1330 GMT, one day after the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Belarus. "All passengers were on board as planned." Lufthansa said all luggage and freight had been removed from the aircraft, in which there were 51 people including five crew members, for fresh security checks after Belarusian authorities said they had received a "security warning". "We regret the inconvenience for the passengers but the security of our passengers, crew and the plane take top priority at Lufthansa," the spokesman said. Soon after Lufthansa announced the flight's suspension, Minsk airport said on its Telegram channel that "all necessary measures" to check the plane and its passengers had been completed. (With agency inputs)

Russia finds Belarus approach to plane incident 'reasonable'

In 2001, America invaded Afghanistan. 20 years and over 2 trillion dollars later, Washington came to terms with the fruitlessness of the war. So it decided to wrap, and withdraw troops.

Something similar happened in Europe. America waged a war not on a country, but a construction. But two years later, it realised the futility of it.

This is about Nord Stream 2. It's a Russian gas pipeline project. It's a pretty controversial one. The Trump administration slapped sanctions on it in 2019 and early 2021.

America had egg on its face, when construction carried on. If anything, the sanctions only alienated America from one of its key European allies:&nbsp;Germany.

Now, US President Joe Biden is in the White House. And he is being torn by conflicting demands at home and outside.

Sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support in the US.&nbsp;It also carries great geopolitical and strategic importance. But upping the ante against Nord Stream 2 could cost America dearly.

So, his administration has tried to kill three birds with one stone.&nbsp;

The original Nord Stream runs from Vyborg in Russia&nbsp;to Lumbin in Germany.

It was inaugurated in 2011. Nord Stream 2 expands this system. It is designed to carry 110 billion cubic metres of gas from Russia to Germany every year. The project is being built at a cost of 11 billion dollars. It runs 764 miles under the Baltic Sea.

And Russian state energy firm Gazprom is leading the venture. The project is now 95 per cent complete. There's only 100 km of the sub-sea pipeline left to lay. Nord Stream 2 is expected to be ready by the end of 2021. This project is strategically important to the US.

Washington is an exporter of natural gas to Europe. But Russian gas is cheaper than American. So, basically, America fears losing business in Europe once Nord Stream 2 is completed.

That's not it. America also fears losing its influence.

Washington believes Russia could use Nord Stream 2 to increase Europe's dependency on Moscow. It's the same cold war-era mentality.

And it's because of this that the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support at home. There's also geopolitics that is closely entangled in the project. This Nord Stream 2 bypasses Ukraine and by doing so, deprives it of lucrative transit fee. This is Moscow hammering Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression.

And this is something US cannot be seen openly supporting. It has always sided with Ukraine.

When Biden entered the White House, some critics said he may be able to convince German Chancellor Angela Merkel into dropping the Nord Stream 2 project.

That has clearly has not happened. Instead, Berlin pressed Washington to drop sanctions. To Germany, Nord Stream 2 is a commercial project.

And America's opposition to it is a hurdle for German economy.

Germany also happens to be a country US must court if it wants to get back to enjoying the confidence of its European and NATO allies.

So, the Biden administration caved in and planned its safest exit from the war on Nord Stream 2.

What did it do?

Number one:&nbsp;To appease Americans, the Biden administration imposed fresh sanctions on ships working on the project. Also sanctions on Russian entities linked to the Nord Stream 2.

Number two:&nbsp;To reaffirm America's unwavering support to Ukraine, the Biden administration openly criticised the Nord Stream 2.

A release from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the following:

"Nord stream 2 is a bad deal — for Germany, for Ukraine, and for our central and eastern European allies and partners.The department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be involved."

Here's the real deal.

To appease Germany, the Biden administration waived Trump-era sanctions on the company building Nord Stream 2 and also its CEO.

How is the Biden administration justifying this? It is in national interest, says Blinken.

It is to 'demonstrate the administration's commitment to energy security in Europe'.

The real story lies between the lines.

Moreover, it tells that the Biden administration prioritises winning over European ally over engaging Russia in a futile geopolitical tug of war.

And this is the biggest takeaway from the Nord Stream 2 story.

In 2001, America invaded Afghanistan. 20 years and over 2 trillion dollars later, Washington came to terms with the fruitlessness of the war. So it decided to wrap, and withdraw troops.

In 2001, America invaded Afghanistan. 20 years and over 2 trillion dollars later, Washington came to terms with the fruitlessness of the war. So it decided to wrap, and withdraw troops. Something similar happened in Europe. America waged a war not on a country, but a construction. But two years later, it realised the futility of it. This is about Nord Stream 2. It's a Russian gas pipeline project. It's a pretty controversial one. The Trump administration slapped sanctions on it in 2019 and early 2021. America had egg on its face, when construction carried on. If anything, the sanctions only alienated America from one of its key European allies: Germany. Now, US President Joe Biden is in the White House. And he is being torn by conflicting demands at home and outside. Sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support in the US. It also carries great geopolitical and strategic importance. But upping the ante against Nord Stream 2 could cost America dearly. So, his administration has tried to kill three birds with one stone. The original Nord Stream runs from Vyborg in Russia to Lumbin in Germany. It was inaugurated in 2011. Nord Stream 2 expands this system. It is designed to carry 110 billion cubic metres of gas from Russia to Germany every year. The project is being built at a cost of 11 billion dollars. It runs 764 miles under the Baltic Sea. And Russian state energy firm Gazprom is leading the venture. The project is now 95 per cent complete. There's only 100 km of the sub-sea pipeline left to lay. Nord Stream 2 is expected to be ready by the end of 2021. This project is strategically important to the US. Washington is an exporter of natural gas to Europe. But Russian gas is cheaper than American. So, basically, America fears losing business in Europe once Nord Stream 2 is completed. That's not it. America also fears losing its influence. Washington believes Russia could use Nord Stream 2 to increase Europe's dependency on Moscow. It's the same cold war-era mentality. And it's because of this that the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 enjoy bipartisan support at home. There's also geopolitics that is closely entangled in the project. This Nord Stream 2 bypasses Ukraine and by doing so, deprives it of lucrative transit fee. This is Moscow hammering Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression. And this is something US cannot be seen openly supporting. It has always sided with Ukraine. When Biden entered the White House, some critics said he may be able to convince German Chancellor Angela Merkel into dropping the Nord Stream 2 project. That has clearly has not happened. Instead, Berlin pressed Washington to drop sanctions. To Germany, Nord Stream 2 is a commercial project. And America's opposition to it is a hurdle for German economy. Germany also happens to be a country US must court if it wants to get back to enjoying the confidence of its European and NATO allies. So, the Biden administration caved in and planned its safest exit from the war on Nord Stream 2. What did it do? Number one: To appease Americans, the Biden administration imposed fresh sanctions on ships working on the project. Also sanctions on Russian entities linked to the Nord Stream 2. Number two: To reaffirm America's unwavering support to Ukraine, the Biden administration openly criticised the Nord Stream 2. A release from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the following: "Nord stream 2 is a bad deal — for Germany, for Ukraine, and for our central and eastern European allies and partners.The department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be involved." Here's the real deal. To appease Germany, the Biden administration waived Trump-era sanctions on the company building Nord Stream 2 and also its CEO. How is the Biden administration justifying this? It is in national interest, says Blinken. It is to 'demonstrate the administration's commitment to energy security in Europe'. The real story lies between the lines. Moreover, it tells that the Biden administration prioritises winning over European ally over engaging Russia in a futile geopolitical tug of war. And this is the biggest takeaway from the Nord Stream 2 story.

What is Nord Stream 2 fuss all about? Read on

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that Russians will 'knock out teeth' of the country's adversaries. Speaking at a government meeting, Putin said that enemies of Russia were trying to clip its wings. every time the nation grew strong.

"Everyone wants to bite us somewhere or to bite off something from us," Putin said.

"But they -- those who are going to do it -- should know that we will knock out their teeth so that they cannot bite."

Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia, the world's largest country by landmass, is "too big for some", Putin said.

Putin didn't take names of adversaries he spoke about but stressed the need for modernisation of Russian forces.

Putin is known not to mince words during public meetings. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
In 1999, he famously promised to strike at separatists even in the "outhouse" which heralded the adoption of tougher tactics by the authorities against Chechen militants.

Tensions between Moscow and the West are high over a litany of issues, including Russia's troop buildup on Ukraine's border, interference in US elections and other perceived hostile activities.

But signs of a possible détente have recently been growing, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging dialogue during a face-to-face meeting in Reykjavik on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that Russians will 'knock out teeth' of the country's adversaries. Speaking at a government meeting, Putin said that enemies of Russia were trying to clip its wings.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that Russians will 'knock out teeth' of the country's adversaries. Speaking at a government meeting, Putin said that enemies of Russia were trying to clip its wings. every time the nation grew strong. "Everyone wants to bite us somewhere or to bite off something from us," Putin said. "But they -- those who are going to do it -- should know that we will knock out their teeth so that they cannot bite." Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia, the world's largest country by landmass, is "too big for some", Putin said. Putin didn't take names of adversaries he spoke about but stressed the need for modernisation of Russian forces. Putin is known not to mince words during public meetings. In 1999, he famously promised to strike at separatists even in the "outhouse" which heralded the adoption of tougher tactics by the authorities against Chechen militants. Tensions between Moscow and the West are high over a litany of issues, including Russia's troop buildup on Ukraine's border, interference in US elections and other perceived hostile activities. But signs of a possible détente have recently been growing, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging dialogue during a face-to-face meeting in Reykjavik on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says Russians will 'knock out teeth' of country's adversaries

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia's&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Minister Sergei Lavrov are due to hold talks on Wednesday night ahead of a possible presidential summit in June in an attempt to improve the dire relations between the former Cold War foes.

The face-to-face talks on the sidelines of a gathering of eight&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;in Reykjavik will be the highest-level&nbsp;meeting since US&nbsp;President Joe&nbsp;Biden took office in January.

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>&nbsp;

Ties have been fraught since March when&nbsp;Biden,&nbsp;not long into his presidency,&nbsp;said he regarded President Vladimir Putin as a "killer", prompting Moscow to recall its&nbsp;US&nbsp;ambassador for consultations. The envoy still has not returned.

Washington then imposed sanctions and expelled Russian diplomats over "malign" activities denied by Moscow, pushing Russia to retaliate in kind. It later barred the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Embassy from hiring local staff.

Given the adversarial prelude, immediate gains from the&nbsp;meeting between Blinken and Lavrov are likely to be modest, though they could pave the way for a Putin-Biden summit next month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-address-bidens-climate-summit-despite-crisis-in-us-russia-ties-378679">Putin to address Biden's climate summit despite crisis in US-Russia ties</a>

The summit idea was floated by the White House last month, but it has still not been publicly confirmed. Russia's Kommersant newspaper on Monday cited government sources touting Switzerland as the likeliest venue.

US&nbsp;State Department spokesman Ned Price said Lavrov and Blinken would&nbsp;meet&nbsp;after a&nbsp;meeting of the Arctic Council, a regional grouping of eight nations. The talks are scheduled to start at 2115 GMT.

Washington's relations with Moscow have been at post-Cold War lows for years, strained over everything from election meddling allegations to Ukraine and the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

"We don't seek to escalate, we are simply looking for a more predictable, stable relationship," a senior State Department official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-poses-biggest-threat-to-us-intelligence-report-says-377501">China poses biggest threat to US, intelligence report says</a>

Besides the summit, the talks could broach the subject of their diplomatic missions that have been crimped by tit-for-tat expulsions as well as progress on nuclear arms control.

Russia's lower house of parliament voted on Wednesday to back Moscow's exit from the Open Skies treaty, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries and which Washington quit in November under Donald Trump.

Russia, which says it may complete the withdrawal process in December, has said it would consider staying in the treaty if&nbsp;Biden rejoins it, but that it has so far seen no sign that will happen.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday, that strategic stability should be high on the agenda of a possible Putin-Biden&nbsp;meeting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-russia-at-ukraine-door-us-and-eu-look-for-options-377610">With Russia at Ukraine door, US and EU look for options</a>

Lavrov, 71, has been the face of Kremlin&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;policy since 2004 as Moscow has asserted what it says is its rightful standing as a world power. Russia has beefed up its military presence in the Arctic and invested in northern infrastructure.

Blinken accused Moscow on Tuesday of making "unlawful maritime claims" on the regulation of&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;vessels transiting the shipping route over Russia's long northern coastline. He said Washington was worried about the region's increasing militarization.

Lavrov on Monday dismissed NATO concerns about increasing Russian military activity in the Arctic, saying Moscow was right to ensure the security of its northern coastline.

He said Moscow would wait to see what Washington meant by stable and predictable ties with Russia.

"If that means stable, predictable sanctions then that's not what's needed."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are due to hold talks on Wednesday night ahead of a possible presidential summit in June in an attempt to improve the dire relations between the former Cold War foes.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are due to hold talks on Wednesday night ahead of a possible presidential summit in June in an attempt to improve the dire relations between the former Cold War foes. The face-to-face talks on the sidelines of a gathering of eight foreign ministers in Reykjavik will be the highest-level meeting since US President Joe Biden took office in January. Also read | Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? Ties have been fraught since March when Biden, not long into his presidency, said he regarded President Vladimir Putin as a "killer", prompting Moscow to recall its US ambassador for consultations. The envoy still has not returned. Washington then imposed sanctions and expelled Russian diplomats over "malign" activities denied by Moscow, pushing Russia to retaliate in kind. It later barred the US Embassy from hiring local staff. Given the adversarial prelude, immediate gains from the meeting between Blinken and Lavrov are likely to be modest, though they could pave the way for a Putin-Biden summit next month. Also read | Putin to address Biden's climate summit despite crisis in US-Russia ties The summit idea was floated by the White House last month, but it has still not been publicly confirmed. Russia's Kommersant newspaper on Monday cited government sources touting Switzerland as the likeliest venue. US State Department spokesman Ned Price said Lavrov and Blinken would meet after a meeting of the Arctic Council, a regional grouping of eight nations. The talks are scheduled to start at 2115 GMT. Washington's relations with Moscow have been at post-Cold War lows for years, strained over everything from election meddling allegations to Ukraine and the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. "We don't seek to escalate, we are simply looking for a more predictable, stable relationship," a senior State Department official said. Also read | China poses biggest threat to US, intelligence report says Besides the summit, the talks could broach the subject of their diplomatic missions that have been crimped by tit-for-tat expulsions as well as progress on nuclear arms control. Russia's lower house of parliament voted on Wednesday to back Moscow's exit from the Open Skies treaty, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries and which Washington quit in November under Donald Trump. Russia, which says it may complete the withdrawal process in December, has said it would consider staying in the treaty if Biden rejoins it, but that it has so far seen no sign that will happen. The Kremlin said on Wednesday, that strategic stability should be high on the agenda of a possible Putin-Biden meeting. Also read | With Russia at Ukraine door, US and EU look for options Lavrov, 71, has been the face of Kremlin foreign policy since 2004 as Moscow has asserted what it says is its rightful standing as a world power. Russia has beefed up its military presence in the Arctic and invested in northern infrastructure. Blinken accused Moscow on Tuesday of making "unlawful maritime claims" on the regulation of foreign vessels transiting the shipping route over Russia's long northern coastline. He said Washington was worried about the region's increasing militarization. Lavrov on Monday dismissed NATO concerns about increasing Russian military activity in the Arctic, saying Moscow was right to ensure the security of its northern coastline. He said Moscow would wait to see what Washington meant by stable and predictable ties with Russia. "If that means stable, predictable sanctions then that's not what's needed."

US and Russian foreign ministers to meet in Iceland in bid to ease friction

Russia has advanced unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday, as he reiterated calls to avoid militarisation of the region.&nbsp;

The US has previously accused Russia of demanding foreign vessels to request permissions to pass and requiring Russian maritime pilots to board the ships, while threatening to use force against vessels failing to comply.&nbsp;

"We've seen Russia advance unlawful maritime claims, particularly its regulation of foreign vessels transiting the Northern Sea route, which are inconsistent with international law," Blinken said at a joint briefing with Iceland's foreign minister in Reykjavik. &nbsp;

Russia has ambitious plans to build ports along the so-called Northern Sea Route, which would shorten the distance between China and Europe, and has beefed up its military presence along its Arctic coastline. &nbsp;

"We have concerns about some of the increased military activities in the Arctic," Blinked said. This increases the risk of 'accidents and miscalculations', he said, while it 'undermined the shared goal of a peaceful and sustainable future for the region'. &nbsp;

In attempts to defend freedom of access and navigation on the Northern Sea Route, the US navy twice last year conducted exercises with European allies in the Barents Sea close to Russia for the first time since the mid-1980s.&nbsp;

The US has urged Russia to submit its regulatory scheme to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for consideration, but Russia had yet to do so, Blinken said. &nbsp;

"The regulatory scheme that Russia has put forward does not give due regard, as required by international law, to navigation rights and freedom to the territorial seas and exclusive economic zone," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russia has advanced unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday, as he reiterated calls to avoid militarisation of the region.

Russia has advanced unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday, as he reiterated calls to avoid militarisation of the region. The US has previously accused Russia of demanding foreign vessels to request permissions to pass and requiring Russian maritime pilots to board the ships, while threatening to use force against vessels failing to comply. "We've seen Russia advance unlawful maritime claims, particularly its regulation of foreign vessels transiting the Northern Sea route, which are inconsistent with international law," Blinken said at a joint briefing with Iceland's foreign minister in Reykjavik. Russia has ambitious plans to build ports along the so-called Northern Sea Route, which would shorten the distance between China and Europe, and has beefed up its military presence along its Arctic coastline. "We have concerns about some of the increased military activities in the Arctic," Blinked said. This increases the risk of 'accidents and miscalculations', he said, while it 'undermined the shared goal of a peaceful and sustainable future for the region'. In attempts to defend freedom of access and navigation on the Northern Sea Route, the US navy twice last year conducted exercises with European allies in the Barents Sea close to Russia for the first time since the mid-1980s. The US has urged Russia to submit its regulatory scheme to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for consideration, but Russia had yet to do so, Blinken said. "The regulatory scheme that Russia has put forward does not give due regard, as required by international law, to navigation rights and freedom to the territorial seas and exclusive economic zone," he said.

Russia has advanced unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic, says Blinken 

Belarus has shut country's largest independent news outlet after raid on its offices. This is being seen as a widening crackdown in the wake of historic opposition protests last year.

Journalists in the ex-Soviet nation are facing mounting pressure after the protests contested a presidential election win claimed by strongman President Alexander Lukashenko.

The long-serving authoritarian leader has drawn scorn from the West, and the United States and EU have slapped sanctions on him and his allies.

The news portal by the name of Tut.by was the latest media house targetted by the authorities. Security agents searched offices and homes of the journalists working for the website, as per the editor-in-chief. The outlet was then taken offline entirely.

"TUT.by co-founder Kirill Voloshin reports that the website's domain has been blocked," the news organisation reported on its Telegram channel.&nbsp;

AFP journalists said the site was unavailable in Belarus, Russia and France.

Ministry of information later confirmed that it had blocked Tut.by at the request of the general prosecutor's office. The ministry said that the outlet regularly published 'prohibited information'

Editor-in-chief Marina Zolotova earlier told AFP that members of a state financial investigations department had searched her home and the homes of several of her employees.

"Representatives of security agencies also came to the newsroom," she said, adding that she was unable to get in touch with several Tut.by employees.

The state control committee's financial investigations department, which confirmed the searches, is a powerful enforcement body that has previously targeted the opposition.

It said Tuesday that it was investigating Tut.by for tax evasion. The group later announced a separate criminal probe into the portal's director Lyudmila Chekina.&nbsp;

The committee's financial investigative body also notably probed Lukashenko's opponent Viktor Babaryko, who was arrested two months before last August's presidential election.

(With inputs from agencies)

Belarus has shut country's largest independent news outlet after raid on its offices. This is being seen as a widening crackdown in the wake of historic opposition protests last year.

Belarus has shut country's largest independent news outlet after raid on its offices. This is being seen as a widening crackdown in the wake of historic opposition protests last year. Journalists in the ex-Soviet nation are facing mounting pressure after the protests contested a presidential election win claimed by strongman President Alexander Lukashenko. The long-serving authoritarian leader has drawn scorn from the West, and the United States and EU have slapped sanctions on him and his allies. The news portal by the name of Tut.by was the latest media house targetted by the authorities. Security agents searched offices and homes of the journalists working for the website, as per the editor-in-chief. The outlet was then taken offline entirely. "TUT.by co-founder Kirill Voloshin reports that the website's domain has been blocked," the news organisation reported on its Telegram channel. AFP journalists said the site was unavailable in Belarus, Russia and France. Ministry of information later confirmed that it had blocked Tut.by at the request of the general prosecutor's office. The ministry said that the outlet regularly published 'prohibited information' Editor-in-chief Marina Zolotova earlier told AFP that members of a state financial investigations department had searched her home and the homes of several of her employees. "Representatives of security agencies also came to the newsroom," she said, adding that she was unable to get in touch with several Tut.by employees. The state control committee's financial investigations department, which confirmed the searches, is a powerful enforcement body that has previously targeted the opposition. It said Tuesday that it was investigating Tut.by for tax evasion. The group later announced a separate criminal probe into the portal's director Lyudmila Chekina. The committee's financial investigative body also notably probed Lukashenko's opponent Viktor Babaryko, who was arrested two months before last August's presidential election. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus shuts independent news site after raids on offices

A Russian court is set to hear an 'extremism' case against the political network of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Monday as Moscow seeks to outlaw the opposition to President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

The closed court hearing is part of a sweeping crackdown on Putin's most prominent critic and his supporters after Navalny barely survived a poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent last summer.&nbsp;

As part of the effort, which comes a few months before parliamentary elections, the lower house is set on Tuesday to begin debating a bill banning members of 'extremist' organisations from being elected lawmakers.&nbsp;

Prosecutors in April requested that Navalny's regional network and his Anti-Corruption Foundation be designated 'extremist' organisations, accusing them of plotting to stage a Western-backed uprising in Russia. &nbsp;

Such a court ruling would put Navalny and his supporters and financial backers on a par with members of the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda and threaten them with long prison sentences.&nbsp;

"The opposition will be crushed," Abbas Gallyamov, an independent political analyst and former Kremlin speechwriter, said, warning that the official ban on dissent would eventually backfire.&nbsp;

"By destroying the opposition, they are destroying their own legitimacy," Gallyamov said, referring to Russian authorities.&nbsp;

Navalny emerged as a top leader of Russia's opposition movement a decade ago, leading huge anti-Kremlin rallies sparked by claims of electoral fraud in 2011.&nbsp;

Established in 2011, the Anti-Corruption Foundation has published numerous investigations into the lavish lifestyles of Russia's elite. &nbsp;

Navalny's probe into a Black Sea palace Russian tycoons allegedly built for Putin has racked up more than 116 million views on YouTube since its release in January. Putin denies the palace is his.&nbsp;

Even though Navalny was not allowed to run against Putin in a presidential election in 2018, authorities had for years tolerated his political movement, which relies on donations from supporters.&nbsp;

But analysts say the Kremlin is willing to take no chances ahead of parliamentary elections in September as public fatigue is growing with Putin's two-decade rule and the coronavirus pandemic exacerbates economic woes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Russian court is set to hear an 'extremism' case against the political network of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Monday as Moscow seeks to outlaw the opposition to President Vladimir Putin.

A Russian court is set to hear an 'extremism' case against the political network of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Monday as Moscow seeks to outlaw the opposition to President Vladimir Putin. The closed court hearing is part of a sweeping crackdown on Putin's most prominent critic and his supporters after Navalny barely survived a poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent last summer. As part of the effort, which comes a few months before parliamentary elections, the lower house is set on Tuesday to begin debating a bill banning members of 'extremist' organisations from being elected lawmakers. Prosecutors in April requested that Navalny's regional network and his Anti-Corruption Foundation be designated 'extremist' organisations, accusing them of plotting to stage a Western-backed uprising in Russia. Such a court ruling would put Navalny and his supporters and financial backers on a par with members of the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda and threaten them with long prison sentences. "The opposition will be crushed," Abbas Gallyamov, an independent political analyst and former Kremlin speechwriter, said, warning that the official ban on dissent would eventually backfire. "By destroying the opposition, they are destroying their own legitimacy," Gallyamov said, referring to Russian authorities. Navalny emerged as a top leader of Russia's opposition movement a decade ago, leading huge anti-Kremlin rallies sparked by claims of electoral fraud in 2011. Established in 2011, the Anti-Corruption Foundation has published numerous investigations into the lavish lifestyles of Russia's elite. Navalny's probe into a Black Sea palace Russian tycoons allegedly built for Putin has racked up more than 116 million views on YouTube since its release in January. Putin denies the palace is his. Even though Navalny was not allowed to run against Putin in a presidential election in 2018, authorities had for years tolerated his political movement, which relies on donations from supporters. But analysts say the Kremlin is willing to take no chances ahead of parliamentary elections in September as public fatigue is growing with Putin's two-decade rule and the coronavirus pandemic exacerbates economic woes. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia seeks to outlaw Navalny movement 

Russia on Friday officially designated the US and Czech Republic as 'unfriendly' states. This move has come amid rising tensions between Russia and the West.&nbsp;

The Russian government released a list of "unfriendly states" that now includes the US and the Czech Republic.&nbsp; 
The Czech embassy will be allowed to employ no more than 19 Russian nationals and the US embassy none at all, Moscow said.

Tensions between Russia and the US have been high from the time the US held it accountable for interference in US elections and hacking of US government departments and agencies. The US expelled some Russian diplomats last month.

Czech Republic has also taken a hard stand against Russia in recent weeks. Last month, it expelled Russian diplomats and accused Russia of having been involved in an explosion at a Czech ammunition dump.

Russia's ties with the West were also strained during its military build-up along its border with Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to respond to what he said was the persecution of Moscow-friendly politicians in Ukraine, accusing the West of turning a blind eye to Kiev's political "clean-up".

With tensions between Moscow and Kiev high, Ukraine this week placed Putin's top ally Viktor Medvedchuk under house arrest on suspicion of high treason.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Friday officially designated the US and Czech Republic as 'unfriendly' states. This move has come amid rising tensions between Russia and the West. The Russian government released a list of "unfriendly states" that now includes the US and the Czech Republic.

Russia on Friday officially designated the US and Czech Republic as 'unfriendly' states. This move has come amid rising tensions between Russia and the West. The Russian government released a list of "unfriendly states" that now includes the US and the Czech Republic. The Czech embassy will be allowed to employ no more than 19 Russian nationals and the US embassy none at all, Moscow said. Tensions between Russia and the US have been high from the time the US held it accountable for interference in US elections and hacking of US government departments and agencies. The US expelled some Russian diplomats last month. Czech Republic has also taken a hard stand against Russia in recent weeks. Last month, it expelled Russian diplomats and accused Russia of having been involved in an explosion at a Czech ammunition dump. Russia's ties with the West were also strained during its military build-up along its border with Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to respond to what he said was the persecution of Moscow-friendly politicians in Ukraine, accusing the West of turning a blind eye to Kiev's political "clean-up". With tensions between Moscow and Kiev high, Ukraine this week placed Putin's top ally Viktor Medvedchuk under house arrest on suspicion of high treason. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia designates US and Czech Republic as 'unfriendly states'

Armenia has made an appeal to Russia-led security bloc for support after accusing Azerbaijan of border violation. Armenia has accused that Azerbaijani troops are trying to claim territory. Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's office said on Friday that he had made a formal request for the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) to hold consultations on supporting member Armenia

Under the treaty, members of the bloc, which also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, consider aggression against one member as aggression against them all.

Armenia's accusations of Azerbaijani troops violating the border came on Thursday (May 13).

Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a six-week-long war over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year. The conflict had claimed about 6000 lives.

Pashinyan informed Russian President Vladimir Putin of his decision to turn to the CSTO during a phone call late Thursday, his office said.

"The Russian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue exerting active mediation efforts with a view to ensuring stability in the region," it said.

The two "agreed that the situation should be settled by getting Azerbaijani troops back to their starting positions."

The Kremlin said Putin was calling on both countries to respect peace agreements, adding that Russia would continue "active mediating efforts".

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Pashinyan had not asked for immediate assistance.

(With inputs from agencies)

Armenia has made an appeal to Russia-led security bloc for support after accusing Azerbaijan of border violation. Armenia has accused that Azerbaijani troops are trying to claim territory.

Armenia has made an appeal to Russia-led security bloc for support after accusing Azerbaijan of border violation. Armenia has accused that Azerbaijani troops are trying to claim territory. Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's office said on Friday that he had made a formal request for the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) to hold consultations on supporting member Armenia Under the treaty, members of the bloc, which also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, consider aggression against one member as aggression against them all. Armenia's accusations of Azerbaijani troops violating the border came on Thursday (May 13). Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a six-week-long war over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year. The conflict had claimed about 6000 lives. Pashinyan informed Russian President Vladimir Putin of his decision to turn to the CSTO during a phone call late Thursday, his office said. "The Russian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue exerting active mediation efforts with a view to ensuring stability in the region," it said. The two "agreed that the situation should be settled by getting Azerbaijani troops back to their starting positions." The Kremlin said Putin was calling on both countries to respect peace agreements, adding that Russia would continue "active mediating efforts". Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Pashinyan had not asked for immediate assistance. (With inputs from agencies)

Armenia calls Putin after Azerbaijan 'infiltration'

A spokesperson at the US Embassy in Moscow, Rebecca Ross is among the 10 American diplomats being expelled from Russia in a retaliatory move. 
 
"Yes, I`m on the list," Xinhua news agency quoted Ross as saying by the local media on Wednesday. 
 
The US diplomats will have to leave the country until May 21, the local media said. 
 
A source from the Foreign Ministry in Moscow said that the Press Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Washington was denied entry into the US. 
 
The Ministry announced the expulsion of 10 US embassy workers last month, in a tit-for-tat response to Washington`s expulsion of 10 Russian officials and a wide array of sanctions against the country.

A spokesperson at the US Embassy in Moscow, Rebecca Ross is among the 10 American diplomats being expelled from Russia in a retaliatory move. "Yes, I`m on the list," Xinhua news agency quoted Ross as saying by the local media on Wednesday.

A spokesperson at the US Embassy in Moscow, Rebecca Ross is among the 10 American diplomats being expelled from Russia in a retaliatory move. "Yes, I`m on the list," Xinhua news agency quoted Ross as saying by the local media on Wednesday. The US diplomats will have to leave the country until May 21, the local media said. A source from the Foreign Ministry in Moscow said that the Press Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Washington was denied entry into the US. The Ministry announced the expulsion of 10 US embassy workers last month, in a tit-for-tat response to Washington`s expulsion of 10 Russian officials and a wide array of sanctions against the country.

US Embassy spokesperson among diplomats expelled from Russia

A Russian court on Wednesday sentenced popular opposition politician Yevgeny Roizman to nine days in jail for urging people to join demonstrations in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

The sentence follows a wave of court rulings that have sidelined or sent into exile allies of Navalny, who was jailed by authorities in February for more than two years on old embezzlement charges he says are politically motivated.

Roizman, 58, was mayor of Russia's fourth-largest city Yekaterinburg between 2013 and 2018 and frequently participates in rallies organised by the opposition, including Navalny.

Roizman said on Twitter that he was accused of organising protests on January 31 and April 21 through posts on his Twitter account that has close to 500,000 followers.

A court in Yekaterinburg found him guilty and sentenced Roizman to nine days in jail on both charges, the state-run TASS news agency reported.

The jail terms will be served simultaneously, so the politician will spend a total of nine days behind bars.

Roizman pleaded not guilty to both offences.

Earlier in March, he was fined 20,000 rubles (around $270) for taking part in rallies in January.

The winter marches were held in cities across Russia after Navalny, 44, returned to Moscow from Germany, where he was recovering from nerve agent poisoning.

Telegram messenger fined

Navalny was taken into custody for allegedly breaching parole terms and in February sentenced to two-and-a-half years in a penal colony.

He announced a hunger strike in late March, demanding proper medical treatment for pain in his back and numbness in his legs, sparking fresh nationwide rallies on April 21.

He ended his hunger strike after 24 days.

The rallies were met with a harsh response from authorities, with participants receiving fines and short jail terms and some facing several years in prison.

Russia has also ramped up pressure on domestic and foreign social networks, accusing them of refusing to delete opposition content.

On Wednesday, popular encrypted messenger Telegram was slapped with a fine of five million rubles ($67,000) for not removing calls "inciting minors" to join protests, Russian news agencies reported.

Moscow has repeatedly fined foreign internet companies, including Facebook, Google and Twitter, for failing to comply with Russian legislation.

Last month, Russia also throttled Twitter's services in the country, saying the platform did not remove illegal content on its request.

A Russian court on Wednesday sentenced popular opposition politician Yevgeny Roizman to nine days in jail for urging people to join demonstrations in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

A Russian court on Wednesday sentenced popular opposition politician Yevgeny Roizman to nine days in jail for urging people to join demonstrations in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The sentence follows a wave of court rulings that have sidelined or sent into exile allies of Navalny, who was jailed by authorities in February for more than two years on old embezzlement charges he says are politically motivated. Roizman, 58, was mayor of Russia's fourth-largest city Yekaterinburg between 2013 and 2018 and frequently participates in rallies organised by the opposition, including Navalny. Roizman said on Twitter that he was accused of organising protests on January 31 and April 21 through posts on his Twitter account that has close to 500,000 followers. A court in Yekaterinburg found him guilty and sentenced Roizman to nine days in jail on both charges, the state-run TASS news agency reported. The jail terms will be served simultaneously, so the politician will spend a total of nine days behind bars. Roizman pleaded not guilty to both offences. Earlier in March, he was fined 20,000 rubles (around $270) for taking part in rallies in January. The winter marches were held in cities across Russia after Navalny, 44, returned to Moscow from Germany, where he was recovering from nerve agent poisoning. Telegram messenger fined Navalny was taken into custody for allegedly breaching parole terms and in February sentenced to two-and-a-half years in a penal colony. He announced a hunger strike in late March, demanding proper medical treatment for pain in his back and numbness in his legs, sparking fresh nationwide rallies on April 21. He ended his hunger strike after 24 days. The rallies were met with a harsh response from authorities, with participants receiving fines and short jail terms and some facing several years in prison. Russia has also ramped up pressure on domestic and foreign social networks, accusing them of refusing to delete opposition content. On Wednesday, popular encrypted messenger Telegram was slapped with a fine of five million rubles ($67,000) for not removing calls "inciting minors" to join protests, Russian news agencies reported. Moscow has repeatedly fined foreign internet companies, including Facebook, Google and Twitter, for failing to comply with Russian legislation. Last month, Russia also throttled Twitter's services in the country, saying the platform did not remove illegal content on its request.

Russia jails former mayor Roizman over tweets in support of Navalny

US President Joe Biden said on Monday that there was no evidence of Russian government involvement in a cyberattack that crippled functioning of Colonial pipeline. The company manages huge network of fuel supply within the US.

However, Biden said that there were indications that the ransomware was "in Russia".&nbsp;

"So far there is no evidence based on, from our intelligence people, that Russia is involved," Biden said in the White House.&nbsp;

"Although there is evidence that the actors, ransomware is in Russia. They have some responsibility to deal with this."

Colonial Pipeline is slowly restoring the fuel supply. On Monday, it said that operations were being "brought back online in a stepwise fashion" after Saturday's complete shutdown due to a cyberattack.

The affected pipeline ships gasoline and jet fuel from the Gulf Coast of Texas to the populous East Coast through 5,500 miles (8,850 kilometers) of conduit, serving 50 million consumers.

Just a few days ago Colonial Pipeline operations were crippled due to a cyberattack. It was a ransomware attack. Such an attack encrypts computer systems and seeks to extract payment.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified DarkSide as the group which produced the ransomware used in the attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden said on Monday that there was no evidence of Russian government involvement in a cyberattack that crippled functioning of Colonial pipeline.

US President Joe Biden said on Monday that there was no evidence of Russian government involvement in a cyberattack that crippled functioning of Colonial pipeline. The company manages huge network of fuel supply within the US. However, Biden said that there were indications that the ransomware was "in Russia". "So far there is no evidence based on, from our intelligence people, that Russia is involved," Biden said in the White House. "Although there is evidence that the actors, ransomware is in Russia. They have some responsibility to deal with this." Colonial Pipeline is slowly restoring the fuel supply. On Monday, it said that operations were being "brought back online in a stepwise fashion" after Saturday's complete shutdown due to a cyberattack. The affected pipeline ships gasoline and jet fuel from the Gulf Coast of Texas to the populous East Coast through 5,500 miles (8,850 kilometers) of conduit, serving 50 million consumers. Just a few days ago Colonial Pipeline operations were crippled due to a cyberattack. It was a ransomware attack. Such an attack encrypts computer systems and seeks to extract payment. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified DarkSide as the group which produced the ransomware used in the attack. (With inputs from agencies)

No evidence of Russian government being behind ransomware attack, says Biden

Russia celebrates victory over Nazi Germany with huge parade on Red Square

Queen Elizabeth's&nbsp;cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, has been caught offering investors access to the Kremlin in exchange for personal gain, according to a Sunday Times and Channel 4 investigation.

The embarassing claims come at a time of disastrous relations between London and Moscow, notably after the 2018 poisoning of a former Russian spy in England.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="UK nuclear arms plan is illegal: Russian envoy ">UK nuclear arms plan is illegal: Russian envoy &nbsp;</a>

Prince Michael told undercover reporters posing as investors from South Korea in a virtual meeting that for £10,000 (11,500 euros) a day he could make "confidential" representations to Russian President Vladimir Putin's entourage.

Channel 4's Dispatches programme and the weekly newspaper set up a fake South Korean gold company -- House of Haedong.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="UK to increase nuclear weapons stockpile with eye on Russia, China: Reports">UK to increase nuclear weapons stockpile with eye on Russia, China: Reports</a>

The prince said he could also give the company a royal endorsement in a recorded speech for $200,000 dollars (164,000 euros), with his Kensington Palace home as a backdrop.

In a recorded meeting with the undercover reporters, his business partner Lord Reading called the prince "Her Majesty's unofficial ambassador to Russia".

"I think ... this is kind of slightly discreet, we're talking relatively discreetly here," he reportedly said.

"Because we wouldn't want the world to know that he is seeing Putin purely for business reasons, if you follow me."

Reading had used an event at Kensington Palace in 2013, in which the prince was a guest, to sell access to Putin, the investigators said.

The event also offered a chance to personally meet the Russian leader at a future date.

Prince Michael's office told the British Press Association he had no special relations with Putin and "receives no public funding and earns his own living through a consultancy company that he has run for over 40 years.

"They last met in June 2003 and Prince Michael has had no contact with him or his office since then.

"Lord Reading is a good friend, who in trying to help, made suggestions which Prince Michael would not have wanted, or been able, to fulfil."

Reading admitted an error. "I made a mistake and over-promised and for that, I am truly regretful," he said.

The 78-year-old prince was decorated with Russia's Order of Friendship in 2009 when Putin was prime minister.

"Royals for Hire" shows Monday on Channel 4.

Queen Elizabeth's cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, has been caught offering investors access to the Kremlin in exchange for personal gain, according to a Sunday Times and Channel 4 investigation.

Queen Elizabeth's cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, has been caught offering investors access to the Kremlin in exchange for personal gain, according to a Sunday Times and Channel 4 investigation. The embarassing claims come at a time of disastrous relations between London and Moscow, notably after the 2018 poisoning of a former Russian spy in England. Also read | UK nuclear arms plan is illegal: Russian envoy Prince Michael told undercover reporters posing as investors from South Korea in a virtual meeting that for £10,000 (11,500 euros) a day he could make "confidential" representations to Russian President Vladimir Putin's entourage. Channel 4's Dispatches programme and the weekly newspaper set up a fake South Korean gold company -- House of Haedong. Also read | UK to increase nuclear weapons stockpile with eye on Russia, China: Reports The prince said he could also give the company a royal endorsement in a recorded speech for $200,000 dollars (164,000 euros), with his Kensington Palace home as a backdrop. In a recorded meeting with the undercover reporters, his business partner Lord Reading called the prince "Her Majesty's unofficial ambassador to Russia". "I think ... this is kind of slightly discreet, we're talking relatively discreetly here," he reportedly said. "Because we wouldn't want the world to know that he is seeing Putin purely for business reasons, if you follow me." Reading had used an event at Kensington Palace in 2013, in which the prince was a guest, to sell access to Putin, the investigators said. The event also offered a chance to personally meet the Russian leader at a future date. Prince Michael's office told the British Press Association he had no special relations with Putin and "receives no public funding and earns his own living through a consultancy company that he has run for over 40 years. "They last met in June 2003 and Prince Michael has had no contact with him or his office since then. "Lord Reading is a good friend, who in trying to help, made suggestions which Prince Michael would not have wanted, or been able, to fulfil." Reading admitted an error. "I made a mistake and over-promised and for that, I am truly regretful," he said. The 78-year-old prince was decorated with Russia's Order of Friendship in 2009 when Putin was prime minister. "Royals for Hire" shows Monday on Channel 4.

Queen Elizabeth's cousin offerered to sell access to Putin: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed on Sunday the parade that marked 76th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in Second World War. The parade on Moscow's Red Square featured over 12,000 troops and more than 190 90 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft under cloudy skies

Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, stood beside Soviet war veterans on a review platform set up on Red Square.

<img alt="Russia Red Square parade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d23ddd19-5096-489f-b2d4-ec3de2a6220d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_99L3BK_0.jpg" />

This year's parade has come amid tension with the West over several issues. The relations were strained after Russia's military buildup near its border with Ukraine. It was soon followed by tit-for-tat action by Russia and number of countries including the US that involved expulsion of diplomats. The issue of Putin-critic Alexei Navalny's jailing has been a point of friction as well with US President Joe Biden himself warning Russia in recent months.

The victory parade this year precedes parliamentary elections in September&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed on Sunday the parade that marked 76th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in Second World War. The parade on Moscow's Red Square featured over 12,000 troops and more than 190 90 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft under cloudy skies Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, stood beside Soviet war veterans on a review platform set up on Red Square.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed on Sunday the parade that marked 76th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in Second World War. The parade on Moscow's Red Square featured over 12,000 troops and more than 190 90 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft under cloudy skies Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, stood beside Soviet war veterans on a review platform set up on Red Square. This year's parade has come amid tension with the West over several issues. The relations were strained after Russia's military buildup near its border with Ukraine. It was soon followed by tit-for-tat action by Russia and number of countries including the US that involved expulsion of diplomats. The issue of Putin-critic Alexei Navalny's jailing has been a point of friction as well with US President Joe Biden himself warning Russia in recent months. The victory parade this year precedes parliamentary elections in September (With inputs from agencies)

Russia remembers victory over Nazi Germany with parade on Red Square

President Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed &nbsp;Russia will "firmly" defend national interests and denounced the return of "Russophobia", as the country marked the 76th anniversary of victory in World War II.&nbsp;

His speech to thousands of soldiers and veterans on Red Square came as recent tensions between Moscow and the West have recalled the Cold War over the conflict in Ukraine and a litany of spy scandals in Europe.

"The Soviet people kept their sacred oath, defended the homeland and freed the countries of Europe from the black plague," Putin told the crowd.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="US President Biden says he is confident he can meet Russia's Putin soon ">US President Biden says he is confident he can meet Russia's Putin soon&nbsp;</a>

"Russia consistently defends international law. At the same time, we will firmly defend our national interests to ensure the safety of our people," he said.

The Russian leader also condemned what he called a creeping return of ideologies of the time, when "slogans of racial and national superiority, of anti-semitism and Russophobia, became ever more cynical".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar ">Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar&nbsp;</a>

His speech came at the start of an annual parade that sees &nbsp;military hardware roll through the streets of Moscow.

More than 12,000 military personnel took part in Sunday's parade, as well as some 190 pieces of military equipment and 76 fighter jets and helicopters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? ">Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues?&nbsp;</a>

Victory Day parades, which only became an annual event after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and have taken on increasing importance in projecting Russia's renewed military might during Putin's two decades in power, also took place Sunday in dozens of cities across the nation.

A survey this week by state-run pollster VTsIOM showed that 69 percent of Russians view Victory Day as the most important holiday on the calendar.

A third of respondents said they would take part in the celebrations, while a fifth said they would watch on television.

"For me and my family, this holiday marks the victory of the entire Russian people," Yulia Gulevskikh, a 31-year-old accountant told AFP in the Far East city of Vladivostok.

"We are proud, remember and honour all our relatives and friends. And all the brave soldiers," she added, noting she was happy the parade took place despite pandemic measures.

This year's Victory Day was the second during the coronavirus pandemic.

Russia has lifted nearly all of its measures to limit the spread of the virus, though a ban remains in place on mass gatherings in most regions.&nbsp;

As of Sunday, total infections stood at nearly 4.9 million and fatalities at over 113,000, according to a tally by health officials.

But authorities have been criticised for downplaying the severity Russia's outbreak by counting only fatalities where the coronavirus was found to be the primary cause of death after an autopsy.

Figures released by Russia's statistics agency last month showed that the country had actually recorded some 250,000 virus-related deaths by the end of March.

Sunday's commemorations came as Russia in recent weeks has seen its diplomats expelled from a clutch of European countries over espionage scandals, while the United States and the European Union have levied new sanctions on Moscow over the treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and allegations of hacking and cyberattacks.

Tensions have also soared over the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which erupted after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and where Moscow is widely seen as backing pro-Russia separatists.

Clashes between the government and separatists have been intensifying since January in a conflict which has claimed more than 13,000 lives.

Russia last month amassed 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders and in Crimea, its biggest buildup since 2014, though it quickly announced a drawdown in what many saw as a test for new US President Joe Biden.

Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to Kiev in a show of support for Ukraine against Russia, and before an expected summit between Putin and Biden next month. &nbsp;

On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled with European diplomats to the pro-Russian breakaway eastern region of Lugansk to commemorate the end of WWII.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed Russia will "firmly" defend national interests and denounced the return of "Russophobia", as the country marked the 76th anniversary of victory in World War II.

President Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed Russia will "firmly" defend national interests and denounced the return of "Russophobia", as the country marked the 76th anniversary of victory in World War II. His speech to thousands of soldiers and veterans on Red Square came as recent tensions between Moscow and the West have recalled the Cold War over the conflict in Ukraine and a litany of spy scandals in Europe. "The Soviet people kept their sacred oath, defended the homeland and freed the countries of Europe from the black plague," Putin told the crowd. Also read | US President Biden says he is confident he can meet Russia's Putin soon "Russia consistently defends international law. At the same time, we will firmly defend our national interests to ensure the safety of our people," he said. The Russian leader also condemned what he called a creeping return of ideologies of the time, when "slogans of racial and national superiority, of anti-semitism and Russophobia, became ever more cynical". Also read | Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar His speech came at the start of an annual parade that sees military hardware roll through the streets of Moscow. More than 12,000 military personnel took part in Sunday's parade, as well as some 190 pieces of military equipment and 76 fighter jets and helicopters. Also read | Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? Victory Day parades, which only became an annual event after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and have taken on increasing importance in projecting Russia's renewed military might during Putin's two decades in power, also took place Sunday in dozens of cities across the nation. A survey this week by state-run pollster VTsIOM showed that 69 percent of Russians view Victory Day as the most important holiday on the calendar. A third of respondents said they would take part in the celebrations, while a fifth said they would watch on television. "For me and my family, this holiday marks the victory of the entire Russian people," Yulia Gulevskikh, a 31-year-old accountant told AFP in the Far East city of Vladivostok. "We are proud, remember and honour all our relatives and friends. And all the brave soldiers," she added, noting she was happy the parade took place despite pandemic measures. This year's Victory Day was the second during the coronavirus pandemic. Russia has lifted nearly all of its measures to limit the spread of the virus, though a ban remains in place on mass gatherings in most regions. As of Sunday, total infections stood at nearly 4.9 million and fatalities at over 113,000, according to a tally by health officials. But authorities have been criticised for downplaying the severity Russia's outbreak by counting only fatalities where the coronavirus was found to be the primary cause of death after an autopsy. Figures released by Russia's statistics agency last month showed that the country had actually recorded some 250,000 virus-related deaths by the end of March. Sunday's commemorations came as Russia in recent weeks has seen its diplomats expelled from a clutch of European countries over espionage scandals, while the United States and the European Union have levied new sanctions on Moscow over the treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and allegations of hacking and cyberattacks. Tensions have also soared over the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which erupted after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and where Moscow is widely seen as backing pro-Russia separatists. Clashes between the government and separatists have been intensifying since January in a conflict which has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Russia last month amassed 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders and in Crimea, its biggest buildup since 2014, though it quickly announced a drawdown in what many saw as a test for new US President Joe Biden. Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to Kiev in a show of support for Ukraine against Russia, and before an expected summit between Putin and Biden next month. On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled with European diplomats to the pro-Russian breakaway eastern region of Lugansk to commemorate the end of WWII.

Putin on WWII Victory Day vows to 'firmly' defend Russian interests

US President Joe Biden said on Friday he expected to be able to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon and the White House said ongoing differences between the United States and Russia would not need to be resolved in advance of a summit.&nbsp;

Biden told reporters at the White House, he wanted to meet Putin despite Russia's build-up of military forces near Ukraine.&nbsp;

"It does not impact my desire to have a one-on-one meeting and you'll notice he had more troops before. He's withdrawn troops," he said.&nbsp;

Asked about meeting Putin in June, he said: "I'm confident we'll be able to do it. We don't have any specific time or place. That's being worked on."&nbsp;

The United States has said it supports Ukraine amid what US Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week called Moscow's 'reckless' troop build-up.&nbsp;

Biden and his advisers would like to add a summit with Putin in a third country while the US president is in Europe in mid-June for a Group of Seven meeting in Britain and talks with NATO allies in Brussels.&nbsp;

But negotiations with the Russians on staging the summit are continuing, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.&nbsp;

"We're working through the question of some logistics - place, location, time, agenda, all the specifics - that was always going to happen at a staff level. It's really up to them what they want to achieve," she said.&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was cited by Russian news agency TASS as saying Russia was studying the possibility of a Putin-Biden meeting.&nbsp;

"We continue to analyse the situation," TASS quoted Peskov as saying when asked whether the Russian side has officially agreed to the proposed summit.&nbsp;

The United States has a number of grievances with Russia, including its treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. But Psaki said these grievances do not need to be resolved in advance of a Biden-Putin summit.&nbsp;

"Obviously, human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, values are all issues the president, Secretary (of State Antony) Blinken, National Security Adviser (Jake) Sullivan raised with their counterparts. But the invitation to have a discussion and have a meeting was not offered with the prerequisite that every issue is resolved in advance. We expect we will still continue to have disagreements," she said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden said on Friday he expected to be able to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon and the White House said ongoing differences between the United States and Russia would not need to be resolved in advance of a summit.

US President Joe Biden said on Friday he expected to be able to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon and the White House said ongoing differences between the United States and Russia would not need to be resolved in advance of a summit. Biden told reporters at the White House, he wanted to meet Putin despite Russia's build-up of military forces near Ukraine. "It does not impact my desire to have a one-on-one meeting and you'll notice he had more troops before. He's withdrawn troops," he said. Asked about meeting Putin in June, he said: "I'm confident we'll be able to do it. We don't have any specific time or place. That's being worked on." The United States has said it supports Ukraine amid what US Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week called Moscow's 'reckless' troop build-up. Biden and his advisers would like to add a summit with Putin in a third country while the US president is in Europe in mid-June for a Group of Seven meeting in Britain and talks with NATO allies in Brussels. But negotiations with the Russians on staging the summit are continuing, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters. "We're working through the question of some logistics - place, location, time, agenda, all the specifics - that was always going to happen at a staff level. It's really up to them what they want to achieve," she said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was cited by Russian news agency TASS as saying Russia was studying the possibility of a Putin-Biden meeting. "We continue to analyse the situation," TASS quoted Peskov as saying when asked whether the Russian side has officially agreed to the proposed summit. The United States has a number of grievances with Russia, including its treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. But Psaki said these grievances do not need to be resolved in advance of a Biden-Putin summit. "Obviously, human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, values are all issues the president, Secretary (of State Antony) Blinken, National Security Adviser (Jake) Sullivan raised with their counterparts. But the invitation to have a discussion and have a meeting was not offered with the prerequisite that every issue is resolved in advance. We expect we will still continue to have disagreements," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Biden says he is confident he can meet Russia's Putin soon 

Facebook said on Thursday that it had taken down network of hundreds of fake accounts and pages that targetted people in Ukraine. These accounts and pages were linked to indviduals who were previously sanctioned by the US for interfering in US elections.

Facebook said that this network was managing a deceptive campaign across multiple social media platforms posing as independent news outlets. Facebook said it started its own probe after FBI tipped them off.

Facebook attributed the activity to individuals and entities sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department including politician Andriy Derkach, a pro-Russian lawmaker who was blacklisted by the U.S. government in September over accusations he tried to interfere in the 2020 U.S. election won by President Joe Biden. Facebook said it removed Derkach's accounts in October 2020.

Reacting to the investigation, Derkach said big firms were building a "dictatorship in the name of liberal values" and that he was preparing to submit draft legislation to Ukraine's parliament to regulate global social media companies.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-several-accounts-that-tried-promoting-donald-trumps-content-383358">Twitter suspends several accounts that tried promoting Donald Trump's content</a>

"I proceed from the fact that no one has the right to restrict basic human rights and freedoms. Neither Facebook nor the state," he said in a statement sent to Reuters on Friday.

Facebook also attributed the network to political consultants associated with Ukrainian politicians Oleh Kulinich and Volodymyr Groysman, Ukraine's former prime minister. Kulinich did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Groysman could not immediately be reached for comment.

Facebook said that as well as promoting these politicians, the network also pushed positive material about actors across the political spectrum. This was likely as a paid service.&nbsp;

"You can really think of these operators as would-be influence mercenaries, renting out inauthentic online support in Ukrainian political circles," Ben Nimmo, Facebook's global influence operations threat intelligence lead, said on a call with reporters.

Facebook's investigation team said Ukraine, which has been among the top sources of "coordinated inauthentic behavior" that it removes from the site, is home to an increasing number of influence operations selling services.

Facebook said it removed 363 pages. These pages were followed by 2.37 million accounts. In addition to these pages, 477 accounts have been removed.

The network also spent about $496,000 in Facebook and Instagram ads, Facebook said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Facebook said on Thursday that it had taken down network of hundreds of fake accounts and pages that targetted people in Ukraine. These accounts and pages were linked to indviduals who were previously sanctioned by the US for interfering in US elections.

Facebook said on Thursday that it had taken down network of hundreds of fake accounts and pages that targetted people in Ukraine. These accounts and pages were linked to indviduals who were previously sanctioned by the US for interfering in US elections. Facebook said that this network was managing a deceptive campaign across multiple social media platforms posing as independent news outlets. Facebook said it started its own probe after FBI tipped them off. Facebook attributed the activity to individuals and entities sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department including politician Andriy Derkach, a pro-Russian lawmaker who was blacklisted by the U.S. government in September over accusations he tried to interfere in the 2020 U.S. election won by President Joe Biden. Facebook said it removed Derkach's accounts in October 2020. Reacting to the investigation, Derkach said big firms were building a "dictatorship in the name of liberal values" and that he was preparing to submit draft legislation to Ukraine's parliament to regulate global social media companies. Also Read | Twitter suspends several accounts that tried promoting Donald Trump's content "I proceed from the fact that no one has the right to restrict basic human rights and freedoms. Neither Facebook nor the state," he said in a statement sent to Reuters on Friday. Facebook also attributed the network to political consultants associated with Ukrainian politicians Oleh Kulinich and Volodymyr Groysman, Ukraine's former prime minister. Kulinich did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Groysman could not immediately be reached for comment. Facebook said that as well as promoting these politicians, the network also pushed positive material about actors across the political spectrum. This was likely as a paid service. "You can really think of these operators as would-be influence mercenaries, renting out inauthentic online support in Ukrainian political circles," Ben Nimmo, Facebook's global influence operations threat intelligence lead, said on a call with reporters. Facebook's investigation team said Ukraine, which has been among the top sources of "coordinated inauthentic behavior" that it removes from the site, is home to an increasing number of influence operations selling services. Facebook said it removed 363 pages. These pages were followed by 2.37 million accounts. In addition to these pages, 477 accounts have been removed. The network also spent about $496,000 in Facebook and Instagram ads, Facebook said. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook removes 'influence-for hire' network that targetted Ukrainian people

Russia is turning to multiple Chinese firms to manufacture the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in an effort to speed up production as demand soars for its shot.&nbsp;

Russia has announced three deals totaling 260,000,000 doses with Chinese vaccine companies in recent weeks. &nbsp;

It's a decision that could mean quicker access to a shot for countries in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa that have ordered Russia's vaccine, as the US and the European Union focus mainly on domestic vaccination needs. &nbsp;

Earlier, criticism about Russia's vaccine have been largely quieted by data published in the British medical journal The Lancet that said large-scale testing showed it to be safe, with an efficacy rate of 91 per cent. &nbsp;

Yet, experts have questioned whether Russia can fulfill its pledge to countries across the world. While pledging hundreds of millions of doses, it has only delivered a fraction. &nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said demand for Sputnik V significantly exceeds Russia's domestic production capacity.&nbsp;

To boost production, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which bankrolled Sputnik V, has signed agreements with multiple drug makers in other countries, such as India, South Korea, Brazil, Serbia, Turkey, Italy and others. There are few indications, however, that manufacturers abroad, except for those in Belarus and Kazakhstan, have made any large amounts of the vaccine so far. &nbsp;

Airfinity, a London-based science analytics company, estimates Russia agreed to supply some 630,000,000 doses of Sputnik V to over 100 countries, with only 11,500,000&nbsp;doses exported so far. &nbsp;

RDIF declined to disclose how many doses are going to other countries. Through April 27, less than 27 million two-dose sets of Sputnik V have been reportedly produced in Russia. &nbsp;

The Russian Direct Investment Fund, which has been in charge of international cooperation for Sputnik V, said in April it would produce 100,000,000 doses in collaboration with Hualan Biological Bacterin Inc., in addition to an earlier deal announced in March for 60,000,000 doses with Shenzhen Yuanxin Gene tech Co.&nbsp;

The two deals are in addition to a deal announced last November with Tibet Rhodiola Pharmaceutical Holding Co, which had paid USD 9,000,000 to manufacture and sell the Sputnik V vaccine in China. &nbsp;

RDIF said in April the terms of the deal were for 100,000,000 doses with a subsidiary company belonging to Tibet Rhodiola.&nbsp;

“Russia is very ambitious and unlikely to meet their full targets,” said Rasmus Bech Hansen, founder and CEO of Airfinity. Working with China to produce Sputnik V could be a win-win situation for both Russia and China, he added.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia is turning to multiple Chinese firms to manufacture the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in an effort to speed up production as demand soars for its shot. Russia has announced three deals totaling 260,000,000 doses with Chinese vaccine companies in recent weeks.

Russia is turning to multiple Chinese firms to manufacture the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in an effort to speed up production as demand soars for its shot. Russia has announced three deals totaling 260,000,000 doses with Chinese vaccine companies in recent weeks. It's a decision that could mean quicker access to a shot for countries in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa that have ordered Russia's vaccine, as the US and the European Union focus mainly on domestic vaccination needs. Earlier, criticism about Russia's vaccine have been largely quieted by data published in the British medical journal The Lancet that said large-scale testing showed it to be safe, with an efficacy rate of 91 per cent. Yet, experts have questioned whether Russia can fulfill its pledge to countries across the world. While pledging hundreds of millions of doses, it has only delivered a fraction. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said demand for Sputnik V significantly exceeds Russia's domestic production capacity. To boost production, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which bankrolled Sputnik V, has signed agreements with multiple drug makers in other countries, such as India, South Korea, Brazil, Serbia, Turkey, Italy and others. There are few indications, however, that manufacturers abroad, except for those in Belarus and Kazakhstan, have made any large amounts of the vaccine so far. Airfinity, a London-based science analytics company, estimates Russia agreed to supply some 630,000,000 doses of Sputnik V to over 100 countries, with only 11,500,000 doses exported so far. RDIF declined to disclose how many doses are going to other countries. Through April 27, less than 27 million two-dose sets of Sputnik V have been reportedly produced in Russia. The Russian Direct Investment Fund, which has been in charge of international cooperation for Sputnik V, said in April it would produce 100,000,000 doses in collaboration with Hualan Biological Bacterin Inc., in addition to an earlier deal announced in March for 60,000,000 doses with Shenzhen Yuanxin Gene tech Co. The two deals are in addition to a deal announced last November with Tibet Rhodiola Pharmaceutical Holding Co, which had paid USD 9,000,000 to manufacture and sell the Sputnik V vaccine in China. RDIF said in April the terms of the deal were for 100,000,000 doses with a subsidiary company belonging to Tibet Rhodiola. “Russia is very ambitious and unlikely to meet their full targets,” said Rasmus Bech Hansen, founder and CEO of Airfinity. Working with China to produce Sputnik V could be a win-win situation for both Russia and China, he added. (With input from agencies)

COVID-19: Russia, facing lags, turns to China to produce Sputnik shots 

Indirect&nbsp;talks&nbsp;between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and the United States on bringing both sides fully back into compliance with the 2015&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal are making steady&nbsp;progress&nbsp;and will&nbsp;resume&nbsp;on&nbsp;Friday, the head of&nbsp;Russia's delegation said on Saturday.

The&nbsp;talks&nbsp;began last month in Vienna with the remaining parties to the deal -&nbsp;Iran,&nbsp;Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - meeting in the basement of a luxury hotel, and the United States, based in another hotel across the street.&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has refused to hold direct meetings with US&nbsp;officials.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-welcomes-saudi-arabias-change-of-tone-sees-new-era-of-cooperation-381536">Iran welcomes Saudi Arabia's 'change of tone', sees 'new era of cooperation'</a>

Washington pulled out of the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump and reimposed sanctions against Tehran.&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;responded as of 2019 by breaching many of the deal's limits on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;activities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-concerns-us-pushes-policy-to-improve-nuclear-arsenal-381500">Despite concerns, US pushes policy to improve nuclear arsenal</a>

"We should not expect breakthroughs in the days to come,"&nbsp;Russia's ambassador to the UN&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;watchdog, Mikhail Ulyanov, told reporters after a meeting of the remaining parties that wrapped up the third round of&nbsp;talks. He was the only official to address reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-eyes-major-rollback-in-iran-sanctions-to-revive-nuke-deal-381503">US eyes major rollback in Iran sanctions to revive nuke deal</a>

"We need simply to continue diplomatic, day-to-day work, and we have all the reasons to expect that the outcome, (the) final outcome, will be successful and it will come quite soon, in a few weeks," he said, adding that&nbsp;talks&nbsp;will reconvene on&nbsp;Friday.

The break in&nbsp;talks&nbsp;was widely expected as diplomats said officials from several countries are also involved in the Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting in London that begins on Monday and ends on Wednesday.

Russia&nbsp;is generally one of the more optimistic voices at the&nbsp;talks. US&nbsp;National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;the&nbsp;talks&nbsp;were in "an unclear place", meaning it was uncertain whether they would lead to an agreement.

Indirect talks between Iran and the United States on bringing both sides fully back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal are making steady progress and will resume on Friday, the head of Russia's delegation said on Saturday.

Indirect talks between Iran and the United States on bringing both sides fully back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal are making steady progress and will resume on Friday, the head of Russia's delegation said on Saturday. The talks began last month in Vienna with the remaining parties to the deal - Iran, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - meeting in the basement of a luxury hotel, and the United States, based in another hotel across the street. Iran has refused to hold direct meetings with US officials. Also read | Iran welcomes Saudi Arabia's 'change of tone', sees 'new era of cooperation' Washington pulled out of the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump and reimposed sanctions against Tehran. Iran responded as of 2019 by breaching many of the deal's limits on its nuclear activities. Also read | Despite concerns, US pushes policy to improve nuclear arsenal "We should not expect breakthroughs in the days to come," Russia's ambassador to the UN nuclear watchdog, Mikhail Ulyanov, told reporters after a meeting of the remaining parties that wrapped up the third round of talks. He was the only official to address reporters. Also read | US eyes major rollback in Iran sanctions to revive nuke deal "We need simply to continue diplomatic, day-to-day work, and we have all the reasons to expect that the outcome, (the) final outcome, will be successful and it will come quite soon, in a few weeks," he said, adding that talks will reconvene on Friday. The break in talks was widely expected as diplomats said officials from several countries are also involved in the Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting in London that begins on Monday and ends on Wednesday. Russia is generally one of the more optimistic voices at the talks. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Friday the talks were in "an unclear place", meaning it was uncertain whether they would lead to an agreement.

Iran nuclear talks make progress and will resume Friday, Russia says

The US&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;said on Friday (April 30) it was reducing consular services after Russia restricted the hiring of local staff at foreign missions, the latest setback to strained US-Russia relations.

"We regret that the actions of the Russian government have forced&nbsp;us&nbsp;to reduce our consular work force by 75 per cent," the US&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;said in a statement published on its website.

"Effective May 12, US&nbsp;Embassy&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;will reduce consular services offered to include only emergency US&nbsp;citizen services and a very limited number of age-out and life or death emergency immigrant visas," it said.

President Vladimir Putin signed a law last week limiting the number of local staff working at foreign diplomatic missions and ordered the government to draw up a list of "unfriendly" states that will be subject to the restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-unfriendly-embassies-may-face-russian-hiring-bans-379912">Putin: 'Unfriendly' embassies may face Russian hiring bans</a>&nbsp;

Moscow's ties with Washington have sunk to a post-Cold War low after President Joe Biden said he believed Putin was "a killer."

The United States imposed new sanctions on Russia this month for an alleged malign activity, including interfering in last year's US&nbsp;election, cyber hacking and "bullying" neighbouring Ukraine.

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It also warned Russia of unspecified consequences if Alexei Navalny, an opposition politician who was on hunger strike in prison for more than three weeks, were to die.

Moscow&nbsp;retaliated with sanctions against the United States and has rejected what it sees as foreign interference in the Navalny case.

The US embassy in Moscow said on Friday (April 30) it was reducing consular services after Russia restricted the hiring of local staff at foreign missions, the latest setback to strained US-Russia relations.

The US embassy in Moscow said on Friday (April 30) it was reducing consular services after Russia restricted the hiring of local staff at foreign missions, the latest setback to strained US-Russia relations. "We regret that the actions of the Russian government have forced us to reduce our consular work force by 75 per cent," the US embassy said in a statement published on its website. "Effective May 12, US Embassy Moscow will reduce consular services offered to include only emergency US citizen services and a very limited number of age-out and life or death emergency immigrant visas," it said. President Vladimir Putin signed a law last week limiting the number of local staff working at foreign diplomatic missions and ordered the government to draw up a list of "unfriendly" states that will be subject to the restrictions. Also read | Putin: 'Unfriendly' embassies may face Russian hiring bans Moscow's ties with Washington have sunk to a post-Cold War low after President Joe Biden said he believed Putin was "a killer." The United States imposed new sanctions on Russia this month for an alleged malign activity, including interfering in last year's US election, cyber hacking and "bullying" neighbouring Ukraine. × It also warned Russia of unspecified consequences if Alexei Navalny, an opposition politician who was on hunger strike in prison for more than three weeks, were to die. Moscow retaliated with sanctions against the United States and has rejected what it sees as foreign interference in the Navalny case.

US embassy says it is forced to reduce consular services in Moscow

A Russian court has jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally to two and a half years in prison on pornography charges. Russia is inching closer to shutting down Alexei Navalny's political network. Regional offices of the network have announced that they would disband ahead of a ruling over whether the network be designated as extremists.

The court in Arkhangelsk, northern Russia, ruled that Andrei Borovikov, a former coordinator for Navalny's offices, had spread pornography by reposting a music video by the German metal band Rammstein.

Borovikov, 32, had pleaded not guilty to the charge, and his defence team will appeal the decision, lawyer Andrei Kychin added.

Opposition news site MBKh Media reported that in 2014, Borovikov had reposted the music video to Rammstein's song "Pussy" on VKontakte, a popular Russian social network similar to Facebook.

The news site said a former volunteer for Navalny's Arkhangelsk offices informed the police about the post in 2019, and charges were brought against Borovikov in September 2020.

One version of the music video depicts Rammstein playing its song interspersed with shots of scantily clad women dancing at a strip bar.&nbsp;

In a second edition, a couple performs sexual intercourse near the end of the clip.

It was not immediately clear which Borovikov had reposted because he has deleted the post.

Amnesty International on Wednesday called the case against Borovikov "utterly absurd.

"It is blatantly obvious that he is being punished solely for his activism, not his musical taste," the group cited its Moscow director Natalia Zvyagina as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian court has jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally to two and a half years in prison on pornography charges. Russia is inching closer to shutting down Alexei Navalny's political network.

A Russian court has jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally to two and a half years in prison on pornography charges. Russia is inching closer to shutting down Alexei Navalny's political network. Regional offices of the network have announced that they would disband ahead of a ruling over whether the network be designated as extremists. The court in Arkhangelsk, northern Russia, ruled that Andrei Borovikov, a former coordinator for Navalny's offices, had spread pornography by reposting a music video by the German metal band Rammstein. Borovikov, 32, had pleaded not guilty to the charge, and his defence team will appeal the decision, lawyer Andrei Kychin added. Opposition news site MBKh Media reported that in 2014, Borovikov had reposted the music video to Rammstein's song "Pussy" on VKontakte, a popular Russian social network similar to Facebook. The news site said a former volunteer for Navalny's Arkhangelsk offices informed the police about the post in 2019, and charges were brought against Borovikov in September 2020. One version of the music video depicts Rammstein playing its song interspersed with shots of scantily clad women dancing at a strip bar. In a second edition, a couple performs sexual intercourse near the end of the clip. It was not immediately clear which Borovikov had reposted because he has deleted the post. Amnesty International on Wednesday called the case against Borovikov "utterly absurd. "It is blatantly obvious that he is being punished solely for his activism, not his musical taste," the group cited its Moscow director Natalia Zvyagina as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's ally jailed for video post

A few weeks after Russia slowed down the speed of the social media platform, it says Twitter is complying with demand to remove 'banned content'.

On Friday, Russian state communications regulator Roskomnadzor said that while the US-based social media platform is now removing the banned content, it is still taking too long to do as instructed by the authorities.

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As per the regulator, Twitter has, till now, removed almost 60 per cent of such content. However, more than 1,000 illegal materials still remain accessible out of the initial 3,000 flagged content.

Russia had, at the beginning of this month, given them time till May 15, but has also acknowledged that the social media platform has increased the speed with which they are removing the ‘banned content’.

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In addition to the already existing banned content, Roskomnadzor has identified 900 new cases of materials that need to be deleted from the platform.

On average, Twitter is now removing the newly-detected illegal content within 81 hours of the request — that is longer than the set deadline of 24 hours.

Roskomnadzor has also asked Twitter to delete all content that includes or promotes child pornography, drug abuse or motivating minors to commit suicide. Twitter has claimed that it already has a zero-tolerance policy for child sexual exploitation, and prohibits the promotion of suicide or self-harm.

A few weeks after Russia slowed down the speed of the social media platform, it says Twitter is complying with demand to remove 'banned content'. On Friday, Russian state communications regulator Roskomnadzor said that while the US-based social media platform is now removing the banned content, it is still taking too long to do as instructed by the authorities.

A few weeks after Russia slowed down the speed of the social media platform, it says Twitter is complying with demand to remove 'banned content'. On Friday, Russian state communications regulator Roskomnadzor said that while the US-based social media platform is now removing the banned content, it is still taking too long to do as instructed by the authorities. Also read | Russia probes YouTube for 'abusing' dominant position As per the regulator, Twitter has, till now, removed almost 60 per cent of such content. However, more than 1,000 illegal materials still remain accessible out of the initial 3,000 flagged content. Russia had, at the beginning of this month, given them time till May 15, but has also acknowledged that the social media platform has increased the speed with which they are removing the ‘banned content’. Also read | Russia fines TikTok over calls for minors to join protests In addition to the already existing banned content, Roskomnadzor has identified 900 new cases of materials that need to be deleted from the platform. On average, Twitter is now removing the newly-detected illegal content within 81 hours of the request — that is longer than the set deadline of 24 hours. Roskomnadzor has also asked Twitter to delete all content that includes or promotes child pornography, drug abuse or motivating minors to commit suicide. Twitter has claimed that it already has a zero-tolerance policy for child sexual exploitation, and prohibits the promotion of suicide or self-harm.

'Slow, but getting there': Russia says Twitter is removing 'banned content'

Russia has added <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny's</a> network of regional campaign offices to the list of organisation labelled as ‘extremist’.

The news has come a few days after a Moscow prosecutor requested to officially outlaw the backbone of Navalny’s political movement — the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) — claiming it to be an extremist group.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/allies-of-russias-navalny-defiant-in-face-of-possible-extremism-charges-380219" hreflang="en">Allies of Russia's Navalny defiant in face of possible extremism charges</a>

After the news broke&nbsp;that the organisation may be added in the list of organisations that promote 'terrorism and extremism', it had decided to disband the network on Thursday.

Meanwhile, a Moscow court is also contemplating whether to declare Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) "extremist”. If declared as extremist, this would give the Russian authorities the power to freeze bank accounts of those involved with the organisation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-calls-putin-a-naked-thieving-king-in-court-hearing-381641">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-calls-putin-a-naked-thieving-king-in-court-hearing-381641/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While the decision was being made, Leonid Volkov, chief of staff of Navalny's team, has assured that his team will continue working on their mission. "We are not going to give up," Volkov said in an online broadcast. Volkov lives in Lithuania.

Navalny, a Kremlin critic, was jailed in February for parole violations after he claimed to have been allegedly poisoned in 2020.

Russia has added Alexei Navalny's network of regional campaign offices to the list of organisation labelled as ‘extremist’. The news has come a few days after a Moscow prosecutor requested to officially outlaw the backbone of Navalny’s political movement — the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) — claiming it to be an extremist group.

Russia has added Alexei Navalny's network of regional campaign offices to the list of organisation labelled as ‘extremist’. The news has come a few days after a Moscow prosecutor requested to officially outlaw the backbone of Navalny’s political movement — the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) — claiming it to be an extremist group. Also read | Allies of Russia's Navalny defiant in face of possible extremism charges After the news broke that the organisation may be added in the list of organisations that promote 'terrorism and extremism', it had decided to disband the network on Thursday. Meanwhile, a Moscow court is also contemplating whether to declare Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) "extremist”. If declared as extremist, this would give the Russian authorities the power to freeze bank accounts of those involved with the organisation. Watch | While the decision was being made, Leonid Volkov, chief of staff of Navalny's team, has assured that his team will continue working on their mission. "We are not going to give up," Volkov said in an online broadcast. Volkov lives in Lithuania. Navalny, a Kremlin critic, was jailed in February for parole violations after he claimed to have been allegedly poisoned in 2020.

Russia: Alexei Navalny's network of regional campaign offices labelled 'extremist'

Russia has produced the world's first batch, 17,000 doses,&nbsp;of COVID-19 vaccines for animals, its agricultural regulator said on Friday.

Russia registered Carnivac-Cov in March after tests showed it generated antibodies against COVID-19 in dogs, cats, foxes, and mink.

The first batch will be supplied to several regions of Russia, the regulator Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement.

Russia's fur farm industry accounts for around 3 per cent&nbsp;of the global market, down from 30 per cent&nbsp;in the Soviet era, according to the main trade body.

"The use of the vaccine, according to Russian researchers, can prevent the development of viral mutations, which most often occur during interspecies transmission of the agent," the watchdog said.

It said companies from Germany, Greece, Poland, Austria, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Lebanon, Iran, and Argentina had expressed interest in purchasing the vaccine.

The World Health Organization has voiced concern over the risk of transmission of the virus between humans and animals. The Russian regulator has said the vaccine would be able to protect vulnerable species and thwart viral mutations.

"About 20 organisations are ready to negotiate registration and supply of the vaccine to their countries. The file for registration abroad, in particular in the European Union, is under preparation and will be promptly used for the registration process," the Russian watchdog said.

Russia already has three coronavirus vaccines for humans, the best known of which is Sputnik V. Moscow has also given emergency approval to two others, EpiVacCorona and CoviVac.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has produced the world's first batch, 17,000 doses, of COVID-19 vaccines for animals, its agricultural regulator said on Friday. Russia registered Carnivac-Cov in March after tests showed it generated antibodies against COVID-19 in dogs, cats, foxes, and mink.

Russia has produced the world's first batch, 17,000 doses, of COVID-19 vaccines for animals, its agricultural regulator said on Friday. Russia registered Carnivac-Cov in March after tests showed it generated antibodies against COVID-19 in dogs, cats, foxes, and mink. The first batch will be supplied to several regions of Russia, the regulator Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement. Russia's fur farm industry accounts for around 3 per cent of the global market, down from 30 per cent in the Soviet era, according to the main trade body. "The use of the vaccine, according to Russian researchers, can prevent the development of viral mutations, which most often occur during interspecies transmission of the agent," the watchdog said. It said companies from Germany, Greece, Poland, Austria, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Lebanon, Iran, and Argentina had expressed interest in purchasing the vaccine. The World Health Organization has voiced concern over the risk of transmission of the virus between humans and animals. The Russian regulator has said the vaccine would be able to protect vulnerable species and thwart viral mutations. "About 20 organisations are ready to negotiate registration and supply of the vaccine to their countries. The file for registration abroad, in particular in the European Union, is under preparation and will be promptly used for the registration process," the Russian watchdog said. Russia already has three coronavirus vaccines for humans, the best known of which is Sputnik V. Moscow has also given emergency approval to two others, EpiVacCorona and CoviVac. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia produces first batch of COVID-19 vaccine for animals

Russian and Chinese media are systematically seeking to sow mistrust in Western COVID-19 vaccines in their latest disinformation campaigns aimed at dividing the West, a European Union report said on Wednesday. &nbsp;

From December to April, the two countries' state media outlets pushed fake news online in multiple languages sensationalising vaccine safety concerns, making unfounded links between jabs and deaths in Europe and promoting Russian and Chinese vaccines as superior, the EU study said.&nbsp;

The Kremlin and Beijing deny all disinformation allegations by the EU, which produces regular reports and seeks to work with Google, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft to limit the spread of fake news.&nbsp;

Russian and Chinese vaccine diplomacy "follows a zero-sum game logic and is combined with disinformation and manipulation efforts to undermine trust in Western-made vaccines," said the EU study released by the bloc's disinformation unit, part of its EEAS foreign policy arm. &nbsp;

"Both Russia and China are using state-controlled media, networks of proxy media outlets and social media, including official diplomatic social media accounts, to achieve these goals," the report said, citing 100 Russian examples this year.&nbsp;

The EU and NATO regularly accuse Russia of covert action, including disinformation, to try to destabilise the West by exploiting divisions in society. &nbsp;

Vaccine supply issues with AstraZeneca, as well as very rare side effects with Astra and the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines have been seized upon, the report said.&nbsp;

"Both Chinese official channels and pro-Kremlin media have amplified content on alleged side-effects of the Western vaccines, misrepresenting and sensationalising international media reports and associating deaths to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in Norway, Spain and elsewhere," the report said.&nbsp;

Russia denies any such tactics and President Vladimir Putin has accused foreign foes of targeting Russia by spreading fake news about coronavirus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russian and Chinese media are systematically seeking to sow mistrust in Western COVID-19 vaccines in their latest disinformation campaigns aimed at dividing the West, a European Union report said on Wednesday.

Russian and Chinese media are systematically seeking to sow mistrust in Western COVID-19 vaccines in their latest disinformation campaigns aimed at dividing the West, a European Union report said on Wednesday. From December to April, the two countries' state media outlets pushed fake news online in multiple languages sensationalising vaccine safety concerns, making unfounded links between jabs and deaths in Europe and promoting Russian and Chinese vaccines as superior, the EU study said. The Kremlin and Beijing deny all disinformation allegations by the EU, which produces regular reports and seeks to work with Google, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft to limit the spread of fake news. Russian and Chinese vaccine diplomacy "follows a zero-sum game logic and is combined with disinformation and manipulation efforts to undermine trust in Western-made vaccines," said the EU study released by the bloc's disinformation unit, part of its EEAS foreign policy arm. "Both Russia and China are using state-controlled media, networks of proxy media outlets and social media, including official diplomatic social media accounts, to achieve these goals," the report said, citing 100 Russian examples this year. The EU and NATO regularly accuse Russia of covert action, including disinformation, to try to destabilise the West by exploiting divisions in society. Vaccine supply issues with AstraZeneca, as well as very rare side effects with Astra and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been seized upon, the report said. "Both Chinese official channels and pro-Kremlin media have amplified content on alleged side-effects of the Western vaccines, misrepresenting and sensationalising international media reports and associating deaths to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in Norway, Spain and elsewhere," the report said. Russia denies any such tactics and President Vladimir Putin has accused foreign foes of targeting Russia by spreading fake news about coronavirus. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia, China sow disinformation to undermine trust in Western vaccines: EU report  

With Germany's Green party leading the polls ahead of September's general&nbsp;elections, the ecologists' would-be successor to Angela Merkel has become increasingly&nbsp;targeted&nbsp;by internet trolls and&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news in recent weeks.

From wild claims about CO2-emitting cats and dogs to George Soros photo collages, 40-year-old Annalena Baerbock has been the subject of a dizzying array of&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news, conspiracy theories and online attacks since she was announced as the&nbsp;Greens' chancellor candidate in mid-April.&nbsp;

The latest polls have the&nbsp;Greens&nbsp;either ahead of or level with Merkel's ruling conservatives, as the once fringe party further establishes itself as a leading electoral force in Europe's biggest economy.

Baerbock herself also consistently polls higher than her conservative and centre-left rivals in the race to succeed Merkel, who will leave office after 16 years this autumn.

Yet her popularity has also brought about unwanted attention and a glut of&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news stories aimed at discrediting Baerbock as she bids to become Germany's first Green chancellor.

False claims&nbsp;

Among the false stories circulating about Baerbock is the bizarre claim that she wants to ban household pets in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.&nbsp;

Another&nbsp;fake&nbsp;story firmly denied by the party claimed that she defied rules on mask-wearing and social-distancing by embracing colleagues upon her nomination earlier this month.

Baerbock has also been presented as a "model student" of Hungarian billionaire George Soros, a hate figure for the European far-right and anti-Semitic conspiracy theorists, in a mocked-up social media graphic, shared among others by a far-right MP.

More serious online attacks include a purported photo of Baerbock which in fact shows a similar-looking naked model.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Greens' campaign manager Michael Kellner said that the attempts to discredit Baerbock had "taken on a&nbsp;new&nbsp;dimension", that "women are&nbsp;targeted&nbsp;more heavily by online attacks than men, and that is also true of our candidate".&nbsp;

Other false claims about the party include reports of a proposed ban on barbecues, as well as plans to disarm the police and enforce the teaching of the Quran in schools.&nbsp;

While such reports are patently absurd, they are potentially damaging to Baerbock and her party as they bid to spring a surprise victory in September.

"She has a very real chance, but the coming weeks are going to be very important because Baerbock's public image is still taking shape," Thorsten Faas, a political scientist&nbsp;at Berlin's Free University told AFP.

In a bid to fight back against the flood of false information, the party has launched a&nbsp;new&nbsp;"online fire service" to report&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news stories.&nbsp;

Russian disinformation&nbsp;

Yet stemming the tide is no easy job, with many of those who peddle disinformation now using private messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram rather than public platforms such as Facebook.

The pandemic and ongoing restrictions on public life will also make it harder for the campaign to push through their own narratives at public events.&nbsp;

Miro Dittrich of Germany's Amadeu-Antonio anti-racism foundation claims that lockdown has "played a role" in the spread of&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news.&nbsp;

"People are isolated from their social environment and are spending a lot more time online," he said.&nbsp;

Another factor is Russia, which has made Germany a primary target of its efforts to spread disinformation in Europe.&nbsp;

According to the European anti-disinformation platform EUvsDisinfo, Germany has been the target of 700 Russian disinformation cases since 2015, compared to 300 aimed at France and 170 at Italy.&nbsp;

As an outspoken critic of the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Germany and Russia, Baerbock may well become a target of such attacks during the&nbsp;election&nbsp;campaign.

With Germany's Green party leading the polls ahead of September's general elections, the ecologists' would-be successor to Angela Merkel has become increasingly targeted by internet trolls and fake news in recent weeks.

With Germany's Green party leading the polls ahead of September's general elections, the ecologists' would-be successor to Angela Merkel has become increasingly targeted by internet trolls and fake news in recent weeks. From wild claims about CO2-emitting cats and dogs to George Soros photo collages, 40-year-old Annalena Baerbock has been the subject of a dizzying array of fake news, conspiracy theories and online attacks since she was announced as the Greens' chancellor candidate in mid-April. The latest polls have the Greens either ahead of or level with Merkel's ruling conservatives, as the once fringe party further establishes itself as a leading electoral force in Europe's biggest economy. Baerbock herself also consistently polls higher than her conservative and centre-left rivals in the race to succeed Merkel, who will leave office after 16 years this autumn. Yet her popularity has also brought about unwanted attention and a glut of fake news stories aimed at discrediting Baerbock as she bids to become Germany's first Green chancellor. False claims Among the false stories circulating about Baerbock is the bizarre claim that she wants to ban household pets in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Another fake story firmly denied by the party claimed that she defied rules on mask-wearing and social-distancing by embracing colleagues upon her nomination earlier this month. Baerbock has also been presented as a "model student" of Hungarian billionaire George Soros, a hate figure for the European far-right and anti-Semitic conspiracy theorists, in a mocked-up social media graphic, shared among others by a far-right MP. More serious online attacks include a purported photo of Baerbock which in fact shows a similar-looking naked model. The Greens' campaign manager Michael Kellner said that the attempts to discredit Baerbock had "taken on a new dimension", that "women are targeted more heavily by online attacks than men, and that is also true of our candidate". Other false claims about the party include reports of a proposed ban on barbecues, as well as plans to disarm the police and enforce the teaching of the Quran in schools. While such reports are patently absurd, they are potentially damaging to Baerbock and her party as they bid to spring a surprise victory in September. "She has a very real chance, but the coming weeks are going to be very important because Baerbock's public image is still taking shape," Thorsten Faas, a political scientist at Berlin's Free University told AFP. In a bid to fight back against the flood of false information, the party has launched a new "online fire service" to report fake news stories. Russian disinformation Yet stemming the tide is no easy job, with many of those who peddle disinformation now using private messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram rather than public platforms such as Facebook. The pandemic and ongoing restrictions on public life will also make it harder for the campaign to push through their own narratives at public events. Miro Dittrich of Germany's Amadeu-Antonio anti-racism foundation claims that lockdown has "played a role" in the spread of fake news. "People are isolated from their social environment and are spending a lot more time online," he said. Another factor is Russia, which has made Germany a primary target of its efforts to spread disinformation in Europe. According to the European anti-disinformation platform EUvsDisinfo, Germany has been the target of 700 Russian disinformation cases since 2015, compared to 300 aimed at France and 170 at Italy. As an outspoken critic of the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Germany and Russia, Baerbock may well become a target of such attacks during the election campaign.

German Greens' election hopeful targeted by fake news

The developer of Russia's Sputnik V <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> has decided to sue Brazil's health regulator with the allegation of spreading false information about the coronavirus vaccine.

This lawsuit has come after Brazil's health regulator, Anvisa, refused to import the Russian coronavirus vaccine claiming experts have flagged "uncertainties" about the jab.

ALso read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-approves-russian-vaccine-sputnik-v-for-emergency-use-381000" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-approves-russian-vaccine-sputnik-v-for-emergency-use-381000&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjutr344aPwAhXaxDgGHV5RBoAQFjACegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1HkOiPDJ4BB_oY4lSEbbXX" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-approves-russian-vaccine-sputnik-v-for-emergency-use-381000" target="_blank">Bangladesh approves Russian vaccine&nbsp;Sputnik V</a>

"Sputnik V is undertaking a legal defamation proceeding in Brazil against Anvisa for knowingly spreading false and inaccurate information," the developer said on Twitter.

The claims by Anvisa have drawn criticism as the health regulator has not released its findings and has refused to give more information on these "uncertainties".

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-says-russian-covid-vaccine-carried-the-live-cold-virus-381318/amp" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-says-russian-covid-vaccine-carried-the-live-cold-virus-381318/amp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjutr344aPwAhXaxDgGHV5RBoAQFjABegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2CcPeheMPvHJZ3u5AV8nYX" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-says-russian-covid-vaccine-carried-the-live-cold-virus-381318/amp" target="_blank">Brazil says Russian Covid vaccine carried the live cold virus</a>

However,&nbsp;according to a slideshow uploaded online, the regulator's scientists made the decision on the basis that batches of the vaccine they tested carried a live version of a common cold-causing virus.

Developers of Sputnik V, however, claim that experts of Anvisa have admitted to making a mistake and had claimed that Anvisa had not tested the Russian vaccine.

"Anvisa made incorrect and misleading statements without having tested the actual Sputnik V vaccine," developers claimed.

The developer of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine has decided to sue Brazil's health regulator with the allegation of spreading false information about the coronavirus vaccine.

The developer of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine has decided to sue Brazil's health regulator with the allegation of spreading false information about the coronavirus vaccine. This lawsuit has come after Brazil's health regulator, Anvisa, refused to import the Russian coronavirus vaccine claiming experts have flagged "uncertainties" about the jab. ALso read | Bangladesh approves Russian vaccine Sputnik V "Sputnik V is undertaking a legal defamation proceeding in Brazil against Anvisa for knowingly spreading false and inaccurate information," the developer said on Twitter. The claims by Anvisa have drawn criticism as the health regulator has not released its findings and has refused to give more information on these "uncertainties". Also read | Brazil says Russian Covid vaccine carried the live cold virus However, according to a slideshow uploaded online, the regulator's scientists made the decision on the basis that batches of the vaccine they tested carried a live version of a common cold-causing virus. Developers of Sputnik V, however, claim that experts of Anvisa have admitted to making a mistake and had claimed that Anvisa had not tested the Russian vaccine. "Anvisa made incorrect and misleading statements without having tested the actual Sputnik V vaccine," developers claimed.

Sputnik V's developer to sue Brazil regulator for 'false information'

Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's key aide said on Thursday that his organisation was disbanding its national network ahead of possible court ruling that may declare it an extremist organisation.

The announcement came as Navalny made his first video appearance in court since ending a hunger strike last week, appearing gaunt in a prison uniform and with a buzz haircut.

The hearing is a part of an appeal by Navalny against defamation sentence imposed in February. During the hearing, Navalny said he had lost more weight but had started eating again.

"I was taken to a bathhouse yesterday... there was a mirror there, I looked at myself -- I am just a horrible skeleton," Navalny told the court, according to an audio recording released by the independent Dozhd television channel.

Another court was holding a hearing Thursday into a request from prosecutors that Navalny's regional network and his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) be recognised as extremist, equating the organisations with the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-court-restricts-activities-of-navalnys-anti-corruption-foundation-380793">Russian court restricts activities of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation</a> 
 
If the request is met, their activities would be banned, putting members and supporters at risk of lengthy jail time.

The head of the regional networks said Thursday it had already been decided to shutter the network.

"We are officially disbanding Navalny's network," Leonid Volkov said in a video posted on social media.&nbsp; 
He said some of the offices would continue their activities as independent organisations.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, prosecutors ordered the network to suspend its activities ahead of the ruling and a court imposed sweeping bans on FBK.

FBK was launched in 2011 and routinely releases investigations into alleged corruption by officials at all levels of government, often accompanied by YouTube videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's key aide said on Thursday that his organisation was disbanding its national network ahead of possible court ruling that may declare it an extremist organisation.

Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's key aide said on Thursday that his organisation was disbanding its national network ahead of possible court ruling that may declare it an extremist organisation. The announcement came as Navalny made his first video appearance in court since ending a hunger strike last week, appearing gaunt in a prison uniform and with a buzz haircut. The hearing is a part of an appeal by Navalny against defamation sentence imposed in February. During the hearing, Navalny said he had lost more weight but had started eating again. "I was taken to a bathhouse yesterday... there was a mirror there, I looked at myself -- I am just a horrible skeleton," Navalny told the court, according to an audio recording released by the independent Dozhd television channel. Another court was holding a hearing Thursday into a request from prosecutors that Navalny's regional network and his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) be recognised as extremist, equating the organisations with the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda. Also Read | Russian court restricts activities of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation If the request is met, their activities would be banned, putting members and supporters at risk of lengthy jail time. The head of the regional networks said Thursday it had already been decided to shutter the network. "We are officially disbanding Navalny's network," Leonid Volkov said in a video posted on social media. He said some of the offices would continue their activities as independent organisations. Earlier this week, prosecutors ordered the network to suspend its activities ahead of the ruling and a court imposed sweeping bans on FBK. FBK was launched in 2011 and routinely releases investigations into alleged corruption by officials at all levels of government, often accompanied by YouTube videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's political network disbands ahead of 'extremism' ruling

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