In a fresh setback to former US President Donald Trump, five of his impeachment defence lawyers have stepped aside over disagreements on legal strategy. Trump's trial in Senate is just a week away. Meanwhile, Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's aides have planned for fresh nationwide protests in Russia. Read this and more in our Morning News Brief.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-impeachment-defence-attorneys-leave-team-a-week-before-senate-trial-360351">Trump's impeachment defence attorneys leave team a week before Senate trial</a>

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Trump is set to stand trial on the week of February 8 on a charge that he incited the riot inside the US Capitol&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalny-supporters-plan-fresh-nationwide-protests-despite-crackdown-360353">Navalny supporters plan fresh nationwide protests despite crackdown</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalny-supporters-plan-fresh-nationwide-protests-despite-crackdown-360353"><img alt="Alexei Navalny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e496007b-a8d8-4d18-be09-b6050b6b44b3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Navalny_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
Russian authorities have issued warnings against participation in these rallies and have threatened of criminal charges

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-opens-visa-scheme-for-millions-of-hong-kong-residents-to-become-citizens-360340">Britain opens visa scheme for millions of Hong Kong residents to become citizens</a>

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The move comes as China and Hong Kong have said they will no longer recognise the British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a valid travel document from Sunday, January 31

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-biggest-daily-surge-in-new-coronavirus-cases-360342">China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases</a>

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Tonghua city in Jilin province accounted for most of the new cases

Large scale rallies expected across Russia

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In a fresh setback to former US President Donald Trump, five of his impeachment defence lawyers have stepped aside over disagreements on legal strategy. Trump's trial in Senate is just a week away.

In a fresh setback to former US President Donald Trump, five of his impeachment defence lawyers have stepped aside over disagreements on legal strategy. Trump's trial in Senate is just a week away. Meanwhile, Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's aides have planned for fresh nationwide protests in Russia. Read this and more in our Morning News Brief. Trump's impeachment defence attorneys leave team a week before Senate trial Trump is set to stand trial on the week of February 8 on a charge that he incited the riot inside the US Capitol Navalny supporters plan fresh nationwide protests despite crackdown Russian authorities have issued warnings against participation in these rallies and have threatened of criminal charges Britain opens visa scheme for millions of Hong Kong residents to become citizens The move comes as China and Hong Kong have said they will no longer recognise the British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a valid travel document from Sunday, January 31 China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases Tonghua city in Jilin province accounted for most of the new cases Large scale rallies expected across Russia ×

Morning news brief: Trump lawyers quit, fresh protest plans in Russia, and more

Allies of jailed Putin critic Alexei Navalny are preparing for nationwide protests even when authorities are trying to crack down on the dissenters. Alexei Navalny, one of the most prominent opposition figures in Russia is currently in jail and awaiting trial. Navalny's aides have called for fresh nationwide rallies to demand Navalny's release.

This week several Navalny associates, including lawyer Lyubov Sobol and his brother Oleg, have been placed under house arrest until late March pending charges for violating coronavirus restrictions by calling people to join protests.

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Russian authorities have issued warnings against participation in these rallies and have threatened of criminal charges.

In an unprecedented move police in the capital Moscow announced the closure of seven metro stations and said movement of pedestrians would be limited in the city centre.

The authorities have also said that some centrally-located restaurants and shops will close.

Police detained 44-year-old Navalny at a Moscow airport on January 17 as he arrived from Germany, where he had been recovering from exposure to a Soviet-designed nerve toxin.

A makeshift court at a police station ordered the anti-graft campaigner placed in custody until his trial on charges of violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence.

Sunday's Moscow rally is due to take place outside the headquarters of the Federal Security Service, Russia's main security agency, which Navalny says carried out the near-fatal poisoning attack on the orders of President Vladimir Putin.

(With AFP inputs)

Allies of jailed Putin critic Alexei Navalny are preparing for nationwide protests even when authorities are trying to crack down on the dissenters. Alexei Navalny, one of the most prominent opposition figures in Russia is currently in jail and awaiting trial.

Allies of jailed Putin critic Alexei Navalny are preparing for nationwide protests even when authorities are trying to crack down on the dissenters. Alexei Navalny, one of the most prominent opposition figures in Russia is currently in jail and awaiting trial. Navalny's aides have called for fresh nationwide rallies to demand Navalny's release. This week several Navalny associates, including lawyer Lyubov Sobol and his brother Oleg, have been placed under house arrest until late March pending charges for violating coronavirus restrictions by calling people to join protests. × Russian authorities have issued warnings against participation in these rallies and have threatened of criminal charges. In an unprecedented move police in the capital Moscow announced the closure of seven metro stations and said movement of pedestrians would be limited in the city centre. The authorities have also said that some centrally-located restaurants and shops will close. Police detained 44-year-old Navalny at a Moscow airport on January 17 as he arrived from Germany, where he had been recovering from exposure to a Soviet-designed nerve toxin. A makeshift court at a police station ordered the anti-graft campaigner placed in custody until his trial on charges of violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence. Sunday's Moscow rally is due to take place outside the headquarters of the Federal Security Service, Russia's main security agency, which Navalny says carried out the near-fatal poisoning attack on the orders of President Vladimir Putin. (With AFP inputs)

Navalny supporters plan fresh nationwide protests despite crackdown

Allies and supporters of Putin-critic Alexei Navalny took to streets across Russia and demanded the opposition leader's release from jail. The police detained over 450 protesters in Siberia and eastern Russia&nbsp;on Sunday. Navalny allies had called for and planning new agitation in spite of authorities ramping up pressure on the opposition. Alexei Navalny's trial is set to start on February 2.

The first protests took place in the Far East, including the port city of Vladivostok where several dozen protesters gathered in the city's central square despite police closing it off ahead of the rally.&nbsp;

"The desire to live in a free country is stronger than the fear of being detained," 25-year-old student Andrei, who preferred not to give his last name, told AFP.

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AFP footage from Vladivostok showed dozens of protesters escaping the police on the frozen waters of the Amur Bay and circle dancing.

Russian authorities have already warned people against participating against the protest rallies. The police have said that criminal charges will be slapped against the protesters.

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According to independent monitors, at least 500&nbsp;people were detained in more than a dozen cities before the expected start of the rally in Moscow, which usually mobilises the largest crowds.

In an unprecedented move police in the capital announced the closure of seven metro stations and said movement of pedestrians would be limited in the city centre.

'Wake them up'

"The majority is on our side. Let's wake them up," Navalny said on Thursday in a message from Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina, a high-security detention centre.

Tens of thousands of Russians took to the streets of over 100 cities across the country last Saturday to protest Putin's 20-year-rule.

More than 4,000 demonstrators were detained while authorities launched a series of criminal probes.

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Authorities are also targeting online platforms demanding they delete posts with calls for rallies or face fines.

The country's media watchdog said Friday it summoned representatives of several social networks, including Facebook and TikTok, for failing to comply.

This week several Navalny associates, including lawyer Lyubov Sobol and his brother Oleg, have been placed under house arrest until late March pending charges for violating coronavirus restrictions by calling people to join protests.

Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh was detained late Saturday also over violating virus measures, the same day she was due to walk free after a nine-day jail term for violating protest laws.&nbsp;

The head of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, Ivan Zhdanov, said Saturday the Investigative Committee informed him that a criminal case on fraud charges had been launched against Navalny.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Allies and supporters of Putin-critic Alexei Navalny took to streets across Russia and demanded the opposition leader's release from jail. The police detained over 450 protesters in Siberia and eastern Russia on Sunday.

Allies and supporters of Putin-critic Alexei Navalny took to streets across Russia and demanded the opposition leader's release from jail. The police detained over 450 protesters in Siberia and eastern Russia on Sunday. Navalny allies had called for and planning new agitation in spite of authorities ramping up pressure on the opposition. Alexei Navalny's trial is set to start on February 2. The first protests took place in the Far East, including the port city of Vladivostok where several dozen protesters gathered in the city's central square despite police closing it off ahead of the rally. "The desire to live in a free country is stronger than the fear of being detained," 25-year-old student Andrei, who preferred not to give his last name, told AFP. × AFP footage from Vladivostok showed dozens of protesters escaping the police on the frozen waters of the Amur Bay and circle dancing. Russian authorities have already warned people against participating against the protest rallies. The police have said that criminal charges will be slapped against the protesters. According to independent monitors, at least 500 people were detained in more than a dozen cities before the expected start of the rally in Moscow, which usually mobilises the largest crowds. In an unprecedented move police in the capital announced the closure of seven metro stations and said movement of pedestrians would be limited in the city centre. 'Wake them up' "The majority is on our side. Let's wake them up," Navalny said on Thursday in a message from Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina, a high-security detention centre. Tens of thousands of Russians took to the streets of over 100 cities across the country last Saturday to protest Putin's 20-year-rule. More than 4,000 demonstrators were detained while authorities launched a series of criminal probes. Authorities are also targeting online platforms demanding they delete posts with calls for rallies or face fines. The country's media watchdog said Friday it summoned representatives of several social networks, including Facebook and TikTok, for failing to comply. This week several Navalny associates, including lawyer Lyubov Sobol and his brother Oleg, have been placed under house arrest until late March pending charges for violating coronavirus restrictions by calling people to join protests. Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh was detained late Saturday also over violating virus measures, the same day she was due to walk free after a nine-day jail term for violating protest laws. The head of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, Ivan Zhdanov, said Saturday the Investigative Committee informed him that a criminal case on fraud charges had been launched against Navalny. (With AFP inputs)

Navalny allies take to the streets despite crackdown, over 450 detained

The situation in Russia has not improved since the arrest of the Kremlin critic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a>, after his arrival in Moscow from Germany.

Now, a Russian court has ordered allies and Navalny's brother to be put under house arrest, fearing another wave of anti-Putin protests in the country.

The court has also ordered metro stations and streets near the Kremlin to be closed down temporarily to make sure protestors do not get access to the nearby places of Kremlin.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-to-remain-in-detention-ahead-of-hearing-next-month-359905">&nbsp;Kremlin critic Navalny to remain in detention ahead of hearing next month</a>

This order has come almost after a week of massive protests against the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Tens of thousands of locals took to streets last weekend to demand the immediate release of Navalny.

On Friday, the Moscow police department announced plans to temporarily close down metro stations and nearby streets to the Kremin ahead of weekend protests.&nbsp;

These protests have been termed as 'illegal' by the local police department and authorities, while Navalny has urged his supporters to step out and fight for 'democracy'.

Now, Kremlin critic's brother, Oleg Navalny, as well as allies Lyubov Sobol, Anastasiya Vasilyeva and Oleg Stepanov have been put under house arrest till March 23 for promoting and participating in the protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-speaks-to-putin-calls-for-alexei-navalnys-release-360197">WATCH|</a>

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A member of the famous band 'Pussy Riots punk band', Maria Alyokhina, has also been put under house arrest along with other allies.

Earlier on Friday, investigators declared Leonid Volkov, a close Navalny ally, a wanted man after they formally charged him in absentia with urging teenagers to take part in unsanctioned anti-Kremlin protests last weekend.

The authorities have denounced these protests and have blamed the participants and leaders for flouting coronavirus regulations set in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

The situation in Russia has not improved since the arrest of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, after his arrival in Moscow from Germany. Now, a Russian court has ordered allies and Navalny's brother to be put under house arrest, fearing another wave of anti-Putin protests in the country.

The situation in Russia has not improved since the arrest of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, after his arrival in Moscow from Germany. Now, a Russian court has ordered allies and Navalny's brother to be put under house arrest, fearing another wave of anti-Putin protests in the country. The court has also ordered metro stations and streets near the Kremlin to be closed down temporarily to make sure protestors do not get access to the nearby places of Kremlin. Also read| Kremlin critic Navalny to remain in detention ahead of hearing next month This order has come almost after a week of massive protests against the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Tens of thousands of locals took to streets last weekend to demand the immediate release of Navalny. On Friday, the Moscow police department announced plans to temporarily close down metro stations and nearby streets to the Kremin ahead of weekend protests. These protests have been termed as 'illegal' by the local police department and authorities, while Navalny has urged his supporters to step out and fight for 'democracy'. Now, Kremlin critic's brother, Oleg Navalny, as well as allies Lyubov Sobol, Anastasiya Vasilyeva and Oleg Stepanov have been put under house arrest till March 23 for promoting and participating in the protests. WATCH| × A member of the famous band 'Pussy Riots punk band', Maria Alyokhina, has also been put under house arrest along with other allies. Earlier on Friday, investigators declared Leonid Volkov, a close Navalny ally, a wanted man after they formally charged him in absentia with urging teenagers to take part in unsanctioned anti-Kremlin protests last weekend. The authorities have denounced these protests and have blamed the participants and leaders for flouting coronavirus regulations set in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian court orders house arrest for Navalny's brother and allies

Taliban said that one of their top negotiator met Russian officials in Moscow and discussed Afghan peace process. This development came just a week after Biden administration said would review Washington's deal with the insurgents. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, deputy head of Taliban negotiating team met Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulo and other foreign ministry officials in Moscow.

"The ongoing situation of the intra-Afghan negotiations and subjects concerning the full implementation of the Doha agreement were discussed during the meeting," Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem said on Twitter, referring to the US-Taliban deal signed in the Qatari capital in February 2020.

Taliban representatives had visited Russia several times before striking February 2020 peace deal with the USA.

The deal paved the way for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan by May this year -- in return for the insurgents offering some security guarantees and agreeing to hold peace talks with Afghan government. 
The peace talks began on September 12 but violence has surged in Afghanistan.

High-profile assassinations have increased in recent months, particularly in Kabul, where several journalists, activists, judges and politicians have been murdered in brazen daylight attacks.

Officials blame the Taliban for the killings, though the group has steadfastly denied any involvement.

During the talks in Moscow on Thursday, the Russian side "spoke in favour of the early launch of meaningful and constructive inter-Afghan negotiations, leading to an end to the bloody civil war," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Despite months of discussions, the peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government in Doha have largely stalled, according to Kabul's negotiating team.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Taliban said that one of their top negotiator met Russian officials in Moscow and discussed Afghan peace process. This development came just a week after Biden administration said would review Washington's deal with the insurgents.

Taliban said that one of their top negotiator met Russian officials in Moscow and discussed Afghan peace process. This development came just a week after Biden administration said would review Washington's deal with the insurgents. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, deputy head of Taliban negotiating team met Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulo and other foreign ministry officials in Moscow. "The ongoing situation of the intra-Afghan negotiations and subjects concerning the full implementation of the Doha agreement were discussed during the meeting," Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem said on Twitter, referring to the US-Taliban deal signed in the Qatari capital in February 2020. Taliban representatives had visited Russia several times before striking February 2020 peace deal with the USA. The deal paved the way for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan by May this year -- in return for the insurgents offering some security guarantees and agreeing to hold peace talks with Afghan government. The peace talks began on September 12 but violence has surged in Afghanistan. High-profile assassinations have increased in recent months, particularly in Kabul, where several journalists, activists, judges and politicians have been murdered in brazen daylight attacks. Officials blame the Taliban for the killings, though the group has steadfastly denied any involvement. During the talks in Moscow on Thursday, the Russian side "spoke in favour of the early launch of meaningful and constructive inter-Afghan negotiations, leading to an end to the bloody civil war," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. Despite months of discussions, the peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government in Doha have largely stalled, according to Kabul's negotiating team. (With AFP inputs)

Taliban negotiator discusses Afghan peace deal with Russia

A Russian court on Thursday upheld a decision to detain top opposition leader Alexei Navalny&nbsp;for 30 days after he returned to Moscow this month following a near-fatal poisoning.

Thursday's ruling came after Navalny's team called for fresh demonstrations on Sunday against Putin's 20-year rule.

Judge Musa Musayev of the Moscow Regional Court said a previous ruling by the Khimki City Court should "remain unchanged".

During the hearing, Navalny during the hearing slammed what he described as the "lawlessness" of the process.

"This is blatant lawlessness to intimidate myself and other people," Navalny told the court by video link.

After the ruling was handed down, Navalny said to the judge: "Everything was clear to me before the start of the court hearing, thank you."

His lawyers said Navalny would appeal against the ruling to keep him in custody, the Interfax news agency reported.

Police detained President Vladimir Putin's top domestic critic in a Moscow airport after he returned to Russia on January 17 from Germany. He had been recovering there from a near-fatal poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent in an attack he blamed on Russian security services and Putin.

The 44-year-old anti-graft campaigner is accused of violating probationary terms of his 2014 suspended sentence on fraud charges by not appearing at Russia's prison service for checks twice a month.

A makeshift court at a police station last week ordered Navalny placed in custody until February 15.&nbsp;He was then moved to Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina, a high-security detention centre.

A Russian court on Thursday upheld a decision to detain top opposition leader Alexei Navalny for 30 days after he returned to Moscow this month following a near-fatal poisoning.

A Russian court on Thursday upheld a decision to detain top opposition leader Alexei Navalny for 30 days after he returned to Moscow this month following a near-fatal poisoning. Thursday's ruling came after Navalny's team called for fresh demonstrations on Sunday against Putin's 20-year rule. Judge Musa Musayev of the Moscow Regional Court said a previous ruling by the Khimki City Court should "remain unchanged". During the hearing, Navalny during the hearing slammed what he described as the "lawlessness" of the process. "This is blatant lawlessness to intimidate myself and other people," Navalny told the court by video link. After the ruling was handed down, Navalny said to the judge: "Everything was clear to me before the start of the court hearing, thank you." His lawyers said Navalny would appeal against the ruling to keep him in custody, the Interfax news agency reported. Police detained President Vladimir Putin's top domestic critic in a Moscow airport after he returned to Russia on January 17 from Germany. He had been recovering there from a near-fatal poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent in an attack he blamed on Russian security services and Putin. The 44-year-old anti-graft campaigner is accused of violating probationary terms of his 2014 suspended sentence on fraud charges by not appearing at Russia's prison service for checks twice a month. A makeshift court at a police station last week ordered Navalny placed in custody until February 15. He was then moved to Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina, a high-security detention centre.

Kremlin critic Navalny to remain in detention ahead of hearing next month

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned against the increasing influence large tech companies wield. He said &nbsp;that these tech giants were "competing" with states. Russia is ramping up pressure on foreign internet companies. The companies usually are not subject to state censorship that majority of Russian media outlets work under.

Putin sounded the warning during his virtual address at Davos virtual economic summit. He said it was unclear where the line should be drawn between &nbsp;a "succesful global business" and "attempts to crudely, at their own discretion, control society".

"We just saw it all in the United States," he added, referring to riots earlier this month in Washington led by supporters of then US President Donald Trump.

Moscow earlier this week accused US tech giants of interfering in Russia's internal affairs, in particular during anti-government protests led by supporters of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Saturday.&nbsp;

Ahead of the rallies, Russia's media watchdog Roskomnadzor ordered several online platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, to delete posts by users calling for protesters to attend demonstrations.

On Wednesday, the chairman of the lower house State Duma's foreign interference committee, Vasily Piskaryov, said that the head of TikTok's Russian branch had been invited to parliament for a conversation.&nbsp;

\Piskaryov was cited by the TASS news agency as saying that "questions had piled up" about the China-based video-sharing service.

In recent months, TikTok has emerged as a popular platform for young Russians to express their political views.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-biden-putin-phone-call-russias-lower-house-of-parliament-approves-new-start-nuclear-control-treaty-359670">After Biden-Putin phone call, Russia's lower house of Parliament approves New START nuclear control treaty</a>

Hashtags dedicated to Navalny have been trending on TikTok, garnering more than 1.5 billion views, after the anti-corruption campaigner was jailed on his return to Russia from Germany.

(With AFP inputs)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned against the increasing influence large tech companies wield. He said that these tech giants were "competing" with states.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned against the increasing influence large tech companies wield. He said that these tech giants were "competing" with states. Russia is ramping up pressure on foreign internet companies. The companies usually are not subject to state censorship that majority of Russian media outlets work under. Putin sounded the warning during his virtual address at Davos virtual economic summit. He said it was unclear where the line should be drawn between a "succesful global business" and "attempts to crudely, at their own discretion, control society". "We just saw it all in the United States," he added, referring to riots earlier this month in Washington led by supporters of then US President Donald Trump. Moscow earlier this week accused US tech giants of interfering in Russia's internal affairs, in particular during anti-government protests led by supporters of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Saturday. Ahead of the rallies, Russia's media watchdog Roskomnadzor ordered several online platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, to delete posts by users calling for protesters to attend demonstrations. On Wednesday, the chairman of the lower house State Duma's foreign interference committee, Vasily Piskaryov, said that the head of TikTok's Russian branch had been invited to parliament for a conversation. \Piskaryov was cited by the TASS news agency as saying that "questions had piled up" about the China-based video-sharing service. In recent months, TikTok has emerged as a popular platform for young Russians to express their political views. Also Read | After Biden-Putin phone call, Russia's lower house of Parliament approves New START nuclear control treaty Hashtags dedicated to Navalny have been trending on TikTok, garnering more than 1.5 billion views, after the anti-corruption campaigner was jailed on his return to Russia from Germany. (With AFP inputs)

Putin warns against influence of tech giants, says they 'compete' with states

Vladimir Putin became Russia's President at the turn of the millennium and he&nbsp;had two tasks before him: handling the war in Chechnya and the Boris Yeltsin-era oligarchs;&nbsp;he weathered both.

In 2002, a Moscow theatre was seized by Chechen militants who took 912 people hostage, of which 129&nbsp;died. Putin handled the siege ruthlessly and&nbsp;earned a 'strongman' reputation with an approval rating of 83 per cent.

In 2014, Putin annexed Crimea and&nbsp;Russia was slapped with sanctions. However, four years later, Putin appeared to mock the sanctions&nbsp;when he managed to get the world to Russi&nbsp;for the football world cup.

For a man&nbsp;who has survived it all,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a> is becoming too grave a threat.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-keep-all-options-on-table-for-navalnys-release-us-press-sec-jen-psaki-359479" hreflang="en">Biden to keep all options on table for Navalny's release: US Press Sec Jen Psaki</a>

Vladimir Putin is used to silencing dissent. In 2006, journalist Anna Politkovskaya was murdered on Putin's birthday. She had written about corruption in the Russian army. However,&nbsp;Putin denied any involvement.

Now, 15 years on, every critic of Putin has either met the same fate or has been silenced or sidelined in one way or another — be it former federal security service officer&nbsp;Alexander Litvinenko, former intelligence officer Sergei Skripal, activist-journalist&nbsp;Vladimir Vladimirovich Kara-Murza or Ukrainian leader Viktor Yushchenko.

Alexei Navalny, however, has emerged as an exception after he survived a nerve agent poisoning. He&nbsp;used his recovery time&nbsp;to investigate attacks on journalists.

He exposed corruption in Putin's system, which he detailed&nbsp;in a two-hour documentary. Now, Navalny has kickstarted what Putin fears the most:&nbsp;a Ukraine-style Maidan revolution.

From Moscow to St. Petersburg, protesters have taken to the streets across Russia with demonstrations in at least 100 cities. While Russia has earlier, too, seen anti-Putin protests, something of this scale is unprecedented.

Putin knows the history and he understands the threat&nbsp;such protests come with. He knows that protests eventually toppled the Tsarist rule too.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russians-take-to-streets-to-protest-against-putin-after-navalnys-arrest-358817" hreflang="en">Russians take to streets to protest against Putin after Navalny's arrest</a>

On paper, Putin's dream of being a president for life&nbsp;is clear, but on the roads of Russia are&nbsp;hurdles abound. Many protesters are calling Putin a thief and&nbsp;most are calling for a Russia without him.

Putin's worst fears have come true because of the 44-year-old&nbsp;Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;He is popular and has support abroad.

Navalny's poisoning made him a household name and his dramatic arrest heightened his profile and&nbsp;made him the face of Russian opposition —&nbsp;a position that was lying vacant for over two decades.

He has done his research and&nbsp;knows how the Kremlin works. In fact, Navalny has outmanoeuvred Putin.

After Navalny was poisoned, he duped Russian agents into spilling the details of the attempted assassination and&nbsp;returned to Russia despite the threats of an arrest. In&nbsp;doing so,&nbsp;Navalny became a hero.

When he was jailed, he told the world&nbsp;that he has no intention of committing suicide. So, Navalny has basically put Putin in a catch 22 situation as letting Navalny walk out of prison comes with a huge cost, but&nbsp;keeping him behind bars is not helping either.

Silencing him inside prison is not even an option. The world is watching what's happening in Russia and the call for "freedom"&nbsp;has reached Berlin.

Europe is calling for Navalny's release and&nbsp;the EU is mulling sanctions.

Navalny has not just challenged Putin's leadership, but also his strongman image. Navalny has been exposing Putin and labelling him as a fragile and corrupt leader. He has forced Putin to clear his name in public. Putin is so threatened by his fiercest critic that Navalny is not even allowed to contest elections.

Three weeks ago, Putin's popularity had slipped to 65 per cent. One&nbsp;can only imagine what the protests have done to that number. The change in leadership outside the home has made matters worse.

The US President Joe Biden is not Donald Trump and his White House is not looking away. It has already asked for the release of Navalny and his supporters.

Vladimir Putin became Russia's President at the turn of the millennium and he had two tasks before him: handling the war in Chechnya and the Boris Yeltsin-era oligarchs; he weathered both.

Vladimir Putin became Russia's President at the turn of the millennium and he had two tasks before him: handling the war in Chechnya and the Boris Yeltsin-era oligarchs; he weathered both. In 2002, a Moscow theatre was seized by Chechen militants who took 912 people hostage, of which 129 died. Putin handled the siege ruthlessly and earned a 'strongman' reputation with an approval rating of 83 per cent. In 2014, Putin annexed Crimea and Russia was slapped with sanctions. However, four years later, Putin appeared to mock the sanctions when he managed to get the world to Russi for the football world cup. For a man who has survived it all, Alexei Navalny is becoming too grave a threat. Also read| Biden to keep all options on table for Navalny's release: US Press Sec Jen Psaki Vladimir Putin is used to silencing dissent. In 2006, journalist Anna Politkovskaya was murdered on Putin's birthday. She had written about corruption in the Russian army. However, Putin denied any involvement. Now, 15 years on, every critic of Putin has either met the same fate or has been silenced or sidelined in one way or another — be it former federal security service officer Alexander Litvinenko, former intelligence officer Sergei Skripal, activist-journalist Vladimir Vladimirovich Kara-Murza or Ukrainian leader Viktor Yushchenko. Alexei Navalny, however, has emerged as an exception after he survived a nerve agent poisoning. He used his recovery time to investigate attacks on journalists. He exposed corruption in Putin's system, which he detailed in a two-hour documentary. Now, Navalny has kickstarted what Putin fears the most: a Ukraine-style Maidan revolution. From Moscow to St. Petersburg, protesters have taken to the streets across Russia with demonstrations in at least 100 cities. While Russia has earlier, too, seen anti-Putin protests, something of this scale is unprecedented. Putin knows the history and he understands the threat such protests come with. He knows that protests eventually toppled the Tsarist rule too. Also read| Russians take to streets to protest against Putin after Navalny's arrest On paper, Putin's dream of being a president for life is clear, but on the roads of Russia are hurdles abound. Many protesters are calling Putin a thief and most are calling for a Russia without him. Putin's worst fears have come true because of the 44-year-old Alexei Navalny. He is popular and has support abroad. Navalny's poisoning made him a household name and his dramatic arrest heightened his profile and made him the face of Russian opposition — a position that was lying vacant for over two decades. He has done his research and knows how the Kremlin works. In fact, Navalny has outmanoeuvred Putin. After Navalny was poisoned, he duped Russian agents into spilling the details of the attempted assassination and returned to Russia despite the threats of an arrest. In doing so, Navalny became a hero. When he was jailed, he told the world that he has no intention of committing suicide. So, Navalny has basically put Putin in a catch 22 situation as letting Navalny walk out of prison comes with a huge cost, but keeping him behind bars is not helping either. Silencing him inside prison is not even an option. The world is watching what's happening in Russia and the call for "freedom" has reached Berlin. Europe is calling for Navalny's release and the EU is mulling sanctions. Navalny has not just challenged Putin's leadership, but also his strongman image. Navalny has been exposing Putin and labelling him as a fragile and corrupt leader. He has forced Putin to clear his name in public. Putin is so threatened by his fiercest critic that Navalny is not even allowed to contest elections. Three weeks ago, Putin's popularity had slipped to 65 per cent. One can only imagine what the protests have done to that number. The change in leadership outside the home has made matters worse. The US President Joe Biden is not Donald Trump and his White House is not looking away. It has already asked for the release of Navalny and his supporters.

Putin's popularity slips as Alexei Navalny's political equity rises

Foreign forces in Libya ignored a pull out deadline set by a UN-backed ceasefire deal on Saturday. An unidentified US intelligence officer was quoted in news reports as saying that there was 'no intent' by Turkish or Russian forces to leave Libya and abide by the UN deal. The developments signify the fragility of peace efforts in Libya, which has seen a decade of conflict.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged all "regional and international actors to respect the provisions" of the October 23 ceasefire accord that set out a withdrawal within three months of all foreign troops and mercenaries.

That deadline passed on Saturday, with no movement announced or observed on the ground.

The UN estimates there are still some 20,000 foreign troops and mercenaries in Libya helping the warring factions, the UN-recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli and military strongman Khalifa Haftar in the east.

The GNA has received military support from Turkey. Haftar has the backing of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt as well as Russia.

On Friday, CNN broadcast satellite images showed that Russian proxies were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-huge-trench-by-russian-proxies-may-derail-peace-process-says-report-358600">digging a kilometres-long trench</a> from coastal areas near Site to their stronghold in al-Jufra. The objective appeared to be to fortify their positions against attacks from western parts of Libya held by internationally recognised Libyan government.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-huge-trench-by-russian-proxies-may-derail-peace-process-says-report-358600">Libya: Huge trench by Russian proxies may derail peace process, says report</a>

UN Secretary-General Guterres called on all parties to implement the terms of the ceasefire "without delay," something he noted "includes ensuring the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, and the full and unconditional respect of the Security Council arms embargo," which has been in place since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted and killed longtime ruler Moamer Kadhafi.

(With AFP inputs)

Foreign forces in Libya ignored a pull out deadline set by a UN-backed ceasefire deal on Saturday. An unidentified US intelligence officer was quoted in news reports as saying that there was 'no intent' by Turkish or Russian forces to leave Libya and abide by the UN deal.

Foreign forces in Libya ignored a pull out deadline set by a UN-backed ceasefire deal on Saturday. An unidentified US intelligence officer was quoted in news reports as saying that there was 'no intent' by Turkish or Russian forces to leave Libya and abide by the UN deal. The developments signify the fragility of peace efforts in Libya, which has seen a decade of conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged all "regional and international actors to respect the provisions" of the October 23 ceasefire accord that set out a withdrawal within three months of all foreign troops and mercenaries. That deadline passed on Saturday, with no movement announced or observed on the ground. The UN estimates there are still some 20,000 foreign troops and mercenaries in Libya helping the warring factions, the UN-recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli and military strongman Khalifa Haftar in the east. The GNA has received military support from Turkey. Haftar has the backing of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt as well as Russia. On Friday, CNN broadcast satellite images showed that Russian proxies were digging a kilometres-long trench from coastal areas near Site to their stronghold in al-Jufra. The objective appeared to be to fortify their positions against attacks from western parts of Libya held by internationally recognised Libyan government. Also Read | Libya: Huge trench by Russian proxies may derail peace process, says report UN Secretary-General Guterres called on all parties to implement the terms of the ceasefire "without delay," something he noted "includes ensuring the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, and the full and unconditional respect of the Security Council arms embargo," which has been in place since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted and killed longtime ruler Moamer Kadhafi. (With AFP inputs)

Libya: Foreign forces ignore UN peace deal deadline

The political environment in Russia is getting more intense now, especially after the arrest of the Kremlin critic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a>.

Following the arrest, people are now having to rely on video-sharing platforms such as TikTok and YouTube to get access to news. However, the video-sharing apps have taken steps to restrict content promoting the weekend protests, suggested by Navalny himself.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-authorities-arrest-over-a-dozen-supporters-of-navalny-358757" hreflang="en">Russian authorities arrest over a dozen supporters of Navalny</a>

As per Russian officials, TikTok had deleted some videos promoting the "illegal" weekend protests that were being organised to demand the release of Navalny.

Various posts demanding the release of Navalny have been viewed more than 300 million times on TikTok since this arrest at the start of this week.

Navalny, who is hugely gaining popularity among the youngsters of Russia, have been posting content in favour of Putin's sworn-enemy, despite several warnings by the Russian government.

This has also reached Navalny in his detention centre. "Respect to the schoolchildren who, according to my lawyer, 'wreaked havoc on TikTok'," his team posted on his Instagram account on the detained critic's behalf.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russian-critic-navalnys-supporters-to-rally-for-his-release-despite-warnings-358735" hreflang="en">Russian critic Navalny's supporters to rally for his release despite warnings</a>

The Russian government has also, now, opened a criminal case into this matter, alleging an attempt to misleading youngsters pf the country into committing illegal acts against the security of themselves and the country.

While TikTok has been taking strict actions, YouTube has also not been completely ignorant to these messages being passed around, The popular video platform has also deleted nearly 50 per cent of the posts claiming it was urging minors to protest.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-chief-has-urged-putin-to-release-navalny-but-kremlin-wont-budge-358602" hreflang="en">EU chief has urged Putin to release Navalny. But Kremlin won't budge</a>

Meanwhile, videos promoting protests have been gaining views and likes at a rapid rate.

Russia media watchdog Roskomnadzor claimed TikTok "deleted 38 per cent of information inciting minors to dangerous illegal actions" and also added Instagram and YouTube to the list.

However, Facebook has claimed that it has not yet removed any of such information.&nbsp;

"We've received requests from the local regulator to restrict access to certain content that calls for protest," a Facebook spokesperson said. "Since this content doesn't violate our Community Standards, it remains on our platform."

The political environment in Russia is getting more intense now, especially after the arrest of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Following the arrest, people are now having to rely on video-sharing platforms such as TikTok and YouTube to get access to news.

The political environment in Russia is getting more intense now, especially after the arrest of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Following the arrest, people are now having to rely on video-sharing platforms such as TikTok and YouTube to get access to news. However, the video-sharing apps have taken steps to restrict content promoting the weekend protests, suggested by Navalny himself. Also read| Russian authorities arrest over a dozen supporters of Navalny As per Russian officials, TikTok had deleted some videos promoting the "illegal" weekend protests that were being organised to demand the release of Navalny. Various posts demanding the release of Navalny have been viewed more than 300 million times on TikTok since this arrest at the start of this week. Navalny, who is hugely gaining popularity among the youngsters of Russia, have been posting content in favour of Putin's sworn-enemy, despite several warnings by the Russian government. This has also reached Navalny in his detention centre. "Respect to the schoolchildren who, according to my lawyer, 'wreaked havoc on TikTok'," his team posted on his Instagram account on the detained critic's behalf. Also read| Russian critic Navalny's supporters to rally for his release despite warnings The Russian government has also, now, opened a criminal case into this matter, alleging an attempt to misleading youngsters pf the country into committing illegal acts against the security of themselves and the country. While TikTok has been taking strict actions, YouTube has also not been completely ignorant to these messages being passed around, The popular video platform has also deleted nearly 50 per cent of the posts claiming it was urging minors to protest. Also read| EU chief has urged Putin to release Navalny. But Kremlin won't budge Meanwhile, videos promoting protests have been gaining views and likes at a rapid rate. Russia media watchdog Roskomnadzor claimed TikTok "deleted 38 per cent of information inciting minors to dangerous illegal actions" and also added Instagram and YouTube to the list. However, Facebook has claimed that it has not yet removed any of such information. "We've received requests from the local regulator to restrict access to certain content that calls for protest," a Facebook spokesperson said. "Since this content doesn't violate our Community Standards, it remains on our platform."

TikTok, YouTube delete content promoting 'illegal' protests for Navalny

An enormous trench being dug by Wagner, the Russian-backed mercenaries in war-torn Libya is threatening to derail UN-brokered peace deal, said CNN. The peace deal insists that all foreign fighters should leave Libya by this Saturday. However, the kilometres-long trench by Russian proxies suggests that they intend to further fortify their position.

Libya has seen conflict between internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) and Libyan National Army (LNA). The LNA has dominant presence in eastern Libya and enjoys support from Russia and UAE.

On Friday, CNN published satellite images that showed construction of 'dozens of kilometers' long trench being dug from coastal region around Sirte. The trench extends to al-Jufra, a stronghold of Wagner mercenaries in the south. The trench is apparently being dug to repel attack against LNA defensive lines.

As per UN data, the conflict between GNA and LNA has caused 2000 deaths and has further shattered oil-rich, strategically important middle eastern nation.

"I don't think anyone digging a trench today and making these reinforcements is leaving anytime soon," GNA Defense Minister Salaheddin Al-Namroush told CNN.&nbsp;

An enormous trench being dug by Wagner, the Russian-backed mercenaries in war-torn Libya is threatening to derail UN-brokered peace deal, said CNN. The peace deal insists that all foreign fighters should leave Libya by this Saturday.

An enormous trench being dug by Wagner, the Russian-backed mercenaries in war-torn Libya is threatening to derail UN-brokered peace deal, said CNN. The peace deal insists that all foreign fighters should leave Libya by this Saturday. However, the kilometres-long trench by Russian proxies suggests that they intend to further fortify their position. Libya has seen conflict between internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) and Libyan National Army (LNA). The LNA has dominant presence in eastern Libya and enjoys support from Russia and UAE. On Friday, CNN published satellite images that showed construction of 'dozens of kilometers' long trench being dug from coastal region around Sirte. The trench extends to al-Jufra, a stronghold of Wagner mercenaries in the south. The trench is apparently being dug to repel attack against LNA defensive lines. As per UN data, the conflict between GNA and LNA has caused 2000 deaths and has further shattered oil-rich, strategically important middle eastern nation. "I don't think anyone digging a trench today and making these reinforcements is leaving anytime soon," GNA Defense Minister Salaheddin Al-Namroush told CNN.

Libya: Huge trench by Russian proxies may derail peace process, says report

Kremlin critic and famous Russian opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a> was sentenced to 30 days in jail within hours of landing in Russia. He is now due in court once again on separate charges of defaming a World War II veteran, his lawyer reported.

The case was opened by the Investigative Committee which is responsible for handling major crimes. The committee opened a probe for libel against Navalny in June for "discrediting the honour and dignity" of a veteran.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-to-be-detained-until-mid-feb-calls-his-supporters-to-protest-357488">Alexei Navalny to be detained until mid-Feb; calls his supporters to protest</a>

Incident being questioned is when the Kremlin critic took to the social media platform Twitter to criticise several people, which included a veteran who had featured om a promotional video of constitutional amendments which were passed last year, allowing the Russian president to remain in office until 2036.

Navalny had slammed the veteran as a "traitor" and had labelled him as a "shame of the country" and had accused him to be "without a conscience".

The probe has been re-opened now after his arrest. It was earlier suspended five months back when Navalny had fallen critically ill following an alleged poison attack by the Putin-led Kremlin.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-us-uk-eu-urge-russia-to-release-putin-critic-navalny-357385" hreflang="en">Germany's Merkel, US, UK, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny</a>

This news has come after Navalny was sentenced to 30 days jail time in a makeshift court on Monday, and was later transferred to Matrosskaya Tishina detention centre in Moscow where he will be serving 14 days of the quarantine period for coronavirus.

Due to the quarantine period, the hearing on Wednesday may be scheduled in video format. However, his lawyers and team are still unclear and uninformed about it, they claim.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dismissed all requests by the Western governments and groups who had called for Navalny's immediate release and had accused the Putin-led government of trying to silence all opposition voices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-urges-his-supporters-to-hit-the-streets-says-dont-be-silent-take-to-the-streets-357651">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-urges-his-supporters-to-hit-the-streets-says-dont-be-silent-take-to-the-streets-357651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We cannot and are not going to take these statements into account," said&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "This is absolutely a domestic affair and we will not allow anyone to interfere in it."

The Kremlin has also urged people to not to listen to Navalny's call for protest and has said the government is 'troubled' by Navalny's calls for 'illegal' protests.

Kremlin critic and famous Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in jail within hours of landing in Russia. He is now due in court once again on separate charges of defaming a World War II veteran, his lawyer reported.

Kremlin critic and famous Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in jail within hours of landing in Russia. He is now due in court once again on separate charges of defaming a World War II veteran, his lawyer reported. The case was opened by the Investigative Committee which is responsible for handling major crimes. The committee opened a probe for libel against Navalny in June for "discrediting the honour and dignity" of a veteran. Also read| Alexei Navalny to be detained until mid-Feb; calls his supporters to protest Incident being questioned is when the Kremlin critic took to the social media platform Twitter to criticise several people, which included a veteran who had featured om a promotional video of constitutional amendments which were passed last year, allowing the Russian president to remain in office until 2036. Navalny had slammed the veteran as a "traitor" and had labelled him as a "shame of the country" and had accused him to be "without a conscience". The probe has been re-opened now after his arrest. It was earlier suspended five months back when Navalny had fallen critically ill following an alleged poison attack by the Putin-led Kremlin. Also read| Germany's Merkel, US, UK, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny This news has come after Navalny was sentenced to 30 days jail time in a makeshift court on Monday, and was later transferred to Matrosskaya Tishina detention centre in Moscow where he will be serving 14 days of the quarantine period for coronavirus. Due to the quarantine period, the hearing on Wednesday may be scheduled in video format. However, his lawyers and team are still unclear and uninformed about it, they claim. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dismissed all requests by the Western governments and groups who had called for Navalny's immediate release and had accused the Putin-led government of trying to silence all opposition voices. WATCH| "We cannot and are not going to take these statements into account," said President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "This is absolutely a domestic affair and we will not allow anyone to interfere in it." The Kremlin has also urged people to not to listen to Navalny's call for protest and has said the government is 'troubled' by Navalny's calls for 'illegal' protests.

Alexei Navalny due in court on Wednesday; Kremlin 'troubled' by calls of 'illegal' protests

The Kremlin critic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a>&nbsp;was detained at the Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow&nbsp;within minutes of landing, on Sunday.

Navalny flew back to his home country, Russia, in a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday.&nbsp; However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-reaches-russia-allies-arrested-at-vnukovo-airport-357343">Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport</a>

While the Russian authorities had warned him of an imminent arrest, Navalny had shrugged off the possibility saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person."

"I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added.
<img alt="Alexei Navalny" data-caption="Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny enters a room at the passport control point at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on January 17, 2021." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2f69315-9f81-4328-8257-ae165642db64" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Alexei%20Navalny%20%281%29.jpg" />
Immediately after the news broke out, the&nbsp;Russian prison service, FSIN, confirmed that they have detained the 44-year-old Kremlin critic. He has been detained on "multiple violations" of a 2014 suspended sentence for fraud charges, adding that "he will be held in custody" until a court ruling, as per a statement issued by the prison service.

Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh also confirmed the news of his detainment on Twitter saying, "Alexei was taken away by police officers at the border. With no explanation given."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-navalny-takes-off-on-plane-to-russia-despite-arrest-threat-357377">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-navalny-takes-off-on-plane-to-russia-despite-arrest-threat-357377/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His flight had been diverted to another airport in Moscow after hundreds of supporters rushed to the airport to welcome back the opposition leader. A Facebook event page has also been created in which nearly 2,000 people have expressed interest in greeting Navalny upon his return despite temperatures in Moscow hovering around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).

His aides and associated had also been arrested by the Moscow police at the&nbsp;Vnukovo airport — where his flight was originally scheduled to land.

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was detained at the Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow within minutes of landing, on Sunday. Navalny flew back to his home country, Russia, in a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday.

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was detained at the Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow within minutes of landing, on Sunday. Navalny flew back to his home country, Russia, in a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off. Also read| Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport While the Russian authorities had warned him of an imminent arrest, Navalny had shrugged off the possibility saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person." "I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added. Immediately after the news broke out, the Russian prison service, FSIN, confirmed that they have detained the 44-year-old Kremlin critic. He has been detained on "multiple violations" of a 2014 suspended sentence for fraud charges, adding that "he will be held in custody" until a court ruling, as per a statement issued by the prison service. Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh also confirmed the news of his detainment on Twitter saying, "Alexei was taken away by police officers at the border. With no explanation given." WATCH| His flight had been diverted to another airport in Moscow after hundreds of supporters rushed to the airport to welcome back the opposition leader. A Facebook event page has also been created in which nearly 2,000 people have expressed interest in greeting Navalny upon his return despite temperatures in Moscow hovering around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). His aides and associated had also been arrested by the Moscow police at the Vnukovo airport — where his flight was originally scheduled to land.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny detained at Moscow airport

A few hours after the dramatic arrest of the Kremlin critic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a>, the local police hurriedly organised a makeshift court hearing in Moscow, where he has now been sentenced to detention till February 15.

This decision was taken after during the hearing, the state prosecutors asked the judge to jail Navalny at least for 30 days.

Shortly after his sentencing, his team released a video in which Navalny can be seen urging his supporters to take to the streets to protest against the Putin-lef government. "Do not be silent. Resist. Take to the streets -- not for me, but for you," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-reaches-russia-allies-arrested-at-vnukovo-airport-357343">Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport</a>

Navalny had flown back to his home country, Russia, after spending five months in Germany where he was undergoing treatment.&nbsp;He was evacuated to Berlin after he was allegedly poisoned by the Kremlin using a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok — an accusation repeatedly denied by the Kremlin but confirmed by several international organisations and governments, including Germany.

The 44-year-old Kremlin critic labelled his condition to be a "mockery of justice" as he was brought into a makeshift courtroom at the police station in Khimki, on the outskirts of Moscow.&nbsp;

"I've seen a lot of mockery of justice... but they have ripped up and thrown away," he said. "This is impossible. It's ultimate lawlessness."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-not-afraid-us-eu-urge-russia-to-release-putin-critic-navalny-357385">'I am not afraid': US, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny</a>

Navalny flew into Russia on a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. &nbsp;However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off.

He was then detained by the Moscow Police at a border control post on the Sheremetyevo airport within an hour of landing.

Russia's prison service, FSIN, had, within minutes, confirmed his detention, and said he was taken into custody on "multiple violations" of a 2014 suspended sentence for fraud charges, adding that "he will be held in custody" until a court ruling.

While the Vladimir Putin-led government has been openly voicing their intentions to arrest the opposition leader, Navalny had shrugged off the possibility saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-detained-on-arrival-from-berlin-357477">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-detained-on-arrival-from-berlin-357477/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added.

He is also facing potential new criminal charges under a probe launched late last year by Russian investigators who say he misappropriated over $4 million worth of donations — a claim denied by the Kremlin critic.

Meanwhile, several Western governments have criticised Navalny's arrest claiming this to be an attempt to silence all anti-government voices. The Russian &nbsp;Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, once again, brushed off all accusations and asked the Western countries to "respect international law, do not encroach on national legislation of sovereign states and address problems in your own country."

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, too, slammed the media and other governments for commenting on the fight between Putin and Navalny's parties. "We should probably think about our image, but we're not young ladies going to a ball," he told local reporters.

A few hours after the dramatic arrest of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, the local police hurriedly organised a makeshift court hearing in Moscow, where he has now been sentenced to detention till February 15.

A few hours after the dramatic arrest of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, the local police hurriedly organised a makeshift court hearing in Moscow, where he has now been sentenced to detention till February 15. This decision was taken after during the hearing, the state prosecutors asked the judge to jail Navalny at least for 30 days. Shortly after his sentencing, his team released a video in which Navalny can be seen urging his supporters to take to the streets to protest against the Putin-lef government. "Do not be silent. Resist. Take to the streets -- not for me, but for you," he said. Also read| Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport Navalny had flown back to his home country, Russia, after spending five months in Germany where he was undergoing treatment. He was evacuated to Berlin after he was allegedly poisoned by the Kremlin using a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok — an accusation repeatedly denied by the Kremlin but confirmed by several international organisations and governments, including Germany. The 44-year-old Kremlin critic labelled his condition to be a "mockery of justice" as he was brought into a makeshift courtroom at the police station in Khimki, on the outskirts of Moscow. "I've seen a lot of mockery of justice... but they have ripped up and thrown away," he said. "This is impossible. It's ultimate lawlessness." Also read| 'I am not afraid': US, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny Navalny flew into Russia on a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off. He was then detained by the Moscow Police at a border control post on the Sheremetyevo airport within an hour of landing. Russia's prison service, FSIN, had, within minutes, confirmed his detention, and said he was taken into custody on "multiple violations" of a 2014 suspended sentence for fraud charges, adding that "he will be held in custody" until a court ruling. While the Vladimir Putin-led government has been openly voicing their intentions to arrest the opposition leader, Navalny had shrugged off the possibility saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person." WATCH| "I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added. He is also facing potential new criminal charges under a probe launched late last year by Russian investigators who say he misappropriated over $4 million worth of donations — a claim denied by the Kremlin critic. Meanwhile, several Western governments have criticised Navalny's arrest claiming this to be an attempt to silence all anti-government voices. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, once again, brushed off all accusations and asked the Western countries to "respect international law, do not encroach on national legislation of sovereign states and address problems in your own country." Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, too, slammed the media and other governments for commenting on the fight between Putin and Navalny's parties. "We should probably think about our image, but we're not young ladies going to a ball," he told local reporters.

Alexei Navalny to be detained until mid-Feb; calls his supporters to protest

A few hours after the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was arrested by the Russian government, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the Putin-led governent to reverse its decision.&nbsp;

"The chancellor condemns the arbitrary arrest of Mr Navalny... which violates the principles of the rule of law," Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters, saying Germany called on Russia "to release Mr Navalny immediately."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-labels-his-court-hearing-as-mockery-of-justice-in-moscow-357488">Alexei Navalny labels his court hearing as 'mockery of justice' in Moscow</a>

Navalny had been undergoing treatment in Germany after he was evacuated to Berlin from Russia following an alleged poisoning attack by the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The United States on Monday "strongly condemned" the arrest of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-detained-at-moscow-airport-357383">Navalny</a>,44, who arrived in Moscow from Germany after recovering from the poisoning incident last August.

Watch:

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"The United States strongly condemns Russia's decision to arrest Aleksey Navalny," US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said, adding, "We note with grave concern that his detention is the latest in a series of attempts to silence Navalny and other opposition figures and independent voices who are critical of Russian authorities."

Dominic Raab, the UK's Foreign Secretary took to Twitter to condemn the arrest saying, "It is appalling that Alexey Navalny, the victim of a despicable crime, has been detained by Russian authorities."

"Rather than persecuting Mr Navalny Russia should explain how a chemical weapon came to be used on Russian soil," he added.

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It is appalling that Alexey Navalny, the victim of a despicable crime, has been detained by Russian authorities. He must be immediately released. 
 
Rather than persecuting Mr Navalny Russia should explain how a chemical weapon came to be used on Russian soil.
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The French foreign ministry also joined the United States in supporting Navalny, saying: "France notes the arrest of Alexei Navalny in Russia with very strong concern, it said, adding, "along with its European partners, it is following his situation with the greatest vigilance and calls for his immediate release."&nbsp;

President-elect Joe Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, and European Council president Charles Michel also called for Navalny's release.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-reaches-russia-allies-arrested-at-vnukovo-airport-357343">Navalny</a> was detained in Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday less than an hour after flying in from Germany.

"Navalny should be immediately released, and the perpetrators of the outrageous attack on his life must be held accountable," Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan tweeted.

However, Russian foreign ministry said other governments should "respect international law" while slamming them saying: &nbsp;"deal with the problems in your own country".

As soon as he arrived, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Navalny </a>said: "I am not afraid... because I know that I'm in the right, I know that the criminal cases against me are fabricated." He was taken into custody by Russian authorities soon after.

A few hours after the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was arrested by the Russian government, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the Putin-led governent to reverse its decision.

A few hours after the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was arrested by the Russian government, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the Putin-led governent to reverse its decision. "The chancellor condemns the arbitrary arrest of Mr Navalny... which violates the principles of the rule of law," Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters, saying Germany called on Russia "to release Mr Navalny immediately." Also read| Alexei Navalny labels his court hearing as 'mockery of justice' in Moscow Navalny had been undergoing treatment in Germany after he was evacuated to Berlin from Russia following an alleged poisoning attack by the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The United States on Monday "strongly condemned" the arrest of Navalny,44, who arrived in Moscow from Germany after recovering from the poisoning incident last August. Watch: "The United States strongly condemns Russia's decision to arrest Aleksey Navalny," US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said, adding, "We note with grave concern that his detention is the latest in a series of attempts to silence Navalny and other opposition figures and independent voices who are critical of Russian authorities." Dominic Raab, the UK's Foreign Secretary took to Twitter to condemn the arrest saying, "It is appalling that Alexey Navalny, the victim of a despicable crime, has been detained by Russian authorities." "Rather than persecuting Mr Navalny Russia should explain how a chemical weapon came to be used on Russian soil," he added. It is appalling that Alexey Navalny, the victim of a despicable crime, has been detained by Russian authorities. He must be immediately released. Rather than persecuting Mr Navalny Russia should explain how a chemical weapon came to be used on Russian soil. — Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) January 18, 2021 × The French foreign ministry also joined the United States in supporting Navalny, saying: "France notes the arrest of Alexei Navalny in Russia with very strong concern, it said, adding, "along with its European partners, it is following his situation with the greatest vigilance and calls for his immediate release." President-elect Joe Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, and European Council president Charles Michel also called for Navalny's release. Navalny was detained in Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday less than an hour after flying in from Germany. "Navalny should be immediately released, and the perpetrators of the outrageous attack on his life must be held accountable," Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan tweeted. However, Russian foreign ministry said other governments should "respect international law" while slamming them saying: "deal with the problems in your own country". As soon as he arrived, Navalny said: "I am not afraid... because I know that I'm in the right, I know that the criminal cases against me are fabricated." He was taken into custody by Russian authorities soon after.

Germany's Merkel, US, UK, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny

The Kremlin critic &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a> has reached back to his home country, Russia, months after recovering from a poisoning attack carried out on him — allegedly by Kremlin.

Navalny had been in Germany for the past five months after he was flown there for treatment against a Soviet-era&nbsp;nerve agent Novichok.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-faces-arrest-as-he-flies-back-to-russia-357202">Kremlin critic Navalny faces arrest as he flies back to Russia</a>

He chose to fly a&nbsp;budget airline Pobeda&nbsp;from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at&nbsp;Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. His wife,&nbsp;Yulia, is also accompanying him. However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo&nbsp;airport within a few hours of take-off.

Meanwhile, he has been warned that the 44-year-old Kremlin critic faces the danger of&nbsp;imminent arrest upon his arrival in Moscow after he was&nbsp;put on a national wanted list.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-provides-manuscripts-of-navalnys-interviews-to-russia-357135">Germany provides manuscripts of Navalny's interviews to Russia</a>

Navalny has been named in the wanted list because&nbsp;Russia's prison service accuses him of not reporting to them at the end of last year in connection with a suspended sentence for embezzlement which he was serving out.

He has, however, shrugged the possibility of arrest saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person."

"I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-navalny-set-to-return-to-moscow-shrugs-risks-of-being-jailed-357245">WATCH|</a>

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A Facebook event page has also been created in which nearly 2,000 people have expressed interest in greeting&nbsp;Navalny upon his return despite temperatures in Moscow hovering around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).

He has left Berlin a day after the German government&nbsp;transmitted transcripts of interviews the German authorities&nbsp;conducted with Navalny after he was evacuated to Berlin in late August.

While the Russian government denies all accusations, several western&nbsp;international groups, including experts from Germany, conducted their own investigations and concluded he was poisoned by a nerve agent Novichok.

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has reached back to his home country, Russia, months after recovering from a poisoning attack carried out on him — allegedly by Kremlin.

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has reached back to his home country, Russia, months after recovering from a poisoning attack carried out on him — allegedly by Kremlin. Navalny had been in Germany for the past five months after he was flown there for treatment against a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok. Also read| Kremlin critic Navalny faces arrest as he flies back to Russia He chose to fly a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. His wife, Yulia, is also accompanying him. However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off. Meanwhile, he has been warned that the 44-year-old Kremlin critic faces the danger of imminent arrest upon his arrival in Moscow after he was put on a national wanted list. Also read| Germany provides manuscripts of Navalny's interviews to Russia Navalny has been named in the wanted list because Russia's prison service accuses him of not reporting to them at the end of last year in connection with a suspended sentence for embezzlement which he was serving out. He has, however, shrugged the possibility of arrest saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person." "I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added. WATCH| A Facebook event page has also been created in which nearly 2,000 people have expressed interest in greeting Navalny upon his return despite temperatures in Moscow hovering around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). He has left Berlin a day after the German government transmitted transcripts of interviews the German authorities conducted with Navalny after he was evacuated to Berlin in late August. While the Russian government denies all accusations, several western international groups, including experts from Germany, conducted their own investigations and concluded he was poisoned by a nerve agent Novichok.

Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport

Russia announced Monday that 1.5 million people around the world had received its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine as part of an initiative Kremlin critics have described as a geopolitical push.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which has financed the development of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, confirmed the figure to AFP without offering a breakdown of where the jab was distributed.

"We cannot say how many of them are in Russia and in the rest of the world," RDIF spokesman Arseny Palagin said, adding that individual nations could release data separately.

Russia became the first country last August to register a vaccine, months ahead of Western competitors, and Moscow has boasted of more than one billion orders for the jab abroad.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said this month that more than 800,000 Russians had received Sputnik and that 1.5 million doses had been distributed throughout the country of around 147 million.

But there is scepticism surrounding Moscow's virus statistics and health officials in December conceded that the death toll from the pandemic was nearly four times higher than previously reported.

An adviser to Russia's health minister said over the weekend that consultations with the World Health Organisation for the use of Sputnik in emergency situations would begin January 20.

The designation would allow Sputnik V to be distributed as part of the WHO's emergency rollout to countries struggling to source vaccines independently.

Russia has over recent months been battered by a second wave of the coronavirus but the Kremlin has held back on introducing sweeping restrictive measures like in the beginning of the pandemic.

Russian officials say however that new daily cases have been decreasing in recent days, dropping closer to 20,000.

On Monday, authorities reported a total of 3,425,269 infections and more than 62,000 deaths.

Russia announced Monday that 1.5 million people around the world had received its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine as part of an initiative Kremlin critics have described as a geopolitical push.

Russia announced Monday that 1.5 million people around the world had received its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine as part of an initiative Kremlin critics have described as a geopolitical push. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which has financed the development of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, confirmed the figure to AFP without offering a breakdown of where the jab was distributed. "We cannot say how many of them are in Russia and in the rest of the world," RDIF spokesman Arseny Palagin said, adding that individual nations could release data separately. Russia became the first country last August to register a vaccine, months ahead of Western competitors, and Moscow has boasted of more than one billion orders for the jab abroad. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said this month that more than 800,000 Russians had received Sputnik and that 1.5 million doses had been distributed throughout the country of around 147 million. But there is scepticism surrounding Moscow's virus statistics and health officials in December conceded that the death toll from the pandemic was nearly four times higher than previously reported. An adviser to Russia's health minister said over the weekend that consultations with the World Health Organisation for the use of Sputnik in emergency situations would begin January 20. The designation would allow Sputnik V to be distributed as part of the WHO's emergency rollout to countries struggling to source vaccines independently. Russia has over recent months been battered by a second wave of the coronavirus but the Kremlin has held back on introducing sweeping restrictive measures like in the beginning of the pandemic. Russian officials say however that new daily cases have been decreasing in recent days, dropping closer to 20,000. On Monday, authorities reported a total of 3,425,269 infections and more than 62,000 deaths.

Russia says 1.5 million vaccinated globally with Sputnik V

Amid surprise and condemnation of violence at Capitol Hill in early hours of Thursday (Indian time), America is faking a lot of flak for the unprecedented events. Latest in the list are USA's cold war nemesis Russia. On Thursday, a high ranking Russian official said that American democracy was "limping on both feet".

"The losing side has more than enough grounds to accuse the winner of falsifications -- it is clear that American democracy is limping on both feet," Konstantin Kosachyov, the chair of the Russian upper house's foreign affairs committee, said in a post on Facebook.

USA always prides itself for being a 'beacon of democracy' and have advocated democratic setup in countries abroad, the reputation seems to have taken a sound being after the violence at Capitol Hill.

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&nbsp;

"The celebration of democracy has ended. It has, unfortunately, hit rock bottom, and I say this without a hint of gloating," said Kosachyov

"America no longer charts the course and so has lost all right to set it. And, even more so, to impose it on others," he added.

Moscow has long bristled at US criticism of the state of Russian democracy under President Vladimir Putin, accusing Washington of hypocrisy and condescension.

The Kremlin has been accused of fostering those divisions with a campaign of interference and disinformation, including alleged attempts to disrupt the 2016 election in Trump's favour that prompted an FBI investigation.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-finally-concedes-defeat-pledges-orderly-transition-after-congress-affirms-biden-win-355120">Trump finally concedes defeat, pledges 'orderly transition' after Congress affirms Biden win</a>

There was no immediate reaction from Russian foreign ministry following events at Capitol Hill but pro-Kremiln lawmakers jumped at the unrest.

"The United States certainly cannot now impose electoral standards on other countries and claim to be the world's 'beacon of democracy'," the foreign affairs chief in the lower house, Leonid Slutsky, told Russian news agencies.

He said Washington was suffering after having promoted "colour revolutions" around the world, like anti-Moscow uprisings in Ukraine and Georgia and the recent protests in Belarus.

"The boomerang of the colour revolutions is turning back on the United States," Slutsky said. "All this threatens to turn into a crisis in the American system of power."

Others appeared to use the events to justify Moscow's domestic policies.&nbsp;

Anton Gorelkin, a lawmaker on the lower house telecommunications committee, praised Twitter and Facebook for suspending Trump's accounts, saying it showed the need to better control social media.

"Social networks must work under strict rules within a legal framework. Because absolute freedom of information is becoming a weapon in the hands of extremists," he said in a post on his Telegram channel.

(With AFP inputs)

Amid surprise and condemnation of violence at Capitol Hill in early hours of Thursday (Indian time), America is faking a lot of flak for the unprecedented events.

Amid surprise and condemnation of violence at Capitol Hill in early hours of Thursday (Indian time), America is faking a lot of flak for the unprecedented events. Latest in the list are USA's cold war nemesis Russia. On Thursday, a high ranking Russian official said that American democracy was "limping on both feet". "The losing side has more than enough grounds to accuse the winner of falsifications -- it is clear that American democracy is limping on both feet," Konstantin Kosachyov, the chair of the Russian upper house's foreign affairs committee, said in a post on Facebook. USA always prides itself for being a 'beacon of democracy' and have advocated democratic setup in countries abroad, the reputation seems to have taken a sound being after the violence at Capitol Hill. × "The celebration of democracy has ended. It has, unfortunately, hit rock bottom, and I say this without a hint of gloating," said Kosachyov "America no longer charts the course and so has lost all right to set it. And, even more so, to impose it on others," he added. Moscow has long bristled at US criticism of the state of Russian democracy under President Vladimir Putin, accusing Washington of hypocrisy and condescension. The Kremlin has been accused of fostering those divisions with a campaign of interference and disinformation, including alleged attempts to disrupt the 2016 election in Trump's favour that prompted an FBI investigation. Also Read | Trump finally concedes defeat, pledges 'orderly transition' after Congress affirms Biden win There was no immediate reaction from Russian foreign ministry following events at Capitol Hill but pro-Kremiln lawmakers jumped at the unrest. "The United States certainly cannot now impose electoral standards on other countries and claim to be the world's 'beacon of democracy'," the foreign affairs chief in the lower house, Leonid Slutsky, told Russian news agencies. He said Washington was suffering after having promoted "colour revolutions" around the world, like anti-Moscow uprisings in Ukraine and Georgia and the recent protests in Belarus. "The boomerang of the colour revolutions is turning back on the United States," Slutsky said. "All this threatens to turn into a crisis in the American system of power." Others appeared to use the events to justify Moscow's domestic policies. Anton Gorelkin, a lawmaker on the lower house telecommunications committee, praised Twitter and Facebook for suspending Trump's accounts, saying it showed the need to better control social media. "Social networks must work under strict rules within a legal framework. Because absolute freedom of information is becoming a weapon in the hands of extremists," he said in a post on his Telegram channel. (With AFP inputs)

US democracy is 'limping', say the Russians

India's multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russia-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on New Delhi, a US Congressional report has warned.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) - an independent and bipartisan research wing of US Congress - in its latest report to Congress, said India is "eager for more technology-sharing and co-production initiatives, while the United States urges more reforms in India's defence offsets policy and higher Foreign Direct Investment caps in its defence sector."

Prepared for the members of the Congress for them to take informed decisions, the report went on to warn that "India's multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russia-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on India under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act."

The CRS' reports are neither official reports of the US Congress nor reflect the view of Congressmen. They are prepared by independent experts for the lawmakers to take informed decisions.

In October 2018, India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, despite a warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions.

In 2019, India made the first tranche of payment of around $800 million to Russia for the missile systems.

The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.

Last month, Russia had said that implementation of its ongoing defence deals with India, including the supply of a batch of S-400 missile systems, is advancing well notwithstanding the threat of US sanctions.

At a press conference in New Delhi last month, Russian ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev appeared to criticise the US sanctions on Turkey for procuring the S-400 missile systems under a $2.5 billion deal, saying Moscow does not recognise such unilateral actions.

"We do not recognise or welcome unilateral sanctions as a language or tool or instrument of interstate or international relations, other than those applied by the UN Security Council," he said.

"As far as India is concerned, we share the same platform. India's position is also crystal clear. No sanctions are acknowledged other than those imposed by the UN Security Council. Whatever the future is, we believe that our ties could withstand the coming challenges," he said.

India's multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russia-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on New Delhi, a US Congressional report has warned.

India's multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russia-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on New Delhi, a US Congressional report has warned. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) - an independent and bipartisan research wing of US Congress - in its latest report to Congress, said India is "eager for more technology-sharing and co-production initiatives, while the United States urges more reforms in India's defence offsets policy and higher Foreign Direct Investment caps in its defence sector." Prepared for the members of the Congress for them to take informed decisions, the report went on to warn that "India's multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russia-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on India under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act." The CRS' reports are neither official reports of the US Congress nor reflect the view of Congressmen. They are prepared by independent experts for the lawmakers to take informed decisions. In October 2018, India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, despite a warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions. In 2019, India made the first tranche of payment of around $800 million to Russia for the missile systems. The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. Last month, Russia had said that implementation of its ongoing defence deals with India, including the supply of a batch of S-400 missile systems, is advancing well notwithstanding the threat of US sanctions. At a press conference in New Delhi last month, Russian ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev appeared to criticise the US sanctions on Turkey for procuring the S-400 missile systems under a $2.5 billion deal, saying Moscow does not recognise such unilateral actions. "We do not recognise or welcome unilateral sanctions as a language or tool or instrument of interstate or international relations, other than those applied by the UN Security Council," he said. "As far as India is concerned, we share the same platform. India's position is also crystal clear. No sanctions are acknowledged other than those imposed by the UN Security Council. Whatever the future is, we believe that our ties could withstand the coming challenges," he said.

India's S-400 missile deal with Russia may trigger US sanctions: Report

More than 800,000 Russians have been inoculated against coronavirus, said Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko on Saturday. He added that more than 1.5 million vaccine doses have been dispatched. Russia has world's fourth-highest number of COVID-19 cases.

Russia began rolling out Sputnik V vaccine in early December. It will now issue electronic vaccination certificates to people who will receive the vaccine from January 1 onwards. The ministry is keeping a database of Russians who have been vaccinated, TASS reported.

The Sputnik V vaccine, which Russia already started supplying to other countries, is administered in two doses, which use different components, 21 days apart.

Russia sent 300,000 doses of the vaccine to Argentina last week, causing frustration at home, with some people arguing that more shots should be made available at home.

On Saturday, Russia reported 26,301 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking its total caseload to 3,212,637.

Authorities said 447 people had died in the past 24 hours, taking the official death toll to 58,002.

(With Reuters inputs)

More than 800,000 Russians have been inoculated against coronavirus, said Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko on Saturday. He added that more than 1.5 million vaccine doses have been dispatched.

More than 800,000 Russians have been inoculated against coronavirus, said Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko on Saturday. He added that more than 1.5 million vaccine doses have been dispatched. Russia has world's fourth-highest number of COVID-19 cases. Russia began rolling out Sputnik V vaccine in early December. It will now issue electronic vaccination certificates to people who will receive the vaccine from January 1 onwards. The ministry is keeping a database of Russians who have been vaccinated, TASS reported. The Sputnik V vaccine, which Russia already started supplying to other countries, is administered in two doses, which use different components, 21 days apart. Russia sent 300,000 doses of the vaccine to Argentina last week, causing frustration at home, with some people arguing that more shots should be made available at home. On Saturday, Russia reported 26,301 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking its total caseload to 3,212,637. Authorities said 447 people had died in the past 24 hours, taking the official death toll to 58,002. (With Reuters inputs)

Russia inoculates 800,000 people, will now issue certificates

The notorious Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the knife attack that took place in Russia's&nbsp;southern Chechnya region in which one policeman was killed, a local newspaper reported on Friday morning.

On Monday,&nbsp;two assailants had attacked a policeman with knives, leading to his death, and had also injured one other police officer, who is now in a stable condition, the local police department reported.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-half-of-chinese-population-believes-russia-is-its-most-important-ally-353606">Over half of Chinese population believes Russia is its most important ally</a>

The local police officials were able to contain the 'terrorist' attack by killing the&nbsp;two assailants on the scene of the crime itself. No civilian casualty was reported.&nbsp;

"On Monday, two terrorists armed with knives attempted to seize the weapons of the patrol police officers who were serving in the centre of Grozny," said Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. "I express my deep condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of the heroically deceased police officer."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-angry-mob-attacks-and-sets-fire-to-hindu-temple-in-pakistan-353697">WATCH|</a>

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The area has been a key area of tension for the past few years.&nbsp;The poor and mainly Muslim region has seen previous attacks on security officials and an insurgency since Moscow fought two wars with separatists after the 1991 Soviet Union breakup.

Assailants were, reportedly, two bothers from the neighbouring area of&nbsp;Ingushetia. The two brothers are reported to be employees of a local bakery, and were shot dead by the police officers on the crime scene while they were trying to seize the weapons.

While the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, the terror group has not provided any evidence for the same.

The notorious Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the knife attack that took place in Russia's southern Chechnya region in which one policeman was killed, a local newspaper reported on Friday morning.

The notorious Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the knife attack that took place in Russia's southern Chechnya region in which one policeman was killed, a local newspaper reported on Friday morning. On Monday, two assailants had attacked a policeman with knives, leading to his death, and had also injured one other police officer, who is now in a stable condition, the local police department reported. Also read| Over half of Chinese population believes Russia is its most important ally The local police officials were able to contain the 'terrorist' attack by killing the two assailants on the scene of the crime itself. No civilian casualty was reported. "On Monday, two terrorists armed with knives attempted to seize the weapons of the patrol police officers who were serving in the centre of Grozny," said Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. "I express my deep condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of the heroically deceased police officer." WATCH| × The area has been a key area of tension for the past few years. The poor and mainly Muslim region has seen previous attacks on security officials and an insurgency since Moscow fought two wars with separatists after the 1991 Soviet Union breakup. Assailants were, reportedly, two bothers from the neighbouring area of Ingushetia. The two brothers are reported to be employees of a local bakery, and were shot dead by the police officers on the crime scene while they were trying to seize the weapons. While the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, the terror group has not provided any evidence for the same.

Islamic State claims responsibility for Russia's knife attack

When we say the words 'ice age' and 'woolly', the first image that captures our imagination is that of a huge animal with tusks and trunks. The imagery of Mammoths has been made popular by movies and documentaries. But its often hard to wrap our heads around an alive battletank covered in soft fluffy wool. Well, we need to get used to it. A woolly rhinoceros has been found well-preserved in Russian permafrost.

While its a bit alarming to note that permafrost in Arctic is melting fast thanks to global warming, the receding ice sheets are throwing up surprises that is furthering our understanding of nature.

Woolly rhinos roamed Siberian hinterlands in Russia about 12,000 years ago. And one of them has been found in diamond-producing region in Yakutia.

When a plant or an aninal is preserved in permafrost, or permanent ice sheets, has a great chance of being well-preseved for thousands of years. The woolly rhino found in Russia has been found with all its limbs, its wool, tusk and some organs preserved. This is a rarity for such a find.

Valery Plotnikov, a scientist was quoted by local media as saying that the rhino may have lived in late Pleistocene era that ended 11,700 years ago. There are marks on its tusk that suggest that it used it to find food.

When we say the words 'ice age' and 'woolly', the first image that captures our imagination is that of a huge animal with tusks and trunks. The imagery of Mammoths has been made popular by movies and documentaries.

When we say the words 'ice age' and 'woolly', the first image that captures our imagination is that of a huge animal with tusks and trunks. The imagery of Mammoths has been made popular by movies and documentaries. But its often hard to wrap our heads around an alive battletank covered in soft fluffy wool. Well, we need to get used to it. A woolly rhinoceros has been found well-preserved in Russian permafrost. While its a bit alarming to note that permafrost in Arctic is melting fast thanks to global warming, the receding ice sheets are throwing up surprises that is furthering our understanding of nature. Woolly rhinos roamed Siberian hinterlands in Russia about 12,000 years ago. And one of them has been found in diamond-producing region in Yakutia. When a plant or an aninal is preserved in permafrost, or permanent ice sheets, has a great chance of being well-preseved for thousands of years. The woolly rhino found in Russia has been found with all its limbs, its wool, tusk and some organs preserved. This is a rarity for such a find. Valery Plotnikov, a scientist was quoted by local media as saying that the rhino may have lived in late Pleistocene era that ended 11,700 years ago. There are marks on its tusk that suggest that it used it to find food.

Move over mammoths, a woolly rhino has been found well- preserved in Russian permafrost

A day after Russian and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinas-new-carrier-rocket-long-march-8-makes-maiden-flight-351609">Chinese</a> jets entered South Korean air space, the Chinese foreign ministry said the joint military cooperation wasn't "aimed at any third party".

Watch:

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"This mission is a project of the annual cooperation plan of the Chinese and Russian armed forces. It is not aimed at any third party," the Chinese foreign ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-scrambles-jets-as-chinese-russian-aircraft-enter-airspace-351595">Also Read:&nbsp;South Korea scrambles jets as Chinese, Russian aircraft enter airspace</a>

South Korea had said on Tuesday that it scambled jets after Russian and Chinese jets entered the Korea Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ).

According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), four Chinese jets reportedly entered its air space followed by 15 Russian aircraft.

However, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zao Lijian said: "During this operation, the Chinese and Russian military aircrafts strictly abided by relevant provisions of the international law, and did not enter the airspace of other countries."

The South Korean military said the Chinese military had informed about its planes carrying out routine training before it entered the KADIZ. The South Korean Air Force then launched its aircraft to take tactical measures.

China's Defence Ministry had said that H-6K bombers had taken part in the "joint patrol" with two Russian Tu-95 aircraft.&nbsp;

South Korean agencies said the country's foreign ministry had contacted Russia and China and warned them that a similar incident should not recur in the future.

A day after Russian and Chinese jets entered South Korean air space, the Chinese foreign ministry said the joint military cooperation wasn't "aimed at any third party".

A day after Russian and Chinese jets entered South Korean air space, the Chinese foreign ministry said the joint military cooperation wasn't "aimed at any third party". Watch: "This mission is a project of the annual cooperation plan of the Chinese and Russian armed forces. It is not aimed at any third party," the Chinese foreign ministry said. Also Read: South Korea scrambles jets as Chinese, Russian aircraft enter airspace South Korea had said on Tuesday that it scambled jets after Russian and Chinese jets entered the Korea Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ). According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), four Chinese jets reportedly entered its air space followed by 15 Russian aircraft. However, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zao Lijian said: "During this operation, the Chinese and Russian military aircrafts strictly abided by relevant provisions of the international law, and did not enter the airspace of other countries." The South Korean military said the Chinese military had informed about its planes carrying out routine training before it entered the KADIZ. The South Korean Air Force then launched its aircraft to take tactical measures. China's Defence Ministry had said that H-6K bombers had taken part in the "joint patrol" with two Russian Tu-95 aircraft. South Korean agencies said the country's foreign ministry had contacted Russia and China and warned them that a similar incident should not recur in the future.

South Korean air space violation: Military cooperation with Russia not aimed at any third party, says China

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed legislation that will grant former presidents lifetime immunity once they leave office. The former presidents will also be exempt from questioning from police or investigators as well as searches or arrests. The legislation was part of constitutional amendments that were approved this summer in a nationwide vote that allow Putin, 68, to remain president until 2036.

Before this bill, former presidents were immune from prosecution only for crimes committed while in office.

Now a former president can still be stripped of immunity if accused of treason or other grave crimes and the charges are confirmed by the Supreme and Constitutional courts.

But the legislation Putin signed on Tuesday will additionally grant former presidents a lifetime seat in the Federation Council or senate, a position that assures immunity from prosecution upon leaving the presidency.&nbsp;

Last month the pending bills sparked rumours that the longtime Russian leader is planning to step down because of poor health -- a claim the Kremlin denied.

On Tuesday the lower house State Duma passed legislation making information about employees of Russia's judicial system, law enforcement and regulatory and military bodies confidential.

The bill now requires Putin's signature to become law, a step that is considered a formality.

It comes a day after opposition figure Alexei Navalny said he telephoned an alleged security agent and tricked him into admitting the Federal Security Service (FSB) tried to kill him in August by poisoning.

Navalny said he had gained access to the security agent's phone number from leaked logs and travel records. 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed legislation that will grant former presidents lifetime immunity once they leave office. The former presidents will also be exempt from questioning from police or investigators as well as searches or arrests.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed legislation that will grant former presidents lifetime immunity once they leave office. The former presidents will also be exempt from questioning from police or investigators as well as searches or arrests. The legislation was part of constitutional amendments that were approved this summer in a nationwide vote that allow Putin, 68, to remain president until 2036. Before this bill, former presidents were immune from prosecution only for crimes committed while in office. Now a former president can still be stripped of immunity if accused of treason or other grave crimes and the charges are confirmed by the Supreme and Constitutional courts. But the legislation Putin signed on Tuesday will additionally grant former presidents a lifetime seat in the Federation Council or senate, a position that assures immunity from prosecution upon leaving the presidency. Last month the pending bills sparked rumours that the longtime Russian leader is planning to step down because of poor health -- a claim the Kremlin denied. On Tuesday the lower house State Duma passed legislation making information about employees of Russia's judicial system, law enforcement and regulatory and military bodies confidential. The bill now requires Putin's signature to become law, a step that is considered a formality. It comes a day after opposition figure Alexei Navalny said he telephoned an alleged security agent and tricked him into admitting the Federal Security Service (FSB) tried to kill him in August by poisoning. Navalny said he had gained access to the security agent's phone number from leaked logs and travel records.

Putin signs bill awarding former presidents lifetime immunity

After harsh criticism and penalties from the European Union towards the Russian government, over the alleged poisoning of the opposition leader&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Russia has decided to impose travel bans on several EU representatives.

Kremlin has "decided to&nbsp;expand the list of representatives of EU member states and institutions who will be denied entry to the Russian Federation," Russia foreign ministry said.

The sanctions have come in after the Russian government summoned several senior diplomats from three countries of the European Union. These countries are the ones that supported the claims of Navalny being poisoned with Novichok by Kremlin in August.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-fsb-spy-admits-putting-poison-in-underwear-351485">WATCH|</a>

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Three countries named by Kremlin in this ban are Germany, France and Sweden, whose representatives were summoned by the Russian government in "connection with the introduction of EU anti-Russian sanctions".

This statement by the Russian authorities has come a day after Navalny claimed of tricking a Russian agent into admitting that the&nbsp;Federal Security Service (FSB) did in fact try to poison him by placing the poison in his underwear. However, these claims by Navalny were rubbished by the FSB officials who called these allegations as "fake" and on the other hand alleged him of taking&nbsp;foreign intelligence services' aid to make these allegations against Kremlin.

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said also labelled Navalny to be a "sick" man who has "delusions of persecution" and said he exhibits "traits of megalomania".

The Kremlin also took a hit at the opposition leader and said he suffers from&nbsp;psychological complexes surrounding authority and power.

After harsh criticism and penalties from the European Union towards the Russian government, over the alleged poisoning of the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Russia has decided to impose travel bans on several EU representatives.

After harsh criticism and penalties from the European Union towards the Russian government, over the alleged poisoning of the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Russia has decided to impose travel bans on several EU representatives. Kremlin has "decided to expand the list of representatives of EU member states and institutions who will be denied entry to the Russian Federation," Russia foreign ministry said. The sanctions have come in after the Russian government summoned several senior diplomats from three countries of the European Union. These countries are the ones that supported the claims of Navalny being poisoned with Novichok by Kremlin in August. WATCH| × Three countries named by Kremlin in this ban are Germany, France and Sweden, whose representatives were summoned by the Russian government in "connection with the introduction of EU anti-Russian sanctions". This statement by the Russian authorities has come a day after Navalny claimed of tricking a Russian agent into admitting that the Federal Security Service (FSB) did in fact try to poison him by placing the poison in his underwear. However, these claims by Navalny were rubbished by the FSB officials who called these allegations as "fake" and on the other hand alleged him of taking foreign intelligence services' aid to make these allegations against Kremlin. On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said also labelled Navalny to be a "sick" man who has "delusions of persecution" and said he exhibits "traits of megalomania". The Kremlin also took a hit at the opposition leader and said he suffers from psychological complexes surrounding authority and power.

Russia imposes travel ban on EU representatives over Navalny controversy

In the backdrop of the Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov raising question over Indo Pacific and Quad, top Russian diplomats in Delhi has said Moscow does understand, "India's national concept on Indo pacific" but sees Quad as "detrimental" due to lack of inclusivity.&nbsp;

Russian Envoy Nikolay R. Kudashev said, “As far as the Indian ocean initiative, raised by PM Modi, we have no problem with Indian vision". Adding, "We offer a unifying agenda a concept of larger Eurasian partnership which could and we should bring 2 ends together, the Russian vision, the Chinese vision, the Indian vision. The alternative is the lines of division.”

Recently during his remarks at the general meeting of the Russian International Affairs Council, Russian FM Lavrov also mentioned Indo Pacific and quad terming them anti-China. While China sees Indo Pacific and quad very suspiciously, Moscow isn't keen either on it, given it backed by Washington and the west.&nbsp;

Russian Deputy Envoy Roman N. Babushkin pointed out, "while understanding and recognizing the Indian national concept for Indo pacific, let us don't forget about, no unified vision for Indo Pacific currently because we know many countries do promote their own Indo pacific visions.”

Calling mechanism "non-inclusive" and "apprehensions about the intentions" Roman explained, they "threaten to jeopardies regional cooperation, for example, ASEAN centrality and ASEAN unity and that Quad will be detrimental to the inclusive dialogue to the region."

Russia, India ties are much celebrated and historically close. Both PM Modi and President Putin spoke 4 times this year and have annual summits that alternate between the 2 countries. Earlier this year, both Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had visited Russia amidst the pandemic to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence and foreign ministers meet.

Asked about ties between India and China, the Russian envoy said, "As a friend to both India and China we would welcome enhanced dialogue between Delhi and Beijing" and "this is the key in reaching progress in the ties and regional security and stability"

The Moscow meets saw, Indian and Chinese defence and foreign ministers meet. After India and Chinese foreign minister meet, both countries came out with 5 points joint statement to diffuse the heightened tension.&nbsp;

The envoy also spoke the S400 sanctions by America, saying, "it is hard to predict and let the Biden administration first announce publicly its stance...otherwise, we do not recognize unilateral sanctions as....interstate relations"

Trump administration had imposed sanctions on Turkey for buying the S400 system from Russia. India will also get the system soon, raising fears of possible American sanctions.

In the backdrop of the Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov raising question over Indo Pacific and Quad, top Russian diplomats in Delhi has said Moscow does understand, "India's national concept on Indo pacific" but sees Quad as "detrimental" due to lack of inclusivity.

In the backdrop of the Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov raising question over Indo Pacific and Quad, top Russian diplomats in Delhi has said Moscow does understand, "India's national concept on Indo pacific" but sees Quad as "detrimental" due to lack of inclusivity. Russian Envoy Nikolay R. Kudashev said, “As far as the Indian ocean initiative, raised by PM Modi, we have no problem with Indian vision". Adding, "We offer a unifying agenda a concept of larger Eurasian partnership which could and we should bring 2 ends together, the Russian vision, the Chinese vision, the Indian vision. The alternative is the lines of division.” Recently during his remarks at the general meeting of the Russian International Affairs Council, Russian FM Lavrov also mentioned Indo Pacific and quad terming them anti-China. While China sees Indo Pacific and quad very suspiciously, Moscow isn't keen either on it, given it backed by Washington and the west. Russian Deputy Envoy Roman N. Babushkin pointed out, "while understanding and recognizing the Indian national concept for Indo pacific, let us don't forget about, no unified vision for Indo Pacific currently because we know many countries do promote their own Indo pacific visions.” Calling mechanism "non-inclusive" and "apprehensions about the intentions" Roman explained, they "threaten to jeopardies regional cooperation, for example, ASEAN centrality and ASEAN unity and that Quad will be detrimental to the inclusive dialogue to the region." Russia, India ties are much celebrated and historically close. Both PM Modi and President Putin spoke 4 times this year and have annual summits that alternate between the 2 countries. Earlier this year, both Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had visited Russia amidst the pandemic to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence and foreign ministers meet. Asked about ties between India and China, the Russian envoy said, "As a friend to both India and China we would welcome enhanced dialogue between Delhi and Beijing" and "this is the key in reaching progress in the ties and regional security and stability" The Moscow meets saw, Indian and Chinese defence and foreign ministers meet. After India and Chinese foreign minister meet, both countries came out with 5 points joint statement to diffuse the heightened tension. The envoy also spoke the S400 sanctions by America, saying, "it is hard to predict and let the Biden administration first announce publicly its stance...otherwise, we do not recognize unilateral sanctions as....interstate relations" Trump administration had imposed sanctions on Turkey for buying the S400 system from Russia. India will also get the system soon, raising fears of possible American sanctions.

Understand Indian concept on Indo-Pacific, but Quad detrimental to inclusivity: Russia

In yet another attack from US President Donald Trump's own party members, Republican Party Senator Mitt Romney said that Trump had a "blind spot" when it came to Russia. Romney also said that the recent cyber attack against the US Government was "extraordinarily damaging"

"We've come to recognize that the president has a blind spot when it comes to Russia," Romney said on NBC's "Meet the Press," one of a series of Sunday morning TV interviews.

US officials and researchers say they believe at least half-a-dozen U.S. government agencies have been infiltrated and thousands of companies infected with malware in what appears to be one of the biggest such hacks ever uncovered.

Trump acknowledged the hack on Saturday that is, almost a week after its report in Reuters. Trump downplayed the gravity of the attack and questioned whether Russians were to blame.

US Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on ABC that the cyberattack could be ongoing and that officials had not yet determined its full scope.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-is-now-declaring-biden-as-election-winner-on-trumps-own-tweets-about-fraud-351068">Twitter is now declaring Biden as election winner - on Trump's own tweets about fraud</a>

Both Warner and Romney said the United States must respond to the incident.

The team of President-elect Joe Biden, a Democrat, will consider several options to punish Russia over its suspected role once he takes office, from financial sanctions to cyberattacks on Russian infrastructure, people familiar with the matter say.

(With Reuters&nbsp;inputs)

In yet another attack from US President Donald Trump's own party members, Republican Party Senator Mitt Romney said that Trump had a "blind spot" when it came to Russia.

In yet another attack from US President Donald Trump's own party members, Republican Party Senator Mitt Romney said that Trump had a "blind spot" when it came to Russia. Romney also said that the recent cyber attack against the US Government was "extraordinarily damaging" "We've come to recognize that the president has a blind spot when it comes to Russia," Romney said on NBC's "Meet the Press," one of a series of Sunday morning TV interviews. US officials and researchers say they believe at least half-a-dozen U.S. government agencies have been infiltrated and thousands of companies infected with malware in what appears to be one of the biggest such hacks ever uncovered. Trump acknowledged the hack on Saturday that is, almost a week after its report in Reuters. Trump downplayed the gravity of the attack and questioned whether Russians were to blame. US Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on ABC that the cyberattack could be ongoing and that officials had not yet determined its full scope. Also Read | Twitter is now declaring Biden as election winner - on Trump's own tweets about fraud Both Warner and Romney said the United States must respond to the incident. The team of President-elect Joe Biden, a Democrat, will consider several options to punish Russia over its suspected role once he takes office, from financial sanctions to cyberattacks on Russian infrastructure, people familiar with the matter say. (With Reuters inputs)

Trump has a 'blind spot' when it comes to Russia: Mitt Romney

World Athletics had said that it would decide whether to allow Russian athletes to compete as `Authorised Neutral Athletes` (ANA) in international competitions in its next council meeting in March 2021, or earlier. 
 
Russia was banned from competing in international competitions for the next two years, including the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, through a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). CAS`s ruling is a reduction from the initial four-year ban the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had imposed. 
 
"World Athletics is pleased that CAS`s decision was guided by the international standard which World Athletics helped to set following the stand the sport took in 2016," said World Athletics in a statement. 
 
Athletics` global governing body said that the decision does not change its process on dealing with the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF). 
 
"For the sake of clarity, the decision by CAS today does not change the process that World Athletics has been going through with RusAF over the last five years. The World Athletics Council will consider whether to allow Russian athletes to compete again as ANA in international competitions (including allowing up to 10 ANAs to participate in World Athletics Series events and the Tokyo Olympic Games) at its next meeting, in March 2021, or earlier if the Taskforce so recommends, based on the progress made by RusAF," it said. 
 
Russia will miss the Tokyo Olympic Games and Beijing Winter Olympic Games as the CAS imposed a two-year ban on the country on Thursday. The final decision from CAS resulted from a secret arbitration hearing between WADA and the Russian Anti-Doping Agency last month. 
 
Russian athletes will still be allowed to compete at international tournaments, but only as neutrals.

World Athletics had said that it would decide whether to allow Russian athletes to compete as `Authorised Neutral Athletes` (ANA) in international competitions in its next council meeting in March 2021, or earlier.

World Athletics had said that it would decide whether to allow Russian athletes to compete as `Authorised Neutral Athletes` (ANA) in international competitions in its next council meeting in March 2021, or earlier. Russia was banned from competing in international competitions for the next two years, including the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, through a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). CAS`s ruling is a reduction from the initial four-year ban the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had imposed. "World Athletics is pleased that CAS`s decision was guided by the international standard which World Athletics helped to set following the stand the sport took in 2016," said World Athletics in a statement. Athletics` global governing body said that the decision does not change its process on dealing with the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF). "For the sake of clarity, the decision by CAS today does not change the process that World Athletics has been going through with RusAF over the last five years. The World Athletics Council will consider whether to allow Russian athletes to compete again as ANA in international competitions (including allowing up to 10 ANAs to participate in World Athletics Series events and the Tokyo Olympic Games) at its next meeting, in March 2021, or earlier if the Taskforce so recommends, based on the progress made by RusAF," it said. Russia will miss the Tokyo Olympic Games and Beijing Winter Olympic Games as the CAS imposed a two-year ban on the country on Thursday. The final decision from CAS resulted from a secret arbitration hearing between WADA and the Russian Anti-Doping Agency last month. Russian athletes will still be allowed to compete at international tournaments, but only as neutrals.

CAS verdict doesn't change our process with Russia: World Athletics

The United States government has suffered a major hack last night in which&nbsp;12 federal agencies and 18,000 users have been compromised.

However, the breach is far more serious than what many had imagined as the US nuclear&nbsp;weapons agency was hacked too.

The American Energy Department and the American national nuclear security administration were hit by a cyber attack. The significance of these two being hit is that&nbsp;these agencies maintain America's nuclear stockpile.

The US Energy Department has issued a statement claiming&nbsp;the hack didn't affect "mission-essential national security functions." This means&nbsp;that America's nukes are safe, but it also underlines the fact that they are also&nbsp;vulnerable and this cyber attack is proof.

Have a look|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/solarwinds-compromised-how-hackers-attacked-software-used-by-us-government-departments-350763#hacked-via-security-software-350744">SolarWinds compromised: How hackers attacked software used by US government departments</a>

It has hit the highest offices and departments in America such as the US&nbsp;State Department, the department of homeland security, the Pentagon and now the US Nuclear Weapons Agency.

Hackers targeted the highest levels of American government; they were all compromised.

American investigators are blaming Russia for the hack but&nbsp;the bigger question that arises here is how&nbsp;did the hackers break the American government firewalls?

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-says-it-found-malicious-software-in-its-systems-350610" hreflang="en">Microsoft says it found malicious software in its systems</a>

The hackers made move way back in March which&nbsp;went on for months. They broke into Solarwinds which is a Texas-based IT&nbsp;management company. It serves several government agencies and many private companies that are on the Fortune 500 list. Microsoft, too, was targetted in this breach and some of its products were reportedly used to attack the victims.

How did the hackers get in?

The hackers&nbsp;corrupted the code of the SolarWinds software. So, when the company sent software updates to government systems — similar to ones people receive on phones and computers. As a result, 18,000 people downloaded a corrupted update and the&nbsp;update exposed their systems.

Microsoft's breach had a similar pattern. It has identified 40 victims which includes government agencies, companies and think tanks. Nearly half of them are private technology companies.

"This latest cyber-assault is effectively an attack on the united states and its government and other critical institutions, including security firms,"&nbsp;Microsoft said in a statement.

American investigators say the hackers had access to government emails and systems for months. It is still not clear how many emails or other systems they accessed.

American has for long self-patted their backs and claimed to be the world leader in technology. However, this breach has come as an embarrassment for America as the superpower seems to have failed to protect its own digital infrastructure and the top levels of its government.

It not only failed to prevent the attack, but it also failed to detect the attack as the cyberattack was not discovered by government officials, but by a private firm called&nbsp;FireEye. This is a private cybersecurity firm which was the first to raise the red flag because this company too was breached.

A report describes FireEye as the "First call for government agencies and companies around the world" when they fear they have been attacked. This time, however, FireEye&nbsp;itself was breached.

With this was the level of sophistication, the goal of the hackers seems to have been espionage.

The United States hasn't officially blamed Russia yet but investigators have found Russian fingerprints all over this breach. Moscow, however, as&nbsp;always is rejecting the charge.

Cyber tools that have never been seen before were used in this attack which raises&nbsp;concerns about the extent and the depth of this hacking because if they were able to go undetected for months, they could have potentially used their access to shut down systems, corrupt or even destroy data.

The United States government has suffered a major hack last night in which 12 federal agencies and 18,000 users have been compromised. However, the breach is far more serious than what many had imagined as the US nuclear weapons agency was hacked too.

The United States government has suffered a major hack last night in which 12 federal agencies and 18,000 users have been compromised. However, the breach is far more serious than what many had imagined as the US nuclear weapons agency was hacked too. The American Energy Department and the American national nuclear security administration were hit by a cyber attack. The significance of these two being hit is that these agencies maintain America's nuclear stockpile. The US Energy Department has issued a statement claiming the hack didn't affect "mission-essential national security functions." This means that America's nukes are safe, but it also underlines the fact that they are also vulnerable and this cyber attack is proof. Have a look| SolarWinds compromised: How hackers attacked software used by US government departments It has hit the highest offices and departments in America such as the US State Department, the department of homeland security, the Pentagon and now the US Nuclear Weapons Agency. Hackers targeted the highest levels of American government; they were all compromised. American investigators are blaming Russia for the hack but the bigger question that arises here is how did the hackers break the American government firewalls? Also read| Microsoft says it found malicious software in its systems The hackers made move way back in March which went on for months. They broke into Solarwinds which is a Texas-based IT management company. It serves several government agencies and many private companies that are on the Fortune 500 list. Microsoft, too, was targetted in this breach and some of its products were reportedly used to attack the victims. How did the hackers get in? The hackers corrupted the code of the SolarWinds software. So, when the company sent software updates to government systems — similar to ones people receive on phones and computers. As a result, 18,000 people downloaded a corrupted update and the update exposed their systems. Microsoft's breach had a similar pattern. It has identified 40 victims which includes government agencies, companies and think tanks. Nearly half of them are private technology companies. "This latest cyber-assault is effectively an attack on the united states and its government and other critical institutions, including security firms," Microsoft said in a statement. American investigators say the hackers had access to government emails and systems for months. It is still not clear how many emails or other systems they accessed. American has for long self-patted their backs and claimed to be the world leader in technology. However, this breach has come as an embarrassment for America as the superpower seems to have failed to protect its own digital infrastructure and the top levels of its government. It not only failed to prevent the attack, but it also failed to detect the attack as the cyberattack was not discovered by government officials, but by a private firm called FireEye. This is a private cybersecurity firm which was the first to raise the red flag because this company too was breached. A report describes FireEye as the "First call for government agencies and companies around the world" when they fear they have been attacked. This time, however, FireEye itself was breached. With this was the level of sophistication, the goal of the hackers seems to have been espionage. The United States hasn't officially blamed Russia yet but investigators have found Russian fingerprints all over this breach. Moscow, however, as always is rejecting the charge. Cyber tools that have never been seen before were used in this attack which raises concerns about the extent and the depth of this hacking because if they were able to go undetected for months, they could have potentially used their access to shut down systems, corrupt or even destroy data.

Hackers breach US government departments; world questions US' cybersecurity

Russia is set to miss Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics after their ban from all major sporting events following a doping scandal has been cut half to two years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday.

The two-year ban still stops Russia from competing in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, scheduled to be held in 2021 and FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Notably, Russia was initially handed a four-year ban by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

CAS said that the reduction of the ban should not be taken “as any validation” of Russia’s conduct.’

Russia's ban will now be upto December 16, 2022.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-mahomes-to-giannis-athletes-with-biggest-contracts-in-sporting-history-350214" hreflang="en">From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history</a>

Earlier, WADA declared Russia's Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) as non-compliant for manipulating lab data given to the investigators in January 2019. Russia was asked to provide data to WADA as a condition of its reinstatement in 2018, which itself was controversial, after a three-year suspension for a doping scandal.

"The panel has imposed consequences to reflect the nature and seriousness of the non-compliance and to ensure that the integrity of sport against the scourge of doping is maintained," said Cas, which announced the ruling on Thursday.

"It has considered matters of proportionality and, in particular, the need to effect cultural change and encourage the next generation of Russian athletes to participate in clean international sport."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-taking-the-knee-to-joining-protests-athletes-who-contributed-to-black-lives-matter-movement-349554" hreflang="en">From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement</a>

Russia will unable to host international events during their two-year ban.&nbsp;

Notably, athletes who can prove that they were not part of the doping scandal are free to compete under a neutral flag.

As many as 168 Russian athletes competed under neutral flag at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Since 2016, Russia has been banned from competing as a nation in athletics.

Russia is set to miss Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics after their ban from all major sporting events following a doping scandal has been cut half to two years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday.

Russia is set to miss Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics after their ban from all major sporting events following a doping scandal has been cut half to two years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday. The two-year ban still stops Russia from competing in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, scheduled to be held in 2021 and FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Notably, Russia was initially handed a four-year ban by the World Anti-Doping Agency. CAS said that the reduction of the ban should not be taken “as any validation” of Russia’s conduct.’ Russia's ban will now be upto December 16, 2022. ALSO READ: From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history Earlier, WADA declared Russia's Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) as non-compliant for manipulating lab data given to the investigators in January 2019. Russia was asked to provide data to WADA as a condition of its reinstatement in 2018, which itself was controversial, after a three-year suspension for a doping scandal. "The panel has imposed consequences to reflect the nature and seriousness of the non-compliance and to ensure that the integrity of sport against the scourge of doping is maintained," said Cas, which announced the ruling on Thursday. "It has considered matters of proportionality and, in particular, the need to effect cultural change and encourage the next generation of Russian athletes to participate in clean international sport." ALSO READ: From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement Russia will unable to host international events during their two-year ban. Notably, athletes who can prove that they were not part of the doping scandal are free to compete under a neutral flag. As many as 168 Russian athletes competed under neutral flag at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Since 2016, Russia has been banned from competing as a nation in athletics.

Russia's doping ban halved by CAS, to miss Tokyo Olympics and FIFA World Cup 2022

The Gamaleya research centre expects the efficacy rate of its vaccine against the coronavirus, Sputnik V, to further increase, the centre's deputy director of science, Denis Logunov, said Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-trial-volunteers-who-got-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-developed-bells-palsy-348547">Also read: Four trial volunteers who got Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine developed Bell's palsy</a> 
 
According to the institute, Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 is likely to provide up to two years of immunity from COVID-19, compared to the four or five months immunity that may be achieved by using the vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech. 
 
"Concerning our vaccine and the platform it was created on, the Ebola vaccine, there is experimental evidence that using this platform, using similar preparation methods, provides protection for two years at least, maybe more. It is difficult to say how long the Pfizer vaccine will give immunity, but based on the general findings from such vaccines, one must think that the period of protection will be no more than four to five months, although this requires experimental data," Alexander Gintsburg, the head of Russia's Gamaleya research institute, said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-identified-in-uk-london-in-tier-3-lockdown-349785">Also read: New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in Tier 3 lockdown</a> 
 
According to Logunov, the overall efficacy rate of 91.4 per cent was calculated for people who received both doses of vaccine. There are 21 days between the two injections, so the calculations took into account the cases starting from 21 days and on. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-administers-first-coronavirus-vaccine-donald-trump-congratulates-americans-349779">Also read: US administers first coronavirus vaccine; Donald Trump congratulates Americans</a> 
 
"Obviously, it showed high efficiency, but since we were counting from 21 days onward and including the cases, we also hope that if we increase the vaccination period to 28, 35, 42 days, the efficacy numbers may grow," Logunov told a briefing.

"The data analysis at the third and final control point of the Sputnik V vaccine clinical trials confirmed its efficacy of the of over 90 per cent. Clinical trials have proven this in the three consecutive statistically important points described in the trial protocol," remarked RDIF Chief Executive Officer Kirill Dmitriev.

The joint statement read that the analysis of the Sputnik V vaccine efficacy at the final control point was carried out on the basis of 78 confirmed cases identified in the placebo group (62 cases) and in the vaccine group (16 cases).&nbsp;

"The ratio of the placebo group to the vaccinated group is 1 to 3," said the joint statement.

As of Monday, over 26,000 volunteers were vaccinated at 29 medical centres in Russia, as part of the ongoing clinical trials. Currently, Phase 3 trials are ongoing in countries like Belarus, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Venezuela, while Phase 2/3 trials are being conducted in India.

The statement mentioned that no unexpected adverse events were identified as part of the research as of now, although some of those vaccinated had short-term minor adverse events such as pain at the injection point and flu-like symptoms, including fever, weakness, fatigue, and headache.

"The new data on the efficacy of the Gamaleya Center vaccine is extremely encouraging. Today it has become obvious to everyone that the end of the pandemic is possible only after the mass vaccination of the entire global population. In this regard, ensuring equal access to effective and safe vaccines, including the Sputnik V, for people in every country should be the goal of foreign regulatory bodies and international organizations," said Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation.

Russia became the first country to register the world`s first COVID-19 vaccine on August 11, Sputnik V, named after Russia`s first satellite. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Gamaleya research centre expects the efficacy rate of its vaccine against the coronavirus, Sputnik V, to further increase, the centre's deputy director of science, Denis Logunov, said Monday.

The Gamaleya research centre expects the efficacy rate of its vaccine against the coronavirus, Sputnik V, to further increase, the centre's deputy director of science, Denis Logunov, said Monday. Also read: Four trial volunteers who got Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine developed Bell's palsy According to the institute, Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 is likely to provide up to two years of immunity from COVID-19, compared to the four or five months immunity that may be achieved by using the vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech. "Concerning our vaccine and the platform it was created on, the Ebola vaccine, there is experimental evidence that using this platform, using similar preparation methods, provides protection for two years at least, maybe more. It is difficult to say how long the Pfizer vaccine will give immunity, but based on the general findings from such vaccines, one must think that the period of protection will be no more than four to five months, although this requires experimental data," Alexander Gintsburg, the head of Russia's Gamaleya research institute, said. Also read: New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in Tier 3 lockdown According to Logunov, the overall efficacy rate of 91.4 per cent was calculated for people who received both doses of vaccine. There are 21 days between the two injections, so the calculations took into account the cases starting from 21 days and on. Also read: US administers first coronavirus vaccine; Donald Trump congratulates Americans "Obviously, it showed high efficiency, but since we were counting from 21 days onward and including the cases, we also hope that if we increase the vaccination period to 28, 35, 42 days, the efficacy numbers may grow," Logunov told a briefing. "The data analysis at the third and final control point of the Sputnik V vaccine clinical trials confirmed its efficacy of the of over 90 per cent. Clinical trials have proven this in the three consecutive statistically important points described in the trial protocol," remarked RDIF Chief Executive Officer Kirill Dmitriev. The joint statement read that the analysis of the Sputnik V vaccine efficacy at the final control point was carried out on the basis of 78 confirmed cases identified in the placebo group (62 cases) and in the vaccine group (16 cases). "The ratio of the placebo group to the vaccinated group is 1 to 3," said the joint statement. As of Monday, over 26,000 volunteers were vaccinated at 29 medical centres in Russia, as part of the ongoing clinical trials. Currently, Phase 3 trials are ongoing in countries like Belarus, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Venezuela, while Phase 2/3 trials are being conducted in India. The statement mentioned that no unexpected adverse events were identified as part of the research as of now, although some of those vaccinated had short-term minor adverse events such as pain at the injection point and flu-like symptoms, including fever, weakness, fatigue, and headache. "The new data on the efficacy of the Gamaleya Center vaccine is extremely encouraging. Today it has become obvious to everyone that the end of the pandemic is possible only after the mass vaccination of the entire global population. In this regard, ensuring equal access to effective and safe vaccines, including the Sputnik V, for people in every country should be the goal of foreign regulatory bodies and international organizations," said Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation. Russia became the first country to register the world`s first COVID-19 vaccine on August 11, Sputnik V, named after Russia`s first satellite. (With inputs from agencies)

Developers say Sputnik V likely to give 2 years Covid-19 immunity, Pfizer 4-5 months

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