Norway has accused Russia of launching a cyberattack on the&nbsp;Norwegian parliament in August through which they had targetted the email system of the parliament.

The accusation has been made by&nbsp;the Norwegian foreign minister.&nbsp;“Based on the information available to the government, it is our assessment that Russia stood behind this activity,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Soreide said in a statement on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unacceptable-proposition-says-russia-over-new-nuclear-agreement-with-us-335093">Also read:&nbsp;Unacceptable proposition, says Russia over new nuclear agreement with US</a>

“The fact that we go out with an attribution is a strong signal … from Norwegian authorities,” Soreide added.

Norway had&nbsp;revealed on September 01 that they had sustained an attack on their parliamentary system in the last week of August during which email accounts&nbsp;of several members of the parliament and employees were hacked.

Whle announcing about the attack, Norway had not issued names of any suspects. However, when investigation revealed Russia's involvement, Norway could not accept such attacks on its democratic institutions and had to take the bold step of publically revealing the information.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-russia-to-hold-latest-nuclear-arms-talks-in-finland-332528">Also read:&nbsp;US and Russia to hold latest nuclear arms talks in Finland</a>

“We cannot accept that parliament is the subject of such attacks,” Soreide said.

These accusations have been denied by the Russian authorities, as per several reports. However, Russia has not yet officially issued a statement.

The countries share a border in the Arctic and have maintained good relations throughout the years, except for since 2014&nbsp;when the relations became a bit strained due to the&nbsp;the Russian annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.

Norway has accused Russia of launching a cyberattack on the Norwegian parliament in August through which they had targetted the email system of the parliament. The accusation has been made by the Norwegian foreign minister.

Norway has accused Russia of launching a cyberattack on the Norwegian parliament in August through which they had targetted the email system of the parliament. The accusation has been made by the Norwegian foreign minister. “Based on the information available to the government, it is our assessment that Russia stood behind this activity,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Soreide said in a statement on Tuesday. Also read: Unacceptable proposition, says Russia over new nuclear agreement with US “The fact that we go out with an attribution is a strong signal … from Norwegian authorities,” Soreide added. Norway had revealed on September 01 that they had sustained an attack on their parliamentary system in the last week of August during which email accounts of several members of the parliament and employees were hacked. Whle announcing about the attack, Norway had not issued names of any suspects. However, when investigation revealed Russia's involvement, Norway could not accept such attacks on its democratic institutions and had to take the bold step of publically revealing the information. Also read: US and Russia to hold latest nuclear arms talks in Finland “We cannot accept that parliament is the subject of such attacks,” Soreide said. These accusations have been denied by the Russian authorities, as per several reports. However, Russia has not yet officially issued a statement. The countries share a border in the Arctic and have maintained good relations throughout the years, except for since 2014 when the relations became a bit strained due to the the Russian annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.

Russia behind cyberattack on parliament: Norway

95 per cent of marine life along seafloor has mysteriously perished at Avacha Bay at Russia's pacific coast. The cause of the mass death of marine animals is yet to be ascertained. Images of the ecological disaster went viral on social media over the last weekend. The images show hundreds of dead fish, sea urchins, octopuses that were washed ashore on Khalaktyrsky beach in Russia's Kamchatka region.

The Moscow Times reported that the authorities attributed this to man-made pollution, under-sea volcanic eruption or other natural phenomenon.

The disaster is expected to have an effect on the local ecology. Scientists investigating the developments have warned the authorities that a domino effect was possible as large fish and organisms, who depend on the dead fauna for food are likely to suffer. This, in turn, may have a further effect on marine foodchains thereby exacerbating the impact. The scientists told The Moscow Times that they suspected that the contaminated area was bigger than the one they examined.

A special commission is being set up to examine whether pesticide leak from military facilities was responsible for this.

As per reports, local surfers and fishermen caught first hint as they complained of eye pain, sore throat and vomitting after going into the waters.

Meanwhile, Greenpeace has been reported as saying that its tests revealed four times the normal levels of petroleum in the waters of Khalaktyrsky beach

95 per cent of marine life along seafloor has mysteriously perished at Avacha Bay at Russia's pacific coast. The cause of the mass death of marine animals is yet to be ascertained.

95 per cent of marine life along seafloor has mysteriously perished at Avacha Bay at Russia's pacific coast. The cause of the mass death of marine animals is yet to be ascertained. Images of the ecological disaster went viral on social media over the last weekend. The images show hundreds of dead fish, sea urchins, octopuses that were washed ashore on Khalaktyrsky beach in Russia's Kamchatka region. The Moscow Times reported that the authorities attributed this to man-made pollution, under-sea volcanic eruption or other natural phenomenon. The disaster is expected to have an effect on the local ecology. Scientists investigating the developments have warned the authorities that a domino effect was possible as large fish and organisms, who depend on the dead fauna for food are likely to suffer. This, in turn, may have a further effect on marine foodchains thereby exacerbating the impact. The scientists told The Moscow Times that they suspected that the contaminated area was bigger than the one they examined. A special commission is being set up to examine whether pesticide leak from military facilities was responsible for this. As per reports, local surfers and fishermen caught first hint as they complained of eye pain, sore throat and vomitting after going into the waters. Meanwhile, Greenpeace has been reported as saying that its tests revealed four times the normal levels of petroleum in the waters of Khalaktyrsky beach

Russia disaster: 95 per cent of sea-floor marine life killed in Avacha Bay, cause unknown

If you surf the website of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), you will spot that it describes the political and military purpose of NATO as&nbsp;"NATO promotes democratic values. NATO's purpose is to guarantee freedom and security of its members."

However, Turkey, a member of NATO, does not fit this criteria.

Under Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has descended into authoritarianism. He used a failed military coup in 2016 to tighten his grip on power.There was a massive purge within the military, the courts and the education system. Journalists were jailed, assets of political opponents&nbsp;were seized by the state and dissent&nbsp; was crushed.

Erdogan has pushed Turkey into a new presidential system where he controls all levers of power. With the country firmly in his grasp Erdogan forged new alliances with Russia and China — two more authoritarian states.

As a result, Turkey is now the biggest liability for NATO and it doesn't&nbsp;represent the values of the organisation. It has befriended the adversaries of NATO. All of this has made Turkey an unreliable partner.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-under-erdogan-caught-between-democracy-and-dictatorship-333285">Also read|&nbsp;Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship</a>

However, NATO has still not taken an action on Turkey's changed stance.

The alliance

NATO, which was created in&nbsp;1949, has 30 members. In the aftermath of the second world war, the purpose was to secure peace in Europe, especially against the Soviet Union. Then the Soviet Union fell and the relevance of NATO came into question.

Today,&nbsp;the NATO says its allies are committed to democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law.

Turkey joined the organisation in 1952 because there was a synergy of interests. Turkey didn't want to fall under the Soviet influence and its military made key contributions in the fight.

However, that is no longer the case. Today, Erdogan is on a collision course with the NATO. It is fighting the allies of NATO itself and that has been visible in Turkey's key activities in the past one year.

In January, Turkey violated a United Nations arms embrago in Libya. Turkish warships escorted a vessel suspected of smuggling weapons into Libya. By June, Turkey was locked in a direct face-off against Greece and France.

NATO's allies have sworn to protect each other. When one is in trouble, all members come to its rescue. However,&nbsp;Turkey was ready to wage a war against Greece to control oil and gas supplies.

Now, Turkey is fueling another conflict&nbsp;in Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;Turkey is arming Azerbaijan against Armenia.

NATO called for a ceasefire, but Turkey refuses to pay heed to such calls.

"It is extremely important that we convey a very clear message to all parties that they should cease fighting immediately, that we should support all efforts to find a peaceful, negotiated solution because there is no military solution to the situation in and around nagorno-karabakh. And this has been a very clear message from me ever since the fighting started because it is dangerous for all those people involved but it is of course also something which is of great concern for all region and all nato allies," said&nbsp;NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg.

Turkey wants to dictate the terms and wants NATO to first ask Armenia to withdraw.

"Both countries are partners of nato. Therefore, it is normal that nato calls for a balanced ceasefire and a peaceful solution but everyone, namely nato, should call for the resolution of this problem under international laws, u.N. Resolutions and azerbaijan's territorial integrity, armenia immediately withdrawing from this region," said Turkish Foreign Minister&nbsp;Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The conflict began 11 days ago and&nbsp;it is getting closer to a full scale war. Turkey is sending Syrian fighters to fight for Azerbaijan, and its&nbsp;relationship with many NATO allies is now straining.

Should turkey remain in the military alliance?

NATO has many reasons to expel Turkey. In 2019, Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile defence system despite&nbsp;vehement objections of the United States and NATO members.

The alliance was concerned about this weapons deal because it is unlikely that Russian weaponry will integrate into NATO's&nbsp;air defences.

The fissures between Turkey and NATO are getting wider. It is an alliance that operates on consensus and all members must be on the same page.

If Turkey remains at odds with, it can stall any policy change,&nbsp;veto any military move and undermine the policy of collective defence.

In fact, it's already doing it as Turkey has blocked NATO&nbsp;partnerships with Israel, Armenia, Egypt and the UAE. For the longest time, it blocked a plan for the defence of Poland and the baltic nations&nbsp;— countries that share a border with Russia.

Reports say, Erdogan relented&nbsp;only after considerable pressure from Washington and&nbsp;this is not just about NATO. Having Turkey on such a major military alliance poses a threat for all.

Erdogan is triggering conflicts and threatening peace, and an alliance that vows to uphold democractic values and peace, must hold its members accountable o dump them.

If you surf the website of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), you will spot that it describes the political and military purpose of NATO as "NATO promotes democratic values.

If you surf the website of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), you will spot that it describes the political and military purpose of NATO as "NATO promotes democratic values. NATO's purpose is to guarantee freedom and security of its members." However, Turkey, a member of NATO, does not fit this criteria. Under Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has descended into authoritarianism. He used a failed military coup in 2016 to tighten his grip on power.There was a massive purge within the military, the courts and the education system. Journalists were jailed, assets of political opponents were seized by the state and dissent was crushed. Erdogan has pushed Turkey into a new presidential system where he controls all levers of power. With the country firmly in his grasp Erdogan forged new alliances with Russia and China — two more authoritarian states. As a result, Turkey is now the biggest liability for NATO and it doesn't represent the values of the organisation. It has befriended the adversaries of NATO. All of this has made Turkey an unreliable partner. Also read| Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship However, NATO has still not taken an action on Turkey's changed stance. The alliance NATO, which was created in 1949, has 30 members. In the aftermath of the second world war, the purpose was to secure peace in Europe, especially against the Soviet Union. Then the Soviet Union fell and the relevance of NATO came into question. Today, the NATO says its allies are committed to democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. Turkey joined the organisation in 1952 because there was a synergy of interests. Turkey didn't want to fall under the Soviet influence and its military made key contributions in the fight. However, that is no longer the case. Today, Erdogan is on a collision course with the NATO. It is fighting the allies of NATO itself and that has been visible in Turkey's key activities in the past one year. In January, Turkey violated a United Nations arms embrago in Libya. Turkish warships escorted a vessel suspected of smuggling weapons into Libya. By June, Turkey was locked in a direct face-off against Greece and France. NATO's allies have sworn to protect each other. When one is in trouble, all members come to its rescue. However, Turkey was ready to wage a war against Greece to control oil and gas supplies. Now, Turkey is fueling another conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey is arming Azerbaijan against Armenia. NATO called for a ceasefire, but Turkey refuses to pay heed to such calls. "It is extremely important that we convey a very clear message to all parties that they should cease fighting immediately, that we should support all efforts to find a peaceful, negotiated solution because there is no military solution to the situation in and around nagorno-karabakh. And this has been a very clear message from me ever since the fighting started because it is dangerous for all those people involved but it is of course also something which is of great concern for all region and all nato allies," said NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg. Turkey wants to dictate the terms and wants NATO to first ask Armenia to withdraw. "Both countries are partners of nato. Therefore, it is normal that nato calls for a balanced ceasefire and a peaceful solution but everyone, namely nato, should call for the resolution of this problem under international laws, u.N. Resolutions and azerbaijan's territorial integrity, armenia immediately withdrawing from this region," said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The conflict began 11 days ago and it is getting closer to a full scale war. Turkey is sending Syrian fighters to fight for Azerbaijan, and its relationship with many NATO allies is now straining. Should turkey remain in the military alliance? NATO has many reasons to expel Turkey. In 2019, Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile defence system despite vehement objections of the United States and NATO members. The alliance was concerned about this weapons deal because it is unlikely that Russian weaponry will integrate into NATO's air defences. The fissures between Turkey and NATO are getting wider. It is an alliance that operates on consensus and all members must be on the same page. If Turkey remains at odds with, it can stall any policy change, veto any military move and undermine the policy of collective defence. In fact, it's already doing it as Turkey has blocked NATO partnerships with Israel, Armenia, Egypt and the UAE. For the longest time, it blocked a plan for the defence of Poland and the baltic nations — countries that share a border with Russia. Reports say, Erdogan relented only after considerable pressure from Washington and this is not just about NATO. Having Turkey on such a major military alliance poses a threat for all. Erdogan is triggering conflicts and threatening peace, and an alliance that vows to uphold democractic values and peace, must hold its members accountable o dump them.

Fall of democracy: Turkey's Erdogan openly challenging NATO's values

Russia on Wednesday evacuated more than 1,000 people from nearby villages after a wildfire set off explosions at a munitions depot in the Ryazan region southeast of Moscow, officials said.

A fire broke out at the depot on Wednesday afternoon at 1340 (1040 GMT) sparked by a wildfire in dry grass nearby, the emergencies ministry said in a statement sent to AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-tests-hypersonic-cruise-missile-on-putins-birthday-333143">Also read|&nbsp;Russia tests hypersonic cruise missile on Putin's birthday</a>

"As a result, explosions took place," the ministry said, adding that it was sending a fire-fighting train and 100 firefighters to battle the blaze.

Russian media posted witness videos of columns of black smoke rising from the fire and continuous explosions.

"According to preliminary information, more than 1,600 people have been evacuated from 14 settlements," the emergencies ministry said, as its head Yevgeny Zinichev flew to the scene.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/targeted-sanctions-unavoidable-germany-warns-russia-over-navalny-poisoning-333220">Also read|&nbsp;'Targeted sanctions unavoidable': Germany warns Russia over Navalny poisoning</a>

The western military district said its troops had been evacuated after attempting unsuccessfully to fight the fire.

"The personnel and civilian staff have been evacuated. None was injured," the military district said in a statement sent to AFP.

A total of 146 children were evacuated from the nearest village of Zheltukhino, Ryazan's regional administration said.

Such accidents are relatively common in Russia due to large amounts of old munitions remaining in storage.

Russia on Wednesday evacuated more than 1,000 people from nearby villages after a wildfire set off explosions at a munitions depot in the Ryazan region southeast of Moscow, officials said.

Russia on Wednesday evacuated more than 1,000 people from nearby villages after a wildfire set off explosions at a munitions depot in the Ryazan region southeast of Moscow, officials said. A fire broke out at the depot on Wednesday afternoon at 1340 (1040 GMT) sparked by a wildfire in dry grass nearby, the emergencies ministry said in a statement sent to AFP. Also read| Russia tests hypersonic cruise missile on Putin's birthday "As a result, explosions took place," the ministry said, adding that it was sending a fire-fighting train and 100 firefighters to battle the blaze. Russian media posted witness videos of columns of black smoke rising from the fire and continuous explosions. "According to preliminary information, more than 1,600 people have been evacuated from 14 settlements," the emergencies ministry said, as its head Yevgeny Zinichev flew to the scene. Also read| 'Targeted sanctions unavoidable': Germany warns Russia over Navalny poisoning The western military district said its troops had been evacuated after attempting unsuccessfully to fight the fire. "The personnel and civilian staff have been evacuated. None was injured," the military district said in a statement sent to AFP. A total of 146 children were evacuated from the nearest village of Zheltukhino, Ryazan's regional administration said. Such accidents are relatively common in Russia due to large amounts of old munitions remaining in storage.

Russia evacuates villages after munition depot explosions

The US Department of Homeland Security has issued its first annual homeland threat assessment, and as per this report, white supremacist groups pose one of the biggest threat to the country.

As per this report, the white supremacist groups have conducted more lethal attacks in the country than any other domestic extremist movement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gay-community-has-taken-over-the-proud-boys-hashtag-on-twitter-332537">Also read:&nbsp;Gay community has taken over the Proud Boys hashtag on Twitter</a>

"As Secretary, I am concerned about any form of violent extremism," wrote acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf. "However, I am particularly concerned about white supremacist violent extremists who have been exceptionally lethal in their abhorrent, targeted attacks in recent years."

The report suggests that these group demonstrate a&nbsp;&nbsp;"longstanding intent" to attack the racial groups, minority communities, politicians who do not share the same views and the&nbsp;members of the LGBTQ+ community.

This report has come at a very important time — a month before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>&nbsp;that are scheduled on November 03. It also comes days after a controversy broke out when the&nbsp;US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;asked the white supremacist group&nbsp;Proud Boys&nbsp;to "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-misses-opportunity-to-condemn-white-supremacists-group-proud-boys-331376">stand back and stand by</a>" during the first&nbsp;Presidential Debate.&nbsp;However, he later retracted his comments days later saying,&nbsp;"I condemn the KKK, I condemn all White supremacists, I condemn the Proud Boys."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-backtracks-on-proud-boys-biden-calls-debate-national-embarrassment-331595">Also read:&nbsp;Trump backtracks on Proud Boys; Biden calls debate 'national embarrassment'</a>

Russia still a threat

In the same report, the Homeland Security also stressed that Russia still remains a national threat. It also added that Putin-led administration is&nbsp;"likely primary covert influence actor and purveyor".

The report also hinted that Russia may be using online&nbsp;operations to interfere and manipualte the upcoming US elections to divide and destabilise the country.&nbsp;

In addition to this,&nbsp;China and Iran have also been identified as threats to the country's presidential elections. "The most long term strategic threat to Americans, the Homeland, and our way of life is the threat from China,"&nbsp;Chad Wolf said.

The US Department of Homeland Security has issued its first annual homeland threat assessment, and as per this report, white supremacist groups pose one of the biggest threat to the country.

The US Department of Homeland Security has issued its first annual homeland threat assessment, and as per this report, white supremacist groups pose one of the biggest threat to the country. As per this report, the white supremacist groups have conducted more lethal attacks in the country than any other domestic extremist movement. Also read: Gay community has taken over the Proud Boys hashtag on Twitter "As Secretary, I am concerned about any form of violent extremism," wrote acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf. "However, I am particularly concerned about white supremacist violent extremists who have been exceptionally lethal in their abhorrent, targeted attacks in recent years." The report suggests that these group demonstrate a "longstanding intent" to attack the racial groups, minority communities, politicians who do not share the same views and the members of the LGBTQ+ community. This report has come at a very important time — a month before the US elections that are scheduled on November 03. It also comes days after a controversy broke out when the US President Donald Trump asked the white supremacist group Proud Boys to "stand back and stand by" during the first Presidential Debate. However, he later retracted his comments days later saying, "I condemn the KKK, I condemn all White supremacists, I condemn the Proud Boys." Also read: Trump backtracks on Proud Boys; Biden calls debate 'national embarrassment' Russia still a threat In the same report, the Homeland Security also stressed that Russia still remains a national threat. It also added that Putin-led administration is "likely primary covert influence actor and purveyor". The report also hinted that Russia may be using online operations to interfere and manipualte the upcoming US elections to divide and destabilise the country. In addition to this, China and Iran have also been identified as threats to the country's presidential elections. "The most long term strategic threat to Americans, the Homeland, and our way of life is the threat from China," Chad Wolf said.

Weeks before US election, Homeland Security identifies white supremacists and Russia as big threats

BALASHIKHA, Russia — Take any of the many highways out of the Russian capital and you can dissect the country’s strata like rings on a tree. Sentinel apartment towers replace the bustling illuminated center, then the belt of auto dealerships and box stores drifts by. Gradually, the landscape becomes sparse, with villages and towns sporadically punctuating the stretch of meadows and forests for thousands of miles in every direction.

Russia is the biggest country on Earth and both the state and the people take pride in the size of its territory — “from the southern seas to the polar fringes,” as the current national anthem goes. That quiet emptiness, the enormity of Russia, has been infiltrated in recent decades by an alien force: the giant hogweed.

This invader, an exceptionally tall plant with a toxic sap that can cause third-degree burns and blindness, has come to symbolize the fate of rural Russia: malign neglect by the government. While Russia may be vast, most economic activity — and much of life in general — is concentrated in a handful of cities. And after various Soviet-era attempts to develop land through centralized planning, there is evidence that the current government is doing the exact opposite. Enter the hogweed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-journalist-dies-after-setting-herself-on-fire-332243">Also read|&nbsp;Russian journalist dies after setting herself on fire</a>

In the summer, the giant hogweed assumes the look of dill on steroids; its coffee-table sized leaves create thickets impossible to pass without a hazmat suit. In the winter, it desiccates into a brown skeleton. Outside Moscow, the hogweeds are often the only visible landmarks over white fields, ominous umbrellas standing in the snow like War of the Worlds troops poised to march. Officials have begun to refer to overgrown areas as “contaminated.”

Giant hogweeds grow naturally in the Caucasus Mountains. Evolving to thrive on shifting soils, they compete with other high-altitude herbage by yielding extraordinary seed counts — up to 100,000 per plant. The plant’s Latin name, Heracleum, hints at its extraordinary strength. In Central Russia, where typical meadow grasses are much shorter, it quickly overpowers all local species.

“Our plants cannot compete with it,” Dmitry Geltman, the director of the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told me. “It takes over deserted fields because it likes unstable soil. For any alien species, it is easier to infiltrate a fluctuating community.”

Mr. Geltman speaks in botanical terms, but he could be talking about life in rural Russia, which has experienced a relentless population exodus since the 1990s. Russia has some 222 million hectares of agricultural land, nearly 100 million of which are unused, according to a 2016 census.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-is-behind-the-crime-alexei-navalny-claims-in-interview-331654">Also read|&nbsp;'Putin is behind the crime': Alexei Navalny claims in interview</a>

Much of this vast territory — 386,000 square miles, about twice the size of Spain — was abandoned after the breakup of the Soviet Union because it was unprofitable to farm. As humans left, the hogweed advanced.

It seems the government doesn’t know what to do with the land, or the people on it: Rural Russians are twice as poor and jobless as those living in urban areas. Research has shown that the number of farms in the country halved between 2006 and 2016. The top 1 percent of all agricultural companies receive two-thirds of all investment — just 61 companies collectively own over 14 million hectares of farmland and prefer to use seasonal migrant labor. Rural Russians are shut out of economic opportunity.

Vasily Melnichenko, a straight-talking farmer from the Ural Mountains who heads a movement for rural development, says President Vladimir Putin’s government’s policy toward rural Russia has been awful. Rural people are seen as a “burden,” he said, sapping budget funding for roads, electricity and health care.

“It has gone on too long to be a mistake, but if it’s done on purpose, then that would mean we’re governed by enemies,” Mr. Melnichenko told me. “There have been dozens of road maps and national projects, but nobody can carry them out. There is a complete inability to understand the territory.”

Another 20 years of the same, he said, and all the remaining residents will die out, ending the Russian village as a form of life.

The giant hogweed is what happens when a land loses its stewards. The weed is expanding its coverage by about 10 percent every year. It now creeps to the margins of forests and rivers, even near urban areas. Even the heavily built-up Moscow region had almost 270 square miles contaminated with giant hogweed this summer, according to the regional government. In the Tver region, which lies between Moscow and St. Petersburg and is the size of Austria, the hogweed has permeated a third of towns and villages.

The invasion is one of the many environmental disasters brought on by Soviet centralized planning. After World War II, Soviet agronomists, keen to quickly rebuild the country’s agriculture industry, thought that the plant’s impressive biomass could make it a good crop to feed livestock. Seeds were distributed throughout the country.

Hogweed contains a high concentration of furanocoumarins, substances that cause severe burns and blisters when affected areas of skin are exposed to sunlight. Even so, the plant was grown nationwide. By the 1980s, when the plant began infiltrating central Russia’s wilderness, tests showed that cows fed on hogweed produced poor-tasting milk. Efforts to make the plant less toxic failed.

The plague could not be contained. While some regional governments now try to spray problem zones with pesticides, Moscow hasn’t paid the problem any attention or sought to understand its scope. Tatarstan, the only region to monitor its spread, has pleaded for federal help, saying that the area overtaken by the hogweed grew tenfold in the past eight years, with thousands of burn victims and even fatalities.

Some activists and scientists are experimenting with solutions, ranging from hogweed-eating snails to moonshine production.

One evening I joined an activist, Maria Popova, on a hogweed raid outside the Russian capital. We equipped ourselves with gloves, goggles and large kitchen knives on the edge of a field that is part of the popular Losiny Ostrov National Park — a large nature area close to Moscow.

“If you don’t interfere, the hogweeds multiply at a crazy rate and soon there is nothing but them,” she said as we hiked through the tall grass. Ms. Popova started patrolling the nearby fields when she came across “plantations” of hogweed on one of her walks. The national park, which is tasked with protecting biodiversity, has ignored the problem, she said. She called hogweed “a symbol of neglect.”

“At the national level, the government does nothing,” she said, rising up on tiptoes and hacking off giant umbrella-like flowering structures on stalks three meters in the air. It’s a trustworthy method to prevent the weed from seeding — one activist in a hogweed-fighting social networking group confessed to arming herself with a machete on cycling trips.

But urban activists are more likely to mobilize online, while in the provinces, there simply aren’t enough people who care, said Darya Grebenshchikova, a writer living in a shrinking village in Tver region.

“The hogweed is not perceived as a problem because there is no population here to perceive it as a problem,” she told me. “I have lost hope in some kind of renaissance of the village. The government has decided it’s too much hassle to keep the rural areas alive, so they are turning it into a desert.”

BALASHIKHA, Russia — Take any of the many highways out of the Russian capital and you can dissect the country’s strata like rings on a tree. Sentinel apartment towers replace the bustling illuminated center, then the belt of auto dealerships and box stores drifts by.

BALASHIKHA, Russia — Take any of the many highways out of the Russian capital and you can dissect the country’s strata like rings on a tree. Sentinel apartment towers replace the bustling illuminated center, then the belt of auto dealerships and box stores drifts by. Gradually, the landscape becomes sparse, with villages and towns sporadically punctuating the stretch of meadows and forests for thousands of miles in every direction. Russia is the biggest country on Earth and both the state and the people take pride in the size of its territory — “from the southern seas to the polar fringes,” as the current national anthem goes. That quiet emptiness, the enormity of Russia, has been infiltrated in recent decades by an alien force: the giant hogweed. This invader, an exceptionally tall plant with a toxic sap that can cause third-degree burns and blindness, has come to symbolize the fate of rural Russia: malign neglect by the government. While Russia may be vast, most economic activity — and much of life in general — is concentrated in a handful of cities. And after various Soviet-era attempts to develop land through centralized planning, there is evidence that the current government is doing the exact opposite. Enter the hogweed. Also read| Russian journalist dies after setting herself on fire In the summer, the giant hogweed assumes the look of dill on steroids; its coffee-table sized leaves create thickets impossible to pass without a hazmat suit. In the winter, it desiccates into a brown skeleton. Outside Moscow, the hogweeds are often the only visible landmarks over white fields, ominous umbrellas standing in the snow like War of the Worlds troops poised to march. Officials have begun to refer to overgrown areas as “contaminated.” Giant hogweeds grow naturally in the Caucasus Mountains. Evolving to thrive on shifting soils, they compete with other high-altitude herbage by yielding extraordinary seed counts — up to 100,000 per plant. The plant’s Latin name, Heracleum, hints at its extraordinary strength. In Central Russia, where typical meadow grasses are much shorter, it quickly overpowers all local species. “Our plants cannot compete with it,” Dmitry Geltman, the director of the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told me. “It takes over deserted fields because it likes unstable soil. For any alien species, it is easier to infiltrate a fluctuating community.” Mr. Geltman speaks in botanical terms, but he could be talking about life in rural Russia, which has experienced a relentless population exodus since the 1990s. Russia has some 222 million hectares of agricultural land, nearly 100 million of which are unused, according to a 2016 census. Also read| 'Putin is behind the crime': Alexei Navalny claims in interview Much of this vast territory — 386,000 square miles, about twice the size of Spain — was abandoned after the breakup of the Soviet Union because it was unprofitable to farm. As humans left, the hogweed advanced. It seems the government doesn’t know what to do with the land, or the people on it: Rural Russians are twice as poor and jobless as those living in urban areas. Research has shown that the number of farms in the country halved between 2006 and 2016. The top 1 percent of all agricultural companies receive two-thirds of all investment — just 61 companies collectively own over 14 million hectares of farmland and prefer to use seasonal migrant labor. Rural Russians are shut out of economic opportunity. Vasily Melnichenko, a straight-talking farmer from the Ural Mountains who heads a movement for rural development, says President Vladimir Putin’s government’s policy toward rural Russia has been awful. Rural people are seen as a “burden,” he said, sapping budget funding for roads, electricity and health care. “It has gone on too long to be a mistake, but if it’s done on purpose, then that would mean we’re governed by enemies,” Mr. Melnichenko told me. “There have been dozens of road maps and national projects, but nobody can carry them out. There is a complete inability to understand the territory.” Another 20 years of the same, he said, and all the remaining residents will die out, ending the Russian village as a form of life. The giant hogweed is what happens when a land loses its stewards. The weed is expanding its coverage by about 10 percent every year. It now creeps to the margins of forests and rivers, even near urban areas. Even the heavily built-up Moscow region had almost 270 square miles contaminated with giant hogweed this summer, according to the regional government. In the Tver region, which lies between Moscow and St. Petersburg and is the size of Austria, the hogweed has permeated a third of towns and villages. The invasion is one of the many environmental disasters brought on by Soviet centralized planning. After World War II, Soviet agronomists, keen to quickly rebuild the country’s agriculture industry, thought that the plant’s impressive biomass could make it a good crop to feed livestock. Seeds were distributed throughout the country. Hogweed contains a high concentration of furanocoumarins, substances that cause severe burns and blisters when affected areas of skin are exposed to sunlight. Even so, the plant was grown nationwide. By the 1980s, when the plant began infiltrating central Russia’s wilderness, tests showed that cows fed on hogweed produced poor-tasting milk. Efforts to make the plant less toxic failed. The plague could not be contained. While some regional governments now try to spray problem zones with pesticides, Moscow hasn’t paid the problem any attention or sought to understand its scope. Tatarstan, the only region to monitor its spread, has pleaded for federal help, saying that the area overtaken by the hogweed grew tenfold in the past eight years, with thousands of burn victims and even fatalities. Some activists and scientists are experimenting with solutions, ranging from hogweed-eating snails to moonshine production. One evening I joined an activist, Maria Popova, on a hogweed raid outside the Russian capital. We equipped ourselves with gloves, goggles and large kitchen knives on the edge of a field that is part of the popular Losiny Ostrov National Park — a large nature area close to Moscow. “If you don’t interfere, the hogweeds multiply at a crazy rate and soon there is nothing but them,” she said as we hiked through the tall grass. Ms. Popova started patrolling the nearby fields when she came across “plantations” of hogweed on one of her walks. The national park, which is tasked with protecting biodiversity, has ignored the problem, she said. She called hogweed “a symbol of neglect.” “At the national level, the government does nothing,” she said, rising up on tiptoes and hacking off giant umbrella-like flowering structures on stalks three meters in the air. It’s a trustworthy method to prevent the weed from seeding — one activist in a hogweed-fighting social networking group confessed to arming herself with a machete on cycling trips. But urban activists are more likely to mobilize online, while in the provinces, there simply aren’t enough people who care, said Darya Grebenshchikova, a writer living in a shrinking village in Tver region. “The hogweed is not perceived as a problem because there is no population here to perceive it as a problem,” she told me. “I have lost hope in some kind of renaissance of the village. The government has decided it’s too much hassle to keep the rural areas alive, so they are turning it into a desert.”

A toxic alien is taking over Russia

Russia has said that it is working with India for "common approaches" for development in pacific and Indian ocean, even as both celebrate 20 years of establishment of "strategic partnership". Both sides signed the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000 during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin that year.

Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev speaking on the occasion said, "strategic partners means to proceed from the unity of destinies and to form common approaches and views on common on issues directly connected to the existence of our countries and peoples".

Explaining,"These include jointly finding solutions to problem....working out common approaches to the vision of regional development: in Pacific and Indian Oceans, or in Persian Gulf."

The comments assume significance even as India and the United States are working on Indo-Pacific concept, which New Delhi has also raised with Moscow.&nbsp;

The Russian envoy mentioned how both countries are jointly dealing with "Covid-19 pandemic, countering new challenges and threats-- terrorism, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, attempts to rewrite the history of the Great Victory".

Amid the COVID crisis, India had sent hydroxychloroquine used in the treatment of the disease to Russia. Russia is sending its COVID vaccine Sputnik V to India, but subject to regulatory approval in the country.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-journalist-dies-after-setting-herself-on-fire-332243">Russian journalist dies after setting herself on fire</a>

This year also marks 10 years since India and Russia elevated the relationship to the level of “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.&nbsp;

The envoy said, "Special and privileged partnership" can be described by "unprecedented, unparalleled level of confidence" and "it means a situation when partner’s views, opinions, positions are by default embedded in Moscow’s or New Delhi’s approaches to key problems of the day or to key problems of developing our bilateral relations."

Adding," future of Eurasia and other regions of the world belongs to this partnership"

Last month saw both Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meets. In November, Russia as the host is expected to host a virtual meeting of SCO and BRICS head of state.

Russia has said that it is working with India for "common approaches" for development in pacific and Indian ocean, even as both celebrate 20 years of establishment of "strategic partnership".

Russia has said that it is working with India for "common approaches" for development in pacific and Indian ocean, even as both celebrate 20 years of establishment of "strategic partnership". Both sides signed the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000 during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin that year. Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev speaking on the occasion said, "strategic partners means to proceed from the unity of destinies and to form common approaches and views on common on issues directly connected to the existence of our countries and peoples". Explaining,"These include jointly finding solutions to problem....working out common approaches to the vision of regional development: in Pacific and Indian Oceans, or in Persian Gulf." The comments assume significance even as India and the United States are working on Indo-Pacific concept, which New Delhi has also raised with Moscow. The Russian envoy mentioned how both countries are jointly dealing with "Covid-19 pandemic, countering new challenges and threats-- terrorism, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, attempts to rewrite the history of the Great Victory". Amid the COVID crisis, India had sent hydroxychloroquine used in the treatment of the disease to Russia. Russia is sending its COVID vaccine Sputnik V to India, but subject to regulatory approval in the country. Also Read | Russian journalist dies after setting herself on fire This year also marks 10 years since India and Russia elevated the relationship to the level of “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The envoy said, "Special and privileged partnership" can be described by "unprecedented, unparalleled level of confidence" and "it means a situation when partner’s views, opinions, positions are by default embedded in Moscow’s or New Delhi’s approaches to key problems of the day or to key problems of developing our bilateral relations." Adding," future of Eurasia and other regions of the world belongs to this partnership" Last month saw both Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meets. In November, Russia as the host is expected to host a virtual meeting of SCO and BRICS head of state.

Working on common approaches with India in Pacific, Indian Ocean: Russia

The leaders of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee asked President Donald Trump on Wednesday to consider whether the Russian government poisoned Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny with a chemical nerve agent, which would subject Moscow to sanctions.

"We are very concerned by assessments that Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny was poisoned in August 2020, by a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok family," the committee's Republican chairman, Senator Jim Risch, and its Democratic ranking member, Senator Bob Menendez, wrote in a letter to Trump.

The request - which followed a similar request from leaders of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on September 8 - added to growing international support for a response to Navalny's poisoning. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier on Wednesday her country would discuss a response with European partners.

The Kremlin critic was discharged from Berlin's Charite hospital last week following 32 days of treatment after falling ill on a Russian domestic flight. Germany says he was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent. Moscow has said it has seen no evidence that Navalny was poisoned.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter from Risch and Menendez. The deputy US ambassador to the United Nations, Cherith Norman-Chalet, told the UN Security Council earlier this month that it would work with allies to hold accountable those responsible for poisoning Navalny.

The leaders of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee asked President Donald Trump on Wednesday to consider whether the Russian government poisoned Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny with a chemical nerve agent, which would subject Moscow to sanctions.

The leaders of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee asked President Donald Trump on Wednesday to consider whether the Russian government poisoned Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny with a chemical nerve agent, which would subject Moscow to sanctions. "We are very concerned by assessments that Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny was poisoned in August 2020, by a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok family," the committee's Republican chairman, Senator Jim Risch, and its Democratic ranking member, Senator Bob Menendez, wrote in a letter to Trump. The request - which followed a similar request from leaders of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on September 8 - added to growing international support for a response to Navalny's poisoning. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier on Wednesday her country would discuss a response with European partners. The Kremlin critic was discharged from Berlin's Charite hospital last week following 32 days of treatment after falling ill on a Russian domestic flight. Germany says he was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent. Moscow has said it has seen no evidence that Navalny was poisoned. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter from Risch and Menendez. The deputy US ambassador to the United Nations, Cherith Norman-Chalet, told the UN Security Council earlier this month that it would work with allies to hold accountable those responsible for poisoning Navalny.

US lawmakers ask Donald Trump to investigate Kremlin critic's poisoning

German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a personal visit to Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny while he was undergoing treatment in a Berlin hospital for poisoning.

"It was a personal visit to Navalny in hospital," Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert told a regular news conference, declining to disclose details of what was said or how long the meeting lasted.

The Kremlin critic wrote on Twitter that it was "a private meeting and conversation with the family". He added: "I am very grateful to Chancellor Merkel for visiting me in hospital."

Navalny was flown from Russia to Berlin last month after falling ill on a domestic flight. He received treatment in the Charite hospital for 32 days before being discharged last week.

According to the finding of German, French and Swedish experts, Navalny was poisoned with a nerve agent in Russia last month. But Moscow has so far rejected this.

Russia has repeatedly criticised Berlin for what Moscow says is a failure to share information on the case.

Navalny added: "I am very grateful to Chancellor Merkel for visiting me in hospital."

The Navalny case has further worsened relations between Moscow and a number of western countries.&nbsp;

Merkel has faced calls to halt the nearly-completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline bringing Russian gas to Germany.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a personal visit to Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny while he was undergoing treatment in a Berlin hospital for poisoning.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a personal visit to Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny while he was undergoing treatment in a Berlin hospital for poisoning. "It was a personal visit to Navalny in hospital," Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert told a regular news conference, declining to disclose details of what was said or how long the meeting lasted. The Kremlin critic wrote on Twitter that it was "a private meeting and conversation with the family". He added: "I am very grateful to Chancellor Merkel for visiting me in hospital." Navalny was flown from Russia to Berlin last month after falling ill on a domestic flight. He received treatment in the Charite hospital for 32 days before being discharged last week. According to the finding of German, French and Swedish experts, Navalny was poisoned with a nerve agent in Russia last month. But Moscow has so far rejected this. Russia has repeatedly criticised Berlin for what Moscow says is a failure to share information on the case. Navalny added: "I am very grateful to Chancellor Merkel for visiting me in hospital." The Navalny case has further worsened relations between Moscow and a number of western countries. Merkel has faced calls to halt the nearly-completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline bringing Russian gas to Germany.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits Kremlin critic Navalny in hospital

Belarusian police said on Sunday they had used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse "disobedient" protesters in the eastern city of Gomel and prevent them from breaking through the rows of police, Russia`s TASS news agency reported.

Belarusians continue to protest across the country against what they say was a rigged presidential election last month, of which incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko was declared the outright winner.

Belarusian police said on Sunday they had used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse "disobedient" protesters in the eastern city of Gomel and prevent them from breaking through the rows of police, Russia`s TASS news agency reported.

Belarusian police said on Sunday they had used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse "disobedient" protesters in the eastern city of Gomel and prevent them from breaking through the rows of police, Russia`s TASS news agency reported. Belarusians continue to protest across the country against what they say was a rigged presidential election last month, of which incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko was declared the outright winner.

Belarusian police use tear gas, stun grenades against protesters: Report

Russia has registered 7,523 new cases of the coronavirus disease over the preceding 24 hours, up from 7,212 a day earlier, which brings the cumulative total to 1,143,571, the federal response center said on Saturday.

The largest increase was identified in Moscow, the Russian capital, where 1,792 new positive tests were registered. Additionally, 232 new cases were identified in St. Petersburg and 204 more were found in the Moscow region.

The response center also reported 169 coronavirus-related fatalities over the last 24 hours, which brings the total death toll to 20,225, and 6,004 people were confirmed to have recovered from the disease over the last day, bringing the total number of discharges to 940,150.

Saturday`s rise to the case total is the largest observed in Russia since June, and the head of the national public health watchdog Anna Popova said that the increase in the number of new positive tests was due to residents not abiding by the country`s epidemiological recommendations.

"We are seeing growth, we already sense it. It is more pronounced and begun in the last days of August ... First of all, it is connected with the fact that people are not complying with requirements.

Therefore, the main task today is not to return to fear or scaring people, but to call on people to be alert to prevent new infections," Popova said during an appearance on Russia`s Rossiya 1 broadcaster.

Popova added that public health officials had expected to see a rise in new cases with the onset of the influenza season at the start of fall.Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, on Friday issued new recommendations amid the rising number of new cases in the Russian capital.&nbsp;

Senior citizens and those with chronic health conditions have been asked to remain at home and large companies have been requested to transfer employees to remote work wherever possible.

Russia has registered 7,523 new cases of the coronavirus disease over the preceding 24 hours, up from 7,212 a day earlier, which brings the cumulative total to 1,143,571, the federal response center said on Saturday.

Russia has registered 7,523 new cases of the coronavirus disease over the preceding 24 hours, up from 7,212 a day earlier, which brings the cumulative total to 1,143,571, the federal response center said on Saturday. The largest increase was identified in Moscow, the Russian capital, where 1,792 new positive tests were registered. Additionally, 232 new cases were identified in St. Petersburg and 204 more were found in the Moscow region. The response center also reported 169 coronavirus-related fatalities over the last 24 hours, which brings the total death toll to 20,225, and 6,004 people were confirmed to have recovered from the disease over the last day, bringing the total number of discharges to 940,150. Saturday`s rise to the case total is the largest observed in Russia since June, and the head of the national public health watchdog Anna Popova said that the increase in the number of new positive tests was due to residents not abiding by the country`s epidemiological recommendations. "We are seeing growth, we already sense it. It is more pronounced and begun in the last days of August ... First of all, it is connected with the fact that people are not complying with requirements. Therefore, the main task today is not to return to fear or scaring people, but to call on people to be alert to prevent new infections," Popova said during an appearance on Russia`s Rossiya 1 broadcaster. Popova added that public health officials had expected to see a rise in new cases with the onset of the influenza season at the start of fall.Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, on Friday issued new recommendations amid the rising number of new cases in the Russian capital. Senior citizens and those with chronic health conditions have been asked to remain at home and large companies have been requested to transfer employees to remote work wherever possible.

Russia COVID-19 cases total rises by 7,523 to 1,143,571

Russia's Kremlin critic and opposition politician&nbsp;Alexei Navalny may take weeks to recover and leave Germany, his spokeswoman has reported.

The 44-year-old politician was admitted to a German hospital after he was allegedly poisoned by the Russian government, led by Vladimir Putin.

While the Russian doctors denied any trace of poison, German doctors found traces of Novichok nerve agent in the empty water bottles in the hotel oom Navalny stayed in.

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"Navalny's recovery process will naturally take a long time," his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said in an online broadcast late Thursday.

"He is staying in Germany for now, he will undergo rehabilitation there. It's clearly not a question of a few days and probably not a couple of weeks," she said.

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He has claimed that while he has been released from the German hospital, he is still on the road to recovery, although it is still hard for him to&nbsp;throw a ball with his left hand and is struggling to write as his hands are yet to gain back the balance.

The critic has been advised by his neuropsychologist to read more, write on social media and play video games to pass his time and help his brain get rid of the mental and physical block.

Russia's Kremlin critic and opposition politician Alexei Navalny may take weeks to recover and leave Germany, his spokeswoman has reported. The 44-year-old politician was admitted to a German hospital after he was allegedly poisoned by the Russian government, led by Vladimir Putin.

Russia's Kremlin critic and opposition politician Alexei Navalny may take weeks to recover and leave Germany, his spokeswoman has reported. The 44-year-old politician was admitted to a German hospital after he was allegedly poisoned by the Russian government, led by Vladimir Putin. While the Russian doctors denied any trace of poison, German doctors found traces of Novichok nerve agent in the empty water bottles in the hotel oom Navalny stayed in. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Алексей Навальный (@navalny) on Sep 23, 2020 at 2:53am PDT × "Navalny's recovery process will naturally take a long time," his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said in an online broadcast late Thursday. "He is staying in Germany for now, he will undergo rehabilitation there. It's clearly not a question of a few days and probably not a couple of weeks," she said. × He has claimed that while he has been released from the German hospital, he is still on the road to recovery, although it is still hard for him to throw a ball with his left hand and is struggling to write as his hands are yet to gain back the balance. The critic has been advised by his neuropsychologist to read more, write on social media and play video games to pass his time and help his brain get rid of the mental and physical block.

Alexei Navalny to stay in Germany for few more weeks to recover fully

Spokesperson of Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that neither Soviet Union nor Russia had developed or produced Novichok. The nerve agent was used to poison Alexei Navalny, political opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zakharova said that western countries had launched a "massive disinformation campaign" surrounding Navalny's poisoning. She also said that that there was no evidence of Russian involvement in Navalny's poisoning.

Alexei Navalny has now been discharged from hospital in Germany after more than a month's treatment for poisoning. Doctors have said that he may make a "full recovery". Navalny was kept in an induced coma for more than two weeks as he received treatment. His team has accused Kremlin of being behind the poisoning.&nbsp;

German chemical weapons experts have determined that Navalny was poisoned with Novichok. Independent tests carried out in Sweden and France have yielded the same.

Kremlin has repeatedly denied charges that it was behind Alexei Navalny's poisoning. On Wednesday, Kremlin said that Navalny was free to return to Russia.

"As regards his returning to Moscow, like any other Russian citizen, he is free to do so at any moment," Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman said, as reported by Russian news outlets.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-poisoned-opposition-leader-navalny-is-free-to-return-329645">Russia says poisoned opposition leader Navalny is 'free' to return</a> 
 
On September 15, Navalny's Spokesperson Kira Yarmysh confirmed that Navalny will return to Russia. "I'll confirm again to everyone: no other options were ever considered”, he said.

Meanwhile, Russia is still claiming that Navalny left Russia with no traces of poison in his body. Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergei Naryshkin said, "It is a fact that the moment Alexei Navalny left Russian territory there were no toxins in his system”.

Alexei Navalny was poisoned on August 20 before he took a flight from Tomsk to Moscow. He was kept under the care of Russian doctors before being flown to Germany for further treatment.

Spokesperson of Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that neither Soviet Union nor Russia had developed or produced Novichok. The nerve agent was used to poison Alexei Navalny, political opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Spokesperson of Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that neither Soviet Union nor Russia had developed or produced Novichok. The nerve agent was used to poison Alexei Navalny, political opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zakharova said that western countries had launched a "massive disinformation campaign" surrounding Navalny's poisoning. She also said that that there was no evidence of Russian involvement in Navalny's poisoning. Alexei Navalny has now been discharged from hospital in Germany after more than a month's treatment for poisoning. Doctors have said that he may make a "full recovery". Navalny was kept in an induced coma for more than two weeks as he received treatment. His team has accused Kremlin of being behind the poisoning. German chemical weapons experts have determined that Navalny was poisoned with Novichok. Independent tests carried out in Sweden and France have yielded the same. Kremlin has repeatedly denied charges that it was behind Alexei Navalny's poisoning. On Wednesday, Kremlin said that Navalny was free to return to Russia. "As regards his returning to Moscow, like any other Russian citizen, he is free to do so at any moment," Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman said, as reported by Russian news outlets. Also Read | Russia says poisoned opposition leader Navalny is 'free' to return On September 15, Navalny's Spokesperson Kira Yarmysh confirmed that Navalny will return to Russia. "I'll confirm again to everyone: no other options were ever considered”, he said. Meanwhile, Russia is still claiming that Navalny left Russia with no traces of poison in his body. Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergei Naryshkin said, "It is a fact that the moment Alexei Navalny left Russian territory there were no toxins in his system”. Alexei Navalny was poisoned on August 20 before he took a flight from Tomsk to Moscow. He was kept under the care of Russian doctors before being flown to Germany for further treatment.

Navalny poisoning: Russia denies developing nerve-agent Novichok

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday offered to provide its coronavirus vaccine free-of-cost&nbsp;to United Nations staff all over the world. He made the proposal during his pre-recorded address to United Nations General Assembly. Putin called Russian-developed coronavirus vaccine Sputnik-V 'safe, reliable and effective'

"Russia is ready to provide the UN with all the necessary qualified assistance, in particular, we are offering to provide our vaccine, free of charge, for the voluntary vaccination of the staff of the UN and its offices. We have received requests from our UN colleagues in this respect, and we will respond to those," said Putin.

Sputnik-V vaccine has been developed by Gamaleya Institute in Russia. The vaccine has cleared Phase-2 trials. It is yet to clear Phase-3.

Although there have been claims from the Russian side that Sputnik-V prompts sufficient antibody response against coronavirus infection, critics remain skeptical about the vaccine. Mass trials of Sputnik-V vaccine have not been carried out but high ranking officials and ministers in the Russian Government have been given doses.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-death-toll-in-united-states-passes-200000-trump-blames-china-at-unga-329553">COVID-19: Death toll in United States passes 200,000; Trump blames China at UNGA</a>

Putin's own daughter has also been administered the vaccine but which of his two daughters was given the vaccine was a mystery when the news broke.

In his UN speech, Putin said Russia was open to co-operation with respect to Sputnik-V vaccine.

"I would like to reiterate that we are completely open to partner relations and willing to cooperate. In this context, we are proposing to hold an online high-level conference shortly for countries interested in cooperation in the development of anti-coronavirus vaccines," he added

Putin outlined Russia`s active contribution to global and regional counter-COVID-19 efforts, saying the country provided assistance to most affected nations both bilaterally and within multilateral formats. He called on the need to "qualitatively strengthen" the capability of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

"...We first of all take into account the central coordinating role of the WHO, which is part of the UN system. We believe it essential to qualitatively strengthen WHO capability. This work has already begun, and Russia is genuinely motivated to engage in it," the Russian President remarked.

(With agency inputs)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday offered to provide its coronavirus vaccine free-of-cost to United Nations staff all over the world. He made the proposal during his pre-recorded address to United Nations General Assembly.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday offered to provide its coronavirus vaccine free-of-cost to United Nations staff all over the world. He made the proposal during his pre-recorded address to United Nations General Assembly. Putin called Russian-developed coronavirus vaccine Sputnik-V 'safe, reliable and effective' "Russia is ready to provide the UN with all the necessary qualified assistance, in particular, we are offering to provide our vaccine, free of charge, for the voluntary vaccination of the staff of the UN and its offices. We have received requests from our UN colleagues in this respect, and we will respond to those," said Putin. Sputnik-V vaccine has been developed by Gamaleya Institute in Russia. The vaccine has cleared Phase-2 trials. It is yet to clear Phase-3. Although there have been claims from the Russian side that Sputnik-V prompts sufficient antibody response against coronavirus infection, critics remain skeptical about the vaccine. Mass trials of Sputnik-V vaccine have not been carried out but high ranking officials and ministers in the Russian Government have been given doses. Also Read | COVID-19: Death toll in United States passes 200,000; Trump blames China at UNGA Putin's own daughter has also been administered the vaccine but which of his two daughters was given the vaccine was a mystery when the news broke. In his UN speech, Putin said Russia was open to co-operation with respect to Sputnik-V vaccine. "I would like to reiterate that we are completely open to partner relations and willing to cooperate. In this context, we are proposing to hold an online high-level conference shortly for countries interested in cooperation in the development of anti-coronavirus vaccines," he added Putin outlined Russia`s active contribution to global and regional counter-COVID-19 efforts, saying the country provided assistance to most affected nations both bilaterally and within multilateral formats. He called on the need to "qualitatively strengthen" the capability of the World Health Organisation (WHO). "...We first of all take into account the central coordinating role of the WHO, which is part of the UN system. We believe it essential to qualitatively strengthen WHO capability. This work has already begun, and Russia is genuinely motivated to engage in it," the Russian President remarked. (With agency inputs)

Russia offers to give free coronavirus vaccine for UN staff across globe

France President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday had strong words for Russain President Vladimir Putin and warned of consequences if Russia did not provide adequate explanation over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning. Macron called for "swift and flawless" clarification. He warned that France would not allow its red lines on the use of chemical weapons to be crossed.

"We will not tolerate the use of chemical weapons in Europe, in Russia or in Syria," Emmanuel Macron told the U.N. General Assembly.

"This clarification must be swift and flawless because we will enforce our red lines," Macron said.

Alexei Navalny, opponent and critic of Vladimir Putin was allegedly poisoned on August 20. It is suspected that he was poisoned before his flight from Tomsk to Moscow. He received medical care in Charite Hospital for several weeks and was discharged on Wednesday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-hospital-releases-russian-leader-navalny-after-novichok-poisoning-329607">German hospital releases Russian leader Navalny after Novichok poisoning</a> 
 
Kremlin has denied any involvement in the incident with Alexei Navalny.

Navalny said in his blog that independent laboratories in Sweden, France and Bundeswehr had confirmed that there was Novichok in his body. Novichok is a Soviet-era nerve agent.

Charite Hospital, where he received treatment, said that "complete recovery" was possible for Alexei Navalny.

(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

France President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday had strong words for Russain President Vladimir Putin and warned of consequences if Russia did not provide adequate explanation over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning.

France President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday had strong words for Russain President Vladimir Putin and warned of consequences if Russia did not provide adequate explanation over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning. Macron called for "swift and flawless" clarification. He warned that France would not allow its red lines on the use of chemical weapons to be crossed. "We will not tolerate the use of chemical weapons in Europe, in Russia or in Syria," Emmanuel Macron told the U.N. General Assembly. "This clarification must be swift and flawless because we will enforce our red lines," Macron said. Alexei Navalny, opponent and critic of Vladimir Putin was allegedly poisoned on August 20. It is suspected that he was poisoned before his flight from Tomsk to Moscow. He received medical care in Charite Hospital for several weeks and was discharged on Wednesday. Also Read | German hospital releases Russian leader Navalny after Novichok poisoning Kremlin has denied any involvement in the incident with Alexei Navalny. Navalny said in his blog that independent laboratories in Sweden, France and Bundeswehr had confirmed that there was Novichok in his body. Novichok is a Soviet-era nerve agent. Charite Hospital, where he received treatment, said that "complete recovery" was possible for Alexei Navalny. (With inputs from Reuters)

Navalny poisoning: Macron demands answers from Russia, warns of consequences

The Russian foreign ministry on Sunday condemned the unilateral declaration by the United States that UN sanctions on Iran are back in force as "illegitimate" and "unacceptable".

"The illegitimate initiatives and actions of the United States by definition cannot have international legal consequences for other countries," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Russia, a key ally of Iran, accused Washington of putting on a "theatrical performance" and insisted that the US statements "do not correspond to reality."

It accused the US of "trying to force everyone to wear virtual reality goggles" and accept its version of events, adding: "The world is not an American computer game."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-all-un-sanctions-on-iran-restored-other-nations-reject-move-328750">Also read:&nbsp;US says all UN sanctions on Iran restored. Other nations reject move</a>

Washington's defiance has dealt a "serious blow to the authority of the UN Security Council" and showed "open contempt for its decisions and for international law as a whole," the ministry said.

"This is unacceptable, and not only for us, but for other members of the Security Council too."

Russia said it "fully supports" the position of the majority of Security Council members that the US moves are "legally and procedurally null and void."

Russia said that efforts to ensure the fulfilment of the 2015 nuclear accord would be continued.

"The US should not exacerbate the situation but immediately renounce its course to destroy the JCPOA (2015 nuclear deal)," Moscow said.

The Russian foreign ministry on Sunday condemned the unilateral declaration by the United States that UN sanctions on Iran are back in force as "illegitimate" and "unacceptable".

The Russian foreign ministry on Sunday condemned the unilateral declaration by the United States that UN sanctions on Iran are back in force as "illegitimate" and "unacceptable". "The illegitimate initiatives and actions of the United States by definition cannot have international legal consequences for other countries," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Russia, a key ally of Iran, accused Washington of putting on a "theatrical performance" and insisted that the US statements "do not correspond to reality." It accused the US of "trying to force everyone to wear virtual reality goggles" and accept its version of events, adding: "The world is not an American computer game." Also read: US says all UN sanctions on Iran restored. Other nations reject move Washington's defiance has dealt a "serious blow to the authority of the UN Security Council" and showed "open contempt for its decisions and for international law as a whole," the ministry said. "This is unacceptable, and not only for us, but for other members of the Security Council too." Russia said it "fully supports" the position of the majority of Security Council members that the US moves are "legally and procedurally null and void." Russia said that efforts to ensure the fulfilment of the 2015 nuclear accord would be continued. "The US should not exacerbate the situation but immediately renounce its course to destroy the JCPOA (2015 nuclear deal)," Moscow said.

Moscow slams 'illegitimate' US claims on Iran sanctions

Referring to the human rights violation in Belarus, a UN investigator has warned about another "iron curtain" falling in Europe if the situation doesn't get better in Belarus.

"Let's not allow another iron curtain to descend on the European continent," said Anaïs Marin, UN special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Belarus.

The statement was issued in an urgent debate that was called in the UN by Germany on&nbsp;behalf of the European Union (EU) to discuss the&nbsp;"catastrophic" conditions in Belarus.

As&nbsp;Anaïs Marin described the tortures and violent behaviour portrayed by the Belrusian government, delegates of Russia and Belrus made several attempts of objecting her speech.

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The United Nations, however, has now agreed to step up monitoring of reported rights abuses during Belarus handling of protests that were held against the&nbsp;President Alexander Lukashenko who has been in power since 1994 and denies accusations of rigging elections that were held on August 09.

The protests were attended by masses and were spread all across the country for several weeks. The government has been accused of violently beating the protestors and holding them in jail in inhumane conditions without any charges.

“We demand to immediately cease violence against peaceful citizens. We demand immediate release of all political prisoners,”&nbsp;Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya requested in front of the&nbsp;47-member state forum.&nbsp;“I once again emphasize our willingness to talk with the authorities and look for peaceful solution to the crisis that has affected our nation."

Referring to the human rights violation in Belarus, a UN investigator has warned about another "iron curtain" falling in Europe if the situation doesn't get better in Belarus.

Referring to the human rights violation in Belarus, a UN investigator has warned about another "iron curtain" falling in Europe if the situation doesn't get better in Belarus. "Let's not allow another iron curtain to descend on the European continent," said Anaïs Marin, UN special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Belarus. The statement was issued in an urgent debate that was called in the UN by Germany on behalf of the European Union (EU) to discuss the "catastrophic" conditions in Belarus. As Anaïs Marin described the tortures and violent behaviour portrayed by the Belrusian government, delegates of Russia and Belrus made several attempts of objecting her speech. × The United Nations, however, has now agreed to step up monitoring of reported rights abuses during Belarus handling of protests that were held against the President Alexander Lukashenko who has been in power since 1994 and denies accusations of rigging elections that were held on August 09. The protests were attended by masses and were spread all across the country for several weeks. The government has been accused of violently beating the protestors and holding them in jail in inhumane conditions without any charges. “We demand to immediately cease violence against peaceful citizens. We demand immediate release of all political prisoners,” Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya requested in front of the 47-member state forum. “I once again emphasize our willingness to talk with the authorities and look for peaceful solution to the crisis that has affected our nation."

'Don't let iron curtain fall': Opposition warns against human rights violation in Belarus

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-interfering-in-us-elections-targeting-joe-biden-fbi-328417">Russia interfering in US elections, targeting Joe Biden: FBI</a> 
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<img alt="Joe Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd3cf895-5010-4de6-a97c-5d55dda8fc65" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Biden%20final.jpg" />

FBI Director Christopher Wray said his biggest concern is a "steady drumbeat of misinformation" that he said he feared could undermine confidence in the result of the 2020 election. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-interfering-in-us-elections-targeting-joe-biden-fbi-328417">Read more..</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-cases-top-30-million-europe-imposes-fresh-curbs-after-who-warning-328420">Global cases top 30 million, Europe imposes fresh curbs after WHO warning</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faae3703-2497-4eac-bf45-d633b088e752" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/europe.JPG" />

According to an AFP tally, more that 943,000 people have lost lives due to Covid-19 after its emergence in China last year. Europe accounts for more than 200,000. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-cases-top-30-million-europe-imposes-fresh-curbs-after-who-warning-328420">Read more...</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-ban-tiktok-and-wechat-downloads-from-september-20-328428">US to ban TikTok and WeChat downloads from September 20</a>

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The US plans involves barring citizens from downloading the Chinese-owned messaging app WeChat and video-sharing app TikTok on September 20. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-ban-tiktok-and-wechat-downloads-from-september-20-328428">Read more...</a>

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<img alt="Taiwan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fbe488a-6c57-44a0-a804-c9f1763eea46" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/taiwan_1.JPG" />

Amid the furore, Chinese defence ministry spokesman said that the country was 'holding actual combat exercises near the Taiwan Strait'. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-taiwan-scrambles-jets-pompeo-slams-chinas-military-blustering-328454">Read more...</a> 
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<img alt="Mediterranean crisis " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a902c354-1c8e-4cbe-8dcd-fc2c0605b514" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/meditarranean.JPG" />

The search for gas and oil in the region has sparked a row that has seen the two NATO neighbours stage rival air and navy drills in strategic waters between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediterranean-crisis-erdogan-says-turkey-willing-to-meet-greek-prime-minister-328441">Read more...</a>

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<img alt="Nawaz Sharif" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8877178e-fb2c-4bac-9ee3-272a4e686bda" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/nawaz%20sharif.JPG" />

The 70-year-old was given eight weeks to return to Pakistan, but health complications made his visit longer, as per his lawyer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/produce-nawaz-sharif-on-sept-22-top-court-official-to-pakistan-foreign-secretary-328295">Read more...</a>

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<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8d303f9-0284-4197-9b1a-0c13bf27da20" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/afghan.JPG" />

Overnight clashes erupted in three districts of Nangarhar province when Taliban fighters attacked several checkpoints of Afghan forces and pro-government militiamen. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-over-50-people-die-in-clashes-with-taliban-as-doha-peace-talks-continue-328280">Read more...</a>

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Trump recently cited Austria and other European countries as models of good forest management that US states like California, which has seen devastating wildfires lately, should learn from. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-minister-corrects-trumps-forest-city-claim-says-we-dont-have-exploding-trees-328431">Read more...</a>

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Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fires-burn-bolsonaro-says-brazil-should-be-congratulated-for-its-environment-work-328408">Read more...</a> 
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Russia interfering in US elections, targeting Joe Biden: FBI FBI Director Christopher Wray said his biggest concern is a "steady drumbeat of misinformation" that he said he feared could undermine confidence in the result of the 2020 election.

Russia interfering in US elections, targeting Joe Biden: FBI FBI Director Christopher Wray said his biggest concern is a "steady drumbeat of misinformation" that he said he feared could undermine confidence in the result of the 2020 election. Read more.. Global cases top 30 million, Europe imposes fresh curbs after WHO warning According to an AFP tally, more that 943,000 people have lost lives due to Covid-19 after its emergence in China last year. Europe accounts for more than 200,000. Read more... US to ban TikTok and WeChat downloads from September 20 The US plans involves barring citizens from downloading the Chinese-owned messaging app WeChat and video-sharing app TikTok on September 20. Read more... After Taiwan scrambles jets, Pompeo slams China's 'military blustering' Amid the furore, Chinese defence ministry spokesman said that the country was 'holding actual combat exercises near the Taiwan Strait'. Read more... Mediterranean crisis: Erdogan says Turkey willing to meet Greek Prime Minister The search for gas and oil in the region has sparked a row that has seen the two NATO neighbours stage rival air and navy drills in strategic waters between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete. Read more... Produce Nawaz Sharif on Sept 22: Top court official to Pakistan foreign secretary The 70-year-old was given eight weeks to return to Pakistan, but health complications made his visit longer, as per his lawyer Read more... Afghanistan: Over 50 people die in clashes with Taliban as Doha peace talks continue Overnight clashes erupted in three districts of Nangarhar province when Taliban fighters attacked several checkpoints of Afghan forces and pro-government militiamen. Read more... Austrian minister corrects Trump’s ‘forest city’ claim, says we don’t have ‘exploding trees’ Trump recently cited Austria and other European countries as models of good forest management that US states like California, which has seen devastating wildfires lately, should learn from. Read more... As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work' Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force. Read more...

Top 10 world news: FBI accuses Russia over interference in US elections, US to ban TikTok and more!

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray told US Congress that Russia was interfering in US Presidential Elections and was releasing steady stream of misinformation that aimed Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden. He said that Russia was even making efforts to diminish Americans' confidence in the election process.

He said his biggest concern is a "steady drumbeat of misinformation" that he said he feared could undermine confidence in the result of the 2020 election.

Multiple reviews by US&nbsp;intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia acted to boost now-President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and undermine his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The Republican president has long bristled at that finding, which Russia denies.

Regarding China, Wray said that the FBI is so active in monitoring Chinese efforts to acquire U.S. technology and other sensitive information that it is opening a new counterintelligence investigation related to China "every 10 hours."

Wray said the FBI is conducting multiple investigations into violent domestic extremists following months of street protests against racism and police brutality. He said the largest "chunk" of investigations were into white supremacist groups.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-wrote-controversial-us-agency-guidelines-on-testing-says-report-328323">Trump administration wrote controversial US agency guidelines on testing, says report</a>

Director of USA's National Counterintelligence and Security Center had warned on August 7 that Russia, China and Iran were all trying to interfere November 3 election. FBI Director's warning is another such indication given by a high-ranking official from US intelligence set-up.

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Lately, Donald Trump has repeatedly and without evidence questioned the increased use of mail-in ballots, a long-established method of voting in the United States which is expected to see a surge in use due to the coronavirus. On Thursday Trump wrote on Twitter, without evidence, that they could make it impossible to know the election's true outcome.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray told US Congress that Russia was interfering in US Presidential Elections and was releasing steady stream of misinformation that aimed Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray told US Congress that Russia was interfering in US Presidential Elections and was releasing steady stream of misinformation that aimed Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden. He said that Russia was even making efforts to diminish Americans' confidence in the election process. He said his biggest concern is a "steady drumbeat of misinformation" that he said he feared could undermine confidence in the result of the 2020 election. Multiple reviews by US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia acted to boost now-President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and undermine his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The Republican president has long bristled at that finding, which Russia denies. Regarding China, Wray said that the FBI is so active in monitoring Chinese efforts to acquire U.S. technology and other sensitive information that it is opening a new counterintelligence investigation related to China "every 10 hours." Wray said the FBI is conducting multiple investigations into violent domestic extremists following months of street protests against racism and police brutality. He said the largest "chunk" of investigations were into white supremacist groups. Also Read | Trump administration wrote controversial US agency guidelines on testing, says report Director of USA's National Counterintelligence and Security Center had warned on August 7 that Russia, China and Iran were all trying to interfere November 3 election. FBI Director's warning is another such indication given by a high-ranking official from US intelligence set-up. × Lately, Donald Trump has repeatedly and without evidence questioned the increased use of mail-in ballots, a long-established method of voting in the United States which is expected to see a surge in use due to the coronavirus. On Thursday Trump wrote on Twitter, without evidence, that they could make it impossible to know the election's true outcome. (With inputs from Reuters)

Russia interfering in US elections, targeting Joe Biden: FBI

Russians vote on Sunday in dozens of local elections that will be scrutinised for signs of discontent with the ruling United Russia party following the suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Navalny, 44, had hoped to undermine United Russia’s grip on regional power and had urged his supporters to vote against it tactically before he fell gravely ill in what Germany and his allies say was an attempt to kill him last month.

United Russia, which backs President Vladimir Putin, dominates regional politics, but the elections come at a time of public frustration over years of falling wages and the government’s handling of the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-election-eve-several-thousand-join-anti-kremlin-rally-in-russian-far-east-327063">Also read:&nbsp;On election eve, several thousand join anti-Kremlin rally in Russian Far East</a>

Seen as a dry run for next September’s parliament elections, the regional polls will elect 18 governors and an array of local parliaments and city councils.

Early voting began on Friday after authorities stretched out the elections over three days, a move criticised by independent election watchdog Golos which warned the longer period would make it harder for monitors to catch fraud at polling stations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-police-seek-to-question-alexei-navalny-in-germany-326801">Also read:&nbsp;Russian police seek to question Alexei Navalny in Germany</a>

Navalny’s allies have pressed ahead with the Kremlin critic’s “smart voting” strategy, naming more than a thousand politicians on the ballots they think can beat ruling party candidates and telling their supporters to vote for them.

The strategy aims to disrupt a political system that often bars the Kremlin’s staunchest foes from running, while allowing softer candidates from the parliamentary parties to compete. Navalny has been unable to set up his own party.

The anti-corruption campaigner also has dozens of allies running in elections for seats in the city councils of Novosibirsk and Tomsk in Siberia.

There have been some signs of anti-Kremlin discontent in the regions.

Mass rallies in the far eastern city of Khabarovsk show no sign of abating two months after they flared over the arrest of a popular local governor who defeated United Russia’s candidate in an election upset in 2018.

Russians vote on Sunday in dozens of local elections that will be scrutinised for signs of discontent with the ruling United Russia party following the suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Russians vote on Sunday in dozens of local elections that will be scrutinised for signs of discontent with the ruling United Russia party following the suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Navalny, 44, had hoped to undermine United Russia’s grip on regional power and had urged his supporters to vote against it tactically before he fell gravely ill in what Germany and his allies say was an attempt to kill him last month. United Russia, which backs President Vladimir Putin, dominates regional politics, but the elections come at a time of public frustration over years of falling wages and the government’s handling of the pandemic. Also read: On election eve, several thousand join anti-Kremlin rally in Russian Far East Seen as a dry run for next September’s parliament elections, the regional polls will elect 18 governors and an array of local parliaments and city councils. Early voting began on Friday after authorities stretched out the elections over three days, a move criticised by independent election watchdog Golos which warned the longer period would make it harder for monitors to catch fraud at polling stations. Also read: Russian police seek to question Alexei Navalny in Germany Navalny’s allies have pressed ahead with the Kremlin critic’s “smart voting” strategy, naming more than a thousand politicians on the ballots they think can beat ruling party candidates and telling their supporters to vote for them. The strategy aims to disrupt a political system that often bars the Kremlin’s staunchest foes from running, while allowing softer candidates from the parliamentary parties to compete. Navalny has been unable to set up his own party. The anti-corruption campaigner also has dozens of allies running in elections for seats in the city councils of Novosibirsk and Tomsk in Siberia. There have been some signs of anti-Kremlin discontent in the regions. Mass rallies in the far eastern city of Khabarovsk show no sign of abating two months after they flared over the arrest of a popular local governor who defeated United Russia’s candidate in an election upset in 2018.

Russians vote in local elections targeted by Kremlin critic Navalny

Russia on Sunday voted in regional elections overshadowed by the poisoning of the main opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The Kremlin critic had been urging supporters to vote tactically to push out the ruling party backing President Vladimir Putin.

Voters went to the polls on Sunday morning, wearing compulsory masks and gloves and undergoing temperature checks to protect against coronavirus infection in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk.

Navalny also has dozens of allies running for the city council in Siberia’s Novosibirsk, hoping to tap into frustrations with the ruling party after years of falling wages and a coronavirus lockdown that hit businesses.

The votes are among an array of local elections being held across Russia’s regions on Sunday.

It is rare for Navalny’s allies to be allowed to compete in elections and the 44-year-old was himself barred from taking part in Russia’s last presidential election in 2018.

The anti-corruption campaigner, who is now being treated in a hospital in Berlin, carved out a following on YouTube publishing videos alleging high-level graft among President Vladimir Putin’s allies and targeting the United Russia party.

In 41 of the country's 85 regions, Russians are voting for regional governors and lawmakers in regional and city legislatures as well as in several by-elections for national MPs.

The vote is seen as a key test of the Kremlin's control of local politics as the United Russia ruling party has seen a drop in popularity amid simmering public anger over falling incomes and economic woes.

Experts say the poisoning of Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition figure, can influence voters. After he was evacuated from Siberia to Berlin, German doctors said Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.

His associates believe the use of the banned chemical weapon shows only the Russian state could be responsible.

Navalny has sought to promote tactical voting, urging his supporters to back whichever is the strongest candidate to defeat the ruling party. He had been in Siberia to promote his "smart voting" campaign when he fell ill.

Berlin has demanded an explanation from Moscow after it said German doctors found the banned Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok in Navalny’s body. Russia says there is no solid evidence yet that Navalny was poisoned.

Meanwhile, elections in the country are for the first time being held over three days and some polling stations for early voting were open-air.

Early voting began on Friday and Sunday is the main polling day.

Several regions recorded large turnouts in two days of early voting, with over 50 percent of the electorate casting ballots early in the far eastern Jewish Autonomous Region and in Tatarstan.

The controversial three-day system was first used this summer for a national vote on constitutional amendments that made it possible for Putin to stay in power until 2036.

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets there for the past two months over the arrest of a popular governor who defeated an incumbent from the ruling party in 2018.

The case of the former Khabarovsk governor and the protest movement in Russia's neighbour Belarus have both sparked small-scale demonstrations in solidarity in Russian cities, suggesting there is potential for a protest vote.

(with inputs from agencies)

Russia on Sunday voted in regional elections overshadowed by the poisoning of the main opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The Kremlin critic had been urging supporters to vote tactically to push out the ruling party backing President Vladimir Putin.

Russia on Sunday voted in regional elections overshadowed by the poisoning of the main opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The Kremlin critic had been urging supporters to vote tactically to push out the ruling party backing President Vladimir Putin. Voters went to the polls on Sunday morning, wearing compulsory masks and gloves and undergoing temperature checks to protect against coronavirus infection in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk. Navalny also has dozens of allies running for the city council in Siberia’s Novosibirsk, hoping to tap into frustrations with the ruling party after years of falling wages and a coronavirus lockdown that hit businesses. The votes are among an array of local elections being held across Russia’s regions on Sunday. It is rare for Navalny’s allies to be allowed to compete in elections and the 44-year-old was himself barred from taking part in Russia’s last presidential election in 2018. The anti-corruption campaigner, who is now being treated in a hospital in Berlin, carved out a following on YouTube publishing videos alleging high-level graft among President Vladimir Putin’s allies and targeting the United Russia party. In 41 of the country's 85 regions, Russians are voting for regional governors and lawmakers in regional and city legislatures as well as in several by-elections for national MPs. The vote is seen as a key test of the Kremlin's control of local politics as the United Russia ruling party has seen a drop in popularity amid simmering public anger over falling incomes and economic woes. Experts say the poisoning of Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition figure, can influence voters. After he was evacuated from Siberia to Berlin, German doctors said Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. His associates believe the use of the banned chemical weapon shows only the Russian state could be responsible. Navalny has sought to promote tactical voting, urging his supporters to back whichever is the strongest candidate to defeat the ruling party. He had been in Siberia to promote his "smart voting" campaign when he fell ill. Berlin has demanded an explanation from Moscow after it said German doctors found the banned Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok in Navalny’s body. Russia says there is no solid evidence yet that Navalny was poisoned. Meanwhile, elections in the country are for the first time being held over three days and some polling stations for early voting were open-air. Early voting began on Friday and Sunday is the main polling day. Several regions recorded large turnouts in two days of early voting, with over 50 percent of the electorate casting ballots early in the far eastern Jewish Autonomous Region and in Tatarstan. The controversial three-day system was first used this summer for a national vote on constitutional amendments that made it possible for Putin to stay in power until 2036. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets there for the past two months over the arrest of a popular governor who defeated an incumbent from the ruling party in 2018. The case of the former Khabarovsk governor and the protest movement in Russia's neighbour Belarus have both sparked small-scale demonstrations in solidarity in Russian cities, suggesting there is potential for a protest vote. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia holds regional polls in shadow of Kremlin critic Navalny's poisoning

In what can be described as a miraculous discovery,&nbsp;Russian scientists have discovered a 39,000-year-old perfectly preserved cave bear and cub in Siberia.

Cave bears were&nbsp;prehistoric species or subspecies that lived in Eurasia from around 300,000 to 15,000 years ago. Up until now, only bones had been found of the bears.

However, now, the cave bear's remains that have been found has all its internal organs intact. Earlier, only bones and skull were found. The photographs also show the bear's nose and teeth are intact.

The discovery has been applauded by the experts and is being considered as a huge step towards Russian scientists' mission of rediscovering and bringing back the extinct species of the Ice Age.

"Today this is the first and only find of its kind — a whole bear carcass with soft tissues,"&nbsp;Scientist Dr Lena Grigorieva told the media.

The remains, which were found by reindeer herders on a remote island, will be analysed by expert scientists at the&nbsp;Russia's North-Eastern Federal University (NEFU) in Yakutsk. The researchers at NEFU are leading the research of bringing back the extinct species of woolly mammoths and rhinos.

Scietists from all over the world will be invited to take part in this research, with NEFu holding the lead role.&nbsp;"It is necessary to carry out radiocarbon analysis to determine the precise age of the bear," said Dr Maxim Cheprasov, senior researcher, candidate of biological sciences at the Mammoth Museum laboratory in Yakutsk.

The city of&nbsp;Yakutsk is believed to be the coldest city in the world.

Researchers will be releasing more investigation about this remarkable discovery soon.

In what can be described as a miraculous discovery, Russian scientists have discovered a 39,000-year-old perfectly preserved cave bear and cub in Siberia. Cave bears were prehistoric species or subspecies that lived in Eurasia from around 300,000 to 15,000 years ago.

In what can be described as a miraculous discovery, Russian scientists have discovered a 39,000-year-old perfectly preserved cave bear and cub in Siberia. Cave bears were prehistoric species or subspecies that lived in Eurasia from around 300,000 to 15,000 years ago. Up until now, only bones had been found of the bears. However, now, the cave bear's remains that have been found has all its internal organs intact. Earlier, only bones and skull were found. The photographs also show the bear's nose and teeth are intact. The discovery has been applauded by the experts and is being considered as a huge step towards Russian scientists' mission of rediscovering and bringing back the extinct species of the Ice Age. "Today this is the first and only find of its kind — a whole bear carcass with soft tissues," Scientist Dr Lena Grigorieva told the media. The remains, which were found by reindeer herders on a remote island, will be analysed by expert scientists at the Russia's North-Eastern Federal University (NEFU) in Yakutsk. The researchers at NEFU are leading the research of bringing back the extinct species of woolly mammoths and rhinos. Scietists from all over the world will be invited to take part in this research, with NEFu holding the lead role. "It is necessary to carry out radiocarbon analysis to determine the precise age of the bear," said Dr Maxim Cheprasov, senior researcher, candidate of biological sciences at the Mammoth Museum laboratory in Yakutsk. The city of Yakutsk is believed to be the coldest city in the world. Researchers will be releasing more investigation about this remarkable discovery soon.

Russia: 39,000-year-old cave bear's remains found intact in Siberia

Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has made progress towards recovery in hospital in Germany. The Kremlin critic is being treated in Berlin`s Charite hospital after falling ill on a Russian domestic flight last month. Germany has said that Navalny, who is a critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin was poisoned with Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok.

Kremlin, meanwhile still sees no grounds to investigate this matter as a criminal case. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow still saw no grounds to open a criminal case into the illness of Navalny.

On Thursday, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte was quoted as saying that Putin had told him that a committee would be set up to look into the alleged poisoning.

Kremlin clarified that no such step had been taken.

 
Senior Kremlin official ordered poisoning: Pompeo

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo targetted Russia as he alleged on Wednesday that a senior official of Kremlin ordered the poisoning.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/campaigner-for-kremlin-critic-navalny-beaten-up-326555">Campaigner for Kremlin critic Navalny beaten up</a>

He said that there was a "substantial chance" that Navalny`s suspected poisoning had been ordered by senior Russian officials.

"I think people all around the world see this kind of activity for what it is," Pompeo said in a radio interview.

Russia called this allegation "unacceptable".

(With inputs from Reuters)

Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has made progress towards recovery in hospital in Germany. The Kremlin critic is being treated in Berlin`s Charite hospital after falling ill on a Russian domestic flight last month.

Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has made progress towards recovery in hospital in Germany. The Kremlin critic is being treated in Berlin`s Charite hospital after falling ill on a Russian domestic flight last month. Germany has said that Navalny, who is a critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin was poisoned with Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok. Kremlin, meanwhile still sees no grounds to investigate this matter as a criminal case. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow still saw no grounds to open a criminal case into the illness of Navalny. On Thursday, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte was quoted as saying that Putin had told him that a committee would be set up to look into the alleged poisoning. Kremlin clarified that no such step had been taken. Senior Kremlin official ordered poisoning: Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo targetted Russia as he alleged on Wednesday that a senior official of Kremlin ordered the poisoning. Also Read: Campaigner for Kremlin critic Navalny beaten up He said that there was a "substantial chance" that Navalny`s suspected poisoning had been ordered by senior Russian officials. "I think people all around the world see this kind of activity for what it is," Pompeo said in a radio interview. Russia called this allegation "unacceptable". (With inputs from Reuters)

Alexei Navalny's condition improves, Russia still sees no ground for criminal case

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that there was "substantial chances" that a senior official in Kremlin ordered opposition leader Alexei Navalny's poisoning.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that there was "substantial chances" that a senior official in Kremlin ordered opposition leader Alexei Navalny's poisoning. Also read: Trump's Nobel Peace Prize nomination a 'testament to his bold diplomacy and vision': White House "I think people all around the world see this kind of activity for what it is," Pompeo said in a radio interview. Also read: Russia calls Germany's handling of requests on Navalny 'inappropriate' "And when they see the effort to poison a dissident, and they recognize that there is a substantial chance that this actually came from senior Russian officials, I think this is not good for the Russian people," he told conservative host Ben Shapiro. Navalny has been the most visible critic within Russia of President Vladimir Putin and mysteriously got critically ill while taking a flight in Siberia. Later, he was flown for treatment to Germany, where doctors said he was poisoned. Pompeo regurgitated that the United States and its European allies all wanted Russia to "hold those responsible for this accountable" and said Washington would also try to identify the perpetrators. "It's something that we'll take a look at, we'll evaluate, and we'll make sure we do our part to do whatever we can to reduce the risk that things like this happen again." These remarks by the US Secretary of State come despite Trump's comment last week that he had seen no proof that Navalny was poisoned. Trump has sought warmer relations with Putin, although his administration has still pushed sanctions over Ukraine and other concerns. (Inputs from AFP)

Alexei Navalny's poisoning likely by 'senior Russian officials': Mike Pompeo

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow on a four-day visit to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the SCO of which both India and China are members. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is the host of the meeting of SCO foreign ministers being held in the Russian capital from Wednesday to Thursday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also hold bilateral meetings with relevant member states of the SCO and attend a luncheon for the RIC foreign ministers, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here.

ALSO READ: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/israel-hopes-india-china-will-sort-things-peacefully-326245">Israel hopes India, China will ‘sort things peacefully’</a> 
 
Under the RIC framework, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet periodically to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of their interest.

Zhao, however, said he was not aware of the timing of the RIC foreign ministers' meeting.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017. 
&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow on a four-day visit to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the SCO of which both India and China are members. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is the host of the meeting of SCO foreign ministers being held in the Russian capital from Wednesday to Thursday. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also hold bilateral meetings with relevant member states of the SCO and attend a luncheon for the RIC foreign ministers, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here. ALSO READ: Israel hopes India, China will ‘sort things peacefully’ Under the RIC framework, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet periodically to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of their interest. Zhao, however, said he was not aware of the timing of the RIC foreign ministers' meeting. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017.

Foreign ministers of Russia, India, China to meet in Moscow: Chinese foreign ministry

The Russian Health Ministry has said that the first batch regarding the Sputnik V antibody against the deadly coronavirus, has been delivered into common course, local deliveries are planned in the near&nbsp;future. 
 
The vaccine was created by Russia's Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). 
 
According to a statement issued by the Russian government "The first batch of the 'Gam-COVID-Vac' (Sputnik V) vaccine for the prevention of the new coronavirus infection, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, has passed the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of Roszdravnadzor (medical device regulator) and has been released into civil circulation,". 
 
The preliminary results published in The Lancet journal on Friday revealed that the COVID-19 vaccine, which was approved by Russia last month, has been shown to elicit antibody response with no serious adverse events in small human trials.&nbsp;

Results from early-phase non-randomised vaccine trials in a total of 76 people show that two formulations of the vaccine have a good safety profile detected over 42 days, and induce antibody responses in all participants within 21 days.

The Russian ministry of health enrolled the main antibody against COVID-19, named Sputnik V, on August 11.&nbsp;

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin communicated trust on Sunday that most of the Russian capital's occupants will be immunized against the Covid within a few months.

As indicated by the ministry, the conveyance of the primary group of the Russian immunization to the nation's locales is arranged in the closest future.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Russian Health Ministry has said that the first batch regarding the Sputnik V antibody against the deadly coronavirus, has been delivered into common course, local deliveries are planned in the near future.

The Russian Health Ministry has said that the first batch regarding the Sputnik V antibody against the deadly coronavirus, has been delivered into common course, local deliveries are planned in the near future. The vaccine was created by Russia's Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). According to a statement issued by the Russian government "The first batch of the 'Gam-COVID-Vac' (Sputnik V) vaccine for the prevention of the new coronavirus infection, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, has passed the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of Roszdravnadzor (medical device regulator) and has been released into civil circulation,". The preliminary results published in The Lancet journal on Friday revealed that the COVID-19 vaccine, which was approved by Russia last month, has been shown to elicit antibody response with no serious adverse events in small human trials. Results from early-phase non-randomised vaccine trials in a total of 76 people show that two formulations of the vaccine have a good safety profile detected over 42 days, and induce antibody responses in all participants within 21 days. The Russian ministry of health enrolled the main antibody against COVID-19, named Sputnik V, on August 11. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin communicated trust on Sunday that most of the Russian capital's occupants will be immunized against the Covid within a few months. As indicated by the ministry, the conveyance of the primary group of the Russian immunization to the nation's locales is arranged in the closest future. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia releases first batch of Covid-19 vaccine Sputnik V into public

The UN&nbsp;rights chief has urged Russia to conduct a&nbsp;&nbsp;"thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation" into the alleged poisoning of Putin's critic&nbsp;Alexei Navalny.

"The number of cases of poisoning, or other forms of targeted assassination, of current or former Russian citizens, either within Russia itself or on foreign soil, over the past two decades is profoundly disturbing," Michelle Bachelet said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-opposition-figure-navalny-who-was-poisoned-now-out-of-medically-induced-coma-325807">Also read:&nbsp;Russia's opposition figure Navalny who was poisoned now out of medically induced coma</a>

Calling this a very serious crime, she said "it is incumbent on the Russian authorities to fully investigate who was responsible for this crime – a very serious crime that was committed on Russian soil."

Russia's ties with the west are suffering after&nbsp;Navalny's alleged poisoning&nbsp;case. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Monday, said the country will not rule out consequences for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project if Russia fails to thoroughly investigate the incident.

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The US President Donald Trump, too, had called it a serious crime, saying,&nbsp;"I would be very angry if that's the case."

The British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab had also said,&nbsp;“What is clear right now is that the Russian government has a very serious set of questions to answer."

However, Russia has denied all allegations since the beginning of the matter.&nbsp;"Attempts to somehow associate Russia with what happened are unacceptable to us, they are absurd," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Russian doctors had even blamed&nbsp;Navalny's condition on poor health and sleeping patterns.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Alexei Navalny&nbsp;came out of the medically induced coma on September 07, reported&nbsp;the hospital in Berlin where he is being treated.

The UN rights chief has urged Russia to conduct a "thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation" into the alleged poisoning of Putin's critic Alexei Navalny.

The UN rights chief has urged Russia to conduct a "thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation" into the alleged poisoning of Putin's critic Alexei Navalny. "The number of cases of poisoning, or other forms of targeted assassination, of current or former Russian citizens, either within Russia itself or on foreign soil, over the past two decades is profoundly disturbing," Michelle Bachelet said in a statement. Also read: Russia's opposition figure Navalny who was poisoned now out of medically induced coma Calling this a very serious crime, she said "it is incumbent on the Russian authorities to fully investigate who was responsible for this crime – a very serious crime that was committed on Russian soil." Russia's ties with the west are suffering after Navalny's alleged poisoning case. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Monday, said the country will not rule out consequences for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project if Russia fails to thoroughly investigate the incident. × The US President Donald Trump, too, had called it a serious crime, saying, "I would be very angry if that's the case." The British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab had also said, “What is clear right now is that the Russian government has a very serious set of questions to answer." However, Russia has denied all allegations since the beginning of the matter. "Attempts to somehow associate Russia with what happened are unacceptable to us, they are absurd," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Russian doctors had even blamed Navalny's condition on poor health and sleeping patterns. Meanwhile, Alexei Navalny came out of the medically induced coma on September 07, reported the hospital in Berlin where he is being treated.

UN urges Russia to conduct transparent investigation of Navalny's poisoning

Russian interference could theoretically cost Democrats the presidential elections, party's vice-presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris said on Sunday.

"I am clear that Russia interfered in the election of the president of the United States in 2016," Harris told CNN in an interview.

"I serve on the Senate Intelligence Committee. We have published detailed reports about exactly what we believe happened. And I do believe that there will be foreign interference in the 2020 election and that Russia will be at the front of the line," she said responding to a question on the allegations of Russian interference in the presidential elections.

"Could it cost you the White House?" she was asked. "Theoretically, of course, yes," Harris said.

Responding to another question, Kamala Harris alleged that there are classic voter suppression at play in this upcoming election, where, after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act with Shelby v. Holder in 2013, dozens of states passed laws that were designed to suppress the black vote, to suppress students from voting, to suppress indigenous people from voting, so much so that, in North Carolina, a court of appeals said the law was passed with surgical precision to get in the way of black voters from voting.

"So, we have classic voter suppression. We have what happened in 2016, which is foreign interference. We have a president who is trying to convince the American people not to believe in the integrity of our election system and compromise their belief that their vote might count," Kamala Harris said.

"These things are all at play. I am very realistic. Joe is realistic about the fact that, until we can win and get in and put some teeth back in the Voting Rights Act, and bring back the public's confidence in the system, that there will be many obstacles that people are intentionally placing in front of Americans' ability to vote," she said.

"But we will surpass and surmount and get around those obstacles," Harris said in response to the question.

Russian interference could theoretically cost Democrats the presidential elections, party's vice-presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris said on Sunday. "I am clear that Russia interfered in the election of the president of the United States in 2016," Harris told CNN in an interview.

Russian interference could theoretically cost Democrats the presidential elections, party's vice-presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris said on Sunday. "I am clear that Russia interfered in the election of the president of the United States in 2016," Harris told CNN in an interview. "I serve on the Senate Intelligence Committee. We have published detailed reports about exactly what we believe happened. And I do believe that there will be foreign interference in the 2020 election and that Russia will be at the front of the line," she said responding to a question on the allegations of Russian interference in the presidential elections. "Could it cost you the White House?" she was asked. "Theoretically, of course, yes," Harris said. Responding to another question, Kamala Harris alleged that there are classic voter suppression at play in this upcoming election, where, after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act with Shelby v. Holder in 2013, dozens of states passed laws that were designed to suppress the black vote, to suppress students from voting, to suppress indigenous people from voting, so much so that, in North Carolina, a court of appeals said the law was passed with surgical precision to get in the way of black voters from voting. "So, we have classic voter suppression. We have what happened in 2016, which is foreign interference. We have a president who is trying to convince the American people not to believe in the integrity of our election system and compromise their belief that their vote might count," Kamala Harris said. "These things are all at play. I am very realistic. Joe is realistic about the fact that, until we can win and get in and put some teeth back in the Voting Rights Act, and bring back the public's confidence in the system, that there will be many obstacles that people are intentionally placing in front of Americans' ability to vote," she said. "But we will surpass and surmount and get around those obstacles," Harris said in response to the question.

'Russian interference in election could cost White House': Kamala Harris

Germany, the current head of the European Union, will discuss possible sanctions on Russia over the poisoning of Alexei Navalny if the Kremlin does not provide an explanation soon, its foreign minister said Sunday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-arrested-for-seditious-words-before-rally-325503" hreflang="en">Hong Kong activist arrested for 'seditious words' before rally</a>

Russian opposition leader Navalny fell ill on a flight last month and was treated in a Siberian hospital before being evacuated to Berlin.

Germany said last week there was "unequivocal evidence" that President Vladimir Putin's top foe had been poisoned using Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok.

"If in the coming days Russia does not help clarify what happened, we will be compelled to discuss a response with our allies," Heiko Maas told German daily Bild.

Any sanctions decided should be "targeted", he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-orders-thousands-to-help-typhoon-recovery-325504" hreflang="en">North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders thousands to help typhoon recovery</a>

Western leaders and many Russians have expressed horror at what Navalny's allies say is the first known use of chemical weapons against a high-profile opposition leader on Russian soil.

The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the attack and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Germany is yet to share any findings with Moscow's prosecutors.

Maas on Sunday said there were "several indications" that Russia was behind the poisoning, in the strongest accusations yet from Germany.

"The deadly substance with which Navalny was poisoned has in the past been found in the hands of Russian authorities.

"Only a small number of people have access to Novichok and this poison was used by Russian secret services in the attack against former agent Sergei Skripal," he said, referring to the 2018 attack in the English city of Salisbury.

On the subject of which sanctions could be discussed by the EU, Maas didn't rule out action relating to the disputed Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

The controversial 10-billion-euro ($11-billion) project is meant to deliver Russian gas to Europe, but has been strongly contested by the United States.

"I hope... that the Russians do not force us to change our position on Nord Stream," he said, adding that the consequences of any potential cancellation of the project would also need to be weighed, and that the debate on sanctions should not be "reduced" to one point.

Germany, the current head of the European Union, will discuss possible sanctions on Russia over the poisoning of Alexei Navalny if the Kremlin does not provide an explanation soon, its foreign minister said Sunday.

Germany, the current head of the European Union, will discuss possible sanctions on Russia over the poisoning of Alexei Navalny if the Kremlin does not provide an explanation soon, its foreign minister said Sunday. Also read: Hong Kong activist arrested for 'seditious words' before rally Russian opposition leader Navalny fell ill on a flight last month and was treated in a Siberian hospital before being evacuated to Berlin. Germany said last week there was "unequivocal evidence" that President Vladimir Putin's top foe had been poisoned using Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok. "If in the coming days Russia does not help clarify what happened, we will be compelled to discuss a response with our allies," Heiko Maas told German daily Bild. Any sanctions decided should be "targeted", he added. Also read: North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders thousands to help typhoon recovery Western leaders and many Russians have expressed horror at what Navalny's allies say is the first known use of chemical weapons against a high-profile opposition leader on Russian soil. The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the attack and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Germany is yet to share any findings with Moscow's prosecutors. Maas on Sunday said there were "several indications" that Russia was behind the poisoning, in the strongest accusations yet from Germany. "The deadly substance with which Navalny was poisoned has in the past been found in the hands of Russian authorities. "Only a small number of people have access to Novichok and this poison was used by Russian secret services in the attack against former agent Sergei Skripal," he said, referring to the 2018 attack in the English city of Salisbury. On the subject of which sanctions could be discussed by the EU, Maas didn't rule out action relating to the disputed Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The controversial 10-billion-euro ($11-billion) project is meant to deliver Russian gas to Europe, but has been strongly contested by the United States. "I hope... that the Russians do not force us to change our position on Nord Stream," he said, adding that the consequences of any potential cancellation of the project would also need to be weighed, and that the debate on sanctions should not be "reduced" to one point.

German foreign minister threatens sanctions over Navalny poisoning

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Sunday that Moscow is open for a dialogue with Berlin regarding the situation around Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny 24 hours a day.

"We are ready to interact with the German side 24 hours a day. I would like to remind you that when Russian ambassador [Sergey Nechaev] was at the German Foreign Ministry, he asked if there was any specific data that the Russian side can get familiar with to advance the investigation [into Navalny case], but nothing was transferred to him. The situation remains the same today," Zakharova told the Rossiya 24 TV channel.

"What do we see? There is still no response. Moreover, it turned out that the request was forwarded to the Berlin Justice Department, responsible for considering legal issues, only on Friday … If efficiency is important for Berlin, then, first of all, the German side should show efficiency," Zakharova said.

According to the spokeswoman, Moscow has repeatedly urged Berlin to promptly respond to all Russia’s requests regarding the situation with the Russian opposition politician.

The Russian government has been widely condemned after Germany confirmed on Wednesday that Mr Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.

Meanwhile, British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday said that Russia must explain how Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned with what Germany says was the Novichok nerve agent.

“What is clear right now is that the Russian government has a very serious set of questions to answer,” he told Sky News.

Whether the incident involved a state actor or not, Russia had obligations to make sure that chemical weapons cannot be used on its soil, Raab said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Sunday that Moscow is open for a dialogue with Berlin regarding the situation around Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny 24 hours a day.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Sunday that Moscow is open for a dialogue with Berlin regarding the situation around Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny 24 hours a day. "We are ready to interact with the German side 24 hours a day. I would like to remind you that when Russian ambassador [Sergey Nechaev] was at the German Foreign Ministry, he asked if there was any specific data that the Russian side can get familiar with to advance the investigation [into Navalny case], but nothing was transferred to him. The situation remains the same today," Zakharova told the Rossiya 24 TV channel. "What do we see? There is still no response. Moreover, it turned out that the request was forwarded to the Berlin Justice Department, responsible for considering legal issues, only on Friday … If efficiency is important for Berlin, then, first of all, the German side should show efficiency," Zakharova said. According to the spokeswoman, Moscow has repeatedly urged Berlin to promptly respond to all Russia’s requests regarding the situation with the Russian opposition politician. The Russian government has been widely condemned after Germany confirmed on Wednesday that Mr Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. Meanwhile, British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday said that Russia must explain how Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned with what Germany says was the Novichok nerve agent. “What is clear right now is that the Russian government has a very serious set of questions to answer,” he told Sky News. Whether the incident involved a state actor or not, Russia had obligations to make sure that chemical weapons cannot be used on its soil, Raab said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ready to cooperate with Germany on Navalny’s case 24 hours per day: Russia

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Iran en-route his return from Russia. The brief stopover is scheduled tonight (September 5, 2020). Rajnath Singh is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Iran's defence minister.

In a tweet, Rajnath said, "Leaving Moscow for Tehran. I shall be meeting the Defence Minister of Iran, Brigadier General Amir Hatami."

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Leaving Moscow for Tehran. I shall be meeting the Defence Minister of Iran, Brigadier General Amir Hatami.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1302176477387972608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh is currently in Russia for Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers meeting. The eventful visit to Moscow saw a meeting between Indian and Chinese defence ministers amidst the Line of Actual Control or LAC row. The meet came at the request of the Chinese side.

Iran is an observer country of the SCO grouping. The visit to Iran is significant in view of India considering the country as part of its extended neighbourhood and also key to connectivity projects. The Chabahar port project where India has berths provides connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.&nbsp;

This is also the first visit to Iran by any Indian minister since the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps's Qasem Soleimani by American earlier this year.&nbsp;

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Iran en-route his return from Russia. The brief stopover is scheduled tonight (September 5, 2020). Rajnath Singh is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Iran's defence minister.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Iran en-route his return from Russia. The brief stopover is scheduled tonight (September 5, 2020). Rajnath Singh is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Iran's defence minister. In a tweet, Rajnath said, "Leaving Moscow for Tehran. I shall be meeting the Defence Minister of Iran, Brigadier General Amir Hatami." Leaving Moscow for Tehran. I shall be meeting the Defence Minister of Iran, Brigadier General Amir Hatami. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 5, 2020 × Rajnath Singh is currently in Russia for Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers meeting. The eventful visit to Moscow saw a meeting between Indian and Chinese defence ministers amidst the Line of Actual Control or LAC row. The meet came at the request of the Chinese side. Iran is an observer country of the SCO grouping. The visit to Iran is significant in view of India considering the country as part of its extended neighbourhood and also key to connectivity projects. The Chabahar port project where India has berths provides connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. This is also the first visit to Iran by any Indian minister since the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps's Qasem Soleimani by American earlier this year.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Iran

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