Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness.

Russia announced last month that its vaccine, named "Sputnik V" after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space in 1957, had already received approval.&nbsp;

This raised concerns among Western scientists over a lack of safety data, with some warning that moving too quickly on a vaccine could be dangerous.&nbsp;

Russia denounced criticism as an attempt to undermine Moscow's research.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epivaccorona-now-russia-readies-approval-for-second-covid-19-vaccine-323361">Also read|&nbsp;'EpiVacCorona': Now, Russia readies approval for second COVID-19 vaccine</a>

In the Lancet study, Russian researchers reported on two small trials, each involving 38 healthy adults aged between 18 and 60, who were given a two-part immunisation. &nbsp;

Each participant was given a dose of the first part of the vaccine and then given a booster with the second part 21 days later.&nbsp;

They were monitored over 42 days and all developed antibodies within the first three weeks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The report said the data showed that the vaccine was "safe, well tolerated, and does not cause serious adverse events in healthy adult volunteers".&nbsp;

The trials were open label and not randomised, meaning there was no placebo and the participants knew they were receiving the vaccine and were not randomly assigned to different treatment groups. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Researchers underlined that larger and longer trials -- including a placebo comparison -- would be needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for preventing Covid-19 infection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-may-mount-stronger-covid-19-immune-response-323294">Also read|&nbsp;Women may mount stronger COVID-19 immune response</a>

The report said the 76 participants of these trials would be monitored up to 180 days, adding that a more rigorous phase 3 clinical trial was planned with the involvement of 40,000 volunteers "from different age and risk groups".&nbsp;

'Safety is paramount'

Naor Bar-Zeev of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who was not involved in the study, said the research was "encouraging but small", adding that it did not give any data on effectiveness among older age groups, who are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19.&nbsp;

"Showing safety will be crucial with Covid-19 vaccines, not only for vaccine acceptance but also for trust in vaccination broadly," he said in a commentary in the Lancet. &nbsp;

"Since vaccines are given to healthy people and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially to everyone after approval following phase 3 trials, safety is paramount."

The pandemic has seen an unprecedented mobilisation of funding and research to rush through a vaccine that can protect billions of people worldwide.

This week the US urged states to get ready for a potential Covid-19 vaccine rollout two days before the presidential election in November, sparking concerns President Donald Trump's administration is accelerating research to fit a political timetable.&nbsp;

Russia has said that industrial production of its version is expected from September.

President Vladimir Putin said in early August that the vaccine gave "sustainable immunity" and that one of his own daughters had been inoculated, even though Russia's health ministry said clinical trials were not yet complete.

The World Health Organization has urged Russia to follow established guidelines and go "through all the stages" necessary to develop a safe vaccine.&nbsp;

Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya research institute for epidemiology and microbiology in Moscow in coordination with the Russian defence ministry.&nbsp;

It uses a cold-causing adenovirus, which is then modified and combined with a part of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

The report's lead author, Denis Logunov of Gamaleya, said the adenovirus vaccine enters people's cells and delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein genetic code, helping the immune system "recognise and attack" the virus. &nbsp;

Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness.

Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness. Russia announced last month that its vaccine, named "Sputnik V" after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space in 1957, had already received approval. This raised concerns among Western scientists over a lack of safety data, with some warning that moving too quickly on a vaccine could be dangerous. Russia denounced criticism as an attempt to undermine Moscow's research. Also read| 'EpiVacCorona': Now, Russia readies approval for second COVID-19 vaccine In the Lancet study, Russian researchers reported on two small trials, each involving 38 healthy adults aged between 18 and 60, who were given a two-part immunisation. Each participant was given a dose of the first part of the vaccine and then given a booster with the second part 21 days later. They were monitored over 42 days and all developed antibodies within the first three weeks. The report said the data showed that the vaccine was "safe, well tolerated, and does not cause serious adverse events in healthy adult volunteers". The trials were open label and not randomised, meaning there was no placebo and the participants knew they were receiving the vaccine and were not randomly assigned to different treatment groups. Researchers underlined that larger and longer trials -- including a placebo comparison -- would be needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for preventing Covid-19 infection. Also read| Women may mount stronger COVID-19 immune response The report said the 76 participants of these trials would be monitored up to 180 days, adding that a more rigorous phase 3 clinical trial was planned with the involvement of 40,000 volunteers "from different age and risk groups". 'Safety is paramount' Naor Bar-Zeev of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who was not involved in the study, said the research was "encouraging but small", adding that it did not give any data on effectiveness among older age groups, who are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. "Showing safety will be crucial with Covid-19 vaccines, not only for vaccine acceptance but also for trust in vaccination broadly," he said in a commentary in the Lancet. "Since vaccines are given to healthy people and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially to everyone after approval following phase 3 trials, safety is paramount." The pandemic has seen an unprecedented mobilisation of funding and research to rush through a vaccine that can protect billions of people worldwide. This week the US urged states to get ready for a potential Covid-19 vaccine rollout two days before the presidential election in November, sparking concerns President Donald Trump's administration is accelerating research to fit a political timetable. Russia has said that industrial production of its version is expected from September. President Vladimir Putin said in early August that the vaccine gave "sustainable immunity" and that one of his own daughters had been inoculated, even though Russia's health ministry said clinical trials were not yet complete. The World Health Organization has urged Russia to follow established guidelines and go "through all the stages" necessary to develop a safe vaccine. Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya research institute for epidemiology and microbiology in Moscow in coordination with the Russian defence ministry. It uses a cold-causing adenovirus, which is then modified and combined with a part of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The report's lead author, Denis Logunov of Gamaleya, said the adenovirus vaccine enters people's cells and delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein genetic code, helping the immune system "recognise and attack" the virus.

Russia vaccine 'passes early trial test'

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday replaced his security chiefs and said progress was being made on plans to bring Moscow and Minsk closer.

Lukashenko, who is under huge pressure from protesters to step down after last month's disputed election, replaced the heads of the KGB security service, the security council and the state control committee.

The reshuffle was announced during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who became the most senior Moscow official to make a public visit to Belarus since the political crisis broke out over disputed polls on August 9.

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets for weeks in unprecedented protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-considers-imposing-sanctions-on-seven-belarusian-officials-324869">Also watch|&nbsp;US considers imposing sanctions on seven Belarusian officials</a>

The moustachioed leader has refused to quit and has instead sought support from the Kremlin.

In recent years the Kremlin has pushed for closer economic and political integration between the two ex-Soviet countries but Lukashenko has so far resisted outright unification.&nbsp;

On Thursday, he indicated he might be open to bringing the nations closer.

"We agreed" on issues on which Russia and Belarus "could not agree earlier," Lukashenko told Mishustin, adding that opposition protests were a "lesson" for the two countries.

"This lesson prompted us to make relevant conclusions," he said.

Lukashenko added he planned to "dot all the i's on issues that are very sensitive and delicate for the two states" when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in the next few weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lukashenko-warns-of-bloodbath-in-belarus-if-opposition-assumes-power-324763">Also read|&nbsp;Lukashenko warns of bloodbath in Belarus if opposition assumes power</a>

Mishustin, who arrived with a large delegation in tow, hailed plans to tighten up ties.

"We see progress on many issues," he told Lukashenko, adding their future "union state" will help remove "unnecessary" trade barriers.

Belarus, an ex-Soviet state sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, has for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans.&nbsp;

The two have formed a nominal "union" with close trade and military cooperation but the Kremlin has sought deeper integration.

London-based analyst Mark Galeotti suggested that the reshuffle indicated that the replacement of KGB chief Valery Vakulchik with Ivan Tertel, who until now headed the state control committee, had been done under pressure from Moscow.

"Ex-KGB chief Vakulchik had been a fierce guardian against Moscow penetration," he tweeted, adding Tertel had a better relationship with Russia's FSB security service.

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday replaced his security chiefs and said progress was being made on plans to bring Moscow and Minsk closer. Lukashenko, who is under huge pressure from protesters to step down after last month's disputed election, replaced the heads of the KGB security service, the security council and the state control committee.

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday replaced his security chiefs and said progress was being made on plans to bring Moscow and Minsk closer. Lukashenko, who is under huge pressure from protesters to step down after last month's disputed election, replaced the heads of the KGB security service, the security council and the state control committee. The reshuffle was announced during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who became the most senior Moscow official to make a public visit to Belarus since the political crisis broke out over disputed polls on August 9. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets for weeks in unprecedented protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule. Also watch| US considers imposing sanctions on seven Belarusian officials The moustachioed leader has refused to quit and has instead sought support from the Kremlin. In recent years the Kremlin has pushed for closer economic and political integration between the two ex-Soviet countries but Lukashenko has so far resisted outright unification. On Thursday, he indicated he might be open to bringing the nations closer. "We agreed" on issues on which Russia and Belarus "could not agree earlier," Lukashenko told Mishustin, adding that opposition protests were a "lesson" for the two countries. "This lesson prompted us to make relevant conclusions," he said. Lukashenko added he planned to "dot all the i's on issues that are very sensitive and delicate for the two states" when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in the next few weeks. Also read| Lukashenko warns of bloodbath in Belarus if opposition assumes power Mishustin, who arrived with a large delegation in tow, hailed plans to tighten up ties. "We see progress on many issues," he told Lukashenko, adding their future "union state" will help remove "unnecessary" trade barriers. Belarus, an ex-Soviet state sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, has for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans. The two have formed a nominal "union" with close trade and military cooperation but the Kremlin has sought deeper integration. London-based analyst Mark Galeotti suggested that the reshuffle indicated that the replacement of KGB chief Valery Vakulchik with Ivan Tertel, who until now headed the state control committee, had been done under pressure from Moscow. "Ex-KGB chief Vakulchik had been a fierce guardian against Moscow penetration," he tweeted, adding Tertel had a better relationship with Russia's FSB security service.

Belarus leader replaces security chiefs as Russia PM visits

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' Director-GeneralFernando Arias on Thursday expressed "grave concern" after Germany said that Alexei Navalny had been poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok.

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' Director-GeneralFernando Arias on Thursday expressed "grave concern" after Germany said that Alexei Navalny had been poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok. Also read: Kremlin sees 'no reason' to blame Russian state over Navalny The head of the world chemical arms watchdog, Fernando Arias has said that the body was ready to help any member country that asked for its assistance. "Under the Chemical Weapons Convention, any poisoning of an individual through the use of a nerve agent is considered a use of chemical weapons. Such an allegation is a matter of grave concern," Arias said in a statement. Arias added that the "use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances" was "reprehensible and wholly contrary to the legal norms established by the international community." "The OPCW continues to monitor the situation and stands ready to engage with and to assist any states parties that may request its assistance," The OPCW chief said. On Wednesday, Germany said that it was going to contact the watchdog for the case. However, it did not say if it would seek its help, as it is entitled to under the Chemical Weapons Convention. (Inputs from AFP)

Head of world chemical arms watchdog expresses 'concern' over Navalny's poisoning case

Facebook has suspended more than 450 Facebook accounts that were caught spreading fake news and anti-India propaganda.

In total,&nbsp;453 Facebook accounts, 103 Facebook pages, 78 groups, and 107 Instagram accounts were spotted and suspended. All these accounts were, reportedly, operating from Pakistan, but claimed to be operating from India to gain trust of the followers.

These accounts were spreading fake news against India, Indian Military and minority communities in Pakistan. The content was being circulated mainly in forms of memes. The content talked about fake policies and criticised India's actions towards Pakistan and China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/law-minister-prasad-urges-zuckerberg-to-protect-fb-from-a-lobby-that-abhors-free-speech-324546">Also read|&nbsp;Law Minister Prasad urges Zuckerberg to protect FB from 'a lobby that abhors free speech'</a>

"We found this network as part of our internal investigation into suspected coordination inauthentic behaviour in the region," Stanford Internet Observatory, who published the report, said.

"The network appears to have primarily targeted Pakistanis and Indians; posts were in Urdu, Hindi, English, and Punjabi. Facebook reports that 70,000 accounts followed at least one of the Pages and 1.1 million users belonged to the Groups," it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/misinformation-fake-news-india-calls-out-pakistan-over-false-propaganda-on-social-media-after-stanford-internet-observatory-report-324616">ALso read|&nbsp;'Misinformation, fake news': India calls out Pakistan over false propaganda on social media after Stanford Internet Observatory report</a>

In addition to Pakistan's fake accounts, Facebook also removed 13 accounts and two pages related to Russian Internet Research Agency (IRA). Nearly 55 accounts, 42 pages and 36 Instagram accounts were also suspended in the US for spreading fake news.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Indian Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad wrote to Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg on September 1 asking about Facebook being used for circulating hate-posts using political bias.

“I’ve been informed that in run up to 2019 Lok Sabha Polls, there was concerted effort by Facebook India to not just delete pages or substantially reduce their reach but also offer no right of appeal to affected people who're supportive of right-of-centre ideology”, he wrote.

Facebook has suspended more than 450 Facebook accounts that were caught spreading fake news and anti-India propaganda. In total, 453 Facebook accounts, 103 Facebook pages, 78 groups, and 107 Instagram accounts were spotted and suspended.

Facebook has suspended more than 450 Facebook accounts that were caught spreading fake news and anti-India propaganda. In total, 453 Facebook accounts, 103 Facebook pages, 78 groups, and 107 Instagram accounts were spotted and suspended. All these accounts were, reportedly, operating from Pakistan, but claimed to be operating from India to gain trust of the followers. These accounts were spreading fake news against India, Indian Military and minority communities in Pakistan. The content was being circulated mainly in forms of memes. The content talked about fake policies and criticised India's actions towards Pakistan and China. Also read| Law Minister Prasad urges Zuckerberg to protect FB from 'a lobby that abhors free speech' "We found this network as part of our internal investigation into suspected coordination inauthentic behaviour in the region," Stanford Internet Observatory, who published the report, said. "The network appears to have primarily targeted Pakistanis and Indians; posts were in Urdu, Hindi, English, and Punjabi. Facebook reports that 70,000 accounts followed at least one of the Pages and 1.1 million users belonged to the Groups," it added. ALso read| 'Misinformation, fake news': India calls out Pakistan over false propaganda on social media after Stanford Internet Observatory report In addition to Pakistan's fake accounts, Facebook also removed 13 accounts and two pages related to Russian Internet Research Agency (IRA). Nearly 55 accounts, 42 pages and 36 Instagram accounts were also suspended in the US for spreading fake news. Meanwhile, Indian Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad wrote to Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg on September 1 asking about Facebook being used for circulating hate-posts using political bias. “I’ve been informed that in run up to 2019 Lok Sabha Polls, there was concerted effort by Facebook India to not just delete pages or substantially reduce their reach but also offer no right of appeal to affected people who're supportive of right-of-centre ideology”, he wrote.

Facebook suspends 453 accounts spreading fake news with anti-India propaganda

Russia on Monday said that it was expelling three diplomats from the Slovak embassy in Moscow in a tit-for-tat move after the Slovakian government forced out three Russians amidst a growing diplomatic tiff with Europe.

Russia on Monday said that it was expelling three diplomats from the Slovak embassy in Moscow in a tit-for-tat move after the Slovakian government forced out three Russians amidst a growing diplomatic tiff with Europe. Also read: EU offers 400 million euros to WHO-led COVID-19 vaccine initiative In a statement given by the Russian foreign ministry said: "The Russian side, guided by the principle of reciprocity, decided to expel... three diplomatic staff of the Slovak Embassy in Moscow." On August 10, Slovakia announced that it was removing three Russian embassy staff over what it said was "serious crime," with local media citing a possible link with the killing of a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park last year. Also read: Israeli and US officials to fly to UAE to cement 'normalisation' deal According to German prosecutors, the Russians ordered the killing of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian national who was shot twice in the head at close range last year. Russian foreign ministry called Slovakia's move to remove their diplomatic staff as an "unfriendly step" that contradicted the "traditional spirit" of shared ties. This is the third time in a week that Russia has expelled European diplomats. On Friday, a Norwegian diplomat was forced to leave Russia in response to Norway's removal of a Russian diplomat over activities "not compatible with his status." On August 24, an Austrian diplomat was expelled from Russia in another tit-for-tat move following espionage allegations from Vienna. In June, Russia sent home two Czech diplomats, retaliating over the expulsion of two of its embassy workers from Prague for spreading rumours of a poisoning plot. (Inputs from AFP)

Russia expels diplomats from the Slovak embassy in a tit-for-tat move

French defence minister Florence Parly on Sunday said that the government is investigating a senior military officer over a "security breach". This came following a report of the person spying for Russia.

French defence minister Florence Parly on Sunday said that the government is investigating a senior military officer over a "security breach". This came following a report of the person spying for Russia. "What I can confirm is that a senior officer is facing legal proceedings for a security breach," Florence Parly told Europe 1 radio, CNews and Les Echos newspaper. Parly gave no further details. However, Europe 1 said the officer was a lieutenant-colonel stationed with NATO in Italy and had been placed under investigation on suspicion of spying for Russia. According to Europe 1, the officer is suspected of having supplied sensitive documents to Russian intelligence. The senior military officer was arrested by DGSI intelligence service as he was about to leave for Italy at the end of his holidays in France, and is being held at a prison in Paris, Europe 1 said. (Inputs from AFP)

French government investigates senior military officer over 'security breach'

After Russia, these COVID-19 vaccines set to unveil soon!

A new documentary released by Russia's state atomic agency has featured a newly declassified footage of the biggest thermonuclear bomb of all time called the "Tsar Bomba".&nbsp;

"Tsar Bomba" was tested by the Soviet Union in 1961. The bomb was so powerful that people saw the flash from up to over 1000 KM away.

An international treaty prohibited further tests. which is why the Soviets only tested the bomb once.&nbsp;

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On July 1961, the Soviet Union's Premier Nikita Krushchev ordered the development of a 100-megaton nuclear weapon. It took engineers a few weeks to make the bomb. They officially named it RDS-220, and they built a device with a yield of only 50 megatons, which was still the most powerful thermonuclear device ever tested.

This nuclear weapon easily defeated the US' Castle Bravo, which was detonated in the Pacific Ocean and exploded with the force of 15 megatons.&nbsp;

The Tsar Bomba was tested in October 1961 over Novaya Zemlya island, north of the Arctic Circle. The Soviets had to drop the 27-ton, a 26-foot-long bomb from a Tu-95 “Bear” bomber and it could not fit the aircraft bomb bay.

The mushroom cloud due to the blast reached an altitude of 210,000 feet and the people saw the flash at over 1,000 KM distance, despite the bad weather. According to an observer, Ground Zero as "leveled, swept, and licked so that it looks like a skating rink".&nbsp;

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However, the 1963 Nuclear Ban-Test Treaty prohibited atmospheric nuclear explosions, which means we never saw a weapon as powerful as Tsar Bomba tested again.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

A new documentary released by Russia's state atomic agency has featured a newly declassified footage of the biggest thermonuclear bomb of all time called the "Tsar Bomba".

A new documentary released by Russia's state atomic agency has featured a newly declassified footage of the biggest thermonuclear bomb of all time called the "Tsar Bomba". "Tsar Bomba" was tested by the Soviet Union in 1961. The bomb was so powerful that people saw the flash from up to over 1000 KM away. An international treaty prohibited further tests. which is why the Soviets only tested the bomb once. × On July 1961, the Soviet Union's Premier Nikita Krushchev ordered the development of a 100-megaton nuclear weapon. It took engineers a few weeks to make the bomb. They officially named it RDS-220, and they built a device with a yield of only 50 megatons, which was still the most powerful thermonuclear device ever tested. This nuclear weapon easily defeated the US' Castle Bravo, which was detonated in the Pacific Ocean and exploded with the force of 15 megatons. The Tsar Bomba was tested in October 1961 over Novaya Zemlya island, north of the Arctic Circle. The Soviets had to drop the 27-ton, a 26-foot-long bomb from a Tu-95 “Bear” bomber and it could not fit the aircraft bomb bay. The mushroom cloud due to the blast reached an altitude of 210,000 feet and the people saw the flash at over 1,000 KM distance, despite the bad weather. According to an observer, Ground Zero as "leveled, swept, and licked so that it looks like a skating rink". However, the 1963 Nuclear Ban-Test Treaty prohibited atmospheric nuclear explosions, which means we never saw a weapon as powerful as Tsar Bomba tested again. ×

'Tsar Bomba': Russia declassifies the footage of biggest nuclear weapon of all time

Russian Kremlin's critic Alexei&nbsp;Navalny has been in the hospital for the past one week, since he was allegedly poisoned for being an active critic of the Russian leader Valdimir Putin.

Now that the critic is stable, some doctors have claimed that no trace of poison was found during his treatment. However, some German doctors disagree with this claim.

To put an end to the rumours and the controversies, Russia's&nbsp;Interior Ministry is launching an investigation into the hospitalisation of the opposition leader.

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Navalny was taken to the hospital after he was allegedly poisoned during a flight&nbsp;rom the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow.

While Russian doctors had claimed that there was no trace of poison, German doctors who treated&nbsp;Navalny later disagreed with the claim.

The Interior Ministry has, therefore, opened an investigation into the matter. The transportation unit of the Ministry is&nbsp;currently carrying out preliminary searches in the hotel room where&nbsp;Navalny stayed and the routes he took in the city. The video surveillance footage from the area will also be investigated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-regrets-russias-lack-of-transparency-over-navalny-poisoning-case-323406">Also read:&nbsp;France regrets Russia's lack of 'transparency' over Navalny poisoning case</a>

As of now, the investigators have not found any drugs or any other potent substances from the hotel room. The Russian prosecutors have also asked Germany for Navalny's medical files from his treatment at the German clinic.

The investigation is a step towards Russia trying to clear the rumours around the critic's health, which can affect Moscow's relationship with the West.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, however,&nbsp;said on Thursday he was bemused by Russia not taking a transparent approach over the possible poisoning of Navalny.

Russian Kremlin's critic Alexei Navalny has been in the hospital for the past one week, since he was allegedly poisoned for being an active critic of the Russian leader Valdimir Putin.

Russian Kremlin's critic Alexei Navalny has been in the hospital for the past one week, since he was allegedly poisoned for being an active critic of the Russian leader Valdimir Putin. Now that the critic is stable, some doctors have claimed that no trace of poison was found during his treatment. However, some German doctors disagree with this claim. To put an end to the rumours and the controversies, Russia's Interior Ministry is launching an investigation into the hospitalisation of the opposition leader. × Navalny was taken to the hospital after he was allegedly poisoned during a flight rom the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow. While Russian doctors had claimed that there was no trace of poison, German doctors who treated Navalny later disagreed with the claim. The Interior Ministry has, therefore, opened an investigation into the matter. The transportation unit of the Ministry is currently carrying out preliminary searches in the hotel room where Navalny stayed and the routes he took in the city. The video surveillance footage from the area will also be investigated. Also read: France regrets Russia's lack of 'transparency' over Navalny poisoning case As of now, the investigators have not found any drugs or any other potent substances from the hotel room. The Russian prosecutors have also asked Germany for Navalny's medical files from his treatment at the German clinic. The investigation is a step towards Russia trying to clear the rumours around the critic's health, which can affect Moscow's relationship with the West. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, however, said on Thursday he was bemused by Russia not taking a transparent approach over the possible poisoning of Navalny.

Russia starts investigating Alexei Navalny's alleged 'poisoning'

France on Friday said that it regretted Russia's lack of "transparency" in the case of suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who is in a medically-induced coma in a Berlin hospital.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-dismisses-navalny-poisoning-us-calls-for-full-and-transparent-investigation-323082" hreflang="en">Kremlin dismisses Navalny poisoning; US calls for 'full and transparent investigation'</a>

Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told RTL radio: "I do not understand why Russia does not play the game of transparency. It is in its own interest, and we are saying so."

"If they wanted to take the initiative with transparency, it would be to their credit," the top diplomat underlined.

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On Wednesday, the Kremlin rejected international calls for an investigation into the Navalny's alleged poisoning. They stated that medics had not identified any toxin. Russia's foreign ministry said there was "suspicious haste" to determine Navalny was poisoned while stating that it was "deeply offensive" to the Russian doctors who treated the Opposition leader.

Le Drian called for a "transparent" investigation "and when the culprits are found, to put them on trial, so that the lesson can be learnt because this is not the first time there is a poisoning" of an opposition figure in Russia.

Navalny was suspected to have been poisoned in Russia. He was airlifted to Berlin's Charite hospital from a Siberian hospital on Saturday. The Russian Opposition leader had reportedly had a cup of tea before boarding his flight which his supporters alleged was mixed with poison.

France on Friday said that it regretted Russia's lack of "transparency" in the case of suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who is in a medically-induced coma in a Berlin hospital.

France on Friday said that it regretted Russia's lack of "transparency" in the case of suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who is in a medically-induced coma in a Berlin hospital. Also read: Kremlin dismisses Navalny poisoning; US calls for 'full and transparent investigation' Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told RTL radio: "I do not understand why Russia does not play the game of transparency. It is in its own interest, and we are saying so." "If they wanted to take the initiative with transparency, it would be to their credit," the top diplomat underlined. × On Wednesday, the Kremlin rejected international calls for an investigation into the Navalny's alleged poisoning. They stated that medics had not identified any toxin. Russia's foreign ministry said there was "suspicious haste" to determine Navalny was poisoned while stating that it was "deeply offensive" to the Russian doctors who treated the Opposition leader. Le Drian called for a "transparent" investigation "and when the culprits are found, to put them on trial, so that the lesson can be learnt because this is not the first time there is a poisoning" of an opposition figure in Russia. Navalny was suspected to have been poisoned in Russia. He was airlifted to Berlin's Charite hospital from a Siberian hospital on Saturday. The Russian Opposition leader had reportedly had a cup of tea before boarding his flight which his supporters alleged was mixed with poison.

France regrets Russia's lack of 'transparency' over Navalny poisoning case

A small number of US troops were injured during an interaction with Russian forces in Syria, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday.

While such interactions between American and Russian forces are not rare, the incident highlights the risks of troops from both countries operating in close proximity in northern Syria and the potential for an escalation in tensions.

One of the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the injuries were a result of a collision and not any exchange of fire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-greece-mobilize-their-navies-come-close-to-military-confrontation-323263">Also read:&nbsp;Turkey and Greece mobilize their navies; come close to military confrontation</a>

The other official said the incident took place earlier this week in northeastern Syria and the injuries were mild.

The Pentagon and the US military's Central Command, which oversees US forces in the region, declined to comment.

The US military does not generally comment on injuries. However, last month a paratrooper was killed during a vehicle rollover accident in eastern Syria.

Videos on social media showed Russian military vehicles, backed by a pair of helicopters, driving dangerously close to US&nbsp;armored vehicles. The origin of the videos was unclear.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-leader-navalny-poisoned-with-cholinesterase-inhibitors-says-german-hospital-322864">Also read:&nbsp;Russian Opposition leader Navalny poisoned with cholinesterase inhibitors, says German hospital</a>

Earlier this year, another video showed a close interaction between troops on a Syrian road.

About 500 US forces remain in northern Syria after a sharp reduction in troops that were initially there to drive out Islamic State militants from all of their strongholds in the country.

Some of the areas also have oil resources, something President Donald Trump has cited as a justification for keeping US troops partnered with Kurdish allies in the region.

The injuries were first reported by Politico.

A small number of US troops were injured during an interaction with Russian forces in Syria, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday. While such interactions between American and Russian forces are not rare, the incident highlights the risks of troops from both countries operating in close proximity in northern Syria and the potential for an escalation in tensions.

A small number of US troops were injured during an interaction with Russian forces in Syria, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday. While such interactions between American and Russian forces are not rare, the incident highlights the risks of troops from both countries operating in close proximity in northern Syria and the potential for an escalation in tensions. One of the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the injuries were a result of a collision and not any exchange of fire. Also read: Turkey and Greece mobilize their navies; come close to military confrontation The other official said the incident took place earlier this week in northeastern Syria and the injuries were mild. The Pentagon and the US military's Central Command, which oversees US forces in the region, declined to comment. The US military does not generally comment on injuries. However, last month a paratrooper was killed during a vehicle rollover accident in eastern Syria. Videos on social media showed Russian military vehicles, backed by a pair of helicopters, driving dangerously close to US armored vehicles. The origin of the videos was unclear. Also read: Russian Opposition leader Navalny poisoned with cholinesterase inhibitors, says German hospital Earlier this year, another video showed a close interaction between troops on a Syrian road. About 500 US forces remain in northern Syria after a sharp reduction in troops that were initially there to drive out Islamic State militants from all of their strongholds in the country. Some of the areas also have oil resources, something President Donald Trump has cited as a justification for keeping US troops partnered with Kurdish allies in the region. The injuries were first reported by Politico.

US troops injured in interaction with Russian forces in Syria: US officials

Continuing the close defence partnership, Moscow has hoped India will soon sign agreement on Igla s anti-air missile while New Delhi has announced it will soon produce spare parts of Russian defence equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat

India has signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to the manufacturing of spare parts of Russian equipment supplied to India. Indian defence forces have a substantial component of Russian military hardware, some estimates bill it around 70%.

Indian envoy to Russia D B Venkatesh Varma said, "Now a number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on both sides are in touch with each other; this is a big step forward,"

India's Secretary of Defence Production Raj Kumar had a meeting with key Russian defence bodies and Russian deputy minister for Industry and Trade Oleg Ryazansev a few days ago on the sidelines of Russian govt's Army-2020 Forum.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Shugaev, the director at Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Russia's nodal body to export defence products to foreign countries has expressed hope that India will soon sign an agreement for production and supply of Igla S Anti Air Missile "since we have won the tender unconditionally"

Both sides are hoping to expedite the production of 7.62mm Kalashnikov Assault Rifle- AK203, a joint venture between the 2 countries. The Russians are also hopeful that contracts for 6 Ka 31 helicopters will be signed by end of 2020.

Spokesperson of FSMTC Maria Vorobyeva said on the sidelines of army 2020, "We know that due to objective reasons, the Indian leadership decided to accelerate the allocation of funds for the purchase of the specified aircraft. The talks are already going on. We expect, that the contracts, including the one on 6 Ka-31 helicopters, are signed before the end of the year 2020".

Asked about S400 anti-aircraft missile system, the spokesperson said, "delivery of the first regimental batch is expected by the end of 2021" to India and "further acceleration of the delivery of the first batch from the system is technically impossible, since there are objective, technology-related stages of production, acceptance and transfer of equipment".

India had signed the contract for a single deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit on October 5th, 2018.

Continuing the close defence partnership, Moscow has hoped India will soon sign agreement on Igla s anti-air missile while New Delhi has announced it will soon produce spare parts of Russian defence equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat India has signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to the manufacturing of spare parts of Russian equipment supplied to India.

Continuing the close defence partnership, Moscow has hoped India will soon sign agreement on Igla s anti-air missile while New Delhi has announced it will soon produce spare parts of Russian defence equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat India has signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to the manufacturing of spare parts of Russian equipment supplied to India. Indian defence forces have a substantial component of Russian military hardware, some estimates bill it around 70%. Indian envoy to Russia D B Venkatesh Varma said, "Now a number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on both sides are in touch with each other; this is a big step forward," India's Secretary of Defence Production Raj Kumar had a meeting with key Russian defence bodies and Russian deputy minister for Industry and Trade Oleg Ryazansev a few days ago on the sidelines of Russian govt's Army-2020 Forum. Meanwhile, Dmitry Shugaev, the director at Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Russia's nodal body to export defence products to foreign countries has expressed hope that India will soon sign an agreement for production and supply of Igla S Anti Air Missile "since we have won the tender unconditionally" Both sides are hoping to expedite the production of 7.62mm Kalashnikov Assault Rifle- AK203, a joint venture between the 2 countries. The Russians are also hopeful that contracts for 6 Ka 31 helicopters will be signed by end of 2020. Spokesperson of FSMTC Maria Vorobyeva said on the sidelines of army 2020, "We know that due to objective reasons, the Indian leadership decided to accelerate the allocation of funds for the purchase of the specified aircraft. The talks are already going on. We expect, that the contracts, including the one on 6 Ka-31 helicopters, are signed before the end of the year 2020". Asked about S400 anti-aircraft missile system, the spokesperson said, "delivery of the first regimental batch is expected by the end of 2021" to India and "further acceleration of the delivery of the first batch from the system is technically impossible, since there are objective, technology-related stages of production, acceptance and transfer of equipment". India had signed the contract for a single deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit on October 5th, 2018.

Moscow hopes agreement on Igla missile, New Delhi to manufacture spare parts of Russian equipment

The Russian government has reached out to India seeking collaboration for manufacturing its COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V' and conducting its phase 3 clinical trial here, sources said.

According to government sources, the matter was discussed by the national expert group on vaccine administration for COVID-19 in its last meeting held on August 22.

Sputnik V has been developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology along with Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

The vaccine has not been tested in phase 3 or larger clinical trials.

There has been scepticism in some quarters about limited data related to the efficacy of the vaccine.

"The Russian government has reached out to the Indian government seeking a collaboration for manufacturing their COVID-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, and conducting its phase 3 trial here, a source in the government said.

"The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) along with the Department of Health Research has been asked to lead and look into the matter.

They (Russian government officials) have shared some information and data on Sputnik V, while more data related to the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is awaited," the source said.

When asked if the Russian government has placed any formal request for the manufacture of its COVID-19 vaccine in India, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said at a press conference, "As far as Sputnik V vaccine is concerned, both India and Russia are in communication. Some initial information has been shared while some detailed information is awaited."

According to sources, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev has approached the office of Principal Scientific Advisor K VijayRaghavan as well as secretaries of the departments of biotechnology and health research in this regard.

The Russian government has reached out to India seeking collaboration for manufacturing its COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V' and conducting its phase 3 clinical trial here, sources said.

The Russian government has reached out to India seeking collaboration for manufacturing its COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V' and conducting its phase 3 clinical trial here, sources said. According to government sources, the matter was discussed by the national expert group on vaccine administration for COVID-19 in its last meeting held on August 22. Sputnik V has been developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology along with Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). The vaccine has not been tested in phase 3 or larger clinical trials. There has been scepticism in some quarters about limited data related to the efficacy of the vaccine. "The Russian government has reached out to the Indian government seeking a collaboration for manufacturing their COVID-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, and conducting its phase 3 trial here, a source in the government said. "The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) along with the Department of Health Research has been asked to lead and look into the matter. They (Russian government officials) have shared some information and data on Sputnik V, while more data related to the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is awaited," the source said. When asked if the Russian government has placed any formal request for the manufacture of its COVID-19 vaccine in India, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said at a press conference, "As far as Sputnik V vaccine is concerned, both India and Russia are in communication. Some initial information has been shared while some detailed information is awaited." According to sources, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev has approached the office of Principal Scientific Advisor K VijayRaghavan as well as secretaries of the departments of biotechnology and health research in this regard.

Russia seeks collaboration with India for manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V: Sources

At least 200,000 people gathered at Minsk’s independent square over the weekend. They demanded the resignation of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko.

Often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko has maintained a tight grip on power by retaining much from the country’s Soviet past.&nbsp;

Lukashenka is 65 years old, he has spent 26 years as the president of Belarus but the old man's thirst for power is unquenched. 
 
When a 37-year-old Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya challenged him in the August 9 polls, Lukashenko forged the results and triggered a revolution.

Now, all bets are against Lukashenko and his fall is imminent.

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The uprising in Belarus has already erupted last week in a democratic vacuum, in a country where challengers to President Alexander Lukashenko are jailed or exiled and where there is no experienced parliamentary opposition.

But the dictator lives in denial, publicly denouncing the protesters as 'rats' and secretly fearing them.

On Sunday, Lukashenko flew over a sea of protesters wearing a bullet proof jacket. He landed in the presidential palace brandishing a rifle. 
 
Belarus has become a global headline, 50,000 Lithuanians formed a human chain in support of Belarusians. The chain was 30 kilometers long and stretched all the way from Vilnius to the Belarus border.

Among the participants was Lithuania’s President- Gitanas Nauseda.

Speaking from Vilnius, exiled leader Tsikhanouskaya said-- Lukashenko's fall is only a matter of time.

"Belarusian people have changed during this year and even if he (President Alexander Lukashenko) does (go ahead with inauguration), Belarusian people will not accept him as new president and now our people are absolutely different and I am sure that sooner or later he will have to leave,” She said.&nbsp;

The 37-year-old has baffled political pundits by challenging a 26-year-old dictatorship. One year ago, Tsikhanouskaya was just another Belarusian housewife. Today, and she sees herself as a symbol of change.

Russia believes that the polls in Belarus were fair and Tsikhanouskaya only interested in creating disunity in the country. 
 
"In the absence of the (election) observers that the west considers to be independent it's very difficult to convince someone that the result of the presidential elections was diametrically opposed to what was announced,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

Russia and China are the only countries rallying behind Lukashenko. 
 
As Europe’s last dictator struggles to stay in power, the world is watching Belarus closely.

Lukashenko’s fall will have big political implications. Russia perhaps will feel the pain most strongly.

At least 200,000 people gathered at Minsk’s independent square over the weekend. They demanded the resignation of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko. Often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko has maintained a tight grip on power by retaining much from the country’s Soviet past.

At least 200,000 people gathered at Minsk’s independent square over the weekend. They demanded the resignation of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko. Often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko has maintained a tight grip on power by retaining much from the country’s Soviet past. Lukashenka is 65 years old, he has spent 26 years as the president of Belarus but the old man's thirst for power is unquenched. When a 37-year-old Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya challenged him in the August 9 polls, Lukashenko forged the results and triggered a revolution. Now, all bets are against Lukashenko and his fall is imminent. The uprising in Belarus has already erupted last week in a democratic vacuum, in a country where challengers to President Alexander Lukashenko are jailed or exiled and where there is no experienced parliamentary opposition. But the dictator lives in denial, publicly denouncing the protesters as 'rats' and secretly fearing them. On Sunday, Lukashenko flew over a sea of protesters wearing a bullet proof jacket. He landed in the presidential palace brandishing a rifle. Belarus has become a global headline, 50,000 Lithuanians formed a human chain in support of Belarusians. The chain was 30 kilometers long and stretched all the way from Vilnius to the Belarus border. Among the participants was Lithuania’s President- Gitanas Nauseda. Speaking from Vilnius, exiled leader Tsikhanouskaya said-- Lukashenko's fall is only a matter of time. "Belarusian people have changed during this year and even if he (President Alexander Lukashenko) does (go ahead with inauguration), Belarusian people will not accept him as new president and now our people are absolutely different and I am sure that sooner or later he will have to leave,” She said. The 37-year-old has baffled political pundits by challenging a 26-year-old dictatorship. One year ago, Tsikhanouskaya was just another Belarusian housewife. Today, and she sees herself as a symbol of change. Russia believes that the polls in Belarus were fair and Tsikhanouskaya only interested in creating disunity in the country. "In the absence of the (election) observers that the west considers to be independent it's very difficult to convince someone that the result of the presidential elections was diametrically opposed to what was announced,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. Russia and China are the only countries rallying behind Lukashenko. As Europe’s last dictator struggles to stay in power, the world is watching Belarus closely. Lukashenko’s fall will have big political implications. Russia perhaps will feel the pain most strongly.

Belarus: Europe’s last dictator struggles to stay in power

Around 1,500 people marched through the streets of the Russian far eastern city of Khabarovsk on Saturday, marking the seventh consecutive weekend of protests after the region`s governor was detained in early July.

Residents of Khabarovsk, 6,110 km (3,800 miles) east of Moscow, have protested since the detention of Sergei Furgal, the region`s popular governor, on July 9 in connection with murder charges which he denies.

His supporters say the detention is politically motivated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-airlifted-to-germany-condition-stable-after-landing-322296">Also read:&nbsp;Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny airlifted to Germany; condition stable after landing</a>

People marched on Saturday with posters reading "Freedom to Furgal" and "Belarus - Khabarovsk is with you" - a sign of support for opposition rallies in Belarus protesting against the alleged rigging of its presidential election.

On Saturday, posters wishing recovery for Alexei Navalny, a Kremlin critic who collapsed on a plane on Thursday after drinking tea that his allies believe was laced with poison, were also seen among the people marching in Khabarovsk.

Navalny was evacuated from the Siberian city of Omsk and brought to Germany for medical treatment on Saturday.

Regional authorities estimated around 1,500 people took part in Saturday`s march, a smaller turnout than in previous weeks.

Around 1,500 people marched through the streets of the Russian far eastern city of Khabarovsk on Saturday, marking the seventh consecutive weekend of protests after the region`s governor was detained in early July.

Around 1,500 people marched through the streets of the Russian far eastern city of Khabarovsk on Saturday, marking the seventh consecutive weekend of protests after the region`s governor was detained in early July. Residents of Khabarovsk, 6,110 km (3,800 miles) east of Moscow, have protested since the detention of Sergei Furgal, the region`s popular governor, on July 9 in connection with murder charges which he denies. His supporters say the detention is politically motivated. Also read: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny airlifted to Germany; condition stable after landing People marched on Saturday with posters reading "Freedom to Furgal" and "Belarus - Khabarovsk is with you" - a sign of support for opposition rallies in Belarus protesting against the alleged rigging of its presidential election. On Saturday, posters wishing recovery for Alexei Navalny, a Kremlin critic who collapsed on a plane on Thursday after drinking tea that his allies believe was laced with poison, were also seen among the people marching in Khabarovsk. Navalny was evacuated from the Siberian city of Omsk and brought to Germany for medical treatment on Saturday. Regional authorities estimated around 1,500 people took part in Saturday`s march, a smaller turnout than in previous weeks.

Protesters hold seventh anti-Kremlin march over detained governor

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned world leaders against interfering in Belarus, country engulfed in the political crisis, as protests against its leader continued to swell. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-work-if-we-cant-do-honest-journalism-belarus-media-goes-on-strike-over-election-result-and-censorship-321354">Also read | Won’t work, if we can’t do honest journalism: Belarus media goes on strike over election result and censorship</a> 
 
Putin spoke to French President and German chancellor in separate phone calls and said that any such attempts would lead to an escalation of the political crisis in Belarus.

Alexander Lukashenko, the leader of Belarus, on Tuesday awarded medals "for impeccable service" to law enforcement officials who have helped him crack down on protesters who have been demanding he step down for the last 10 days. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-lukashenko-gives-nod-to-fresh-elections-says-it-will-happen-after-adoption-of-new-constitution-321280">Belarus President Lukashenko gives nod to fresh elections</a>

Meanwhile, Factory workers in Belarus continued to strike on Tuesday, turning up pressure on the country's authoritarian leader to step down after winning an election they say was rigged.

More state-controlled companies and factories on Tuesday joined the strike that began the day before and encompassed several major tractor factories in Minsk, a huge potash factory in Soligorsk that accounts for a fifth of the world's potash fertiliser output and is the nation's top cash earner, state television and the country's most prominent theater.

The strikes follow nine days of unprecedented mass protests against election results that handed President Alexander Lukashenko his sixth term with 80 per cent of the votes while his top challenger Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya apparently only received 10 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned world leaders against interfering in Belarus, country engulfed in the political crisis, as protests against its leader continued to swell.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned world leaders against interfering in Belarus, country engulfed in the political crisis, as protests against its leader continued to swell. Also read | Won’t work, if we can’t do honest journalism: Belarus media goes on strike over election result and censorship Putin spoke to French President and German chancellor in separate phone calls and said that any such attempts would lead to an escalation of the political crisis in Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko, the leader of Belarus, on Tuesday awarded medals "for impeccable service" to law enforcement officials who have helped him crack down on protesters who have been demanding he step down for the last 10 days. Also read: Belarus President Lukashenko gives nod to fresh elections Meanwhile, Factory workers in Belarus continued to strike on Tuesday, turning up pressure on the country's authoritarian leader to step down after winning an election they say was rigged. More state-controlled companies and factories on Tuesday joined the strike that began the day before and encompassed several major tractor factories in Minsk, a huge potash factory in Soligorsk that accounts for a fifth of the world's potash fertiliser output and is the nation's top cash earner, state television and the country's most prominent theater. The strikes follow nine days of unprecedented mass protests against election results that handed President Alexander Lukashenko his sixth term with 80 per cent of the votes while his top challenger Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya apparently only received 10 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin warns the world not to interfere in Belarus

Russian Energy Minister&nbsp;Alexander Novak has tested positive for coronavirus, Russian Prime Minister announced in a government meeting on Tuesday.

The news broke out hours before Novak was to participate in a video conference&nbsp;by the ministerial monitoring committee of OPEC and its allies.

"Unfortunately, Alexander Valentinovich Novak has been taken ill with the coronavirus", Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

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Novak received the report after arriving in Blagoveshchensk to attend the meeting and the opening&nbsp;of a huge petro-chemical project near the Chinese border. He immediately left for Moscow after that.

"He arrived and he has left for Moscow. With all our hearts, we wish him a recovery," said Mishustin.

However, Novak will still be attending the video conference of the&nbsp;OPEC+ group including Russia, an energy ministry spokesperson told the local media.

Novak is not the first to test positive from the Russian ministers.&nbsp;Leaders such as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Prime Minister&nbsp;Mikhail Mishustin and other lawmakers have earlier tested positive.

Few days ago Russian President Vladimir Putin had claimed that Russia has produced world's first COVID-19 vaccine.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has tested positive for coronavirus, Russian Prime Minister announced in a government meeting on Tuesday. The news broke out hours before Novak was to participate in a video conference by the ministerial monitoring committee of OPEC and its allies.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has tested positive for coronavirus, Russian Prime Minister announced in a government meeting on Tuesday. The news broke out hours before Novak was to participate in a video conference by the ministerial monitoring committee of OPEC and its allies. "Unfortunately, Alexander Valentinovich Novak has been taken ill with the coronavirus", Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. × Novak received the report after arriving in Blagoveshchensk to attend the meeting and the opening of a huge petro-chemical project near the Chinese border. He immediately left for Moscow after that. "He arrived and he has left for Moscow. With all our hearts, we wish him a recovery," said Mishustin. However, Novak will still be attending the video conference of the OPEC+ group including Russia, an energy ministry spokesperson told the local media. Novak is not the first to test positive from the Russian ministers. Leaders such as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and other lawmakers have earlier tested positive. Few days ago Russian President Vladimir Putin had claimed that Russia has produced world's first COVID-19 vaccine.

Russian Energy Minister tests positive for coronavirus hours before OPEC meeting

The US President Donald Trump is planning to sit out the emergency Iran summit that was proposed by the Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

On Friday, Putin called on the&nbsp;permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany to convene on Iran to avoid an escalation of tensions in the Gulf.

However, Trump, in his golf field news conference said,&nbsp;"I think we'll wait till after the election."

Labelling it is an "urgent issue", Putin called on to leaders of China, France,&nbsp;Britain, the United States, Germany and Iran to attend the summit to resolve the increasingly tense situations in Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/edward-snowden-asks-to-return-to-the-us-trump-to-take-a-look-at-pardoning-320867">Also read:&nbsp;Edward Snowden asks to return to the US; Trump to 'take a look' at pardoning</a>

"Discussions at the UN Security Council over the Iranian issue are becoming increasingly tense," Putin said, adding that Moscow's ally Iran was a target of "groundless accusations."

Trump's "probably" status of the invitation came after the Security Council&nbsp;rejected a US resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo, in a move with huge repercussions for the Iran nuclear deal. Out of 15 members of the Security Council, only two voted in favour of this.

Since Trump pulled out and slapped unilateral sanctions on Iran under a campaign of "maximum pressure," Tehran has since taken small but escalating steps away from compliance with the nuclear accord as it presses for sanctions relief.

European allies of the United States -- who, along with Russia and China, signed the deal with Iran -- have voiced support for extending the 13-year-long conventional arms embargo, saying an expiry threatens stability in the Middle East.&nbsp;

However, the Iranian President&nbsp;Hassan Rouhani feels the US has "failed in this conspiracy with humiliation."

(With inputs from agencies)

The US President Donald Trump is planning to sit out the emergency Iran summit that was proposed by the Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. On Friday, Putin called on the permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany to convene on Iran to avoid an escalation of tensions in the Gulf.

The US President Donald Trump is planning to sit out the emergency Iran summit that was proposed by the Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. On Friday, Putin called on the permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany to convene on Iran to avoid an escalation of tensions in the Gulf. However, Trump, in his golf field news conference said, "I think we'll wait till after the election." Labelling it is an "urgent issue", Putin called on to leaders of China, France, Britain, the United States, Germany and Iran to attend the summit to resolve the increasingly tense situations in Iran. Also read: Edward Snowden asks to return to the US; Trump to 'take a look' at pardoning "Discussions at the UN Security Council over the Iranian issue are becoming increasingly tense," Putin said, adding that Moscow's ally Iran was a target of "groundless accusations." Trump's "probably" status of the invitation came after the Security Council rejected a US resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo, in a move with huge repercussions for the Iran nuclear deal. Out of 15 members of the Security Council, only two voted in favour of this. Since Trump pulled out and slapped unilateral sanctions on Iran under a campaign of "maximum pressure," Tehran has since taken small but escalating steps away from compliance with the nuclear accord as it presses for sanctions relief. European allies of the United States -- who, along with Russia and China, signed the deal with Iran -- have voiced support for extending the 13-year-long conventional arms embargo, saying an expiry threatens stability in the Middle East. However, the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani feels the US has "failed in this conspiracy with humiliation." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump may 'probably not' attend Putin's 'urgent' Iran summit

The World Health Organization says the vaccine approved by Russia this week is not among the nine that it considers in the advanced stages of testing.

WHO and partners have included nine experimental COVID-19 vaccines within an investment mechanism it is encouraging countries to join, known as the Covax facility. The initiative allows countries to invest in several vaccines to obtain early access, while theoretically providing funding for developing countries.

“We don't have sufficient information at this point to make a judgment" on the Russia vaccine, said Dr. Bruce Aylward, a senior adviser to WHO's director-general.

“We're currently in conversation with Russia to get additional information to understand the status of that product, the trials that have been undertaken and then what the next steps might be."

This week, President Vladimir Putin announced Russia had approved a coronavirus vaccine that has yet to complete advanced trials in people and claimed, without evidence, the immunization protects people for up to two years.

The World Health Organization says the vaccine approved by Russia this week is not among the nine that it considers in the advanced stages of testing. WHO and partners have included nine experimental COVID-19 vaccines within an investment mechanism it is encouraging countries to join, known as the Covax facility.

The World Health Organization says the vaccine approved by Russia this week is not among the nine that it considers in the advanced stages of testing. WHO and partners have included nine experimental COVID-19 vaccines within an investment mechanism it is encouraging countries to join, known as the Covax facility. The initiative allows countries to invest in several vaccines to obtain early access, while theoretically providing funding for developing countries. “We don't have sufficient information at this point to make a judgment" on the Russia vaccine, said Dr. Bruce Aylward, a senior adviser to WHO's director-general. “We're currently in conversation with Russia to get additional information to understand the status of that product, the trials that have been undertaken and then what the next steps might be." This week, President Vladimir Putin announced Russia had approved a coronavirus vaccine that has yet to complete advanced trials in people and claimed, without evidence, the immunization protects people for up to two years.

Russia's first Covid-19 vaccine not in advanced test stages: WHO

India on Tuesday expressed interest in getting Russian COVID vaccine Sputnik V according to a statement. The statement on the website dedicated to the "world's first registered Covid-19 vaccine" lists out India along with 20 other countries that have shown interest in getting the vaccine.

The statement says," At least 20 countries had expressed interest in obtaining the Sputnik V, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Philippines, Brazil, Mexico and India."

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday announced his country has come out with vaccine against COVID, with one dose being given to his daughters.&nbsp;

Russian Direct Investment Fund or RDIF, Russia's Sovereign wealth fund is financing the production of the vaccine and sees "strong global interest in the vaccine", according to the statement.&nbsp;

The statement explained RDIF plans to "conduct Phase 3 clinical trials in different countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Brazil, India and Philippines" and "start mass production in other countries in partnership with local sovereign wealth funds, including India, South Korea and Brazil, as well as, in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Cuba."

Mass production of the vaccine is expected to start in September 2020. Future plans include ramping up the vaccine production to 200 million doses by the end of 2020 including 30 million doses in Russia.

India on Tuesday expressed interest in getting Russian COVID vaccine Sputnik V according to a statement. The statement on the website dedicated to the "world's first registered Covid-19 vaccine" lists out India along with 20 other countries that have shown interest in getting the vaccine.

India on Tuesday expressed interest in getting Russian COVID vaccine Sputnik V according to a statement. The statement on the website dedicated to the "world's first registered Covid-19 vaccine" lists out India along with 20 other countries that have shown interest in getting the vaccine. The statement says," At least 20 countries had expressed interest in obtaining the Sputnik V, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Philippines, Brazil, Mexico and India." Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday announced his country has come out with vaccine against COVID, with one dose being given to his daughters. Russian Direct Investment Fund or RDIF, Russia's Sovereign wealth fund is financing the production of the vaccine and sees "strong global interest in the vaccine", according to the statement. The statement explained RDIF plans to "conduct Phase 3 clinical trials in different countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Brazil, India and Philippines" and "start mass production in other countries in partnership with local sovereign wealth funds, including India, South Korea and Brazil, as well as, in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Cuba." Mass production of the vaccine is expected to start in September 2020. Future plans include ramping up the vaccine production to 200 million doses by the end of 2020 including 30 million doses in Russia.

Russian COVID-19 vaccine: New Delhi expresses interest as Moscow scouts for mass production in India

The US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to host the delayed G7 Summit after the Presidential elections scheduled in November 2020.

The&nbsp;Group of Seven summit was to be held in June this year but the US President Donald Trump had decided to postpone it due to the ongoing pandemic, which had sent the world in a worldwide lockdown. Since then, trump has been unable to host the summit due to the surge in coronavirus cases, especially in the US.

However, Trump has now announced that he would like to host the summit in a "calmer atmosphere" after the November 3 presidential elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-china-would-be-needed-in-expanded-g7-summit-310694">Also read|&nbsp;Russia says China would be needed in expanded G7 summit</a>

"I'm much more inclined to do it sometime after the election. ... We could do it through teleconference or we could do it through a meeting," Trump said at a news conference from White House. He feels November would be a&nbsp;"better, calmer atmosphere to have a G7."

However, he has not given any conformation on whether or not Russian President Vladimir Putin will be invited to this summit, after he declared his intentions of extending invitations to Russia, India, South Korea and Australia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-politics-over-g7-expansion-heats-up-303077">Also watch|&nbsp;Gravitas: Politics over G7 expansion heats up</a>

&nbsp;"I don`t know but we have invited a number of people to the meeting. I certainly would invite him to the meeting," he said, adding that no date has been finalised yet, and therefore the invitations have not been sent out.

The invite as discussed between Trump and Putin over a phone call in June. Russia was once a part of the then-called G8 group, but was expelled in 2014&nbsp;after annexing the Crimea region from Ukraine, and the name was changed to G7 — which includes the US,&nbsp;Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Japan and Canada.

The US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to host the delayed G7 Summit after the Presidential elections scheduled in November 2020. The Group of Seven summit was to be held in June this year but the US President Donald Trump had decided to postpone it due to the ongoing pandemic, which had sent the world in a worldwide lockdown.

The US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to host the delayed G7 Summit after the Presidential elections scheduled in November 2020. The Group of Seven summit was to be held in June this year but the US President Donald Trump had decided to postpone it due to the ongoing pandemic, which had sent the world in a worldwide lockdown. Since then, trump has been unable to host the summit due to the surge in coronavirus cases, especially in the US. However, Trump has now announced that he would like to host the summit in a "calmer atmosphere" after the November 3 presidential elections. Also read| Russia says China would be needed in expanded G7 summit "I'm much more inclined to do it sometime after the election. ... We could do it through teleconference or we could do it through a meeting," Trump said at a news conference from White House. He feels November would be a "better, calmer atmosphere to have a G7." However, he has not given any conformation on whether or not Russian President Vladimir Putin will be invited to this summit, after he declared his intentions of extending invitations to Russia, India, South Korea and Australia. Also watch| Gravitas: Politics over G7 expansion heats up "I don`t know but we have invited a number of people to the meeting. I certainly would invite him to the meeting," he said, adding that no date has been finalised yet, and therefore the invitations have not been sent out. The invite as discussed between Trump and Putin over a phone call in June. Russia was once a part of the then-called G8 group, but was expelled in 2014 after annexing the Crimea region from Ukraine, and the name was changed to G7 — which includes the US, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Japan and Canada.

Trump wants to host G7 Summit after November elections in 'calmer atmosphere'

Four Indian astronauts who are training in Russia to conduct India's first manned space mission have successfully completed their training, Roscosmos reported on Thursday night.

The training individuals are four pilots of Indian Air Force (IAF). The astronauts are being considered for India's first manned space mission, which had an initial possible launch date of 2022, which may now be delayed to the ongoing pandemic. The training is taking place at&nbsp;Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Moscow.

The astronauts passed a test in short-term weightless mode aboard the IL-76MDK special laboratory in June in Moscow. Later, in July, they were trained to lift aboard a helicopter while evacuating from the descent module landing point.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-should-focus-on-protecting-economy-says-ex-rbi-governor-318737">Also read|&nbsp;India should focus on protecting economy, says ex-RBI governor</a>

The astronauts were in good health and determined to continue their training, it said. "To date, Indian cosmonauts have completed training on crew actions in the event of an abnormal descent module landing: in wooded and marshy areas in winter (completed in February 2020), on the water surface (completed in June 2020), in the steppe in summer (completed in July 2020)," Glavkosmos,&nbsp;a subsidiary of Russian space organisation Roscosmos said.

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The Indian cosmonauts are undergoing training at the GCTC following the courses of the space training program and of the systems of the Soyuz MS spacecraft — <a href="https://t.co/Q9vw69Ezre">https://t.co/Q9vw69Ezre</a> 
 
🧑‍🚀🇮🇳 All of the Indian cosmonauts are in good health and are determined to continue training <a href="https://t.co/SieXQN0hkT">pic.twitter.com/SieXQN0hkT</a>
— РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) <a href="https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1291387344852070412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The GCTC instructors praise the effort and high motivation of the Indian cosmonauts. They also note their extremely serious and very professional attitude to the training process," it added.

The programme also included training in a centrifuge and in a hyperbaric chamber to prepare their organisms for sustaining spaceflight factors, such as G-force, hypoxia and pressure drops, it said, adding that these training are to be held in the near future.

After the astronauts complete the training — which is due to be over in the first half of 2021 — the four candidates will be given module-specific training by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in India.

Four Indian astronauts who are training in Russia to conduct India's first manned space mission have successfully completed their training, Roscosmos reported on Thursday night.

Four Indian astronauts who are training in Russia to conduct India's first manned space mission have successfully completed their training, Roscosmos reported on Thursday night. The training individuals are four pilots of Indian Air Force (IAF). The astronauts are being considered for India's first manned space mission, which had an initial possible launch date of 2022, which may now be delayed to the ongoing pandemic. The training is taking place at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Moscow. The astronauts passed a test in short-term weightless mode aboard the IL-76MDK special laboratory in June in Moscow. Later, in July, they were trained to lift aboard a helicopter while evacuating from the descent module landing point. Also read| India should focus on protecting economy, says ex-RBI governor The astronauts were in good health and determined to continue their training, it said. "To date, Indian cosmonauts have completed training on crew actions in the event of an abnormal descent module landing: in wooded and marshy areas in winter (completed in February 2020), on the water surface (completed in June 2020), in the steppe in summer (completed in July 2020)," Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of Russian space organisation Roscosmos said. The Indian cosmonauts are undergoing training at the GCTC following the courses of the space training program and of the systems of the Soyuz MS spacecraft — https://t.co/Q9vw69Ezre 🧑‍🚀🇮🇳 All of the Indian cosmonauts are in good health and are determined to continue training pic.twitter.com/SieXQN0hkT — РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) August 6, 2020 × "The GCTC instructors praise the effort and high motivation of the Indian cosmonauts. They also note their extremely serious and very professional attitude to the training process," it added. The programme also included training in a centrifuge and in a hyperbaric chamber to prepare their organisms for sustaining spaceflight factors, such as G-force, hypoxia and pressure drops, it said, adding that these training are to be held in the near future. After the astronauts complete the training — which is due to be over in the first half of 2021 — the four candidates will be given module-specific training by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in India.

Astronauts for India's first manned space mission, Gangayaan, complete training in Russia

The social media giant, Twitter Inc has decided to label the accounts which are state-affiliated media outlets to help people know which accounts are directly or indirectly related to their government.

In a blog post released on Thursday, twitter said the accounts that are directly or indirectly related to the government, senor staff and key officials will now be labeled.

“We believe that people have the right to know when a media account is affiliated directly or indirectly with a state actor,” Twitter said in its blog.&nbsp;

These accounts will also not be amplified by twitter's recommendation system.

this process will be followed in the countries where the state has established its control over specific media organisations, such as&nbsp;Russia’s Sputnik, RT, and China’s Xinhua News, as reported by a&nbsp;Twitter spokesman. He also added that there are many more media houses in this list. However, it is being reported that there are no US-based media houses in this list.

Additionally, the media houses that are state-owned but exercise editorial independence will be given a free pass and will not be labeled under this process — such as National Public Radio in the US, or the BBC in the UK. The personal accounts of the state heads will also not be labeled as Twitter believes people are already aware about these accounts.

The news was not well received by every government. Russia's Deputy UN Ambassador&nbsp;Dmitry Polyanskiy, whose account now reads the label of "Russia government account" took to Twitter to criticise the move,&nbsp;“They think they can set the rules of the game! This is an illusion. Such clear double standards backfire and undermine credibility of Western media, with ‘state-affiliate’ labels or without. People can’t find truth and facts there anymore.”

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They think they can set the rules of the game! This is an illusion. Such clear double standards backfire and undermine credibility of Western media, with “state-affiliated” lables or without. People can’t find truth and facts there anymore <a href="https://t.co/0ZMNX9OuC5">https://t.co/0ZMNX9OuC5</a>
— Dmitry Polyanskiy (@Dpol_un) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dpol_un/status/1291447834366160896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The labels will first be tested by applying only to the countries that are a part of the UN Security Council —&nbsp;China, France, Russia, Britain, and the United States.&nbsp;

For now, all accounts that act as a mouthpiece for different governments have been labeled, such as&nbsp;@WhiteHouse, @StateDept, @Elysee, @10DowningStreet and @KremlinRussia.

The social media giant, Twitter Inc has decided to label the accounts which are state-affiliated media outlets to help people know which accounts are directly or indirectly related to their government.

The social media giant, Twitter Inc has decided to label the accounts which are state-affiliated media outlets to help people know which accounts are directly or indirectly related to their government. In a blog post released on Thursday, twitter said the accounts that are directly or indirectly related to the government, senor staff and key officials will now be labeled. “We believe that people have the right to know when a media account is affiliated directly or indirectly with a state actor,” Twitter said in its blog. These accounts will also not be amplified by twitter's recommendation system. this process will be followed in the countries where the state has established its control over specific media organisations, such as Russia’s Sputnik, RT, and China’s Xinhua News, as reported by a Twitter spokesman. He also added that there are many more media houses in this list. However, it is being reported that there are no US-based media houses in this list. Additionally, the media houses that are state-owned but exercise editorial independence will be given a free pass and will not be labeled under this process — such as National Public Radio in the US, or the BBC in the UK. The personal accounts of the state heads will also not be labeled as Twitter believes people are already aware about these accounts. The news was not well received by every government. Russia's Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy, whose account now reads the label of "Russia government account" took to Twitter to criticise the move, “They think they can set the rules of the game! This is an illusion. Such clear double standards backfire and undermine credibility of Western media, with ‘state-affiliate’ labels or without. People can’t find truth and facts there anymore.” They think they can set the rules of the game! This is an illusion. Such clear double standards backfire and undermine credibility of Western media, with “state-affiliated” lables or without. People can’t find truth and facts there anymore https://t.co/0ZMNX9OuC5 — Dmitry Polyanskiy (@Dpol_un) August 6, 2020 × The labels will first be tested by applying only to the countries that are a part of the UN Security Council — China, France, Russia, Britain, and the United States. For now, all accounts that act as a mouthpiece for different governments have been labeled, such as @WhiteHouse, @StateDept, @Elysee, @10DowningStreet and @KremlinRussia.

Twitter to label state-owned media and officials' accounts

After the global coronavirus cases crossed&nbsp;19,000,000 on Friday morning,&nbsp;Russia has announced that it will be registering world's first COVID-19 vaccine.

Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced that the European country is expecting to start the mass production of the vaccine from October 2020. He also assured that all expenses related to the vaccine will be covered in the state budget.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-vaccine-nationalism-cannot-beat-coronavirus-318716">Also read:&nbsp;WHO says 'vaccine nationalism' cannot beat coronavirus</a>

"At the moment, the last, third, stage is underway. The trials are extremely important. We have to understand that the vaccine must be safe. Medical professionals and senior citizens will be the first to get vaccinated," Deputy Health Minister Oleg Gridnev told reporters at the opening of a cancer centre building in the city of Ufa.

Gridnev also added that the effectiveness of the vaccine can be measured&nbsp;when the population has developed an immunity.

"We plan wider vaccinations for October," Murashko was quoted as saying. He also added that the vaccine will first be made available for doctors and teachers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-preparing-mass-vaccination-against-covid-19-for-october-317501">Also read:&nbsp;Russia preparing mass vaccination against COVID-19 for October</a>

The clinical trials for this vaccine began on June 18 with 38 volunteers, out of which the first group of volunteers were discharged on July 15 and second group was discharged on July 20.

The vaccine, which was jointly developed by Gamaleya Research Institute and the Russian Defence Ministry, will be officially registered on August 12.

This will make Russia the first country in the world to register a COVID-19 vaccine, since the outbreak of the virus in Wuhan in December 2019.

After the global coronavirus cases crossed 19,000,000 on Friday morning, Russia has announced that it will be registering world's first COVID-19 vaccine. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced that the European country is expecting to start the mass production of the vaccine from October 2020.

After the global coronavirus cases crossed 19,000,000 on Friday morning, Russia has announced that it will be registering world's first COVID-19 vaccine. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced that the European country is expecting to start the mass production of the vaccine from October 2020. He also assured that all expenses related to the vaccine will be covered in the state budget. Also read: WHO says 'vaccine nationalism' cannot beat coronavirus "At the moment, the last, third, stage is underway. The trials are extremely important. We have to understand that the vaccine must be safe. Medical professionals and senior citizens will be the first to get vaccinated," Deputy Health Minister Oleg Gridnev told reporters at the opening of a cancer centre building in the city of Ufa. Gridnev also added that the effectiveness of the vaccine can be measured when the population has developed an immunity. "We plan wider vaccinations for October," Murashko was quoted as saying. He also added that the vaccine will first be made available for doctors and teachers. Also read: Russia preparing mass vaccination against COVID-19 for October The clinical trials for this vaccine began on June 18 with 38 volunteers, out of which the first group of volunteers were discharged on July 15 and second group was discharged on July 20. The vaccine, which was jointly developed by Gamaleya Research Institute and the Russian Defence Ministry, will be officially registered on August 12. This will make Russia the first country in the world to register a COVID-19 vaccine, since the outbreak of the virus in Wuhan in December 2019.

Russia to register world's first COVID-19 vaccine next week

Classified US-UK trade documents leaked ahead of Britain’s 2019 election were stolen from the email account of former trade minister Liam Fox by suspected Russian hackers, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because a law enforcement investigation is underway, said the hackers accessed the account multiple times between July 12 and Oct. 21 last year.

They declined to name which Russian group or organisation they believed was responsible, but said the attack bore the hallmarks of a state-backed operation.

The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-says-russians-plotted-attacks-kremlin-denies-317199">Also read:&nbsp;Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies</a>

Among the stolen information were six tranches of documents detailing British trade negotiations with the United States, which Reuters first reported last year were leaked and disseminated online by a Russian disinformation campaign.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab confirmed that report last month, saying that “Russian actors” had sought to interfere in the election “through the online amplification of illicitly acquired and leaked Government documents”.

Reuters was not able to determine which of Fox’s email accounts was hacked and when it was first compromised. It is not clear if Fox, who is still a member of parliament but stood down as trade minister on July 24 last year in a cabinet reshuffle, was a minister at the time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-probes-russian-mercenaries-for-terror-plot-316969">Also read:&nbsp;Belarus probes Russian mercenaries for 'terror' plot</a>

A British government spokeswoman said: “There is an ongoing criminal investigation into how the documents were acquired, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point.”

She added that the government had “very robust systems in place to protect the IT systems of officials and staff.”

Representatives for Fox declined to comment on the details of Reuters findings.

The hack of Fox’s account - which has not been previously reported - and subsequent leak of the classified documents ahead of last year’s election is one of the most direct examples of suspected Russian attempts to meddle in British politics.

In the past, Moscow has repeatedly denied allegations of election meddling in Britain, France, the United States and other countries. Russia’s foreign ministry described the latest British accusations by Raab as “foggy and contradictory”.

A British parliamentary report released last month found that Moscow had tried to influence a referendum on Scottish independence in 2014, and that Britain’s government had failed to adequately investigate possible Russian attempts to sway the 2016 vote on Brexit.

Fox’s email account was hacked using a so-called “spear phishing” message, which tricks the target into handing over their password and login details, the sources said.

The sources said it was not clear if the hackers who stole the trade documents were the same people who later leaked them online.

After first being posted online by an anonymous internet user in the run-up to last year’s vote, the stolen documents were seized on by Britain’s opposition Labour Party during the election campaign.

It said they showed a government plot to sell the much-loved National Health Service to the United States, an accusation Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly denied.

Classified US-UK trade documents leaked ahead of Britain’s 2019 election were stolen from the email account of former trade minister Liam Fox by suspected Russian hackers, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Classified US-UK trade documents leaked ahead of Britain’s 2019 election were stolen from the email account of former trade minister Liam Fox by suspected Russian hackers, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because a law enforcement investigation is underway, said the hackers accessed the account multiple times between July 12 and Oct. 21 last year. They declined to name which Russian group or organisation they believed was responsible, but said the attack bore the hallmarks of a state-backed operation. The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. Also read: Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies Among the stolen information were six tranches of documents detailing British trade negotiations with the United States, which Reuters first reported last year were leaked and disseminated online by a Russian disinformation campaign. British foreign minister Dominic Raab confirmed that report last month, saying that “Russian actors” had sought to interfere in the election “through the online amplification of illicitly acquired and leaked Government documents”. Reuters was not able to determine which of Fox’s email accounts was hacked and when it was first compromised. It is not clear if Fox, who is still a member of parliament but stood down as trade minister on July 24 last year in a cabinet reshuffle, was a minister at the time. Also read: Belarus probes Russian mercenaries for 'terror' plot A British government spokeswoman said: “There is an ongoing criminal investigation into how the documents were acquired, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point.” She added that the government had “very robust systems in place to protect the IT systems of officials and staff.” Representatives for Fox declined to comment on the details of Reuters findings. The hack of Fox’s account - which has not been previously reported - and subsequent leak of the classified documents ahead of last year’s election is one of the most direct examples of suspected Russian attempts to meddle in British politics. In the past, Moscow has repeatedly denied allegations of election meddling in Britain, France, the United States and other countries. Russia’s foreign ministry described the latest British accusations by Raab as “foggy and contradictory”. A British parliamentary report released last month found that Moscow had tried to influence a referendum on Scottish independence in 2014, and that Britain’s government had failed to adequately investigate possible Russian attempts to sway the 2016 vote on Brexit. Fox’s email account was hacked using a so-called “spear phishing” message, which tricks the target into handing over their password and login details, the sources said. The sources said it was not clear if the hackers who stole the trade documents were the same people who later leaked them online. After first being posted online by an anonymous internet user in the run-up to last year’s vote, the stolen documents were seized on by Britain’s opposition Labour Party during the election campaign. It said they showed a government plot to sell the much-loved National Health Service to the United States, an accusation Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly denied.

Papers leaked before UK election in suspected Russian operation were hacked from ex-trade minister: Sources

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday accused Russia of lying about the presence of Russian security contractors in Belarus and said unnamed forces were trying to carry out a revolution but would fail.

The 65-year-old has ruled over the ex-Soviet country wedged between Russia and Europe with an authoritarian grip for 26 years and has cracked down on the country's emboldened opposition in the lead-up to Sunday's election.

Belarus detained the Russian contractors last week and opened a criminal case into them, saying it suspected "the preparation of terrorist acts". It suggested the men may be linked to Lukashenko's political rivals.

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Russia, traditionally a close ally, has said the detained men were merely transiting via Belarus en route to a third country and had no plans to try to influence Belarusian domestic politics.

During a televised address to the nation, Lukashenko slammed what he said were attempts by his opponents to organise "a massacre" on the streets of the capital Minsk, claiming his critics were being backed by "billion-dollar resources" to create unrest.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-says-russians-plotted-attacks-kremlin-denies-317199">Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies</a>

"Will Belarus survive? Will it survive this hybrid war?" he said, sweating profusely and repeatedly mopping his brow.

"We will not give the country to you. Independence is expensive, but it is worth it," he said during his speech which lasted more than an hour and a half.

There was no immediate reaction from Moscow, which has in the past dismissed Lukashenko's criticism of it as emotional.

Lukashenko used his speech to cast himself as a guarantor of stability in a chaotic world and pledged to protect his country from rivals he portrayed as childish wreckers being controlled by "puppet masters" abroad.

The former collective farm director turned Europe's longest-serving ruler is seeking a sixth term in the upcoming ballot after barring his main rivals from contesting the vote and jailing some of them.

He has accused European countries and Russia of meddling in the elections and last week the Belarusian security service, the KGB, arrested 33 Russian "militants" that the authorities said were plotting mass riots with the opposition.

&nbsp;

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday accused Russia of lying about the presence of Russian security contractors in Belarus and said unnamed forces were trying to carry out a revolution but would fail.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday accused Russia of lying about the presence of Russian security contractors in Belarus and said unnamed forces were trying to carry out a revolution but would fail. The 65-year-old has ruled over the ex-Soviet country wedged between Russia and Europe with an authoritarian grip for 26 years and has cracked down on the country's emboldened opposition in the lead-up to Sunday's election. Belarus detained the Russian contractors last week and opened a criminal case into them, saying it suspected "the preparation of terrorist acts". It suggested the men may be linked to Lukashenko's political rivals. Russia, traditionally a close ally, has said the detained men were merely transiting via Belarus en route to a third country and had no plans to try to influence Belarusian domestic politics. During a televised address to the nation, Lukashenko slammed what he said were attempts by his opponents to organise "a massacre" on the streets of the capital Minsk, claiming his critics were being backed by "billion-dollar resources" to create unrest. Also read: Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies "Will Belarus survive? Will it survive this hybrid war?" he said, sweating profusely and repeatedly mopping his brow. "We will not give the country to you. Independence is expensive, but it is worth it," he said during his speech which lasted more than an hour and a half. There was no immediate reaction from Moscow, which has in the past dismissed Lukashenko's criticism of it as emotional. Lukashenko used his speech to cast himself as a guarantor of stability in a chaotic world and pledged to protect his country from rivals he portrayed as childish wreckers being controlled by "puppet masters" abroad. The former collective farm director turned Europe's longest-serving ruler is seeking a sixth term in the upcoming ballot after barring his main rivals from contesting the vote and jailing some of them. He has accused European countries and Russia of meddling in the elections and last week the Belarusian security service, the KGB, arrested 33 Russian "militants" that the authorities said were plotting mass riots with the opposition.

Belarus leader accuses Russia of 'lying', warns of 'revolution' plot

Flights from Moscow to Geneva will resume from Aug. 15 for passengers with residence permits in Switzerland, the TASS news agency reported on Saturday, citing the Swiss embassy in Moscow.

It said travellers from Russia will have to observe a 10-day quarantine on arrival, according to the news agency.

Earlier on Saturday, a Russian government coronavirus response centre said flights between Moscow and Geneva would initially be weekly, without a disclaimer about restrictions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-concerned-about-proper-testing-for-covid-19-vaccines-by-russia-and-china-317384">Also read:&nbsp;Fauci concerned about proper testing for COVID-19 vaccines by Russia and China</a>

Russia, which operated repatriation flights during the coronavirus lockdown, resumed some scheduled international flights on Saturday, to Britain, Turkey and Tanzania.

International flights were grounded on March 30 after the lockdown was imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus, which has infected more than 845,000 people in Russia so far, with over 14,000 deaths.

Russia announced a partial reopening of its borders in June allowing people to travel abroad for work, study, medical treatment or to look after relatives.

Flights from Moscow to Geneva will resume from Aug. 15 for passengers with residence permits in Switzerland, the TASS news agency reported on Saturday, citing the Swiss embassy in Moscow.

Flights from Moscow to Geneva will resume from Aug. 15 for passengers with residence permits in Switzerland, the TASS news agency reported on Saturday, citing the Swiss embassy in Moscow. It said travellers from Russia will have to observe a 10-day quarantine on arrival, according to the news agency. Earlier on Saturday, a Russian government coronavirus response centre said flights between Moscow and Geneva would initially be weekly, without a disclaimer about restrictions. Also read: Fauci concerned about proper testing for COVID-19 vaccines by Russia and China Russia, which operated repatriation flights during the coronavirus lockdown, resumed some scheduled international flights on Saturday, to Britain, Turkey and Tanzania. International flights were grounded on March 30 after the lockdown was imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus, which has infected more than 845,000 people in Russia so far, with over 14,000 deaths. Russia announced a partial reopening of its borders in June allowing people to travel abroad for work, study, medical treatment or to look after relatives.

Russia to partially resume flights to Geneva from August 15

A dispute between Moscow and Minsk over the detention of more than 30 men who Belarus accused of being Russian mercenaries deepened on Saturday, as the two sides contradicted each other about the group’s plans.

The arrests this week, shortly before an August 9 presidential election in Belarus, could further strain relations between Minsk and its traditional ally Russia, which soured after the neighbours failed to agree on an oil supply contract for this year.

Russia said on Thursday that the men, who it described as employees of a private security firm, had stayed in Belarus after missing their connecting flight to Istanbul.

President Alexander Lukashenko cast doubt on this version on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-says-russians-plotted-attacks-kremlin-denies-317199">Also read:&nbsp;Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies</a>

“There was no Istanbul... It’s clear that the group has had another goals. It is the task of the investigation to find out about those goals”, he said, according to state news agency, after hearing reports from the heads of state security and investigation committee.

He said there had been no agreement with Russia for the men to be in the country, while adding that Belarus is open to cooperate with Russia on the issue.

Belarusian authorities said earlier this week that the men were arrested after Minsk received information that more than 200 fighters had entered the country to destablise it.

On Friday, Alexander Agafonov, the head of the Belarusian investigative group that is handling the case, said that the men - some of whom were wearing army fatigues - had no plans to fly further to Istanbul and said they had given “contradictory accounts” about the purpose of their stay in Belarus.

He was quoted as saying that 11 of the arrested men had told authorities they planned to fly on to Venezuela, 15 - to Turkey, two - to Cuba and one to Syria. Another said he did not know his destination, while three refused to make a statement.

Links to opposition 
Authorities in Minsk said on Thursday they believe the husband of opposition presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanouskaya may have ties to the group, launching a criminal case against him on suspicion of inciting riots.

Dmitry Mezentsev, Russia’s ambassador to Belarus, rejected any connection between the detained men and domestic affairs in Belarus.

Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, was quoted as saying by RIA news agency on Saturday he hoped the incident would be resolved in the interest of “brotherly” relations between the countries.

A dispute between Moscow and Minsk over the detention of more than 30 men who Belarus accused of being Russian mercenaries deepened on Saturday, as the two sides contradicted each other about the group’s plans.

A dispute between Moscow and Minsk over the detention of more than 30 men who Belarus accused of being Russian mercenaries deepened on Saturday, as the two sides contradicted each other about the group’s plans. The arrests this week, shortly before an August 9 presidential election in Belarus, could further strain relations between Minsk and its traditional ally Russia, which soured after the neighbours failed to agree on an oil supply contract for this year. Russia said on Thursday that the men, who it described as employees of a private security firm, had stayed in Belarus after missing their connecting flight to Istanbul. President Alexander Lukashenko cast doubt on this version on Saturday. Also read: Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies “There was no Istanbul... It’s clear that the group has had another goals. It is the task of the investigation to find out about those goals”, he said, according to state news agency, after hearing reports from the heads of state security and investigation committee. He said there had been no agreement with Russia for the men to be in the country, while adding that Belarus is open to cooperate with Russia on the issue. Belarusian authorities said earlier this week that the men were arrested after Minsk received information that more than 200 fighters had entered the country to destablise it. On Friday, Alexander Agafonov, the head of the Belarusian investigative group that is handling the case, said that the men - some of whom were wearing army fatigues - had no plans to fly further to Istanbul and said they had given “contradictory accounts” about the purpose of their stay in Belarus. He was quoted as saying that 11 of the arrested men had told authorities they planned to fly on to Venezuela, 15 - to Turkey, two - to Cuba and one to Syria. Another said he did not know his destination, while three refused to make a statement. Links to opposition Authorities in Minsk said on Thursday they believe the husband of opposition presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanouskaya may have ties to the group, launching a criminal case against him on suspicion of inciting riots. Dmitry Mezentsev, Russia’s ambassador to Belarus, rejected any connection between the detained men and domestic affairs in Belarus. Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, was quoted as saying by RIA news agency on Saturday he hoped the incident would be resolved in the interest of “brotherly” relations between the countries.

Russia and Belarus at odds over arrest of suspected mercenaries

Russia's health minister is preparing a mass vaccination campaign against the novel coronavirus for October, local news agencies reported on Saturday, after a vaccine completed clinical trials.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said the Gamaleya Institute, a state research facility in Moscow, had completed clinical trials of the vaccine and paperwork is being prepared to register it. He said doctors and teachers would be the first to be vaccinated.

"We plan wider vaccinations for October," Murashko was quoted as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-protests-in-russias-far-east-rattle-kremlin-317471" hreflang="en">Massive protests in Russia's far east rattle Kremlin</a>

According to sources&nbsp;Russia's first potential COVID-19 vaccine would secure local regulatory approval in August and be administered to health workers soon thereafter.

The Gamaleya Institute has been working on an adenovirus-based vaccine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-concerned-about-proper-testing-for-covid-19-vaccines-by-russia-and-china-317384">Fauci concerned about proper testing for COVID-19 vaccines by Russia and China</a>

Yet the speed at which Russia is moving to roll it out has prompted some Western media to question whether Moscow is putting national prestige before science and safety.

The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, has likened what he said was Russia's success in developing a vaccine to the Soviet Union's 1957 launch of Sputnik 1, the world's first satellite.

On Saturday, Russia reported 95 additional deaths from the novel coronavirus, taking its total to 14,058.

Officials reported 5,462 new cases, raising the total to 845,443.

More than 100 possible vaccines are being developed around the world to try to stop the COVID-19 pandemic.

At least four are in final Phase III human trials, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data, including three developed in China and another in Britain.

Russia's health minister is preparing a mass vaccination campaign against the novel coronavirus for October, local news agencies reported on Saturday, after a vaccine completed clinical trials.

Russia's health minister is preparing a mass vaccination campaign against the novel coronavirus for October, local news agencies reported on Saturday, after a vaccine completed clinical trials. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said the Gamaleya Institute, a state research facility in Moscow, had completed clinical trials of the vaccine and paperwork is being prepared to register it. He said doctors and teachers would be the first to be vaccinated. "We plan wider vaccinations for October," Murashko was quoted as saying. Also read: Massive protests in Russia's far east rattle Kremlin According to sources Russia's first potential COVID-19 vaccine would secure local regulatory approval in August and be administered to health workers soon thereafter. The Gamaleya Institute has been working on an adenovirus-based vaccine. Also read: Fauci concerned about proper testing for COVID-19 vaccines by Russia and China Yet the speed at which Russia is moving to roll it out has prompted some Western media to question whether Moscow is putting national prestige before science and safety. The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, has likened what he said was Russia's success in developing a vaccine to the Soviet Union's 1957 launch of Sputnik 1, the world's first satellite. On Saturday, Russia reported 95 additional deaths from the novel coronavirus, taking its total to 14,058. Officials reported 5,462 new cases, raising the total to 845,443. More than 100 possible vaccines are being developed around the world to try to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. At least four are in final Phase III human trials, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data, including three developed in China and another in Britain.

Russia preparing mass vaccination against COVID-19 for October

Belarus on Thursday accused more than 30 detained Russians of plotting terror attacks amid a presidential election campaign. Kremlin, however, vehemently refuted the allegations.

The grave accusations mark an unprecedented spike in tensions between Russia and Belarus.

The Belarusian State Security Committee said it detained 32 people from private Russian military firm Wagner early Wednesday at a sanitarium outside the capital of Minsk. Another person was detained in the country's south.

Security Council Secretary said Thursday that the Russians are facing a criminal probe on charges of plotting terror attacks in Belarus, adding that authorities were searching for another 200 Russian "militants" believed to be in the ex-Soviet nation.

The Kremlin responded by urging Belarus to explain its action and to fully respect the detainees' rights.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-probes-russian-mercenaries-for-terror-plot-316969">Also read |&nbsp;Belarus probes Russian mercenaries for 'terror' plot</a>

"There is no information about any wrongdoing of the Russians that may have caused the detention.," 
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Russian Ambassador Dmitry Mezentsev also dismissed the accusations as unfounded. He said the Russians were en route to an unspecified country and checked into the sanitarium near Minsk after they missed a connecting flight at the capital's airport.

Mezentsev demanded immediate consular access to the detainees and urged Belarusian authorities to show their evidence against the Russians.

President Alexander Lukashenko is campaigning to remain in office amid an upsurge in opposition protests fuelled by a painful economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

Some observers see the detention of the Russians as an attempt by the president to mobilise public support in the August 9 election. Independent observers and opposition supporters have dismissed the alleged terror plot as a campaign stunt by Lukashenko.

Belarus and Russia have a union deal envisaging close political, economic and military ties, but Moscow has recently cut some of the subsidies, arguing that Belarus must accept closer integration to receive energy resources at a discount.

To this end, the Belarusian leader has bristled at Russian demands and accused the Kremlin of harboring plans to deprive Belarus of its post-Soviet independence.

Lukashenko is seeking a sixth term in next month's election.

Belarus on Thursday accused more than 30 detained Russians of plotting terror attacks amid a presidential election campaign. Kremlin, however, vehemently refuted the allegations.

Belarus on Thursday accused more than 30 detained Russians of plotting terror attacks amid a presidential election campaign. Kremlin, however, vehemently refuted the allegations. The grave accusations mark an unprecedented spike in tensions between Russia and Belarus. The Belarusian State Security Committee said it detained 32 people from private Russian military firm Wagner early Wednesday at a sanitarium outside the capital of Minsk. Another person was detained in the country's south. Security Council Secretary said Thursday that the Russians are facing a criminal probe on charges of plotting terror attacks in Belarus, adding that authorities were searching for another 200 Russian "militants" believed to be in the ex-Soviet nation. The Kremlin responded by urging Belarus to explain its action and to fully respect the detainees' rights. Also read | Belarus probes Russian mercenaries for 'terror' plot "There is no information about any wrongdoing of the Russians that may have caused the detention.," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Russian Ambassador Dmitry Mezentsev also dismissed the accusations as unfounded. He said the Russians were en route to an unspecified country and checked into the sanitarium near Minsk after they missed a connecting flight at the capital's airport. Mezentsev demanded immediate consular access to the detainees and urged Belarusian authorities to show their evidence against the Russians. President Alexander Lukashenko is campaigning to remain in office amid an upsurge in opposition protests fuelled by a painful economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Some observers see the detention of the Russians as an attempt by the president to mobilise public support in the August 9 election. Independent observers and opposition supporters have dismissed the alleged terror plot as a campaign stunt by Lukashenko. Belarus and Russia have a union deal envisaging close political, economic and military ties, but Moscow has recently cut some of the subsidies, arguing that Belarus must accept closer integration to receive energy resources at a discount. To this end, the Belarusian leader has bristled at Russian demands and accused the Kremlin of harboring plans to deprive Belarus of its post-Soviet independence. Lukashenko is seeking a sixth term in next month's election.

Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies

Belarus said Thursday it had opened a criminal probe into planned acts of terror by Russian mercenaries held ahead of presidential polls, adding that it was tracking down dozens more.

The ex-Soviet country's security services on Wednesday arrested a group of 32 Russian fighters as well as one other man in a different location.

Belarus security council chief Andrei Ravkov said a criminal probe had been launched and that the men face charges of preparing "terrorist acts".

"Thirty-three have been detained, there are up to 200 or thereabouts on the territory (of Belarus)," Ravkov said.

He said "a search is going on" to find the others, complaining that it was "like looking for needles in a haystack."

Belarus's KGB security service said the detained men were members of the Wagner group, a shadowy private military firm reportedly controlled by an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin which promotes Moscow's interests in Ukraine, Syria and Libya.&nbsp;

The arrests came ahead of presidential polls on August 9 in which strongman Alexander Lukashenko is seeking a sixth term.&nbsp;

Lukashenko has detained would-be opposition candidates and their supporters.

Protests have erupted across the ex-Soviet country of 9.5 million people, with a 37-year-old woman political novice, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, quickly emerging as Lukashenko's main rival.

Lukashenko has accused some of his critics of being controlled by "puppeteers" in Moscow.

Lukashenko rivals warned

Ravkov spoke after meeting the candidates standing against Lukashenko, including Tikhanovskaya, and warning them that security measures would be stepped up at rallies.

State news agency Belta said the authorities had received information about the arrival of 200 fighters in Belarus "to destabilise the situation during the election campaign".

Lukashenko at an emergency meeting of his security council on Wednesday demanded an explanation from Moscow.

"If they are guilty, it's necessary to emerge out of this situation with dignity," Lukashenko said in televised remarks.

Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev said Thursday that he had been invited to the Belarusian foreign ministry that morning to discuss the case, Russian news agencies reported.

Russia is Minsk's closest political and economic ally but relations have been strained.

The Belta news agency said the detained Russians sported "military-style clothing" and carried heavy cases.

It also reported that the alleged militants gave themselves away because unlike ordinary Russian tourists, they did not drink.

"They did not consume alcohol or visit entertainment venues. They kept to themselves in order not to attract attention," Belta said, adding that the men stayed at one of the country's spas.

National television showed several Russian passports that allegedly belong to the detained men, as well as stacks of dollar bills, packets of condoms and pieces of paper with Arabic script.

The men appeared to also have Sudanese pounds in their possession.

Russian author Zakhar Prilepin, who fought alongside Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, said he knew some of the detained men.

Writing on Facebook, Prilepin suggested that the fighters probably used Belarus as a transit point and were en route to "some other destination," which he said Belarus "surely knows very well".

Unlike Russia, Belarus has not enforced a lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic and operates flights as usual.

&nbsp;

Belarus said Thursday it had opened a criminal probe into planned acts of terror by Russian mercenaries held ahead of presidential polls, adding that it was tracking down dozens more.

Belarus said Thursday it had opened a criminal probe into planned acts of terror by Russian mercenaries held ahead of presidential polls, adding that it was tracking down dozens more. The ex-Soviet country's security services on Wednesday arrested a group of 32 Russian fighters as well as one other man in a different location. Belarus security council chief Andrei Ravkov said a criminal probe had been launched and that the men face charges of preparing "terrorist acts". "Thirty-three have been detained, there are up to 200 or thereabouts on the territory (of Belarus)," Ravkov said. He said "a search is going on" to find the others, complaining that it was "like looking for needles in a haystack." Belarus's KGB security service said the detained men were members of the Wagner group, a shadowy private military firm reportedly controlled by an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin which promotes Moscow's interests in Ukraine, Syria and Libya. The arrests came ahead of presidential polls on August 9 in which strongman Alexander Lukashenko is seeking a sixth term. Lukashenko has detained would-be opposition candidates and their supporters. Protests have erupted across the ex-Soviet country of 9.5 million people, with a 37-year-old woman political novice, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, quickly emerging as Lukashenko's main rival. Lukashenko has accused some of his critics of being controlled by "puppeteers" in Moscow. Lukashenko rivals warned Ravkov spoke after meeting the candidates standing against Lukashenko, including Tikhanovskaya, and warning them that security measures would be stepped up at rallies. State news agency Belta said the authorities had received information about the arrival of 200 fighters in Belarus "to destabilise the situation during the election campaign". Lukashenko at an emergency meeting of his security council on Wednesday demanded an explanation from Moscow. "If they are guilty, it's necessary to emerge out of this situation with dignity," Lukashenko said in televised remarks. Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev said Thursday that he had been invited to the Belarusian foreign ministry that morning to discuss the case, Russian news agencies reported. Russia is Minsk's closest political and economic ally but relations have been strained. The Belta news agency said the detained Russians sported "military-style clothing" and carried heavy cases. It also reported that the alleged militants gave themselves away because unlike ordinary Russian tourists, they did not drink. "They did not consume alcohol or visit entertainment venues. They kept to themselves in order not to attract attention," Belta said, adding that the men stayed at one of the country's spas. National television showed several Russian passports that allegedly belong to the detained men, as well as stacks of dollar bills, packets of condoms and pieces of paper with Arabic script. The men appeared to also have Sudanese pounds in their possession. Russian author Zakhar Prilepin, who fought alongside Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, said he knew some of the detained men. Writing on Facebook, Prilepin suggested that the fighters probably used Belarus as a transit point and were en route to "some other destination," which he said Belarus "surely knows very well". Unlike Russia, Belarus has not enforced a lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic and operates flights as usual.

Belarus probes Russian mercenaries for 'terror' plot

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