A report claims that Russia has postponed the delivery of the&nbsp;S-400 missile system to China with&nbsp;experts claiming&nbsp;that&nbsp;the postponement may just hint at cancellation.

S-400 is currently among the most coveted surface-to-air missile systems. It is&nbsp;made in Russia and is pitched as the most-efficient long-range air defense systems. It&nbsp;is capable of destroying targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometres and a height of up to 30 kilometres.

In 2014, China had signed a government-to-government contract with Russia. The deal was worth $3 billion. China received its first S-400 on May 10, 2018. However, it may turn out to be China's last.

Currently, Russia, Belarus and Turkey too have the S-400 defense system.&nbsp;India signed a $5.4 billion deal in 2018 and is likely to get its first S-400 by 2021.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-rafale-fighter-jets-will-be-stationed-just-200-km-from-pakistan-china-border-at-ambala-air-base-316311#rafale-fighter-jet-in-india-316296">Have a look:&nbsp;Why Rafale fighter jets will be stationed just 200 km from Pakistan, China border at Ambala air base</a>

Several other countries - Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Vietnam, Morocco&nbsp;have expressed interest in buying the Russian technology. Beijing reportedly ordered a couple of S-400s.

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However, for now, Russia has paused delivery.&nbsp;Moscow and Beijing were seen growing closer than ever, but there has been a roadblock in the bilateral relation as Russia has accused China of spying.

Valery Mitko, President of St. Petersburh Arctic Social Sciences Academy, has been alleged by Russia of handing over classified information to Chinese authorities.

However, the development on the S-400 area hints&nbsp;towards more reasons. The postponement came amid the call to boycott China.

Second, it also came at a time when China and India exchanged violent fires at the Galwan valley. The violence was followed by a question of whose side is Russia on. The hold on S-400s to Beijing may hint at an answer.

The postponement is also important as it is came when&nbsp;the world is gearing up for another Cold War.

China is rubbishing all of this and&nbsp;is keen on projecting the development as pandemic-related.&nbsp;

"The reasons given by Russia are very heartwarming. It turns out that Russia is worried that the delivery of S-400 missiles at this time will affect the anti-pandemic actions of the Chinese army and does not want to cause trouble to China," reported a Chinese newspaper.

The truth is China's troubles are only mounting and Russia halting the S-400 delivery may just be the latest sign of Moscow distancing itself from Beijing.

India's role

The move can definitely be read as an advantage for&nbsp;India. New Delhi has been regularly talking to Moscow since the Galwan skirmish.

India is looking to buy spare parts, ammunition and weapons and the estimated cost of acquisition is over $1 billion. Therefore, Russia's pause on S-400 to China may have technological advantage for India.

A report claims that Russia has postponed the delivery of the S-400 missile system to China with experts claiming that the postponement may just hint at cancellation.

A report claims that Russia has postponed the delivery of the S-400 missile system to China with experts claiming that the postponement may just hint at cancellation. S-400 is currently among the most coveted surface-to-air missile systems. It is made in Russia and is pitched as the most-efficient long-range air defense systems. It is capable of destroying targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometres and a height of up to 30 kilometres. In 2014, China had signed a government-to-government contract with Russia. The deal was worth $3 billion. China received its first S-400 on May 10, 2018. However, it may turn out to be China's last. Currently, Russia, Belarus and Turkey too have the S-400 defense system. India signed a $5.4 billion deal in 2018 and is likely to get its first S-400 by 2021. Have a look: Why Rafale fighter jets will be stationed just 200 km from Pakistan, China border at Ambala air base Several other countries - Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Vietnam, Morocco have expressed interest in buying the Russian technology. Beijing reportedly ordered a couple of S-400s. × However, for now, Russia has paused delivery. Moscow and Beijing were seen growing closer than ever, but there has been a roadblock in the bilateral relation as Russia has accused China of spying. Valery Mitko, President of St. Petersburh Arctic Social Sciences Academy, has been alleged by Russia of handing over classified information to Chinese authorities. However, the development on the S-400 area hints towards more reasons. The postponement came amid the call to boycott China. Second, it also came at a time when China and India exchanged violent fires at the Galwan valley. The violence was followed by a question of whose side is Russia on. The hold on S-400s to Beijing may hint at an answer. The postponement is also important as it is came when the world is gearing up for another Cold War. China is rubbishing all of this and is keen on projecting the development as pandemic-related. "The reasons given by Russia are very heartwarming. It turns out that Russia is worried that the delivery of S-400 missiles at this time will affect the anti-pandemic actions of the Chinese army and does not want to cause trouble to China," reported a Chinese newspaper. The truth is China's troubles are only mounting and Russia halting the S-400 delivery may just be the latest sign of Moscow distancing itself from Beijing. India's role The move can definitely be read as an advantage for India. New Delhi has been regularly talking to Moscow since the Galwan skirmish. India is looking to buy spare parts, ammunition and weapons and the estimated cost of acquisition is over $1 billion. Therefore, Russia's pause on S-400 to China may have technological advantage for India.

Now, Russia halts delivery of S-400 missile defense system to China

Tens of thousands marched in the Russian far east on Saturday, the third such weekend protest in a row, to express their anger over what they say is President Vladimir Putin's mishandling of a local political crisis.

Residents of Khabarovsk, around 3,800 miles (6,110 km) and seven time zones east of Moscow, are unhappy about the detention this month of the wider region's popular governor, Sergei Furgal, who was arrested on murder charges he denies.

His arrest, which his supporters say was politically motivated, triggered the protests and created a headache for the Kremlin which is trying to troubleshoot a COVID-19-induced drop in real incomes and keep a lid on unrest.

Protesters chanted "Putin resign!" and "Putin is a thief!". Demonstrators say they want Furgal, who they think has been set up, to be flown back from Moscow and put on trial in Khabarovsk.

City authorities estimated around 6,500 people had taken part. One local media outlet put the number at up to 20,000, while other outlets and opposition activists said upwards of 50,000 had attended and that it was the biggest protest of its kind so far.

"Give us our Furgal back," said a local businesswoman called Viktoria. "This is our choice."

The protests have highlighted anger among some over what they see as policies emanating from detached Moscow-based authorities.

Supporters of Furgal, a member of the nationalist LDPR party, feel he is being belatedly punished for defeating a candidate from the ruling pro-Putin United Russia party in 2018. The Kremlin says Furgal has serious charges to answer.

Such sustained demonstrations are unusual for Russia's regions, as is the fact that the authorities have not yet moved to break them up.

In an apparent move to defuse tensions, Putin on Monday named a new acting governor. But protesters said they felt insulted by the choice of Mikhail Degtyaryov, who has no connection with the region, and have demanded he step down.

Tens of thousands marched in the Russian far east on Saturday, the third such weekend protest in a row, to express their anger over what they say is President Vladimir Putin's mishandling of a local political crisis.

Tens of thousands marched in the Russian far east on Saturday, the third such weekend protest in a row, to express their anger over what they say is President Vladimir Putin's mishandling of a local political crisis. Residents of Khabarovsk, around 3,800 miles (6,110 km) and seven time zones east of Moscow, are unhappy about the detention this month of the wider region's popular governor, Sergei Furgal, who was arrested on murder charges he denies. His arrest, which his supporters say was politically motivated, triggered the protests and created a headache for the Kremlin which is trying to troubleshoot a COVID-19-induced drop in real incomes and keep a lid on unrest. Protesters chanted "Putin resign!" and "Putin is a thief!". Demonstrators say they want Furgal, who they think has been set up, to be flown back from Moscow and put on trial in Khabarovsk. City authorities estimated around 6,500 people had taken part. One local media outlet put the number at up to 20,000, while other outlets and opposition activists said upwards of 50,000 had attended and that it was the biggest protest of its kind so far. "Give us our Furgal back," said a local businesswoman called Viktoria. "This is our choice." The protests have highlighted anger among some over what they see as policies emanating from detached Moscow-based authorities. Supporters of Furgal, a member of the nationalist LDPR party, feel he is being belatedly punished for defeating a candidate from the ruling pro-Putin United Russia party in 2018. The Kremlin says Furgal has serious charges to answer. Such sustained demonstrations are unusual for Russia's regions, as is the fact that the authorities have not yet moved to break them up. In an apparent move to defuse tensions, Putin on Monday named a new acting governor. But protesters said they felt insulted by the choice of Mikhail Degtyaryov, who has no connection with the region, and have demanded he step down.

Tens of thousands protest against Putin in Russian far east

Russia tested an anti-satellite weapon in space on July 15. The&nbsp;weapon launch sent warning beeps through space control desks in the US and the UK.

One of its satellites fired a missile-like projectile&nbsp;which is capable of striking an enemy satellite. It is&nbsp;the first time such a test has been conducted by any country.

For America, it&nbsp;is a reminder of the space race during the Cold War. The US says that Russia's actions are consistent with its doctrine to attack US space assets.

In November, Russia had launched a satellite that carried another satellite in its womb. The satellite formed in the space but did not pose a threat at that time. However, six months later, both these satellites came incredibly close to an American military satellite known as KH-11 — one of America's most powerful spies in space.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uk-accuse-russia-of-launching-new-space-weapon-315568">Also read:&nbsp;US and UK accuse Russia of launching new space weapon</a>

It&nbsp;was considered to be a border incursion in space to which America complained, and later Russia pulled away.&nbsp;The US now claims it is the same satellite that has test-fired.

America's suspicions date back to 2018 when Russian satellites first began to display mysterious behaviour. In the same year, France claimed that a Russian satellite had cosied up to a French satellite. France said that Russia is playing dangerous games in space.

Now, the United Kingdom has woken up to the danger and has&nbsp;slammed Russia for test-firing a weapon in space. It comes days after an internal report declared that the UK is badly underestimating the Russian threat.

Russia is among the only four countries in the world that have demonstrated anti-satellite capability — the others are America, India and China.

The US President Donald Trump has even created a separate space command to counter Russia and China. The US has released a document that shows how the space war may evolve.

Satellites armed with laser, radio frequency jammers, chemical sprays and even robot arms to rip apart satellites. Despite all these concerns, there is no treaty banning or limiting such weapons. However,&nbsp;there are agreements. The US, Russia, UK and China are among the 100 signatories to the outer space treaty.

Russia tested an anti-satellite weapon in space on July 15. The weapon launch sent warning beeps through space control desks in the US and the UK. One of its satellites fired a missile-like projectile which is capable of striking an enemy satellite.

Russia tested an anti-satellite weapon in space on July 15. The weapon launch sent warning beeps through space control desks in the US and the UK. One of its satellites fired a missile-like projectile which is capable of striking an enemy satellite. It is the first time such a test has been conducted by any country. For America, it is a reminder of the space race during the Cold War. The US says that Russia's actions are consistent with its doctrine to attack US space assets. In November, Russia had launched a satellite that carried another satellite in its womb. The satellite formed in the space but did not pose a threat at that time. However, six months later, both these satellites came incredibly close to an American military satellite known as KH-11 — one of America's most powerful spies in space. Also read: US and UK accuse Russia of launching new space weapon It was considered to be a border incursion in space to which America complained, and later Russia pulled away. The US now claims it is the same satellite that has test-fired. America's suspicions date back to 2018 when Russian satellites first began to display mysterious behaviour. In the same year, France claimed that a Russian satellite had cosied up to a French satellite. France said that Russia is playing dangerous games in space. Now, the United Kingdom has woken up to the danger and has slammed Russia for test-firing a weapon in space. It comes days after an internal report declared that the UK is badly underestimating the Russian threat. Russia is among the only four countries in the world that have demonstrated anti-satellite capability — the others are America, India and China. The US President Donald Trump has even created a separate space command to counter Russia and China. The US has released a document that shows how the space war may evolve. Satellites armed with laser, radio frequency jammers, chemical sprays and even robot arms to rip apart satellites. Despite all these concerns, there is no treaty banning or limiting such weapons. However, there are agreements. The US, Russia, UK and China are among the 100 signatories to the outer space treaty.

Russia tests anti-satellite weapon as space war takes new turn

President Vladimir Putin named a new acting governor to head Russia`s Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk on Monday after the previous regional head was arrested on murder charges, sparking a wave of protests.

At least 10,000 people demonstrated in Khabarovsk on Saturday to demand Moscow release Sergei Furgal, a member of the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) who won election in 2018 after beating a rival from the ruling pro-Putin party.

Furgal, born in Russia`s Far East, was detained on July 9 and flown to Moscow to face charges over the murder and attempted murder of multiple businessmen 15 years ago. He denies wrongdoing.

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Protests broke out soon afterwards and have continued for over a week. Their size is unusual for Russia`s regions, as is the fact that the authorities have not yet moved to break them up.

Putin on Monday formally removed Furgal from his post and appointed Mikhail Degtyaryov, 39, a lawmaker and also an LDPR member, to take over as the acting head of the region, according to a decree published on the Kremlin website.

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The Kremlin has so far publicly played down the protests which have highlighted anger among some in the Far East over what they see as policies emanating from detached federal authorities located in Moscow seven time zones to the west.

The unrest also comes less than three weeks after Russians voted to back a set of sweeping reforms clearing the way for Putin to run for two more presidential terms, potentially remaining in the Kremlin until 2036 rather than stepping down in 2024.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose allies in the region have backed the demonstrations, cast Degtyaryov as a detached Kremlin appointee whose selection he predicted would fail to appease protesters.

Khabarovsk will hold regional elections to choose a fully-fledged new governor in September next year, Russia`s election commission said.

President Vladimir Putin named a new acting governor to head Russia`s Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk on Monday after the previous regional head was arrested on murder charges, sparking a wave of protests.

President Vladimir Putin named a new acting governor to head Russia`s Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk on Monday after the previous regional head was arrested on murder charges, sparking a wave of protests. At least 10,000 people demonstrated in Khabarovsk on Saturday to demand Moscow release Sergei Furgal, a member of the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) who won election in 2018 after beating a rival from the ruling pro-Putin party. Furgal, born in Russia`s Far East, was detained on July 9 and flown to Moscow to face charges over the murder and attempted murder of multiple businessmen 15 years ago. He denies wrongdoing. Also watch| Russia: Protests over arrest of regional governor in Moscow Protests broke out soon afterwards and have continued for over a week. Their size is unusual for Russia`s regions, as is the fact that the authorities have not yet moved to break them up. Putin on Monday formally removed Furgal from his post and appointed Mikhail Degtyaryov, 39, a lawmaker and also an LDPR member, to take over as the acting head of the region, according to a decree published on the Kremlin website. Also read| Elite club: Russia secretly tested its coronavirus vaccine among the affluent as early as April The Kremlin has so far publicly played down the protests which have highlighted anger among some in the Far East over what they see as policies emanating from detached federal authorities located in Moscow seven time zones to the west. The unrest also comes less than three weeks after Russians voted to back a set of sweeping reforms clearing the way for Putin to run for two more presidential terms, potentially remaining in the Kremlin until 2036 rather than stepping down in 2024. Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose allies in the region have backed the demonstrations, cast Degtyaryov as a detached Kremlin appointee whose selection he predicted would fail to appease protesters. Khabarovsk will hold regional elections to choose a fully-fledged new governor in September next year, Russia`s election commission said.

Putin names new governor of restive Russian region hit by protests

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his&nbsp;Azerbaijan counterpart&nbsp;Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises.

The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts. While Shoigu described this as a reoutine check of the military's preparedness, the timing of these military exercises has fallen amid the rising tension and clashes between its ally Azerbaijan and Armenian forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-us-and-canada-accuse-russia-of-vaccine-research-hacking-314318">Also read:&nbsp;UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking</a>

In the past few days, more than a dozen Armenian and Azeri soldiers have been killed due to the increased&nbsp;clashes between the two former Soviet republics which have long been at odds over Azerbaijan`s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Russia, which has a military base in Armenia, has urged both countries to cease fire and has offered to be a mediator and peace maker between the two nations.

Armenia has accused&nbsp;Azerbaijan of being a possible threat to national and global security after Azerbaijan&nbsp;warned Armenia it could strike the Metzamor nuclear power station if its Mingechavir reservoir or other strategic outlets were hit. Armenia claims that the threat counts as "a threat to commit terrorism".

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his Azerbaijan counterpart Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises. The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his Azerbaijan counterpart Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises. The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts. While Shoigu described this as a reoutine check of the military's preparedness, the timing of these military exercises has fallen amid the rising tension and clashes between its ally Azerbaijan and Armenian forces. Also read: UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking In the past few days, more than a dozen Armenian and Azeri soldiers have been killed due to the increased clashes between the two former Soviet republics which have long been at odds over Azerbaijan`s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia, which has a military base in Armenia, has urged both countries to cease fire and has offered to be a mediator and peace maker between the two nations. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of being a possible threat to national and global security after Azerbaijan warned Armenia it could strike the Metzamor nuclear power station if its Mingechavir reservoir or other strategic outlets were hit. Armenia claims that the threat counts as "a threat to commit terrorism".

Russia conducts 'routine' military exercise amid rising tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research.

The three governments pointed the finger at the Kremlin, saying that a hacking group called APT29 was "almost certainly" linked to Russian intelligence.

In a separate claim, London said "Russian actors" sought to disrupt last year's UK general election by circulating leaked trade documents between Britain and the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ready-to-share-covid-19-vaccine-technology-with-other-countries-314263">Also read:&nbsp;Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries</a>

Both accusations came even before the publication in the coming days of a long-awaited British parliamentary report into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote.

Russia quickly rejected the accusations as "groundless".

The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) said Thursday that APT29 was "a cyber espionage group, almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services," adding their the assessment was endorsed by their US counterpart.

"Throughout 2020, APT29 has targeted various organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine development in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, highly likely with the intention of stealing information and intellectual property relating to the development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines," it said.

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The group was "likely to continue to target organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine research and development, as they seek to answer additional intelligence questions relating to the pandemic".

In a separate statement, the US National Security Agency repeated the accusations and said that APT29 "uses a variety of tools and techniques to predominantly target governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets for intelligence gain".

Russia and Britain have been at loggerheads since Moscow was accused of trying to kill double agent Sergei Skripal with a powerful military-grade nerve agent in 2018.

The attack in Salisbury, southwest England, came 12 years after the radiation poisoning of former spy Alexander Litvinenko in London. Again, Russia denied involvement.

Completely unacceptable 
Britain is one of a number of countries conducting human vaccine trials for COVID-19. One, at the University of Oxford, showed potential positive results, media reports said on Thursday.

But the National Cyber Security Centre, part of Britain's GCHQ electronic eavesdropping agency, said labs were among those targeted "to steal valuable intellectual property".

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NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said known targets included UK, US and Canadian vaccine research and development organisations using techniques including malware.

APT29 -- also known as "The Dukes" or "Cozy Bear" -- had also tried to hack government, diplomatic, think-tank and energy groups, it added.

Nearly 600,000 people have died and more than 13.5 million infected in the coronavirus outbreak this year.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that targeting those working to find a vaccine was "completely unacceptable".

"While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health," he added.

Election meddling 
Earlier, the government said there were strong suspicions of a Russian link to the leak of classified documents about a possible post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

An investigation was launched after files were published on the social media site Reddit and were later picked up by the main opposition Labour party.

The party used them in its campaign for the December 12 election, claiming they proved Prime Minister Boris Johnson would "sell-out" the state-run health sector to US President Donald Trump.

Health funding was a key campaign issue, and Johnson was repeatedly forced to deny the claim.&nbsp;

Labour's then leader Jeremy Corbyn dismissed claims the leak was put online by Russia as a "conspiracy theory".

Raab stopped short of accusing Moscow of direct involvement.

But he said it was "almost certain... that Russian actors" were involved by putting the leaked documents online.

Johnson and his ruling Conservative party won a huge majority in the election, allowing him to push through his Brexit deal to take Britain out of the European Union.

Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee launched a probe into suspicions of Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote after concerns sparked by claims of meddling in the US presidential election won by Trump.

It completed the report last year but publication was delayed first by the election, and then Johnson's failure to nominate new members to the committee.

This finally happened last week and members had their first meeting on Thursday, where they agreed to publish the Russia report before next Wednesday.

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research.

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research. The three governments pointed the finger at the Kremlin, saying that a hacking group called APT29 was "almost certainly" linked to Russian intelligence. In a separate claim, London said "Russian actors" sought to disrupt last year's UK general election by circulating leaked trade documents between Britain and the United States. Also read: Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries Both accusations came even before the publication in the coming days of a long-awaited British parliamentary report into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote. Russia quickly rejected the accusations as "groundless". The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) said Thursday that APT29 was "a cyber espionage group, almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services," adding their the assessment was endorsed by their US counterpart. "Throughout 2020, APT29 has targeted various organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine development in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, highly likely with the intention of stealing information and intellectual property relating to the development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines," it said. Also read: EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines The group was "likely to continue to target organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine research and development, as they seek to answer additional intelligence questions relating to the pandemic". In a separate statement, the US National Security Agency repeated the accusations and said that APT29 "uses a variety of tools and techniques to predominantly target governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets for intelligence gain". Russia and Britain have been at loggerheads since Moscow was accused of trying to kill double agent Sergei Skripal with a powerful military-grade nerve agent in 2018. The attack in Salisbury, southwest England, came 12 years after the radiation poisoning of former spy Alexander Litvinenko in London. Again, Russia denied involvement. Completely unacceptable Britain is one of a number of countries conducting human vaccine trials for COVID-19. One, at the University of Oxford, showed potential positive results, media reports said on Thursday. But the National Cyber Security Centre, part of Britain's GCHQ electronic eavesdropping agency, said labs were among those targeted "to steal valuable intellectual property". Also watch: World depends on India to mass-produce COVID-19 vaccine NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said known targets included UK, US and Canadian vaccine research and development organisations using techniques including malware. APT29 -- also known as "The Dukes" or "Cozy Bear" -- had also tried to hack government, diplomatic, think-tank and energy groups, it added. Nearly 600,000 people have died and more than 13.5 million infected in the coronavirus outbreak this year. Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that targeting those working to find a vaccine was "completely unacceptable". "While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health," he added. Election meddling Earlier, the government said there were strong suspicions of a Russian link to the leak of classified documents about a possible post-Brexit trade deal with the United States. An investigation was launched after files were published on the social media site Reddit and were later picked up by the main opposition Labour party. The party used them in its campaign for the December 12 election, claiming they proved Prime Minister Boris Johnson would "sell-out" the state-run health sector to US President Donald Trump. Health funding was a key campaign issue, and Johnson was repeatedly forced to deny the claim. Labour's then leader Jeremy Corbyn dismissed claims the leak was put online by Russia as a "conspiracy theory". Raab stopped short of accusing Moscow of direct involvement. But he said it was "almost certain... that Russian actors" were involved by putting the leaked documents online. Johnson and his ruling Conservative party won a huge majority in the election, allowing him to push through his Brexit deal to take Britain out of the European Union. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee launched a probe into suspicions of Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote after concerns sparked by claims of meddling in the US presidential election won by Trump. It completed the report last year but publication was delayed first by the election, and then Johnson's failure to nominate new members to the committee. This finally happened last week and members had their first meeting on Thursday, where they agreed to publish the Russia report before next Wednesday.

UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking

Russia`s Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has reportedly successfully produced a coronavirus vaccine which, it claims, is more advanced than its&nbsp;Western counterparts.

Alexander Gintsburg, the institute head, has extended a friendly hand to the western countries and said that Russia will be happy to share&nbsp;the technology with foreign colleagues, if they require.

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"Our technology is patented, unique and with parameters which, I feel confident to claim, exceed the capabilities of analogous products being developed in the West," Gintsburg said, adding that "most probably, if there is any borrowing, it will be our immunization scheme to be borrowed, and we will be happy to share our hacks with the colleagues, should they need."

Gintsburg claimed that the institute has been developing the used technology for the past 25 years.

He explained that the said vaccine is made up of two injected components that will, together, help people get a long-term immunity against the novel coronavirus.

A part of the 22 monitored vaccine by the WHO, the Gamaleya vaccine has already begun clinical trials on humans at two institutions in Russia: the Sechenov University and the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital.

Russia`s Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has reportedly successfully produced a coronavirus vaccine which, it claims, is more advanced than its Western counterparts.

Russia`s Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has reportedly successfully produced a coronavirus vaccine which, it claims, is more advanced than its Western counterparts. Alexander Gintsburg, the institute head, has extended a friendly hand to the western countries and said that Russia will be happy to share the technology with foreign colleagues, if they require. Also read| EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines "Our technology is patented, unique and with parameters which, I feel confident to claim, exceed the capabilities of analogous products being developed in the West," Gintsburg said, adding that "most probably, if there is any borrowing, it will be our immunization scheme to be borrowed, and we will be happy to share our hacks with the colleagues, should they need." Gintsburg claimed that the institute has been developing the used technology for the past 25 years. He explained that the said vaccine is made up of two injected components that will, together, help people get a long-term immunity against the novel coronavirus. A part of the 22 monitored vaccine by the WHO, the Gamaleya vaccine has already begun clinical trials on humans at two institutions in Russia: the Sechenov University and the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital.

Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries

Tens of thousands of people rallied Saturday in the Russian far eastern city of Khabarovsk in new protests in support of a popular governor and in a rare show of defiance against the Kremlin.

Sergei Furgal was arrested last week on charges of ordering the killings of businessmen 15 years ago.&nbsp;

His arrest has sparked unprecedented demonstrations in Khabarovsk, a city of around 600,000 people near the border with China, and smaller towns nearby.

The 50-year-old governor has denied the charges, which his supporters say are politically motivated.

Furgal, of the nationalist LDPR party, won the governor's seat from a representative of the ruling United Russia party in 2018.

On Saturday, tens of thousands, including young people, the elderly and women with children in pushchairs marched through the centre of Khabarovsk in temperatures of over 30C, an AFP correspondent said.

They carried placards reading&nbsp;"Freedom for Furgal!" and chanted "As long as we are united we are invincible", as passing cars honked horns in support.

The protesters called for a "fair trial" for the governor, and not in Moscow, where he is being held since his arrest.

"It's our governor! And we will defend him!", they shouted.

As with previous protests, the rally was not approved by the authorities, but police made no moves to disperse it.

Last Saturday, tens of thousands also poured onto the streets of Khabarovsk to protest Furgal's arrest.

The protests mark a rare show of defiance in the remote regions against the Kremlin, and come after President Vladimir Putin this month oversaw a deeply controversial constitutional vote that allows him to extend his hold on power until 2036.

Tens of thousands of people rallied Saturday in the Russian far eastern city of Khabarovsk in new protests in support of a popular governor and in a rare show of defiance against the Kremlin.

Tens of thousands of people rallied Saturday in the Russian far eastern city of Khabarovsk in new protests in support of a popular governor and in a rare show of defiance against the Kremlin. Sergei Furgal was arrested last week on charges of ordering the killings of businessmen 15 years ago. His arrest has sparked unprecedented demonstrations in Khabarovsk, a city of around 600,000 people near the border with China, and smaller towns nearby. The 50-year-old governor has denied the charges, which his supporters say are politically motivated. Furgal, of the nationalist LDPR party, won the governor's seat from a representative of the ruling United Russia party in 2018. On Saturday, tens of thousands, including young people, the elderly and women with children in pushchairs marched through the centre of Khabarovsk in temperatures of over 30C, an AFP correspondent said. They carried placards reading "Freedom for Furgal!" and chanted "As long as we are united we are invincible", as passing cars honked horns in support. The protesters called for a "fair trial" for the governor, and not in Moscow, where he is being held since his arrest. "It's our governor! And we will defend him!", they shouted. As with previous protests, the rally was not approved by the authorities, but police made no moves to disperse it. Last Saturday, tens of thousands also poured onto the streets of Khabarovsk to protest Furgal's arrest. The protests mark a rare show of defiance in the remote regions against the Kremlin, and come after President Vladimir Putin this month oversaw a deeply controversial constitutional vote that allows him to extend his hold on power until 2036.

Tens of thousands stage anti-Kremlin protests in Russia's Far East

Russian prosecutors on Wednesday said they were conducting an inspection of a facility supposed to&nbsp;treat acid runoff from an abandoned Urals mine after photographs emerged of streams running orange.&nbsp;

A bright-orange landscape near the disused copper-sulphide mine close to the village of Lyovikha in the Urals was seen in drone footage shared on social media.

According to local media, the Sverdlovsk regional government had asked for the mine to be sealed but Moscow refused on the grounds that there were still valuable resources there.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-arctic-turned-red-after-russia-caused-worst-fuel-spill-303713">How Arctic turned red after Russia caused worst fuel spill</a>

Environmentalist Andrei Volegov, who chairs a local NGO Ecopravo, said on Facebook that the polluted water was supposed to be neutralised in a technical "pond" but that the pond overflows during heavy rains.

Volegov had alerted prosecutors to the situation last year and received a reply that the company in charge of the pollutants was not properly funded and could not purchase enough lime to neutralise the acid, according to a letter he published.

A major spill of fuel oil in the Arctic last month raised the profile of industrial pollution in&nbsp;Russia, where companies are often punished with only small fines and hazardous waste can be left unaddressed for years due to bureaucracy.

&nbsp;

Russian prosecutors on Wednesday said they were conducting an inspection of a facility supposed to treat acid runoff from an abandoned Urals mine after photographs emerged of streams running orange.

Russian prosecutors on Wednesday said they were conducting an inspection of a facility supposed to treat acid runoff from an abandoned Urals mine after photographs emerged of streams running orange. A bright-orange landscape near the disused copper-sulphide mine close to the village of Lyovikha in the Urals was seen in drone footage shared on social media. According to local media, the Sverdlovsk regional government had asked for the mine to be sealed but Moscow refused on the grounds that there were still valuable resources there. Also see: How Arctic turned red after Russia caused worst fuel spill Environmentalist Andrei Volegov, who chairs a local NGO Ecopravo, said on Facebook that the polluted water was supposed to be neutralised in a technical "pond" but that the pond overflows during heavy rains. Volegov had alerted prosecutors to the situation last year and received a reply that the company in charge of the pollutants was not properly funded and could not purchase enough lime to neutralise the acid, according to a letter he published. A major spill of fuel oil in the Arctic last month raised the profile of industrial pollution in Russia, where companies are often punished with only small fines and hazardous waste can be left unaddressed for years due to bureaucracy.

Russia launches investigation for pollution after streams run orange

Another protest was held in Moscow against the&nbsp;constitutional reform that allows President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036.

A rally was organized in Russia's capital in which protestors came together to rally and leave signatures on a petition which voices concern against the results of a nationwide vote on a set of constitutional amendments that extend Putin's rule, redistribute executive powers within the government, prioritise Russian law over international law and outlaw same-sex marriage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/protest-in-moscow-against-reforms-that-could-keep-putin-in-power-till-2036-313573#no-to-eternal-putin-313564">Have a look:&nbsp;Protest in Moscow against reforms that could keep Putin in power till 2036</a>

The voting, amid the coronavirus, attracted a lot of international criticism, combined with reports of rigging in elections and various other malpractices.

The rally was broken off by Moscow police which claims to have detained 132 protestors. However,&nbsp;OVD-Info rights group that monitors arrests and detentions in Russia reported the detainee number as&nbsp;147.

The rally was unauthorised and reportedly was blocking Moscow traffic. In the videos shown on the local news channels, the riot police and protetsors were seen clashing and some images also showed the riot police dragging the protestors to the police vans, before detaining them.

Chair of Russia's Journalists Union Vladimir Solovyov also reported that several reporters, who were covering and reporting the protest, were also detained.

Another protest was held in Moscow against the constitutional reform that allows President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036. A rally was organized in Russia's capital in which protestors came together to rally and leave signatures on a petition which voices concern against the results of a nationwide vote on a set of constitutional amendments that extend Putin's rule, redistribute executive powers within the government, prioritise Russian law over international law and outlaw same-sex marriage.

Another protest was held in Moscow against the constitutional reform that allows President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036. A rally was organized in Russia's capital in which protestors came together to rally and leave signatures on a petition which voices concern against the results of a nationwide vote on a set of constitutional amendments that extend Putin's rule, redistribute executive powers within the government, prioritise Russian law over international law and outlaw same-sex marriage. Have a look: Protest in Moscow against reforms that could keep Putin in power till 2036 The voting, amid the coronavirus, attracted a lot of international criticism, combined with reports of rigging in elections and various other malpractices. The rally was broken off by Moscow police which claims to have detained 132 protestors. However, OVD-Info rights group that monitors arrests and detentions in Russia reported the detainee number as 147. The rally was unauthorised and reportedly was blocking Moscow traffic. In the videos shown on the local news channels, the riot police and protetsors were seen clashing and some images also showed the riot police dragging the protestors to the police vans, before detaining them. Chair of Russia's Journalists Union Vladimir Solovyov also reported that several reporters, who were covering and reporting the protest, were also detained.

Moscow police detains 132 protestors over 'anti-Putin rule' protest

Thousands of people are protesting in Russia calling for Vladimir Putin's resignation following the arrest of a regional governor since last week.

Demonstrations have been taking place in towns across the Khabarovsk Krai, a region that stretches from the frontier with China to the artic along the pacific ocean.

The outburst against Putin is coming from a region that's 4,000 miles away from the capital Moscow.

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&nbsp;Khabarovsk Krai's Governor Sergei Furgal was detained and taken to Moscow. He is accused of killing several businessmen nearly 15 years ago. The governor denies all charges. If found guilty, he might spend the rest of his life in prison.&nbsp;

Sergei Furgal is a popular regional leader. He is one of Russia's few provincial leaders, who is not associated with the political forces in kremlin. In 2018, Furgal defeated Putin's United Russia Party candidate to become the governor. This was seen as Putin losing his hold in the far-reaching areas of Russia. The protesters say t is a political witch-hunt and that Furgal's popularity in the region has made Putin nervous. Close to 40,000 people spilt out on to the streets of&nbsp;Khabarovsk Krai.

One protester fears Putin will now imprison anybody who could be a threat. Interestingly, the protests aren't just taking place in some remote corner of Russia. There are protests erupting in Moscow too. The capital's streets rocked under the march of protesters.

Former journalist Ivan Safronov has been arrested and charged with treason. In May, he quit his job as a journalist and joined as an adviser at Russia's space agency. He has been accused of passing on secrets to the Czech Republic. If found guilty,&nbsp;he faces 20 years in jail. The former scribe has denied the allegation.

He shared an abrasive relationship with the authorities as a journalist. In 2019,&nbsp;court proceedings were held over one of his articles. Safronov had written about Russia's deliveries of Sukhoi-35 fighter aircraft to Egypt.&nbsp; The articles were ordered to be taken down. The arrest of a former journalist for treason sent shock waves in the media circles of Moscow. More than a dozen journalists protested against Safronov's arrest. They were quickly detained. The journalists say the case is shrouded in secrecy.

The protesters are demanding the officials to declassify the case and&nbsp;spell out the allegations against Safronov. A petition has been signed by 55,000 people so far. Safronov's lawyer says the secrecy violates a basic right...

Political persecution in a remote province and silencing of a journalist who may know too much. Now, Putin is facing the heat even before he could get comfortable in the throne he has made his for life.

Thousands of people are protesting in Russia calling for Vladimir Putin's resignation following the arrest of a regional governor since last week. Demonstrations have been taking place in towns across the Khabarovsk Krai, a region that stretches from the frontier with China to the artic along the pacific ocean.

Thousands of people are protesting in Russia calling for Vladimir Putin's resignation following the arrest of a regional governor since last week. Demonstrations have been taking place in towns across the Khabarovsk Krai, a region that stretches from the frontier with China to the artic along the pacific ocean. The outburst against Putin is coming from a region that's 4,000 miles away from the capital Moscow. Khabarovsk Krai's Governor Sergei Furgal was detained and taken to Moscow. He is accused of killing several businessmen nearly 15 years ago. The governor denies all charges. If found guilty, he might spend the rest of his life in prison. Sergei Furgal is a popular regional leader. He is one of Russia's few provincial leaders, who is not associated with the political forces in kremlin. In 2018, Furgal defeated Putin's United Russia Party candidate to become the governor. This was seen as Putin losing his hold in the far-reaching areas of Russia. The protesters say t is a political witch-hunt and that Furgal's popularity in the region has made Putin nervous. Close to 40,000 people spilt out on to the streets of Khabarovsk Krai. One protester fears Putin will now imprison anybody who could be a threat. Interestingly, the protests aren't just taking place in some remote corner of Russia. There are protests erupting in Moscow too. The capital's streets rocked under the march of protesters. Former journalist Ivan Safronov has been arrested and charged with treason. In May, he quit his job as a journalist and joined as an adviser at Russia's space agency. He has been accused of passing on secrets to the Czech Republic. If found guilty, he faces 20 years in jail. The former scribe has denied the allegation. He shared an abrasive relationship with the authorities as a journalist. In 2019, court proceedings were held over one of his articles. Safronov had written about Russia's deliveries of Sukhoi-35 fighter aircraft to Egypt. The articles were ordered to be taken down. The arrest of a former journalist for treason sent shock waves in the media circles of Moscow. More than a dozen journalists protested against Safronov's arrest. They were quickly detained. The journalists say the case is shrouded in secrecy. The protesters are demanding the officials to declassify the case and spell out the allegations against Safronov. A petition has been signed by 55,000 people so far. Safronov's lawyer says the secrecy violates a basic right... Political persecution in a remote province and silencing of a journalist who may know too much. Now, Putin is facing the heat even before he could get comfortable in the throne he has made his for life.

Putin feeling the heat amid protest over two arrests

Russia and China vetoed a last-ditch attempt by Western members of the U.N. Security Council to extend approval - which expires on Friday - for humanitarian aid to be delivered across two border crossings into Syria from Turkey for the next six months.

The United Nations says millions of Syrian civilians in the country`s northwest depend on the humanitarian aid delivered from Turkey, describing it as a "lifeline." The remaining 13 council members voted in favor of the resolution on Friday.

The 15-member council has been split, with most members pitted against Syrian allies Russia and China, who want to cut the number of border crossings to one, arguing those areas can be reached with humanitarian help from within Syria.

Later on Friday the council voted on a Russian draft text to approve aid deliveries for one Turkish crossing for one year, but it failed after only garnering four votes in favor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-veto-un-extension-of-aid-deliveries-to-syria-from-turkey-311484">Also read: Russia, China veto UN extension of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey</a>

Diplomats said work would continue to see if a compromise could be reached among council members. 
The council has now unsuccessfully voted four times on the issue and Russia and China have cast two vetoes this week.

The Security Council first authorized the cross-border aid operation into Syria six year ago, which also included access from Jordan and Iraq. Those crossings were cut in January due to opposition by Russia and China.

On Tuesday, Russia and China vetoed a bid to extend for a year approval of the two Turkey crossings. The remaining 13 members voted in favor of the resolution, drafted by Germany and Belgium. Russia then failed to win enough support on Wednesday for its proposal to authorize one crossing for six months.

Russia has now vetoed 16 council resolutions on Syria since Syria`s President Bashar al-Assad cracked down on protesters in 2011, leading to civil war. For many of those votes, Moscow has been backed in the council by China.

Russia and China vetoed a last-ditch attempt by Western members of the U.N. Security Council to extend approval - which expires on Friday - for humanitarian aid to be delivered across two border crossings into Syria from Turkey for the next six months.

Russia and China vetoed a last-ditch attempt by Western members of the U.N. Security Council to extend approval - which expires on Friday - for humanitarian aid to be delivered across two border crossings into Syria from Turkey for the next six months. The United Nations says millions of Syrian civilians in the country`s northwest depend on the humanitarian aid delivered from Turkey, describing it as a "lifeline." The remaining 13 council members voted in favor of the resolution on Friday. The 15-member council has been split, with most members pitted against Syrian allies Russia and China, who want to cut the number of border crossings to one, arguing those areas can be reached with humanitarian help from within Syria. Later on Friday the council voted on a Russian draft text to approve aid deliveries for one Turkish crossing for one year, but it failed after only garnering four votes in favor. Also read: Russia, China veto UN extension of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey Diplomats said work would continue to see if a compromise could be reached among council members. The council has now unsuccessfully voted four times on the issue and Russia and China have cast two vetoes this week. The Security Council first authorized the cross-border aid operation into Syria six year ago, which also included access from Jordan and Iraq. Those crossings were cut in January due to opposition by Russia and China. On Tuesday, Russia and China vetoed a bid to extend for a year approval of the two Turkey crossings. The remaining 13 members voted in favor of the resolution, drafted by Germany and Belgium. Russia then failed to win enough support on Wednesday for its proposal to authorize one crossing for six months. Russia has now vetoed 16 council resolutions on Syria since Syria`s President Bashar al-Assad cracked down on protesters in 2011, leading to civil war. For many of those votes, Moscow has been backed in the council by China.

Russia, China veto Syria aid via Turkey for second time this week

Tens of thousands of protesters marched through the eastern Russian city of Khabarovsk on Saturday in support of a popular local governor arrested this week for allegedly ordering several murders.

A court in Moscow on Friday ruled to hold 50-year-old Sergei Furgal for two months pending trial for the murders of several businessmen 15 years ago, as he vehemently denied any involvement.

Furgal's nationalist Liberal-Democratic Party has thrown its weight behind the governor, and on Saturday said some "35,000 people came out to the streets" in Khabarovsk to protest his arrest.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-regional-governor-sergei-frugal-arrested-on-murder-charges-311914">Russia: Regional governor Sergei Frugal arrested on murder charges</a>

The local branch of supporters of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny said the protest attracted up to 40 thousand people, calling it an "absolute record for our region."

Smaller rallies were held in other cities in Khabarovsk region, reports said.

Popularly elected in 2018, Furgal embarrassed the ruling United Russia party, securing 70 percent of the vote.

His sudden arrest came just days after President Vladimir Putin,&nbsp;who has been in power for two decades,&nbsp;won a landslide ballot on constitutional reforms that could allow him to extend his rule until 2036.

Over 40,000 people have now signed a petition demanding Furgal's release.

Tens of thousands of protesters marched through the eastern Russian city of Khabarovsk on Saturday in support of a popular local governor arrested this week for allegedly ordering several murders.

Tens of thousands of protesters marched through the eastern Russian city of Khabarovsk on Saturday in support of a popular local governor arrested this week for allegedly ordering several murders. A court in Moscow on Friday ruled to hold 50-year-old Sergei Furgal for two months pending trial for the murders of several businessmen 15 years ago, as he vehemently denied any involvement. Furgal's nationalist Liberal-Democratic Party has thrown its weight behind the governor, and on Saturday said some "35,000 people came out to the streets" in Khabarovsk to protest his arrest. Also read| Russia: Regional governor Sergei Frugal arrested on murder charges The local branch of supporters of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny said the protest attracted up to 40 thousand people, calling it an "absolute record for our region." Smaller rallies were held in other cities in Khabarovsk region, reports said. Popularly elected in 2018, Furgal embarrassed the ruling United Russia party, securing 70 percent of the vote. His sudden arrest came just days after President Vladimir Putin, who has been in power for two decades, won a landslide ballot on constitutional reforms that could allow him to extend his rule until 2036. Over 40,000 people have now signed a petition demanding Furgal's release.

Massive protests in Russia after famous governor's arrest

The Dutch government on Friday said it would file a suit against&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;at the European Court of Human Rights over the downing of Malaysia Airlines passenger flight MH17,&nbsp;killing nearly 300 people&nbsp;over eastern Ukraine six years ago.

The Dutch government's move is designed to support cases brought by the relatives of dozens of victims to the Strasbourg-based court, Foreign Minister Stef Blok said.

The Boeing 777 travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was blown out of the sky by a surface-to-air missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-key-questions-about-the-mh17-trial-284521">Five key questions about the MH17 trial</a>

"Achieving justice for the 298 victims of the downing of flight MH17 is and will remain the government's highest priority," Blok said in a statement.

"By taking this step today, bringing a case before the ECHR and thus supporting the applications by the next of kin as much as we can, we are moving closer to this goal."&nbsp;

There was no immediate reaction from Moscow.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-meddling-casts-dark-shadow-over-mh17-trial-says-prosecutors-285536">Russian meddling casts 'dark shadow' over MH17 trial, says prosecutors</a>

The Netherlands, home to roughly two-thirds of the 298 victims, holds&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;responsible for the crash.The Kremlin has consistently denied involvement in the matter.

After years of collecting evidence, a Dutch-led international Joint Investigation team (JIT) last year said the missile launcher used to hit the jet came from a&nbsp;Russian army base just across the border.

The JIT subsequently issued arrest warrants for four suspects, who were put on trial in the Netherlands in absentia earlier this year.

The four suspects, three&nbsp;Russian men and one Ukrainian, are said to have arranged the missile system. They remain at large and are believed to be in&nbsp;Russia.

Despite the new court case, the Dutch government said it wanted to continue the talks with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;on MH17 that it started together with Australia over a year ago.

The Dutch government on Friday said it would file a suit against Russia at the European Court of Human Rights over the downing of Malaysia Airlines passenger flight MH17, killing nearly 300 people over eastern Ukraine six years ago.

The Dutch government on Friday said it would file a suit against Russia at the European Court of Human Rights over the downing of Malaysia Airlines passenger flight MH17, killing nearly 300 people over eastern Ukraine six years ago. The Dutch government's move is designed to support cases brought by the relatives of dozens of victims to the Strasbourg-based court, Foreign Minister Stef Blok said. The Boeing 777 travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was blown out of the sky by a surface-to-air missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014. Also see: Five key questions about the MH17 trial "Achieving justice for the 298 victims of the downing of flight MH17 is and will remain the government's highest priority," Blok said in a statement. "By taking this step today, bringing a case before the ECHR and thus supporting the applications by the next of kin as much as we can, we are moving closer to this goal." There was no immediate reaction from Moscow. Also read: Russian meddling casts 'dark shadow' over MH17 trial, says prosecutors The Netherlands, home to roughly two-thirds of the 298 victims, holds Russia responsible for the crash.The Kremlin has consistently denied involvement in the matter. After years of collecting evidence, a Dutch-led international Joint Investigation team (JIT) last year said the missile launcher used to hit the jet came from a Russian army base just across the border. The JIT subsequently issued arrest warrants for four suspects, who were put on trial in the Netherlands in absentia earlier this year. The four suspects, three Russian men and one Ukrainian, are said to have arranged the missile system. They remain at large and are believed to be in Russia. Despite the new court case, the Dutch government said it wanted to continue the talks with Russia on MH17 that it started together with Australia over a year ago.

Dutch government takes Russia to European court over downing of MH17

Russian firefighters have been seeding clouds to bring down rain over wildfires raging in Siberia, the authorities said on Friday.

The Russian forestry agency said active work was underway to battle 158 forest fires covering 46,261 hectares as of Friday. Just a few days ago, that area was more than three times larger.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-bounties-top-us-general-vows-response-if-intel-confirmed-312273">Russian bounties: Top US general vows 'response' if intel confirmed</a>

Firefighters were using planes to fire chemicals into the clouds above fires in northern, remote parts of the Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk regions of Siberia, the agency said.

Sweltering heat and dry weather have helped wildfires spread across the region and into the boreal forest and tundra that blanket northern Russia.

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Environmental group Greenpeace, which monitors the spread of wildfires in Russia, confirmed that rain has helped reduce fires in northern Siberia but that others had appeared in the south near the big regional cities of Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk.

Greenpeace said that 4.62 million hectares of forest had burned across Russia since the start of the year.

States of emergency have been declared in the regions of Krasnoyarsk and Yakutia, and in parts of several other Russian regions.

Scientists say they expect record-breaking temperatures in Siberia - which reached as high as 38 Celsius (more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit) last month, according to reports - will continue to spawn wildfires and cause more greenhouse gases to be released into the air.

Copernicus, the EU's earth observation programme, said that temperatures in Arctic Siberia had soared to a record average for June, more than 5 degrees Celsius (9°F) above normal.

Russian firefighters have been seeding clouds to bring down rain over wildfires raging in Siberia, the authorities said on Friday. The Russian forestry agency said active work was underway to battle 158 forest fires covering 46,261 hectares as of Friday.

Russian firefighters have been seeding clouds to bring down rain over wildfires raging in Siberia, the authorities said on Friday. The Russian forestry agency said active work was underway to battle 158 forest fires covering 46,261 hectares as of Friday. Just a few days ago, that area was more than three times larger. Also read: Russian bounties: Top US general vows 'response' if intel confirmed Firefighters were using planes to fire chemicals into the clouds above fires in northern, remote parts of the Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk regions of Siberia, the agency said. Sweltering heat and dry weather have helped wildfires spread across the region and into the boreal forest and tundra that blanket northern Russia. Environmental group Greenpeace, which monitors the spread of wildfires in Russia, confirmed that rain has helped reduce fires in northern Siberia but that others had appeared in the south near the big regional cities of Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk. Greenpeace said that 4.62 million hectares of forest had burned across Russia since the start of the year. States of emergency have been declared in the regions of Krasnoyarsk and Yakutia, and in parts of several other Russian regions. Scientists say they expect record-breaking temperatures in Siberia - which reached as high as 38 Celsius (more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit) last month, according to reports - will continue to spawn wildfires and cause more greenhouse gases to be released into the air. Copernicus, the EU's earth observation programme, said that temperatures in Arctic Siberia had soared to a record average for June, more than 5 degrees Celsius (9°F) above normal.

Russia seeds clouds in Siberia to douse raging wildfires

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday.

The remarks by Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were under oath to Congress after lawmakers emerged from a separate classified briefing about US intelligence that Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill American troops.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-to-release-prisoners-from-taliban-list-in-push-for-talks-311920">Also read:&nbsp;Afghanistan to release prisoners from Taliban list in push for talks</a>

Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US military, which counts intelligence agencies including the National Security Agency (NSA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), could not corroborate the intelligence, which sources say was collected by the CIA.

Milley did not dispute that Russia, like other countries, had long been involved in Afghanistan.

"But there`s a big distinction between arming and directing (military activity). We know about arms. We know about weapons. We know about support, things like that," Milley told the House Armed Services Committee, sitting alongside Esper at a hearing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-violence-pose-serious-challenges-to-afghan-peace-process-ghani-311350">Also read:&nbsp;Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani</a>

"We don`t have -- in the case of the Russians -- we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence, to show `directing.` That`s a big difference."

He added that the United States was still looking into the matter and, if it were confirmed the Russians were paying the Taliban bounties, it would be a "big deal."

President Donald Trump, a Republican who has worked to cultivate warmer relations with Moscow, has downplayed the significance of the intelligence and denied being briefed on the matter before it was reported by news outlets last month.

A Republican lawmaker, Lee Zeldin, who is a strong defender of Trump, said at a separate hearing at the House Foreign Relations Committee that the intelligence was in a written February presidential brief prepared for Trump but was not orally briefed to him.

Retired US Army general John Nicholson, a former US commander in Afghanistan, said the Russians had previously been arming, equipping and even giving money to the Taliban in modest amounts.

But he said Moscow had in years past carefully calibrated its support to avoid becoming a "game-changer" on the battlefield. Nicholson cited one telling example, saying the Taliban wanted surface-to-air missiles but the Russians "didn`t give them."

He said Russian bounties, if they did occur, "would mark a departure from this previously calibrated approach."

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday.

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday. The remarks by Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were under oath to Congress after lawmakers emerged from a separate classified briefing about US intelligence that Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill American troops. Also read: Afghanistan to release prisoners from Taliban list in push for talks Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US military, which counts intelligence agencies including the National Security Agency (NSA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), could not corroborate the intelligence, which sources say was collected by the CIA. Milley did not dispute that Russia, like other countries, had long been involved in Afghanistan. "But there`s a big distinction between arming and directing (military activity). We know about arms. We know about weapons. We know about support, things like that," Milley told the House Armed Services Committee, sitting alongside Esper at a hearing. Also read: Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani "We don`t have -- in the case of the Russians -- we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence, to show `directing.` That`s a big difference." He added that the United States was still looking into the matter and, if it were confirmed the Russians were paying the Taliban bounties, it would be a "big deal." President Donald Trump, a Republican who has worked to cultivate warmer relations with Moscow, has downplayed the significance of the intelligence and denied being briefed on the matter before it was reported by news outlets last month. A Republican lawmaker, Lee Zeldin, who is a strong defender of Trump, said at a separate hearing at the House Foreign Relations Committee that the intelligence was in a written February presidential brief prepared for Trump but was not orally briefed to him. Retired US Army general John Nicholson, a former US commander in Afghanistan, said the Russians had previously been arming, equipping and even giving money to the Taliban in modest amounts. But he said Moscow had in years past carefully calibrated its support to avoid becoming a "game-changer" on the battlefield. Nicholson cited one telling example, saying the Taliban wanted surface-to-air missiles but the Russians "didn`t give them." He said Russian bounties, if they did occur, "would mark a departure from this previously calibrated approach."

US doesn't know if Russia directed Taliban attacks in Afghanistan: Pentagon

The Russian governor of&nbsp;Khabarovsk region has been arrested on Thursday on multiple charges of involvement in murders.

Sergei Frugal, the governor of the Khabarovsk region along the border with China, was arrested in Khabarovsk and was flown to Moscow.

Frugal has been accused of involvement in murders of multiple businessmen in the Kabharovsk and the surrounding areas in the year 2004 and 2005. In addition to him, four of his accomplice have also been arrested, as per the local media reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-report-highlights-russias-involvement-in-war-crimes-in-syria-311831">Also watch:&nbsp;UN report highlights Russia's involvement in war crimes in Syria</a>

Russian TV stations showed the video of Frugal's arrest, in which several&nbsp;agents got the 50-year-old governor out of his car, searched him and then transferred him into a van and drove away.

Frugal became the Governor of the region in 2018, after serving as a&nbsp;federal lawmaker on behalf of&nbsp;Liberal-Democratic Party for several years. In 2015-2016, he headed the public health committee in the lower house of parliament. Khabarovsk is a region along the border of Russia-China.

If the charges are proved right, Frugal might be jailed for life.&nbsp;Frugal's lawyer and teams has not issued a statement yet.

The Russian governor of Khabarovsk region has been arrested on Thursday on multiple charges of involvement in murders. Sergei Frugal, the governor of the Khabarovsk region along the border with China, was arrested in Khabarovsk and was flown to Moscow.

The Russian governor of Khabarovsk region has been arrested on Thursday on multiple charges of involvement in murders. Sergei Frugal, the governor of the Khabarovsk region along the border with China, was arrested in Khabarovsk and was flown to Moscow. Frugal has been accused of involvement in murders of multiple businessmen in the Kabharovsk and the surrounding areas in the year 2004 and 2005. In addition to him, four of his accomplice have also been arrested, as per the local media reports. Also watch: UN report highlights Russia's involvement in war crimes in Syria Russian TV stations showed the video of Frugal's arrest, in which several agents got the 50-year-old governor out of his car, searched him and then transferred him into a van and drove away. Frugal became the Governor of the region in 2018, after serving as a federal lawmaker on behalf of Liberal-Democratic Party for several years. In 2015-2016, he headed the public health committee in the lower house of parliament. Khabarovsk is a region along the border of Russia-China. If the charges are proved right, Frugal might be jailed for life. Frugal's lawyer and teams has not issued a statement yet.

Russia: Regional governor Sergei Frugal arrested on murder charges

Russia and China cast vetoes on Tuesday&nbsp;to block the U.N. Security Council from extending its approval of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey for a year, despite U.N.&nbsp;warnings that the lives of Syrian civilians depend on the cross-border access.

Germany and Belgium, two of the council's non-permanent members, had drafted the resolution, which would have allowed aid to continue to pass through two points on the Turkish border without interference from Damascus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-russia-faces-chinas-ire-over-vladivostok-founding-day-celebrations-310368">Now, Russia faces China's ire over Vladivostok founding day celebrations</a>

The&nbsp;six-year long operation is currently authorized until Friday, so another draft resolution could still be put forward.

Beyond Russia and China, the other 13 council members voted to approve the draft, the diplomats said.

During negotiations, Moscow had asked that the extension be limited to six months, rather than a year, and that it only be allowed at one border crossing, not two, they said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/china-shows-greater-interest-in-syria-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-and-deteriorating-ties-with-the-us-305295">China shows greater interest in Syria amid coronavirus pandemic and deteriorating ties with the US</a>

"The draft resolution has not been adopted," Germany's UN ambassador Christoph Heusgen, the acting president of the body in July, confirmed in a letter to Council members.&nbsp;

Immediately after the vote, Russia proposed its own draft resolution.

Diplomats said Syrian allies Russia and China only want to approve one Turkish crossing for aid access for six months.

It repeats the call for a six-month extension, underlines the improvement in the delivery of humanitarian aid under the control of the Syrian regime, and excludes one of the two entry points into Syria,&nbsp;Bab al-Salam, from the mechanism.

The results of a vote on that resolution will be known on Wednesday.

Authorization for cross-border humanitarian aid has existed since 2014, with periodic extensions.&nbsp;

Russia and China cast vetoes on Tuesday to block the U.N. Security Council from extending its approval of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey for a year, despite U.

Russia and China cast vetoes on Tuesday to block the U.N. Security Council from extending its approval of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey for a year, despite U.N. warnings that the lives of Syrian civilians depend on the cross-border access. Germany and Belgium, two of the council's non-permanent members, had drafted the resolution, which would have allowed aid to continue to pass through two points on the Turkish border without interference from Damascus. Also read: Now, Russia faces China's ire over Vladivostok founding day celebrations The six-year long operation is currently authorized until Friday, so another draft resolution could still be put forward. Beyond Russia and China, the other 13 council members voted to approve the draft, the diplomats said. During negotiations, Moscow had asked that the extension be limited to six months, rather than a year, and that it only be allowed at one border crossing, not two, they said. Also read: China shows greater interest in Syria amid coronavirus pandemic and deteriorating ties with the US "The draft resolution has not been adopted," Germany's UN ambassador Christoph Heusgen, the acting president of the body in July, confirmed in a letter to Council members. Immediately after the vote, Russia proposed its own draft resolution. Diplomats said Syrian allies Russia and China only want to approve one Turkish crossing for aid access for six months. It repeats the call for a six-month extension, underlines the improvement in the delivery of humanitarian aid under the control of the Syrian regime, and excludes one of the two entry points into Syria, Bab al-Salam, from the mechanism. The results of a vote on that resolution will be known on Wednesday. Authorization for cross-border humanitarian aid has existed since 2014, with periodic extensions.

Russia, China veto UN extension of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey

Moscow has angrily told the US embassy to "mind your own business" after Washington's diplomatic mission raised concern about curbs on media freedom in Russia.

Rebecca Ross, the spokeswoman for the US embassy, on Tuesday expressed concern about a clampdown on journalists in Russia.

"Watching arrest after arrest of Russian journalists – it's starting to look like a concerted campaign against #MediaFreedom," she tweeted.

"Mind your own business," the Russian foreign ministry tweeted late Tuesday.

Earlier that day the FSB security agency, the successor to the Soviet-era KGB, arrested a respected former journalist, Ivan Safronov, 30, on suspicion of state treason.&nbsp;

His detention sparked an uproar among supporters and journalists who say his arrest is punishment for his coverage of Russia's defence sector.

A member of Safronov's defence team, Yevgeny Smirnov, has said the former journalist, who used to work for Kommersant and Vedomosti newspapers, is suspected of cooperating with Czech intelligence since 2012.&nbsp;

The FSB investigators believe that the Czech intelligence acts under the guidance of the United States, Smirnov told AFP.

The FSB says that Safronov has collected&nbsp;confidential data about the Russian military, defence, and security and handed it over to the intelligence of a NATO member country.

On Monday, a reporter from the northwestern city of Pskov was fined nearly $7,000 for "justifying terrorism", in a case that sparked an outcry.

Prosecutors had requested that Svetlana Prokopyeva be sentenced to six years in prison for a commentary about a bomb attack.

All major TV stations are under state control in Russia.&nbsp;

Journalists working for print and online outlets have recently complained about increasing curbs on press freedoms and pressure from the Kremlin.

Moscow has angrily told the US embassy to "mind your own business" after Washington's diplomatic mission raised concern about curbs on media freedom in Russia. Rebecca Ross, the spokeswoman for the US embassy, on Tuesday expressed concern about a clampdown on journalists in Russia.

Moscow has angrily told the US embassy to "mind your own business" after Washington's diplomatic mission raised concern about curbs on media freedom in Russia. Rebecca Ross, the spokeswoman for the US embassy, on Tuesday expressed concern about a clampdown on journalists in Russia. "Watching arrest after arrest of Russian journalists – it's starting to look like a concerted campaign against #MediaFreedom," she tweeted. "Mind your own business," the Russian foreign ministry tweeted late Tuesday. Earlier that day the FSB security agency, the successor to the Soviet-era KGB, arrested a respected former journalist, Ivan Safronov, 30, on suspicion of state treason. His detention sparked an uproar among supporters and journalists who say his arrest is punishment for his coverage of Russia's defence sector. A member of Safronov's defence team, Yevgeny Smirnov, has said the former journalist, who used to work for Kommersant and Vedomosti newspapers, is suspected of cooperating with Czech intelligence since 2012. The FSB investigators believe that the Czech intelligence acts under the guidance of the United States, Smirnov told AFP. The FSB says that Safronov has collected confidential data about the Russian military, defence, and security and handed it over to the intelligence of a NATO member country. On Monday, a reporter from the northwestern city of Pskov was fined nearly $7,000 for "justifying terrorism", in a case that sparked an outcry. Prosecutors had requested that Svetlana Prokopyeva be sentenced to six years in prison for a commentary about a bomb attack. All major TV stations are under state control in Russia. Journalists working for print and online outlets have recently complained about increasing curbs on press freedoms and pressure from the Kremlin.

Russia tells US to 'mind own business' over media freedom

People of Russia have voted, approving a constitutional amendment that allows Vladimir Putin to nix term limits and remain President until 2036.

This means Vladimir Putin has been elected as life President of Russia for all practical purposes and will stay as President for another sixteen years when he would be 83-year-old. It is reported that more than 77 per cent of Russians have voted in favour of Putin becoming life President.

Of course, some opposition parties in Russia have criticized this and have questioned the fairness in the election process.

Since the concept of life presidency has been approved in Russia, Putin may further extend his life president position, even after completing 16 years as life President. Will he leave this position&nbsp;when it is so easy to become life President in Russia, by manipulating rules and procedures in the name of the constitutional amendment and people’s vote? He may devise some new “democratic strategy” to do so.

In the same way, it has been announced that Xi Jinping has been elected as life President of China. Members of the Communist Party of China are reported to have overwhelmingly voted in favour of making Xi Jinping as life President.&nbsp;

Russia claims that it has a democratic form of governance and China too claims that it has People’s Democracy.

When someone is made the life President, it means that the people of the country have surrendered their rights to elect a new President, even when the performance of the incumbent President would be unsatisfactory and would displease the people.

In a healthy democracy, elections are conducted periodically to elect the political leader of the country for a specific period, which is normally four to six years depending upon the country. Obviously, this implies that the leader has to prove his merits to the people and after a specific period his performance would be scrutinized by the people when the periodic election would take place.

Now, Putin and Xi Jinping do not have the "burden" of proving themselves to the people once again. The life Presidents can do whatever they want with their job being secured life long.&nbsp;

The concept of life Presidentship is nothing but an anachronism in a democratic society when people have no right to change the President for a very long period. Then, what is the concept of democracy all about?.

In recent times, we have seen in some countries that politicians subvert the concept of democracy to perpetuate themselves in power and impose themselves on the people and the country. We say that Putin and Xi Jinping are the immediate examples to prove this behaviour of politicians to ensure that they would not lose power at any time.

One can not but think that the concept of life long President could lead to unrest, anarchy and violence, if the people would desire to change the &nbsp;President then the only way of replacing this life long President is to launch mass agitation.

Those in Russia and China who have favoured the concept of life President do not seem to have realised that the concept is a calculated risk, as far as the future peace and progress of the country is concerned.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

People of Russia have voted, approving a constitutional amendment that allows Vladimir Putin to nix term limits and remain President until 2036. This means Vladimir Putin has been elected as life President of Russia for all practical purposes and will stay as President for another sixteen years when he would be 83-year-old.

People of Russia have voted, approving a constitutional amendment that allows Vladimir Putin to nix term limits and remain President until 2036. This means Vladimir Putin has been elected as life President of Russia for all practical purposes and will stay as President for another sixteen years when he would be 83-year-old. It is reported that more than 77 per cent of Russians have voted in favour of Putin becoming life President. Of course, some opposition parties in Russia have criticized this and have questioned the fairness in the election process. Since the concept of life presidency has been approved in Russia, Putin may further extend his life president position, even after completing 16 years as life President. Will he leave this position when it is so easy to become life President in Russia, by manipulating rules and procedures in the name of the constitutional amendment and people’s vote? He may devise some new “democratic strategy” to do so. In the same way, it has been announced that Xi Jinping has been elected as life President of China. Members of the Communist Party of China are reported to have overwhelmingly voted in favour of making Xi Jinping as life President. Russia claims that it has a democratic form of governance and China too claims that it has People’s Democracy. When someone is made the life President, it means that the people of the country have surrendered their rights to elect a new President, even when the performance of the incumbent President would be unsatisfactory and would displease the people. In a healthy democracy, elections are conducted periodically to elect the political leader of the country for a specific period, which is normally four to six years depending upon the country. Obviously, this implies that the leader has to prove his merits to the people and after a specific period his performance would be scrutinized by the people when the periodic election would take place. Now, Putin and Xi Jinping do not have the "burden" of proving themselves to the people once again. The life Presidents can do whatever they want with their job being secured life long. The concept of life Presidentship is nothing but an anachronism in a democratic society when people have no right to change the President for a very long period. Then, what is the concept of democracy all about?. In recent times, we have seen in some countries that politicians subvert the concept of democracy to perpetuate themselves in power and impose themselves on the people and the country. We say that Putin and Xi Jinping are the immediate examples to prove this behaviour of politicians to ensure that they would not lose power at any time. One can not but think that the concept of life long President could lead to unrest, anarchy and violence, if the people would desire to change the President then the only way of replacing this life long President is to launch mass agitation. Those in Russia and China who have favoured the concept of life President do not seem to have realised that the concept is a calculated risk, as far as the future peace and progress of the country is concerned. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The era of presidents for life

India crossed Russia's COVID-19 tally on Sunday evening as it recorded&nbsp;more than 6.9 lakh cases, as per the data released by&nbsp;state governments.

Combining the data from Indian state governments and America's&nbsp;Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Russia has registered around 6.8 lakh cases, whereas India crossed the 6.9 lakh mark.

India is now the third worst-affected country in the world, preceded only by Brazil and the US on the second and first respectively.

On Sunday morning, Indian government reported&nbsp;the highest single-day jump of 24,850 COVID-19 cases, and 613 deaths.

The total number of coronavirus cases, on Sunday morning, were 6,73,165 cases of which 2,44,814 patients are active cases. India`s cured/discharged patients crossed the 4 lakh mark with 4,09,082 patients cured/discharged and while one patient has migrated.

India's worst-affected state, Maharashtra, reported 6,555 new cases and 151 deaths today, taking total number of cases to 2,06,619 and death toll to 8,822. Number of active cases stands at 86,040.&nbsp;

Maharashtra's epicentre, Mumbai, reported&nbsp;1,311 new&nbsp;cases and 69 deaths, taking total number of cases to 84,125 including 55,883 recoveries and 4,896 deaths, as reported by&nbsp;Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Delhi reported&nbsp;63 deaths and 2,244 new positive cases today. Total number of positive cases stands at 99,444 including 71,339 recovered/discharged/migrated, 25,038 active cases and 3,067 deaths.

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Kerala recorded 225 new COVID-19 cases today, taking active cases to 2,228. A total of 3,174 patients have recovered from the disease so far: State Health Minister KK Shailaja (file photo) <a href="https://t.co/j8jZugCs5N">pic.twitter.com/j8jZugCs5N</a>
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Tamil Nadu crossed 1 lakh mark as the state recorded 4,150 fresh COVID-19 cases and 60 deaths today, taking total cases to 1,11,151 and death toll to 1,510. Number of active cases stands at 46,860.

Punjab reported 175 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 6,283 including 4,408 recoveries and 164 deaths.

Uttar Pradesh reported 1,155 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking active cases to 8,161 and death toll to 785.

A total of&nbsp;1,925 cases and 37 deaths were recorded in Karnataka in the last 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 23,474 and death toll to 372. Number of active cases stands at 13,251.

(With inputs from agencies)

India crossed Russia's COVID-19 tally on Sunday evening as it recorded more than 6.9 lakh cases, as per the data released by state governments. Combining the data from Indian state governments and America's Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Russia has registered around 6.

India crossed Russia's COVID-19 tally on Sunday evening as it recorded more than 6.9 lakh cases, as per the data released by state governments. Combining the data from Indian state governments and America's Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Russia has registered around 6.8 lakh cases, whereas India crossed the 6.9 lakh mark. India is now the third worst-affected country in the world, preceded only by Brazil and the US on the second and first respectively. On Sunday morning, Indian government reported the highest single-day jump of 24,850 COVID-19 cases, and 613 deaths. The total number of coronavirus cases, on Sunday morning, were 6,73,165 cases of which 2,44,814 patients are active cases. India`s cured/discharged patients crossed the 4 lakh mark with 4,09,082 patients cured/discharged and while one patient has migrated. India's worst-affected state, Maharashtra, reported 6,555 new cases and 151 deaths today, taking total number of cases to 2,06,619 and death toll to 8,822. Number of active cases stands at 86,040. Maharashtra's epicentre, Mumbai, reported 1,311 new cases and 69 deaths, taking total number of cases to 84,125 including 55,883 recoveries and 4,896 deaths, as reported by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Delhi reported 63 deaths and 2,244 new positive cases today. Total number of positive cases stands at 99,444 including 71,339 recovered/discharged/migrated, 25,038 active cases and 3,067 deaths. Kerala recorded 225 new COVID-19 cases today, taking active cases to 2,228. A total of 3,174 patients have recovered from the disease so far: State Health Minister KK Shailaja (file photo) pic.twitter.com/j8jZugCs5N — ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020 × Tamil Nadu crossed 1 lakh mark as the state recorded 4,150 fresh COVID-19 cases and 60 deaths today, taking total cases to 1,11,151 and death toll to 1,510. Number of active cases stands at 46,860. Punjab reported 175 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 6,283 including 4,408 recoveries and 164 deaths. Uttar Pradesh reported 1,155 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking active cases to 8,161 and death toll to 785. A total of 1,925 cases and 37 deaths were recorded in Karnataka in the last 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 23,474 and death toll to 372. Number of active cases stands at 13,251. (With inputs from agencies)

India COVID-19 tally surpasses Russia; third worst-affected country now

Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the US-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war.

It did give critics of the deal another reason to say the Taliban shouldn't be trusted.

The bounty information was included in Trump's president's daily intelligence brief on February 27, according to intelligence officials, and two days later, the US and Taliban signed an agreement in Qatar.

The agreement clears the way for America to end 19 years in Afghanistan and gives Trump a way to make good on his promise to end US involvement in what he calls "endless wars."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-forces-destroy-let-camp-at-afghanistan-pakistan-border-310390">Also watch:&nbsp;Afghan forces destroy LeT camp at Afghanistan-Pakistan border</a>

On March 3, three days after the agreement was signed, the president had a 35-minute phone call with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban and head of their political office in Qatar.

After reports of the bounties broke in late June, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a video conference with Baradar to make it clear that the US expects the Taliban to live up to their commitments.

Under the agreement, the US will pull all its troops out of Afghanistan by May 2021.

So far the US has reduced US troop presence in Afghanistan from 12,000 to 8,600 - a target reached ahead of schedule. Now, Trump is considering when and how quickly to further shrink the U.S. Military footprint.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-concerned-afghan-violence-aimed-at-derailing-peace-talks-310176">Also read:&nbsp;UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks</a>

For its part, the Taliban committed to reducing violence, cutting ties with al-Qaida and sitting down with other Afghans to craft a political road map for their country's future.

The Taliban have pledged to ensure that the areas they control about half the country at this time&nbsp;are not used by militant groups to target the U.S. And its allies.

Critics of the deal like Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., say the agreement is simply a "cover for withdrawal."

"I have serious concerns with how this agreement has been pursued," Waltz said.

"The Taliban has shown repeatedly "through violence and bombings both before and after the deal was signed ? that they are not serious about adhering to their end of the bargain."

The White House insists the president was not aware of the intelligence but that the administration responded to the information to protect troops.

Administration officials say Russia along with other countries, including Iran&nbsp;have been providing the Taliban money and guns for years, although bounties would signal stepped up Russian aggression.

Military experts note that the Taliban didn't need any monetary incentive to kill Americans.

They also point out that the U.S. Worked against the Soviets in the late 1980s, providing militants with shoulder-held anti-aircraft Stinger missiles, which turned around the course of the war and sped-up negotiated Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan.

"Bounties or not, what we judge the Taliban on is whether they honor the deal," said Scott Smith, an expert on Afghanistan peace processes with the US Institute of Peace.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, defense officials and Afghan experts claim the Taliban has not taken steps to live up to the now four-month-old agreement and they are skeptical the Taliban will ever break with al-Qaida, which conducted the 9/11 attacks.

The US general overseeing American military operations in Afghanistan, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, said in mid-June that he is dubious of the Taliban's intentions to fulfil its commitments, suggesting that he would not favour a rapid US withdrawal.

McKenzie said it is an open question whether the Taliban will keep Afghanistan from being the launchpad for attacks on the US.

"They have not yet completely made that case," McKenzie said, adding that "time is now beginning to grow short.? 
Mike Morell, former CIA acting and deputy director, told the House Homeland Security Committee's intelligence and counterterrorism panel on June 24 that the Taliban is militarily and politically stronger than at any time since 2001 when the Taliban refused to hand over al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks.

"I believe that the Taliban, in its peace negotiations with the United States, have told us what we want to hear in order to encourage us to leave the country," Morell said.

Thomas Joscelyn, a long time critic of the deal at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said the Taliban have repeatedly said al-Qaida has not been in Afghanistan since 2001.

"Without any verification or enforcement mechanisms -- and there are no such provisions specified in the text of the deal released to the public --&nbsp;there is no reason to think the Taliban is telling the truth now," he said.

The Defense Department's latest report on the war said the Taliban has stepped up violence against Afghan forces, but has avoided attacks on US or coalition troops.

The militants have joined with Afghan and US forces in hitting Islamic State fighters hard, pressuring the group to relinquish control of an area in eastern Afghanistan. But IS still has the ability to conduct mass-casualty attacks, the report said.

The report also said US-led counterterrorism operations have degraded al-Qaida, which now poses only a "limited threat' to the US.

The Pentagon report said, however, that the Taliban maintain close ties to al-Qaida.

Pompeo says only a couple hundred active al-Qaida fighters remain in Afghanistan.

On Thursday, Pompeo hinted, without elaborating, that he'd seen indications that the Taliban are no longer going to let al-Qaida operate in Afghanistan.

Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the US-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war.

Intelligence that Afghan militants might have accepted Russian bounties for killing American troops did not scuttle the US-Taliban agreement or President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw thousands more troops from the war. It did give critics of the deal another reason to say the Taliban shouldn't be trusted. The bounty information was included in Trump's president's daily intelligence brief on February 27, according to intelligence officials, and two days later, the US and Taliban signed an agreement in Qatar. The agreement clears the way for America to end 19 years in Afghanistan and gives Trump a way to make good on his promise to end US involvement in what he calls "endless wars." Also watch: Afghan forces destroy LeT camp at Afghanistan-Pakistan border On March 3, three days after the agreement was signed, the president had a 35-minute phone call with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban and head of their political office in Qatar. After reports of the bounties broke in late June, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a video conference with Baradar to make it clear that the US expects the Taliban to live up to their commitments. Under the agreement, the US will pull all its troops out of Afghanistan by May 2021. So far the US has reduced US troop presence in Afghanistan from 12,000 to 8,600 - a target reached ahead of schedule. Now, Trump is considering when and how quickly to further shrink the U.S. Military footprint. Also read: UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks For its part, the Taliban committed to reducing violence, cutting ties with al-Qaida and sitting down with other Afghans to craft a political road map for their country's future. The Taliban have pledged to ensure that the areas they control about half the country at this time are not used by militant groups to target the U.S. And its allies. Critics of the deal like Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., say the agreement is simply a "cover for withdrawal." "I have serious concerns with how this agreement has been pursued," Waltz said. "The Taliban has shown repeatedly "through violence and bombings both before and after the deal was signed ? that they are not serious about adhering to their end of the bargain." The White House insists the president was not aware of the intelligence but that the administration responded to the information to protect troops. Administration officials say Russia along with other countries, including Iran have been providing the Taliban money and guns for years, although bounties would signal stepped up Russian aggression. Military experts note that the Taliban didn't need any monetary incentive to kill Americans. They also point out that the U.S. Worked against the Soviets in the late 1980s, providing militants with shoulder-held anti-aircraft Stinger missiles, which turned around the course of the war and sped-up negotiated Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. "Bounties or not, what we judge the Taliban on is whether they honor the deal," said Scott Smith, an expert on Afghanistan peace processes with the US Institute of Peace. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, defense officials and Afghan experts claim the Taliban has not taken steps to live up to the now four-month-old agreement and they are skeptical the Taliban will ever break with al-Qaida, which conducted the 9/11 attacks. The US general overseeing American military operations in Afghanistan, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, said in mid-June that he is dubious of the Taliban's intentions to fulfil its commitments, suggesting that he would not favour a rapid US withdrawal. McKenzie said it is an open question whether the Taliban will keep Afghanistan from being the launchpad for attacks on the US. "They have not yet completely made that case," McKenzie said, adding that "time is now beginning to grow short.? Mike Morell, former CIA acting and deputy director, told the House Homeland Security Committee's intelligence and counterterrorism panel on June 24 that the Taliban is militarily and politically stronger than at any time since 2001 when the Taliban refused to hand over al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks. "I believe that the Taliban, in its peace negotiations with the United States, have told us what we want to hear in order to encourage us to leave the country," Morell said. Thomas Joscelyn, a long time critic of the deal at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said the Taliban have repeatedly said al-Qaida has not been in Afghanistan since 2001. "Without any verification or enforcement mechanisms -- and there are no such provisions specified in the text of the deal released to the public -- there is no reason to think the Taliban is telling the truth now," he said. The Defense Department's latest report on the war said the Taliban has stepped up violence against Afghan forces, but has avoided attacks on US or coalition troops. The militants have joined with Afghan and US forces in hitting Islamic State fighters hard, pressuring the group to relinquish control of an area in eastern Afghanistan. But IS still has the ability to conduct mass-casualty attacks, the report said. The report also said US-led counterterrorism operations have degraded al-Qaida, which now poses only a "limited threat' to the US. The Pentagon report said, however, that the Taliban maintain close ties to al-Qaida. Pompeo says only a couple hundred active al-Qaida fighters remain in Afghanistan. On Thursday, Pompeo hinted, without elaborating, that he'd seen indications that the Taliban are no longer going to let al-Qaida operate in Afghanistan.

Critics of US-Taliban deal say militants can't be trusted

Russia is not in talks with Washington about its potential role at an expanded Group of Seven summit later this year, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday. He also insisted that China should also be included in the event.

His comments to TASS news agency countered those of John Sullivan, US ambassador to Russia, who told RBC TV on Friday that Washington was "engaged with the Russian Foreign Ministry and with the other G7 governments about whether there is an appropriate role for Russia at the G7."

US President Donald Trump has raised the prospect of Russia's return to the group, which includes the world's most advanced economies, after it was expelled in the wake of its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Russia had been part the group, then known as the G8, since 1997.

Trump said last month it was "common sense" to invite President Vladimir Putin to rejoin the group.

Other G7 nations, including Canada and France, have objected to Russia's return, however. 
Ryabkov said that the absence of China from an expanded G7 summit would make it impossible to discuss international issues.

Trump in May announced he was postponing a G7 summit until September or later and expanding the list of invitees to include Australia, Russia, South Korea and India. 
Australia has accepted the US invitation to take part.

Russia is not in talks with Washington about its potential role at an expanded Group of Seven summit later this year, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday.

Russia is not in talks with Washington about its potential role at an expanded Group of Seven summit later this year, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday. He also insisted that China should also be included in the event. His comments to TASS news agency countered those of John Sullivan, US ambassador to Russia, who told RBC TV on Friday that Washington was "engaged with the Russian Foreign Ministry and with the other G7 governments about whether there is an appropriate role for Russia at the G7." US President Donald Trump has raised the prospect of Russia's return to the group, which includes the world's most advanced economies, after it was expelled in the wake of its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Russia had been part the group, then known as the G8, since 1997. Trump said last month it was "common sense" to invite President Vladimir Putin to rejoin the group. Other G7 nations, including Canada and France, have objected to Russia's return, however. Ryabkov said that the absence of China from an expanded G7 summit would make it impossible to discuss international issues. Trump in May announced he was postponing a G7 summit until September or later and expanding the list of invitees to include Australia, Russia, South Korea and India. Australia has accepted the US invitation to take part.

Russia says China would be needed in expanded G7 summit

It is no secret that the world is not completely believing that the US President Donald Trump was not aware and briefed by the security agencies on the&nbsp; matter of Russia placing secret bounties on the US soldiers.

While the White House and the President have denied that Donald Trump and Mike Pence were briefed about the proceedings, opposition leaders find it hard to believe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-trumps-resistance-to-intel-warnings-about-russia-led-his-team-to-brief-him-less-310180">Also read:&nbsp;How Trump's resistance to intel warnings about Russia led his team to brief him less</a>

Talking about the same,&nbsp;Hillary Clinton lashed out at Donald Trump and pointed out his lack of attentiveness towards the national matters in a reply to a tweet.

The matter started when a legendary singer Barbra Streisand, who has been voicing her opinion against the current President for years now, tweeted "Can you imagine how President Hillary Clinton - a Woman with a powerful mind - would have handled this pandemic?"

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Can you imagine how President Hillary Clinton - a Woman with a powerful mind - would have handled this pandemic? 
 
Being a mother and grandmother, she would’ve instinctively taken care of the public health of the people of the United States.
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarbraStreisand/status/1277736920739708929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Not mincing her words, Hillary Clinton replied to the singer's tweet by saying "I would have read my damn briefs, Barbra, that's for sure."

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I would have read my damn briefs, Barbra, that's for sure. <a href="https://t.co/YSZS0Lvqo9">https://t.co/YSZS0Lvqo9</a>
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The response came as Donald Trump and the White House have been constantly stating the the President was not briefed about the situation, which the experts find hard to believe.

When the press asked the White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany if Trump was not informed about this in his daily briefing document, she admitted that only Trump "was not personally briefed."

Trump carries&nbsp;the reputation of never fully reading his daily briefs. He is instead orally briefed twice or thrice by intelligence officials. The officials have maintained that Trump was not orally briefed about this issue.

It is no secret that the world is not completely believing that the US President Donald Trump was not aware and briefed by the security agencies on the matter of Russia placing secret bounties on the US soldiers.

It is no secret that the world is not completely believing that the US President Donald Trump was not aware and briefed by the security agencies on the matter of Russia placing secret bounties on the US soldiers. While the White House and the President have denied that Donald Trump and Mike Pence were briefed about the proceedings, opposition leaders find it hard to believe. Also read: How Trump's resistance to intel warnings about Russia led his team to brief him less Talking about the same, Hillary Clinton lashed out at Donald Trump and pointed out his lack of attentiveness towards the national matters in a reply to a tweet. The matter started when a legendary singer Barbra Streisand, who has been voicing her opinion against the current President for years now, tweeted "Can you imagine how President Hillary Clinton - a Woman with a powerful mind - would have handled this pandemic?" Can you imagine how President Hillary Clinton - a Woman with a powerful mind - would have handled this pandemic? Being a mother and grandmother, she would’ve instinctively taken care of the public health of the people of the United States. — Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) June 29, 2020 × Not mincing her words, Hillary Clinton replied to the singer's tweet by saying "I would have read my damn briefs, Barbra, that's for sure." I would have read my damn briefs, Barbra, that's for sure. https://t.co/YSZS0Lvqo9 — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 30, 2020 × The response came as Donald Trump and the White House have been constantly stating the the President was not briefed about the situation, which the experts find hard to believe. When the press asked the White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany if Trump was not informed about this in his daily briefing document, she admitted that only Trump "was not personally briefed." Trump carries the reputation of never fully reading his daily briefs. He is instead orally briefed twice or thrice by intelligence officials. The officials have maintained that Trump was not orally briefed about this issue.

I would have read my damn briefs: Hillary Clinton on Trump's resistance to intel warnings

The war in Syria is entering its tenth year and there seems to be no end to Syrians grief and pain from the ravaging violence. The war has resulted in an unprecedented food crisis and crumbling infrastructure.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-bans-chinese-apps-what-does-the-decision-mean-for-beijing-309734" hreflang="en">India bans Chinese apps: What does the decision mean for Beijing?</a>

As the Syrians continue to live in fear and despair, the coronavirus pandemic has further wreaked havoc in the country, as the health sector is in tatters.&nbsp;

In an attempt to help Syria, over 60 governments and NGOs will attend a meeting lead by the European Union as the United Nations have sought 10 billion dollars for the country to fight the coronavirus pandemic. 
&nbsp; 
This is the tenth year of conflict and armed struggle in Syria. A fire fed by international actors and local groups. One of the deadliest in the century. The conflict broke out when Syrians took to the streets on March 15, 2011.

They were protesting against the government of President Bashar Al Assad. In response, the government launched a brutal crackdown. Rebel groups took shape turning a protest into a civil war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/source-very-very-important-who-will-send-expert-team-to-china-to-investigate-covid-19s-origin-309694" hreflang="en">‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin</a>

By June 2013, 90 thousand people had been killed. International forces intervened and thus began a war which has killed over 380,000 people. And triggered the biggest refugee crisis since World War II.

The war divided global players. Russia and Iran back President Assad. The United States and Turkey support different rebel groups. Caught in the crossfire are the people of Syria.

More than 5.6 million people have fled the country and become international refugees. More than 6.5 million have been displaced internally. 9.3 million Syrians are fighting hunger.

70 per cent of the population doesn't have access to drinking water. Millions of children are out of school. Food prices have soared more than 200 per cent.

The World Health Organisation says over 90 per cent of the Syrian population lives on less than $2 a day making it one of the poorest countries in the world.

The so-called Islamic state tried to exploit the chaos. And declared a caliphate in 2014. Years of fighting have pushed them out of their last strongholds like Idlib.&nbsp;

But innocent Syrians have been collateral damage. The United Nations says there's evidence that all sides were guilty of war crimes including murder, torture and rape.

The Assad govt has been accused of using chemical weapons against its people. In 2013, the Sarin gas was used in Damascus, killing hundreds of people.&nbsp;

In 2014, chlorine was used. The ISIS has been accused of using sulphur mustard. Airstrikes have turned entire cities into ghost towns.&nbsp;

Nine years and counting, Syria remains caught in a deadly cycle of failed peace talks and proxy wars.&nbsp;

The war in Syria is entering its tenth year and there seems to be no end to Syrians grief and pain from the ravaging violence. The war has resulted in an unprecedented food crisis and crumbling infrastructure.

The war in Syria is entering its tenth year and there seems to be no end to Syrians grief and pain from the ravaging violence. The war has resulted in an unprecedented food crisis and crumbling infrastructure. Also read: India bans Chinese apps: What does the decision mean for Beijing? As the Syrians continue to live in fear and despair, the coronavirus pandemic has further wreaked havoc in the country, as the health sector is in tatters. In an attempt to help Syria, over 60 governments and NGOs will attend a meeting lead by the European Union as the United Nations have sought 10 billion dollars for the country to fight the coronavirus pandemic. This is the tenth year of conflict and armed struggle in Syria. A fire fed by international actors and local groups. One of the deadliest in the century. The conflict broke out when Syrians took to the streets on March 15, 2011. They were protesting against the government of President Bashar Al Assad. In response, the government launched a brutal crackdown. Rebel groups took shape turning a protest into a civil war. Also read: ‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin By June 2013, 90 thousand people had been killed. International forces intervened and thus began a war which has killed over 380,000 people. And triggered the biggest refugee crisis since World War II. The war divided global players. Russia and Iran back President Assad. The United States and Turkey support different rebel groups. Caught in the crossfire are the people of Syria. More than 5.6 million people have fled the country and become international refugees. More than 6.5 million have been displaced internally. 9.3 million Syrians are fighting hunger. 70 per cent of the population doesn't have access to drinking water. Millions of children are out of school. Food prices have soared more than 200 per cent. The World Health Organisation says over 90 per cent of the Syrian population lives on less than $2 a day making it one of the poorest countries in the world. The so-called Islamic state tried to exploit the chaos. And declared a caliphate in 2014. Years of fighting have pushed them out of their last strongholds like Idlib. But innocent Syrians have been collateral damage. The United Nations says there's evidence that all sides were guilty of war crimes including murder, torture and rape. The Assad govt has been accused of using chemical weapons against its people. In 2013, the Sarin gas was used in Damascus, killing hundreds of people. In 2014, chlorine was used. The ISIS has been accused of using sulphur mustard. Airstrikes have turned entire cities into ghost towns. Nine years and counting, Syria remains caught in a deadly cycle of failed peace talks and proxy wars.

Syria faces food crisis and crumbling infrastructure due to years of war

After Donald Trump and White House claimed that the the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, were not briefed on the Russian bounty case, John Bolton has criticised Trump's statement.

"...Nobody’s been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration. With Corrupt Joe Biden &amp; Obama, Russia had a field day, taking over important parts of Ukraine - Where’s Hunter? Probably just another phony Times hit job, just like their failed Russia Hoax. Who is their “source”?," Trump had tweeted.

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Nobody briefed or told me, <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> Pence, or Chief of Staff <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkMeadows?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarkMeadows</a> about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an “anonymous source” by the Fake News <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a>. Everybody is denying it &amp; there have not been many attacks on us.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1277202159109537793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inaccurate-white-house-rubbishes-reports-of-trumps-failed-actions-on-russian-bounties-case-309084">Also read|&nbsp;Inaccurate: White House rubbishes reports of Trump's failed actions on Russian bounties' case</a>

"It is pretty remarkable the President's going out of his way to say he has not heard anything about it. One asks, why would he do something like that?," said John Bolton, Trump's former National Security Advisor (NSA), and present nemesis.

White House and Trump's statements of clarification came after&nbsp;New York Times, a national top-selling newspaper, reported that the intelligence service had informed the President about Russia secretly offering bounties to Afghanistan to kill the US soldiers, but Trump had failed to take any action.

"The fact that the President feels compelled to tweet about the news story here shows that what his fundamental focus is, is not the security of our forces, but whether he looks like he was not paying attention. So he is saying well nobody told me, therefore you cannot blame me," Bolton said.

John Bolton&nbsp;has come up with a tell-all book on his White House days -- 'The room where it happened: a White House memoir'.

As the title suggests, this book is a first-hand account of everything that happened inside the White House, and has become the centre of controversy as the Trump administration has tried, on multiple occasions, to suspend the publication of the book.

After Donald Trump and White House claimed that the the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, were not briefed on the Russian bounty case, John Bolton has criticised Trump's statement.

After Donald Trump and White House claimed that the the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, were not briefed on the Russian bounty case, John Bolton has criticised Trump's statement. "...Nobody’s been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration. With Corrupt Joe Biden & Obama, Russia had a field day, taking over important parts of Ukraine - Where’s Hunter? Probably just another phony Times hit job, just like their failed Russia Hoax. Who is their “source”?," Trump had tweeted. Nobody briefed or told me, @VP Pence, or Chief of Staff @MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an “anonymous source” by the Fake News @nytimes. Everybody is denying it & there have not been many attacks on us..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2020 × Also read| Inaccurate: White House rubbishes reports of Trump's failed actions on Russian bounties' case "It is pretty remarkable the President's going out of his way to say he has not heard anything about it. One asks, why would he do something like that?," said John Bolton, Trump's former National Security Advisor (NSA), and present nemesis. White House and Trump's statements of clarification came after New York Times, a national top-selling newspaper, reported that the intelligence service had informed the President about Russia secretly offering bounties to Afghanistan to kill the US soldiers, but Trump had failed to take any action. "The fact that the President feels compelled to tweet about the news story here shows that what his fundamental focus is, is not the security of our forces, but whether he looks like he was not paying attention. So he is saying well nobody told me, therefore you cannot blame me," Bolton said. John Bolton has come up with a tell-all book on his White House days -- 'The room where it happened: a White House memoir'. As the title suggests, this book is a first-hand account of everything that happened inside the White House, and has become the centre of controversy as the Trump administration has tried, on multiple occasions, to suspend the publication of the book.

It's all about him: John Bolton criticises Trump's statement on Russian bounties

United States President Donald Trump has said he was not briefed on intelligence that reportedly showed Russia had offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing US soldiers in Afghanistan.

In a pair of early morning tweets, Trump angrily slammed the report by The New York Times as "Probably just another phony Times hit job, just like their failed Russia Hoax."

"Nobody briefed or told me, @VP Pence, or Chief of Staff @MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an 'anonymous source' by the Fake News @nytimes," he wrote.&nbsp;

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The Fake News @ nytimes must reveal its “anonymous” source. Bet they can’t do it, this “person” probably does not even exist! <a href="https://t.co/pdg4AjybOG">https://t.co/pdg4AjybOG</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1277215720418484224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Everybody is denying it &amp; there have not been many attacks on us...."

"Nobody's been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration."

NYT on Friday reported that US intelligence had concluded that a Russian military intelligence unit offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-offered-taliban-linked-militants-bounties-to-kill-us-troops-in-afghanistan-report-308914">Also read |&nbsp;Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report</a>

The rewards were purportedly incentives to target US forces as Trump tries to withdraw troops from the conflict-torn country -- one of the militants' key demands -- and end America's longest war.

The newspaper even cited anonymous officials, and said Trump was briefed on the findings in March, but has not decided how to respond.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Saturday issued a denial similar to Trump's but left open the possibility that such intelligence existed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-criticizes-trump-for-not-acting-against-reported-russian-bounties-309093">Also read |&nbsp;Joe Biden criticises Trump for not acting against reported Russian bounties</a>

The Taliban have also denied the report, reiterating that they were committed to an accord signed with Washington in February that paves the way for withdrawing all foreign forces from Afghanistan by next year.

The militants also said homemade explosives account for most fatalities among US forces.

The group, widely believed to have received years of support from Pakistani intelligence, also denied previous US accusations it was given arms by Russia.

Russia has also denounced the report, with its embassy in Washington tweeting that the "baseless and anonymous accusations" in the Times story had "already led to direct threats to the life of employees" at its embassies in Washington and London.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baseless-russia-denies-accusation-of-giving-bounties-to-taliban-to-attack-us-forces-308996">Also read |&nbsp;Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces</a>

"Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes," the embassy added in a later tweet.&nbsp;

According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by&nbsp;Unit 29155, an arm of Russia's military intelligence agency GRU, which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal.

(with inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump has said he was not briefed on intelligence that reportedly showed Russia had offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing US soldiers in Afghanistan.

United States President Donald Trump has said he was not briefed on intelligence that reportedly showed Russia had offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing US soldiers in Afghanistan. In a pair of early morning tweets, Trump angrily slammed the report by The New York Times as "Probably just another phony Times hit job, just like their failed Russia Hoax." "Nobody briefed or told me, @VP Pence, or Chief of Staff @MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an 'anonymous source' by the Fake News @nytimes," he wrote. The Fake News @ nytimes must reveal its “anonymous” source. Bet they can’t do it, this “person” probably does not even exist! https://t.co/pdg4AjybOG — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2020 × "Everybody is denying it & there have not been many attacks on us...." "Nobody's been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration." NYT on Friday reported that US intelligence had concluded that a Russian military intelligence unit offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan. Also read | Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report The rewards were purportedly incentives to target US forces as Trump tries to withdraw troops from the conflict-torn country -- one of the militants' key demands -- and end America's longest war. The newspaper even cited anonymous officials, and said Trump was briefed on the findings in March, but has not decided how to respond. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Saturday issued a denial similar to Trump's but left open the possibility that such intelligence existed. Also read | Joe Biden criticises Trump for not acting against reported Russian bounties The Taliban have also denied the report, reiterating that they were committed to an accord signed with Washington in February that paves the way for withdrawing all foreign forces from Afghanistan by next year. The militants also said homemade explosives account for most fatalities among US forces. The group, widely believed to have received years of support from Pakistani intelligence, also denied previous US accusations it was given arms by Russia. Russia has also denounced the report, with its embassy in Washington tweeting that the "baseless and anonymous accusations" in the Times story had "already led to direct threats to the life of employees" at its embassies in Washington and London. Also read | Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces "Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes," the embassy added in a later tweet. According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by Unit 29155, an arm of Russia's military intelligence agency GRU, which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal. (with inputs from AFP)

Trump says he wasn't briefed on Russia-Taliban bounty intelligence

US intelligence has concluded that a Russian unit offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan, The New York Times reported Friday.

The purported bounties gave incentives to the guerrillas to target US forces, just as President Donald Trump tries to withdraw troops and end America's longest war.

The newspaper, citing anonymous officials, said that Trump was briefed on the findings in March, but has not decided how to respond.

It said that militants were believed to have collected bounty money, but that it was unclear whether specific killings of US troops were under suspicion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wife-of-kidnapped-afghan-sikh-writes-to-pm-modi-calls-for-granting-indian-citizenship-308766">Also read|&nbsp;Wife of kidnapped Afghan Sikh writes to PM Modi; calls for granting Indian citizenship</a>

The newspaper quoted a Kremlin spokesman saying only that Russia was unaware of the accusations.

Russia has a tortured history in Afghanistan, where the former Soviet Union in its final years was bogged down in a devastating fight against Islamic guerrillas, then backed by Washington.

But Russia has more recently been accused by the United States of quietly providing small arms to the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-killed-42-civilians-last-week-and-injured-over-100-people-308070">Also watch|&nbsp;Taliban killed 42 civilians last week and injured over 100 people</a>

The New York Times said there were different theories on why Russia would support Taliban attacks, including a desire to keep the United States bogged down in war.

It said that the Russian unit may also be seeking revenge over the US killing of Russian mercenaries in Syria, where Moscow backs President Bashar al-Assad.

According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by a unit known as the G.R.U., which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal.

US intelligence concluded that Russia intervened in the 2016 presidential election in a bid to assist Trump, including through manipulation of social media.

Trump has scoffed at the findings and sought a warmer relationship with President Vladimir Putin, even as his administration keeps imposing sanctions over Russia over its actions on Ukraine.

US intelligence has concluded that a Russian unit offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan, The New York Times reported Friday.

US intelligence has concluded that a Russian unit offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan, The New York Times reported Friday. The purported bounties gave incentives to the guerrillas to target US forces, just as President Donald Trump tries to withdraw troops and end America's longest war. The newspaper, citing anonymous officials, said that Trump was briefed on the findings in March, but has not decided how to respond. It said that militants were believed to have collected bounty money, but that it was unclear whether specific killings of US troops were under suspicion. Also read| Wife of kidnapped Afghan Sikh writes to PM Modi; calls for granting Indian citizenship The newspaper quoted a Kremlin spokesman saying only that Russia was unaware of the accusations. Russia has a tortured history in Afghanistan, where the former Soviet Union in its final years was bogged down in a devastating fight against Islamic guerrillas, then backed by Washington. But Russia has more recently been accused by the United States of quietly providing small arms to the Taliban. Also watch| Taliban killed 42 civilians last week and injured over 100 people The New York Times said there were different theories on why Russia would support Taliban attacks, including a desire to keep the United States bogged down in war. It said that the Russian unit may also be seeking revenge over the US killing of Russian mercenaries in Syria, where Moscow backs President Bashar al-Assad. According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by a unit known as the G.R.U., which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal. US intelligence concluded that Russia intervened in the 2016 presidential election in a bid to assist Trump, including through manipulation of social media. Trump has scoffed at the findings and sought a warmer relationship with President Vladimir Putin, even as his administration keeps imposing sanctions over Russia over its actions on Ukraine.

Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report

Russia has lashed out at the New York Times report claiming that Moscow's spies had offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan. The Russian embassy in Washington DC called these accusations "baseless".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-offered-taliban-linked-militants-bounties-to-kill-us-troops-in-afghanistan-report-308914" hreflang="en">Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report</a>

On Friday, the newspaper reported that bounties were offered by spies of the Russian military intelligence service. It gave incentives to militants who attacked the American troops during the time when the forces are being withdrawed to end &nbsp;America's longest war.

The "baseless and anonymous accusations," published by the newspaper, had "already led to direct threats to the life of employees of the Russian Embassies in Washington D.C. and London," the Russian Embassy in Washington wrote on Twitter.

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Stop producing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fakenews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fakenews</a> that provoke life threats, <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a>. 
 
We demand the relevant <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> authorities take effective measures to ensure the fulfillment of their international obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FBI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHSgov</a> ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/Ows7srg3IH">https://t.co/Ows7srg3IH</a>
— Russia in USA 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbUSA/status/1276696044399669248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes," it added in a later tweet.&nbsp;

Russia has had a rough history in Afghanistan, they were struck by heavy losses by Islamist guerrillas, then backed by Washington.

But Russia has more recently been accused by the United States of quietly providing small arms to the Taliban.

According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by a unit known as the G.R.U., which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal.

(Inputs from AFP)

Russia has lashed out at the New York Times report claiming that Moscow's spies had offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan.

Russia has lashed out at the New York Times report claiming that Moscow's spies had offered rewards to Taliban-linked militants to kill troops of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan. The Russian embassy in Washington DC called these accusations "baseless". Also read: Russia offered Taliban-linked militants bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan: Report On Friday, the newspaper reported that bounties were offered by spies of the Russian military intelligence service. It gave incentives to militants who attacked the American troops during the time when the forces are being withdrawed to end America's longest war. The "baseless and anonymous accusations," published by the newspaper, had "already led to direct threats to the life of employees of the Russian Embassies in Washington D.C. and London," the Russian Embassy in Washington wrote on Twitter. Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes. We demand the relevant #US authorities take effective measures to ensure the fulfillment of their international obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. @StateDept @FBI @DHSgov ⬇️ https://t.co/Ows7srg3IH — Russia in USA 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbUSA) June 27, 2020 × "Stop producing #fakenews that provoke life threats, @nytimes," it added in a later tweet. Russia has had a rough history in Afghanistan, they were struck by heavy losses by Islamist guerrillas, then backed by Washington. But Russia has more recently been accused by the United States of quietly providing small arms to the Taliban. According to the newspaper, the Taliban operation was led by a unit known as the G.R.U., which has been blamed in numerous international incidents including a 2018 chemical weapons attack in Britain that nearly killed Russian-born double agent Sergei Skripal. (Inputs from AFP)

'Baseless': Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces

India and Russia have agreed to resolve issues around the production of Ka-226T and AK203 projects and fast track it. Fast-tracking for the production of Ka 226T and AK203 was discussed during Indian defence minister visit to Moscow earlier this week.&nbsp;

Sources told WION, "The parties have resolved and will make all efforts to fast-track the launching of these projects".

Ka-226 T helicopter project announced in 2014 is expected to replace Indian army's light utility helicopters Cheetah and Chetek. The main aim of the project is on "Make in India" production of KA 22T helicopters with Indian companies expected to take large scale part in the project. Many of local Indian vendors are expected to become the suppliers as the Russian-Indian joint venture has signed MoUs with a number of companies.

Sources said, “India will be able to receive some crucial helicopter technologies" with "integration of various helicopter systems being possible"&nbsp;

While the intergovernmental agreements were signed are a long time ago, a formal contract is still not signed and the actual project's launch is still pending.

Ka 226t will be produced at a factory in Bengaluru. The maximum speed of Ka226t is 220km/h and can carry a weight of 3600kg with a payload of 785 kg.

AK203 is the variant of Kalashnikov family of rifles and will be produced at the Indo Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) rifle manufacturing facility in Korwa, Amethi. Compared to earlier Kalashnikov rifles, AK203 is considered to have better accuracy.

The rifle has customizability due to use of the Picatinny rail, which enables instalment on the basic rifle of additional equipment and therefore can be quickly adapted for the various components of the Indian Forces. The gun has been already tested under the conditions of extreme heat and cold.

India and Russia have agreed to resolve issues around the production of Ka-226T and AK203 projects and fast track it. Fast-tracking for the production of Ka 226T and AK203 was discussed during Indian defence minister visit to Moscow earlier this week.

India and Russia have agreed to resolve issues around the production of Ka-226T and AK203 projects and fast track it. Fast-tracking for the production of Ka 226T and AK203 was discussed during Indian defence minister visit to Moscow earlier this week. Sources told WION, "The parties have resolved and will make all efforts to fast-track the launching of these projects". Ka-226 T helicopter project announced in 2014 is expected to replace Indian army's light utility helicopters Cheetah and Chetek. The main aim of the project is on "Make in India" production of KA 22T helicopters with Indian companies expected to take large scale part in the project. Many of local Indian vendors are expected to become the suppliers as the Russian-Indian joint venture has signed MoUs with a number of companies. Sources said, “India will be able to receive some crucial helicopter technologies" with "integration of various helicopter systems being possible" While the intergovernmental agreements were signed are a long time ago, a formal contract is still not signed and the actual project's launch is still pending. Ka 226t will be produced at a factory in Bengaluru. The maximum speed of Ka226t is 220km/h and can carry a weight of 3600kg with a payload of 785 kg. AK203 is the variant of Kalashnikov family of rifles and will be produced at the Indo Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) rifle manufacturing facility in Korwa, Amethi. Compared to earlier Kalashnikov rifles, AK203 is considered to have better accuracy. The rifle has customizability due to use of the Picatinny rail, which enables instalment on the basic rifle of additional equipment and therefore can be quickly adapted for the various components of the Indian Forces. The gun has been already tested under the conditions of extreme heat and cold.

India, Russia to fast track Ka-226T chopper and AK203 rifle production; India to receive helicopter technology

Ukraine has described Russia as a “toxic ex” after the nation’s official Twitter account shared images of the “good ol’ days” of the Soviet Union.

Sharing a set of 4 images, out of which three are black and white and one is coloured, Russia mentioned, “Many #Ukrainians nonetheless keep in mind the great old’ days, when #Soviet Ukraine was the #USSR’s breadbasket, in addition to a well-liked wellbeing #tourism vacation spot &amp; industrial heart. Lots of that, and rather more, is accessible in #Russia’s #Crimea as we speak”.

Quoting this tweet by Russia, Ukraine wrote, “poisonous ex right here”.

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toxic ex here 👇 <a href="https://t.co/zU7EEYoreg">https://t.co/zU7EEYoreg</a>
— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1275391304181125121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ukraine achieved independence from the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) in 1991 when the state was dissolved.

It had been part of the bloc since the 1920s after Soviet Russian forces overran the country and millions of Ukrainians died of starvation in the Holodomor famine manufactured under the control of Joseph Stalin – a crime for which the leader was posthumously found guilty of genocide.

Since 2014, Russia has conflicted with its neighbour after the superpower invaded and annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region.

Ukraine has described Russia as a “toxic ex” after the nation’s official Twitter account shared images of the “good ol’ days” of the Soviet Union. Sharing a set of 4 images, out of which three are black and white and one is coloured, Russia mentioned, “Many #Ukrainians nonetheless keep in mind the great old’ days, when #Soviet Ukraine was the #USSR’s breadbasket, in addition to a well-liked wellbeing #tourism vacation spot & industrial heart.

Ukraine has described Russia as a “toxic ex” after the nation’s official Twitter account shared images of the “good ol’ days” of the Soviet Union. Sharing a set of 4 images, out of which three are black and white and one is coloured, Russia mentioned, “Many #Ukrainians nonetheless keep in mind the great old’ days, when #Soviet Ukraine was the #USSR’s breadbasket, in addition to a well-liked wellbeing #tourism vacation spot & industrial heart. Lots of that, and rather more, is accessible in #Russia’s #Crimea as we speak”. Quoting this tweet by Russia, Ukraine wrote, “poisonous ex right here”. toxic ex here 👇 https://t.co/zU7EEYoreg — Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) June 23, 2020 × Ukraine achieved independence from the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) in 1991 when the state was dissolved. It had been part of the bloc since the 1920s after Soviet Russian forces overran the country and millions of Ukrainians died of starvation in the Holodomor famine manufactured under the control of Joseph Stalin – a crime for which the leader was posthumously found guilty of genocide. Since 2014, Russia has conflicted with its neighbour after the superpower invaded and annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region.

Ukraine hits back at ‘toxic ex’ as Russia reminisces on USSR rule

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