Amid India's escalating border row with China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday left for Russia on a three-day visit during which he is likely to press for the timely delivery of the S-400 missile defence systems and discuss ways to further expand bilateral military ties.

Singh is primarily visiting Russia to attend a grand military parade in Moscow on June 24 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War. However, it is learnt that the minister will also discuss with Russian leaders regional security scenario and bolstering of overall defence cooperation.

It is the first visit abroad by a senior union minister in four months as foreign travels were restricted because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Singh travelled by an Indian Air Force aircraft, while strictly following all laid precautions against the coronavirus infection, officials said.

The last foreign trip abroad by a senior member of the union cabinet was by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman when she visited Riyadh from Feb 22-24 to attend a meeting of G-20 finance ministers. Days before Sitharaman''s trip, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Germany from February 18 to 19.

The defence minister's visit to Russia comes amid the escalating border standoff between India and China, particularly after the killing of 20 Indian Army personnel by Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh''s Galwan Valley on June 15.

Russia has been in touch with both India and China following their border row and officials did not rule out discussion on the matter during Singh''s meetings in Moscow.

"Leaving for Moscow on a three-day visit. The visit to Russia will allow me to hold talks on ways to further deepen the India-Russia defence and strategic partnership. I shall also be attending the 75th Victory Day Parade in Moscow," Singh tweeted before leaving for Moscow.

Officials said Singh went ahead with the visit, notwithstanding the border row with China, due to India''s decades-old military ties with Russia.

They said the defence minister in his talks with top Russian military brass is expected to request for the timely delivery of the S-400 missile systems.

Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin recently told PTI that there could be some delays in implementation of military contracts including the S-400 one because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In October 2018, India had signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions.

Last year, India made the first tranche of payment of around USD 800 million to Russia for the missile systems. Moscow was to begin the delivery of the system by the second half of next year.

The defence minister is also expected to request Moscow to cut delays in supply of spares of key Russian-origin platforms like tanks, fighter jets and helicopters.

Russia has been one of India''s key suppliers of arms and ammunition. However, it has been a long-standing grievance of armed forces that supply of critical spares and equipment from Russia takes a long time affecting maintenance of military systems procured from that country.

A tri-service 75-member Indian military contingent has already reached Moscow to participate in the parade. The Indian team will participate in the parade alongside armed forces personnel from at least 11 countries including China.

"The visit of the defence minister will strengthen the longstanding special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia," the defence ministry said on Saturday.

"The Indian participation in the victory day parade will be a mark of tribute to the great sacrifices made by Russia and other nations in the Second World War in which Indian soldiers also participated and made supreme sacrifice," it said. 
&nbsp;

Amid India's escalating border row with China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday left for Russia on a three-day visit during which he is likely to press for the timely delivery of the S-400 missile defence systems and discuss ways to further expand bilateral military ties.

Amid India's escalating border row with China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday left for Russia on a three-day visit during which he is likely to press for the timely delivery of the S-400 missile defence systems and discuss ways to further expand bilateral military ties. Singh is primarily visiting Russia to attend a grand military parade in Moscow on June 24 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War. However, it is learnt that the minister will also discuss with Russian leaders regional security scenario and bolstering of overall defence cooperation. It is the first visit abroad by a senior union minister in four months as foreign travels were restricted because of the coronavirus pandemic. Singh travelled by an Indian Air Force aircraft, while strictly following all laid precautions against the coronavirus infection, officials said. The last foreign trip abroad by a senior member of the union cabinet was by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman when she visited Riyadh from Feb 22-24 to attend a meeting of G-20 finance ministers. Days before Sitharaman''s trip, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Germany from February 18 to 19. The defence minister's visit to Russia comes amid the escalating border standoff between India and China, particularly after the killing of 20 Indian Army personnel by Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh''s Galwan Valley on June 15. Russia has been in touch with both India and China following their border row and officials did not rule out discussion on the matter during Singh''s meetings in Moscow. "Leaving for Moscow on a three-day visit. The visit to Russia will allow me to hold talks on ways to further deepen the India-Russia defence and strategic partnership. I shall also be attending the 75th Victory Day Parade in Moscow," Singh tweeted before leaving for Moscow. Officials said Singh went ahead with the visit, notwithstanding the border row with China, due to India''s decades-old military ties with Russia. They said the defence minister in his talks with top Russian military brass is expected to request for the timely delivery of the S-400 missile systems. Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin recently told PTI that there could be some delays in implementation of military contracts including the S-400 one because of the coronavirus pandemic. In October 2018, India had signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions. Last year, India made the first tranche of payment of around USD 800 million to Russia for the missile systems. Moscow was to begin the delivery of the system by the second half of next year. The defence minister is also expected to request Moscow to cut delays in supply of spares of key Russian-origin platforms like tanks, fighter jets and helicopters. Russia has been one of India''s key suppliers of arms and ammunition. However, it has been a long-standing grievance of armed forces that supply of critical spares and equipment from Russia takes a long time affecting maintenance of military systems procured from that country. A tri-service 75-member Indian military contingent has already reached Moscow to participate in the parade. The Indian team will participate in the parade alongside armed forces personnel from at least 11 countries including China. "The visit of the defence minister will strengthen the longstanding special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia," the defence ministry said on Saturday. "The Indian participation in the victory day parade will be a mark of tribute to the great sacrifices made by Russia and other nations in the Second World War in which Indian soldiers also participated and made supreme sacrifice," it said.

Rajnath leaves for Russia; to press for timely delivery of S-400 missile defence systems

Russia has invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend a grand military parade in Moscow on June 24 marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second World War, diplomatic sources said.

It is learnt that notwithstanding the escalating tension between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, the defence minister's office is positively considering the invitation due to India's decades-old military ties with Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-pushes-idea-of-russian-backed-summit-to-stabilise-world-307122">Also read|&nbsp;Putin pushes idea of Russian-backed summit to stabilise world</a>

The defence minister's office is positively considering the invitation, the sources said.

India is sending a tri-services contingent to participate in the military parade at Red Square in Moscow.

The Indian parade will be led by a colonel rank officer. The 75-member Indian team will participate in the parade alongside armed forces personnel from at least 11 countries including China.&nbsp;

Russia has invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend a grand military parade in Moscow on June 24 marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second World War, diplomatic sources said.

Russia has invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend a grand military parade in Moscow on June 24 marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second World War, diplomatic sources said. It is learnt that notwithstanding the escalating tension between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, the defence minister's office is positively considering the invitation due to India's decades-old military ties with Russia. Also read| Putin pushes idea of Russian-backed summit to stabilise world The defence minister's office is positively considering the invitation, the sources said. India is sending a tri-services contingent to participate in the military parade at Red Square in Moscow. The Indian parade will be led by a colonel rank officer. The 75-member Indian team will participate in the parade alongside armed forces personnel from at least 11 countries including China.

Rajnath Singh invited to grand military parade in Moscow on June 24

Moscow has assured that it stands by India in thick &amp; thin.&nbsp;Top sources told WION while it supports India, it also backs New Delhi's efforts to resolve issues with China amidst the ongoing stand-off with China. 
&nbsp; 
The development comes even has Moscow has publically reacted on the standoff at multiple levels with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov &amp; India's Envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma discussing the matter.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, reactions came from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the Russian ambassador to India Nikolay R. Kudashev &amp; Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin on the development hoping for de-escalation.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-the-galwan-valley-has-become-a-flashpoint-306642/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Lavrov said, "It has already been announced that the military representatives of India and China have made contact, they are discussing the situation, discussing measures to de-escalate it. We welcome this".

Envoy Kudashev in a tweet said, "We welcome all steps aimed at de-escalation at the LAC, including the conversation between the two FMs, and remain optimistic."

While Russian DCM told WION, &nbsp;"We hope that the tensions will soon be de-escalated, and the sides would further maintain a constructive dialogue also keeping in mind the potential of cooperation. Russia believes it is vital for the region".

The Russian readout of deputy Russian foreign minister's talks with Indian envoy to Russia said, "the officials discussed regional security, including developments on the Line of Actual Control on the border between India and China in the Himalayas".&nbsp;

India and Russia have close ties and engage frequently including at the highest level. Both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have spoken to each other many times this year including on COVID-19 crisis.

Later next week, the RIC Russia-India-China foreign minister meet via video conference will take place.&nbsp;

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Zakharova announced that "On June 23, foreign ministers of Russia, India &amp; China are scheduled to meet via videoconference as part of Russia’s RIC chairmanship. They will exchange views on trends in global politics, the economy, and other areas following the COVID19 pandemic."&nbsp;

Russian envoy called the "existence" of the grouping an "undisputable reality" which is "firmly fixed on the world map". Commenting on "current stage of of the trilateral cooperation" he said, "there are no indications that it might be frozen" over current India-China stand-off.

Later this year as the chair of SCO and BRICS, Russia will host the summits of both the groupings.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pakistan's&nbsp;Foreign Minister SM Qureshi also spoke to his Russian counterpart&nbsp;and the Russian foreign ministry readout of the talks showed that Russia did not support Pak priorities as Islamabad had been claiming during the telephone call.

India will send 75 members strong Tri-Service contingent to participate in the 75th Victory Day Parade of World War II in Moscow.

Victory Day Parade is scheduled to be held on June 24, 2020, in Moscow and the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had invited Indian contingent to take part.&nbsp;

According to the official press-release of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the mechanized column participating in the parade will consist of more than 200 vehicles with more than 20 types of military hardware showcased at the parade for the first time.

Among the new armoured vehicles will be T-90M main battle tank, Armata infantry fighting vehicle with new combat module Kinzhal, Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicle with Epoha combat module.

Moscow has assured that it stands by India in thick & thin. Top sources told WION while it supports India, it also backs New Delhi's efforts to resolve issues with China amidst the ongoing stand-off with China.

Moscow has assured that it stands by India in thick & thin. Top sources told WION while it supports India, it also backs New Delhi's efforts to resolve issues with China amidst the ongoing stand-off with China. The development comes even has Moscow has publically reacted on the standoff at multiple levels with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov & India's Envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma discussing the matter. On Wednesday, reactions came from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the Russian ambassador to India Nikolay R. Kudashev & Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin on the development hoping for de-escalation. Watch | Lavrov said, "It has already been announced that the military representatives of India and China have made contact, they are discussing the situation, discussing measures to de-escalate it. We welcome this". Envoy Kudashev in a tweet said, "We welcome all steps aimed at de-escalation at the LAC, including the conversation between the two FMs, and remain optimistic." While Russian DCM told WION, "We hope that the tensions will soon be de-escalated, and the sides would further maintain a constructive dialogue also keeping in mind the potential of cooperation. Russia believes it is vital for the region". The Russian readout of deputy Russian foreign minister's talks with Indian envoy to Russia said, "the officials discussed regional security, including developments on the Line of Actual Control on the border between India and China in the Himalayas". India and Russia have close ties and engage frequently including at the highest level. Both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have spoken to each other many times this year including on COVID-19 crisis. Later next week, the RIC Russia-India-China foreign minister meet via video conference will take place. Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Zakharova announced that "On June 23, foreign ministers of Russia, India & China are scheduled to meet via videoconference as part of Russia’s RIC chairmanship. They will exchange views on trends in global politics, the economy, and other areas following the COVID19 pandemic." Russian envoy called the "existence" of the grouping an "undisputable reality" which is "firmly fixed on the world map". Commenting on "current stage of of the trilateral cooperation" he said, "there are no indications that it might be frozen" over current India-China stand-off. Later this year as the chair of SCO and BRICS, Russia will host the summits of both the groupings. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister SM Qureshi also spoke to his Russian counterpart and the Russian foreign ministry readout of the talks showed that Russia did not support Pak priorities as Islamabad had been claiming during the telephone call. India will send 75 members strong Tri-Service contingent to participate in the 75th Victory Day Parade of World War II in Moscow. Victory Day Parade is scheduled to be held on June 24, 2020, in Moscow and the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had invited Indian contingent to take part. According to the official press-release of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the mechanized column participating in the parade will consist of more than 200 vehicles with more than 20 types of military hardware showcased at the parade for the first time. Among the new armoured vehicles will be T-90M main battle tank, Armata infantry fighting vehicle with new combat module Kinzhal, Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicle with Epoha combat module.

Moscow assures support to India amidst stand off with China

In the middle of the standoff that India has with China, the Indian Air Force has pushed a proposal to the government for acquiring 33 new fighter aircraft, including 21 MiG-29s and 12 Su-30MKIs from Russia.

"The Air Force has been working on this plan for some time but they have now fast-tracked the process and the proposals expected to be worth over Rs 6,000 crore would be placed before the Defence Ministry for its final approval next week at a high-level meeting," government sources said.

There is an effort to try, upgrade and induct more military hardware. These deals were in pipeline for a very long time.&nbsp;

MiG-29s are flown by the Air Force and the pilots are familiar with it but the ones offered by the Russians are different from the ones in the Indian inventory. The Air Force has three squadrons of the MiG-29s which have been undergoing upgrades for extended life and are considered reliable in the air defence roles.&nbsp;

Sukhois are very expensive to run primarily because they require two pilots compare to most of the plane where long 1 pilot is required but it is now felt that perhaps even though India has a large number of Sukhois but the additional number of Sukhois could be used in the difficult time.

(With inputs from ANI)

In the middle of the standoff that India has with China, the Indian Air Force has pushed a proposal to the government for acquiring 33 new fighter aircraft, including 21 MiG-29s and 12 Su-30MKIs from Russia.

In the middle of the standoff that India has with China, the Indian Air Force has pushed a proposal to the government for acquiring 33 new fighter aircraft, including 21 MiG-29s and 12 Su-30MKIs from Russia. "The Air Force has been working on this plan for some time but they have now fast-tracked the process and the proposals expected to be worth over Rs 6,000 crore would be placed before the Defence Ministry for its final approval next week at a high-level meeting," government sources said. There is an effort to try, upgrade and induct more military hardware. These deals were in pipeline for a very long time. MiG-29s are flown by the Air Force and the pilots are familiar with it but the ones offered by the Russians are different from the ones in the Indian inventory. The Air Force has three squadrons of the MiG-29s which have been undergoing upgrades for extended life and are considered reliable in the air defence roles. Sukhois are very expensive to run primarily because they require two pilots compare to most of the plane where long 1 pilot is required but it is now felt that perhaps even though India has a large number of Sukhois but the additional number of Sukhois could be used in the difficult time. (With inputs from ANI)

India to buy 21 MiG-29 and 12 Sukhoi fighter jets from Russia

The United States wants to prevent China and Russia from taking control of space and will look to allies for help, according to a new "Defense Space Strategy" unveiled by the Pentagon on Wednesday.

The strategy document was the first since President Donald Trump announced the creation of the new Space Force military arm in December.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-a-bid-to-expand-military-outreach-trump-launches-us-space-warfare-command-246563">Pictures: In a bid to expand military outreach Trump launches US Space Warfare Command</a> 
 
"China and Russia present the greatest strategic threat due to their development, testing and deployment of counter-space capabilities. China and Russia each have weaponized space as a means to reduce the US and allied military effectiveness and challenge our freedom of operation in space," it said.

The strategy stressed that the US would strive to maintain superiority in space, in particular protecting GPS satellites on which the military, as well as the emergency services, transport and even financial services, depend.

But China and Russia are developing tools for jamming and cyberattacks that directly threaten US satellites, such as electromagnetic weapons and anti-satellite missiles, Stephen Kitay, the deputy assistant secretary of defence for space policy, told reporters.

China is investing billions of dollars in space and puts many satellites in orbit. In 2007, Beijing also successfully tested a surface-to-air missile strike against a satellite, according to the Pentagon.

In 2017, Russia launched into orbit what it described as an inspection satellite capable of diagnosing problems with a Russian satellite, Kitay said. But the satellite has not moved since its launch and is a worryingly short distance from an American satellite, he added.

Russia has also planned test launch of its Angara heavy carrier rocket later this year and is pressing ahead with the development of its new intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat. In 2018, President Vladimir Putin boasted that the Sarmat was one of the new Russian weapons that could render NATO defences obsolete.

"We are still ahead of them, but we are absolutely at risk with the pace that they are developing these capabilities," Kitay said. "And these are very serious threats."

A threat to 'be prepared for'

The Pentagon's strategy document stressed that both China and Russia viewed access to outer space as essential to national and military strategy. Both countries, according to the document, consider space important for modern warfare and the use of weapons in space as a significant means of reducing the military effectiveness of the US and its allies in future wars.

The document also put forth the possibility of a nuclear attack in space. Although the absence of an atmosphere would prevent combustion, the detonation of a nuclear weapon would cause a powerful electromagnetic charge that would destroy the electric circuits of all satellites around it, Kitay said. "That is a threat that we have to potentially be prepared for," he added.

The US, which is reviving its space exploration program, recently celebrated its first crewed spacecraft flight in nearly a decade, sending two astronauts to the International Space Station in a privately-built capsule. The strategy document emphasized that the US would "promote burden-sharing with our allies and partners."

The United States' closest intelligence allies, the "Five Eyes" group (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain and the US), have been cooperating since 2014 within the Combined Space Operations initiative. France and Germany joined them in February.

The United States wants to prevent China and Russia from taking control of space and will look to allies for help, according to a new "Defense Space Strategy" unveiled by the Pentagon on Wednesday.

The United States wants to prevent China and Russia from taking control of space and will look to allies for help, according to a new "Defense Space Strategy" unveiled by the Pentagon on Wednesday. The strategy document was the first since President Donald Trump announced the creation of the new Space Force military arm in December. Pictures: In a bid to expand military outreach Trump launches US Space Warfare Command "China and Russia present the greatest strategic threat due to their development, testing and deployment of counter-space capabilities. China and Russia each have weaponized space as a means to reduce the US and allied military effectiveness and challenge our freedom of operation in space," it said. The strategy stressed that the US would strive to maintain superiority in space, in particular protecting GPS satellites on which the military, as well as the emergency services, transport and even financial services, depend. But China and Russia are developing tools for jamming and cyberattacks that directly threaten US satellites, such as electromagnetic weapons and anti-satellite missiles, Stephen Kitay, the deputy assistant secretary of defence for space policy, told reporters. China is investing billions of dollars in space and puts many satellites in orbit. In 2007, Beijing also successfully tested a surface-to-air missile strike against a satellite, according to the Pentagon. In 2017, Russia launched into orbit what it described as an inspection satellite capable of diagnosing problems with a Russian satellite, Kitay said. But the satellite has not moved since its launch and is a worryingly short distance from an American satellite, he added. Russia has also planned test launch of its Angara heavy carrier rocket later this year and is pressing ahead with the development of its new intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat. In 2018, President Vladimir Putin boasted that the Sarmat was one of the new Russian weapons that could render NATO defences obsolete. "We are still ahead of them, but we are absolutely at risk with the pace that they are developing these capabilities," Kitay said. "And these are very serious threats." A threat to 'be prepared for' The Pentagon's strategy document stressed that both China and Russia viewed access to outer space as essential to national and military strategy. Both countries, according to the document, consider space important for modern warfare and the use of weapons in space as a significant means of reducing the military effectiveness of the US and its allies in future wars. The document also put forth the possibility of a nuclear attack in space. Although the absence of an atmosphere would prevent combustion, the detonation of a nuclear weapon would cause a powerful electromagnetic charge that would destroy the electric circuits of all satellites around it, Kitay said. "That is a threat that we have to potentially be prepared for," he added. The US, which is reviving its space exploration program, recently celebrated its first crewed spacecraft flight in nearly a decade, sending two astronauts to the International Space Station in a privately-built capsule. The strategy document emphasized that the US would "promote burden-sharing with our allies and partners." The United States' closest intelligence allies, the "Five Eyes" group (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain and the US), have been cooperating since 2014 within the Combined Space Operations initiative. France and Germany joined them in February.

China, Russia present the most immediate, serious threats to US space operations: Pentagon

Europe’s headaches just got worse. Its efforts to contain wars on its doorstep in Libya and Syria have failed at a moment when&nbsp;Europe is struggling to control a pandemic and reverse its economic fallout.

Proxy wars that pit the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt against Qatar and Turkey have spilled out of Libya and Syria into the Eastern Mediterranean as a whole.

European nations, including France, Greece, and Cyprus, feel threatened by Turkey’s use of Libya to extend its grip on gas-rich regional waters in violation of international law. As a result, Middle Eastern and North African disputes are becoming European problems.

Libya’s internationally recognized Islamist Government of National Accord (GNA), backed by Turkish military might, has forced rebels led by Khalifa Haftar, who is supported by Russia, Egypt, France and the UAE to retreat in recent weeks from western Libya and fight to maintain control of key cities in the center of the country.

A statement last month by the foreign ministers of France, Greece, Cyprus, the UAE, and Egypt made their concerns clear.

The statement condemned Turkey’s "illegal activities" in the Eastern Mediterranean. It called on Turkey to “fully respect the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of all states in their maritime zones in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Israel was conspicuously absent among the signatories even though it maintains close relations with all of them.

The Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), a prominent Israeli think tank, warned that “given that Israel’s ties with Turkey have been highly problematic and relations with Russia remain delicate, Jerusalem needs to prepare for the possibility of a continuing and even growing regional influence of both, especially in light of Washington’s continued reluctance to assume a more active diplomatic or military role.”

So does Europe, which at the European Union level has so far remained on the sidelines at its peril.

“Now that the catastrophic consequences of European inaction are evident and Haftar no longer has a chance to seize power, a (European) policy shift is both possible and indispensable,” said Libya scholar Wolfram Lacher.

“Two key goals should guide European policies: first, safeguard Libya’s unity; second, counter Russian influence in Libya as a matter of priority. The U.S. shares both goals. But Europeans will only be able to act in unison if the French position shifts away from its relative tolerance for Russia and adversarial stance towards Turkey,” Lacher suggested.&nbsp; 
 
Lacher appears to believe that countering Russia would not only help thwart the threat posed by Moscow but also prevent Turkey and Russia from carving up Libya into spheres of influence, if not separate states.

Arguing that the EU can no longer afford to stand by, Lacher advised the EU to impose sanctions on Haftar in a bid to undermine Russian support for his forces.

“In parallel, Western states should finally push their interests in a stable Libya more strongly when engaging with Haftar’s other foreign supporters, particularly Egypt and the UAE, to dissuade them from further cooperation with Russia,” Lacher said.

Underlying the UAE’s Saudi-backed determination to stymie Turkey is its assertive global campaign to confront any expression of political Islam. The UAE is aided by Egypt, whose president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, came into power in a 2013 Emirati-backed military coup that toppled an elected Muslim Brotherhood president.

Coupled with an agreement between Turkey and the Tripoli-based GNA which extends the two countries maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkish involvement in the wars in Libya and Syria appears to have fueled Emirati efforts to suck Europe, and ultimately the United States, into its conflict with Turkey.

Greece and Italy — which was believed to be supporting the GNA prior to Turkey’s intervention — this week signed a maritime boundaries agreement to counter Turkish moves. The accord recognizes Greek territorial waters off its many islands in accordance with the international Law of the Sea. The Turkish-Libyan agreement ignores those rights for a number of Greek islands.

The UAE and its partners in the Eastern Mediterranean were expected to support the Greek-Italian accord.

The UAE is banking on the fact that Turkey’s traditional ties to its NATO allies, Europe and the US, are strained over a host of issues, including Turkey’s military intervention in Libya, the fate of millions of refugees primarily from Syria hosted by Turkey, and Turkey’s relationship with Russia and its acquisition of an S-400 Russian anti-missile defence system.

The UAE has been putting in place the building blocks for enhanced influence in the eastern Mediterranean for some time. Increasingly close ties to Israel, whose relations with Turkey are complex, constitute a cornerstone. So does UAE participation in Greek-led annual military exercises in which Israel, Cyprus, Italy, and the United States also take part.

Containing Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean has taken on greater significance after the UAE’s hopes for a planned EastMed pipeline that would have transported natural gas from Israeli, Cypriot and Lebanese fields via Greece to Italy, were dashed.

The pipeline threatened to replace up to half of the Qatari exports to Europe with gas from the Eastern Mediterranean.

Among Qatar’s detractors, the UAE is believed to be the most resistant to finding a compromise that would end the three-year-old UAE-Saudi-led boycott of the Gulf state.

The $7 billion, 2,200-kilometre-long pipeline project was effectively put on hold because of the economic fallout of the pandemic and the collapse of energy prices.

A consortium led by France’s Total, which includes Italian oil and gas major ENI and Novatek, Russia’s second-largest gas producer, was expected to halt drilling after its first well proved to be dry.

ENI and Total have also suspended plans for six drillings off the coast of Cyprus while ExxonMobil has delayed exploration of its two wells in the area. US explorer Noble Energy together with Shell and Herzliya-based Delek Drilling is likely to follow suit in Israel’s Aphrodite field.

All of that does not seem to deter Turkey. The country’s Official Gazette announced on May 30 that state-owned oil company Turkish Petroleum had been granted 24 exploration licenses that include waters off the coast of Greek islands such as Crete and Rhodes.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias’ warning that his country would answer what he called, "the Turkish provocation" if Turkey were to proceed would further draw Europe into the Eastern Mediterranean’s mushrooming imbroglio.

It is a development that would boost Emirati efforts to further corner Turkey internationally even if it would for now likely further dampen prospects for dealing a blow to Qatar. 
 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Europe’s headaches just got worse. Its efforts to contain wars on its doorstep in Libya and Syria have failed at a moment when Europe is struggling to control a pandemic and reverse its economic fallout.

Europe’s headaches just got worse. Its efforts to contain wars on its doorstep in Libya and Syria have failed at a moment when Europe is struggling to control a pandemic and reverse its economic fallout. Proxy wars that pit the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt against Qatar and Turkey have spilled out of Libya and Syria into the Eastern Mediterranean as a whole. European nations, including France, Greece, and Cyprus, feel threatened by Turkey’s use of Libya to extend its grip on gas-rich regional waters in violation of international law. As a result, Middle Eastern and North African disputes are becoming European problems. Libya’s internationally recognized Islamist Government of National Accord (GNA), backed by Turkish military might, has forced rebels led by Khalifa Haftar, who is supported by Russia, Egypt, France and the UAE to retreat in recent weeks from western Libya and fight to maintain control of key cities in the center of the country. A statement last month by the foreign ministers of France, Greece, Cyprus, the UAE, and Egypt made their concerns clear. The statement condemned Turkey’s "illegal activities" in the Eastern Mediterranean. It called on Turkey to “fully respect the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of all states in their maritime zones in the Eastern Mediterranean.” Israel was conspicuously absent among the signatories even though it maintains close relations with all of them. The Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), a prominent Israeli think tank, warned that “given that Israel’s ties with Turkey have been highly problematic and relations with Russia remain delicate, Jerusalem needs to prepare for the possibility of a continuing and even growing regional influence of both, especially in light of Washington’s continued reluctance to assume a more active diplomatic or military role.” So does Europe, which at the European Union level has so far remained on the sidelines at its peril. “Now that the catastrophic consequences of European inaction are evident and Haftar no longer has a chance to seize power, a (European) policy shift is both possible and indispensable,” said Libya scholar Wolfram Lacher. “Two key goals should guide European policies: first, safeguard Libya’s unity; second, counter Russian influence in Libya as a matter of priority. The U.S. shares both goals. But Europeans will only be able to act in unison if the French position shifts away from its relative tolerance for Russia and adversarial stance towards Turkey,” Lacher suggested. Lacher appears to believe that countering Russia would not only help thwart the threat posed by Moscow but also prevent Turkey and Russia from carving up Libya into spheres of influence, if not separate states. Arguing that the EU can no longer afford to stand by, Lacher advised the EU to impose sanctions on Haftar in a bid to undermine Russian support for his forces. “In parallel, Western states should finally push their interests in a stable Libya more strongly when engaging with Haftar’s other foreign supporters, particularly Egypt and the UAE, to dissuade them from further cooperation with Russia,” Lacher said. Underlying the UAE’s Saudi-backed determination to stymie Turkey is its assertive global campaign to confront any expression of political Islam. The UAE is aided by Egypt, whose president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, came into power in a 2013 Emirati-backed military coup that toppled an elected Muslim Brotherhood president. Coupled with an agreement between Turkey and the Tripoli-based GNA which extends the two countries maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkish involvement in the wars in Libya and Syria appears to have fueled Emirati efforts to suck Europe, and ultimately the United States, into its conflict with Turkey. Greece and Italy — which was believed to be supporting the GNA prior to Turkey’s intervention — this week signed a maritime boundaries agreement to counter Turkish moves. The accord recognizes Greek territorial waters off its many islands in accordance with the international Law of the Sea. The Turkish-Libyan agreement ignores those rights for a number of Greek islands. The UAE and its partners in the Eastern Mediterranean were expected to support the Greek-Italian accord. The UAE is banking on the fact that Turkey’s traditional ties to its NATO allies, Europe and the US, are strained over a host of issues, including Turkey’s military intervention in Libya, the fate of millions of refugees primarily from Syria hosted by Turkey, and Turkey’s relationship with Russia and its acquisition of an S-400 Russian anti-missile defence system. The UAE has been putting in place the building blocks for enhanced influence in the eastern Mediterranean for some time. Increasingly close ties to Israel, whose relations with Turkey are complex, constitute a cornerstone. So does UAE participation in Greek-led annual military exercises in which Israel, Cyprus, Italy, and the United States also take part. Containing Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean has taken on greater significance after the UAE’s hopes for a planned EastMed pipeline that would have transported natural gas from Israeli, Cypriot and Lebanese fields via Greece to Italy, were dashed. The pipeline threatened to replace up to half of the Qatari exports to Europe with gas from the Eastern Mediterranean. Among Qatar’s detractors, the UAE is believed to be the most resistant to finding a compromise that would end the three-year-old UAE-Saudi-led boycott of the Gulf state. The $7 billion, 2,200-kilometre-long pipeline project was effectively put on hold because of the economic fallout of the pandemic and the collapse of energy prices. A consortium led by France’s Total, which includes Italian oil and gas major ENI and Novatek, Russia’s second-largest gas producer, was expected to halt drilling after its first well proved to be dry. ENI and Total have also suspended plans for six drillings off the coast of Cyprus while ExxonMobil has delayed exploration of its two wells in the area. US explorer Noble Energy together with Shell and Herzliya-based Delek Drilling is likely to follow suit in Israel’s Aphrodite field. All of that does not seem to deter Turkey. The country’s Official Gazette announced on May 30 that state-owned oil company Turkish Petroleum had been granted 24 exploration licenses that include waters off the coast of Greek islands such as Crete and Rhodes. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias’ warning that his country would answer what he called, "the Turkish provocation" if Turkey were to proceed would further draw Europe into the Eastern Mediterranean’s mushrooming imbroglio. It is a development that would boost Emirati efforts to further corner Turkey internationally even if it would for now likely further dampen prospects for dealing a blow to Qatar. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Europe caught between coronavirus and economic hardships

Russia will soon be in a position to counter hypersonic arms deployed by other countries, President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday, adding that Moscow was ahead of the United States in developing new types of weapons.

Hypersonic glide vehicles can steer an unpredictable course and manoeuvre sharply as they approach impact. They also follow a much flatter and lower trajectory than ballistic missiles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-marks-national-day-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-begins-to-ease-lockdown-305711">Also watch:&nbsp;Russia marks National day amid surge in coronavirus cases, begins to ease lockdown</a>

Washington and Moscow have been expanding their defence capabilities as some Cold War-era arms control agreements collapsed during worsening of Russia`s ties with the West.

Last year Russia deployed its first hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles, while the Pentagon has a goal of fielding hypersonic capabilities in the early to mid-2020s.

"It's very likely that we will have means to combat hypersonic weapons by the time the world`s leading countries have such weapons," Putin was quoted as saying by the RIA news agency.

While Russia and the United States had broadly the same number of nuclear weapons, Putin said Moscow was ahead in advanced arms development.

Russia will soon be in a position to counter hypersonic arms deployed by other countries, President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday, adding that Moscow was ahead of the United States in developing new types of weapons.

Russia will soon be in a position to counter hypersonic arms deployed by other countries, President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday, adding that Moscow was ahead of the United States in developing new types of weapons. Hypersonic glide vehicles can steer an unpredictable course and manoeuvre sharply as they approach impact. They also follow a much flatter and lower trajectory than ballistic missiles. Also watch: Russia marks National day amid surge in coronavirus cases, begins to ease lockdown Washington and Moscow have been expanding their defence capabilities as some Cold War-era arms control agreements collapsed during worsening of Russia`s ties with the West. Last year Russia deployed its first hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles, while the Pentagon has a goal of fielding hypersonic capabilities in the early to mid-2020s. "It's very likely that we will have means to combat hypersonic weapons by the time the world`s leading countries have such weapons," Putin was quoted as saying by the RIA news agency. While Russia and the United States had broadly the same number of nuclear weapons, Putin said Moscow was ahead in advanced arms development.

Putin says Russia will be able to counter hypersonic weapons

Russian President Vladimir Putin's opponents agree a nationwide vote next month that could extend his rule is a sham, but are split over whether to campaign for a "No" vote or call for a boycott, according to Reuters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's opponents agree a nationwide vote next month that could extend his rule is a sham, but are split over whether to campaign for a "No" vote or call for a boycott, according to Reuters. In the July 1 vote, Russians will vote to approve or reject constitutional reforms including a change that would allow Putin to serve two more six-year terms, if re-elected, instead of stepping down in 2024. Putin's approval rating, though still high at 59%, has slipped to its lowest since 1999, the Levada pollster says, and the coronavirus pandemic poses one of the biggest challenges of his more than 20-year rule, according to Reuters. Also read: WION Edit: Vladimir Putin may remain President for life Even so, Putin's opponents believe the outcome is a foregone conclusion. Some, such as politician Alexei Navalny and the liberal opposition Yabloko party, have urged supporters not to vote. "Legitimising this 'fete for Putin' by increasing turnout is just helping the Kremlin," said Lyubov Sobol, a Navalny ally. Others, such as the Communist party, which usually backs the Kremlin on big decisions, have urged supporters to vote against. Also read: Explained: How Vladimir Putin could stay Russian President for two more terms The Kremlin says constitutional changes are needed to strengthen the role of parliament and improve social policy and public administration, and that polls show the changes have wide support. Critics say the reforms amount to a constitutional coup. "There's no opportunity to uncover falsifications. All that remains is a circus with blow-up tents," Navalny said. Election officials deny such accusations, saying the vote will be free and fair. (With inputs from Reuters)

Putin's opponents divided over Russian vote that could extend his rule

A Russian factory has recalled a model of ventilator was linked to two fatal hospital fires in May. State healthcare regulator documents on Wednesday corroborated this -- as a tool to carry out further safety tests.

Russia suspended the use of some domestically-produced medical ventilators on May 13 while an investigation into the Aventa-M machines was ongoing.

Specifically, it suspended the use of all Aventa-M ventilators produced at the Urals Instrument Engineering Plant (UPZ) in the Sverdlovsk region after April 1, a setback for Russia at a time when it is still reporting thousands of new virus cases nationwide.

The aim of the investigation, which has not yet finished, was to determine the sources of the two fires at hospitals treating patients for the novel coronavirus in which six people died.

Radio-Electronic Technologies Concern (KRET), the company which controls the ventilator factory, said in a letter to state healthcare regulator Roszdravnadzor, dated June 4, that it would now recall all such machines to carry out extra safety tests.

KRET said the tests could be carried out at either its factory or where the machines are located, and that the manufacturer would cover all the costs.

Russia's nationwide case tally stood at 4,93,657 as of Wednesday, the third highest in the world after Brazil and the United States, while 6,358 people have died from the virus, according to official data.

A Russian factory has recalled a model of ventilator was linked to two fatal hospital fires in May. State healthcare regulator documents on Wednesday corroborated this -- as a tool to carry out further safety tests.

A Russian factory has recalled a model of ventilator was linked to two fatal hospital fires in May. State healthcare regulator documents on Wednesday corroborated this -- as a tool to carry out further safety tests. Russia suspended the use of some domestically-produced medical ventilators on May 13 while an investigation into the Aventa-M machines was ongoing. Specifically, it suspended the use of all Aventa-M ventilators produced at the Urals Instrument Engineering Plant (UPZ) in the Sverdlovsk region after April 1, a setback for Russia at a time when it is still reporting thousands of new virus cases nationwide. The aim of the investigation, which has not yet finished, was to determine the sources of the two fires at hospitals treating patients for the novel coronavirus in which six people died. Radio-Electronic Technologies Concern (KRET), the company which controls the ventilator factory, said in a letter to state healthcare regulator Roszdravnadzor, dated June 4, that it would now recall all such machines to carry out extra safety tests. KRET said the tests could be carried out at either its factory or where the machines are located, and that the manufacturer would cover all the costs. Russia's nationwide case tally stood at 4,93,657 as of Wednesday, the third highest in the world after Brazil and the United States, while 6,358 people have died from the virus, according to official data.

Russian factory recalls ventilator model linked to hospital fires

Russian restaurant owners stripped of their income by the coronavirus lockdown are campaigning for their businesses to be allowed to reopen by posting pictures of themselves naked on social media.

Russian restaurant owners stripped of their income by the coronavirus lockdown are campaigning for their businesses to be allowed to reopen by posting pictures of themselves naked on social media. Hundreds of bar, restaurant and cafe employees have posted photographs of themselves naked with carefully positioned plates, cups, saucepans, bottles, bar stools and napkin holders. Their demand is for authorities to allow them to start serving clients as the country gradually eases measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus. "We are naked because we are left with nothing," said Arthur Galaychyuk, owner of the Relab Family bar chain in the city of Kazan, whose 20 employees took part in the campaign. Restaurants in Kazan will be allowed to open their summer terraces on June 11 after more than two months of lockdown. "We don't want to stage a strip show or to fool around, we only want one thing - to work!" said Pavel, a chef from the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, in a post with a group picture of his colleagues wearing only masks and holding kitchenware. "We don't pose more of a risk then supermarkets, shopping malls, hair salons or public transport," the post said. Authorities in Novosibirsk have not announced when local restaurants can open. President Vladimir Putin ordered strict lockdown measures at the end of March shutting all businesses except food stores and pharmacies. The country's regions were allowed to adjust the measures depending on the situation on the ground. Moscow is in the process of lifting the lockdown and many businesses, including shopping malls, book stores and beauty salons have reopened. The Russian capital plans to allow cafes and restaurants to open their outside terraces later in June before reopening fully from June 23. Indoor restaurants and bars remain closed in other parts of Russia.

Russian chefs in naked lockdown protest after virus strips them of income

Russia has registered 8,726 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours (8,831 yesterday), bringing the total count to 449,834, the national coronavirus response centre said on Friday.

"Over the past 24 hours, Russia has confirmed 8,726 COVID-19 cases in 85 regions, of which 3,235 (37.1 per cent) have been detected actively, with people showing no clinical symptoms," the response centre said in a statement.

Russia has so far recorded 449,834 COVID-19 cases in 85 regions (+2 per cent), the centre added.

Of all the new cases, 1,855 have been registered in Moscow, 762 in the Moscow region and 378 in St. Petersburg (compared to yesterday's 1,998, 767 and 375, respectively). Moscow's daily increase is below 2,000 for already three days in a row.

The country's COVID-19 death toll has grown by 144 (169 yesterday) to 5,528.

As many as 8,057 COVID-19 patients have recovered across the country (8,666 yesterday), bringing the total number of cured people to 212,680.

Over 12 million tests to detect COVID-19 have been conducted in the country since the beginning of the outbreak, and 317,000 suspected virus carriers across Russia remain under medical monitoring, Russian public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said.

Russia has registered 8,726 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours (8,831 yesterday), bringing the total count to 449,834, the national coronavirus response centre said on Friday.

Russia has registered 8,726 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours (8,831 yesterday), bringing the total count to 449,834, the national coronavirus response centre said on Friday. "Over the past 24 hours, Russia has confirmed 8,726 COVID-19 cases in 85 regions, of which 3,235 (37.1 per cent) have been detected actively, with people showing no clinical symptoms," the response centre said in a statement. Russia has so far recorded 449,834 COVID-19 cases in 85 regions (+2 per cent), the centre added. Of all the new cases, 1,855 have been registered in Moscow, 762 in the Moscow region and 378 in St. Petersburg (compared to yesterday's 1,998, 767 and 375, respectively). Moscow's daily increase is below 2,000 for already three days in a row. The country's COVID-19 death toll has grown by 144 (169 yesterday) to 5,528. As many as 8,057 COVID-19 patients have recovered across the country (8,666 yesterday), bringing the total number of cured people to 212,680. Over 12 million tests to detect COVID-19 have been conducted in the country since the beginning of the outbreak, and 317,000 suspected virus carriers across Russia remain under medical monitoring, Russian public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said.

Russia registers 8,726 COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours:  Response Centre

Russia on Tuesday batted for G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world after Trump invited Russia, India and other countries to attend G7 summit. &nbsp;

The idea of an expanded G7 summit is, in general, a step in the right direction but doesn't mean a true representation as it's hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China, said&nbsp;Russian Foreign Ministry Spox Maria Zakharova.&nbsp;

''The idea of an expanded G7 summit is in general a step in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-postpones-g7-summit-talks-about-inviting-india-302073">right direction</a> but doesn't mean a true representation. For instance, it's obvious that it's hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China,'' &nbsp;Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

''We currently have an efficient, tried and tested format, G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world, not just one part of it,'' &nbsp;Zakharova added.&nbsp;

G7 is the group of top seven developed economies. These include the US, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada. Heads of States of these countries meet annually to discuss issues of global governance, including climate change, security and the economy.

Trump has postponed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-bid-to-counter-china-invite-india-russia-to-g7-302693">G7 Summit</a> till September and expressed his desire to expand the "outdated" bloc to G10 or G11, including India, Russia, South Korea and Australia to the grouping of the world's top economies.

Russia on Tuesday batted for G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world after Trump invited Russia, India and other countries to attend G7 summit.

Russia on Tuesday batted for G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world after Trump invited Russia, India and other countries to attend G7 summit. The idea of an expanded G7 summit is, in general, a step in the right direction but doesn't mean a true representation as it's hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China, said Russian Foreign Ministry Spox Maria Zakharova. ''The idea of an expanded G7 summit is in general a step in the right direction but doesn't mean a true representation. For instance, it's obvious that it's hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China,'' Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying. ''We currently have an efficient, tried and tested format, G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world, not just one part of it,'' Zakharova added. G7 is the group of top seven developed economies. These include the US, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada. Heads of States of these countries meet annually to discuss issues of global governance, including climate change, security and the economy. Trump has postponed the G7 Summit till September and expressed his desire to expand the "outdated" bloc to G10 or G11, including India, Russia, South Korea and Australia to the grouping of the world's top economies.

Russia bats for G20 after US President Trump's invitation to attend for G7

G7 leaders of the UK and Canada have opposed Russia's return to the G7,&nbsp;deepening a rift over US President Donald Trump's wish for the country to rejoin.

"Russia was excluded from the G7 after it invaded Crimea a number of years ago, and its continued disrespect and flaunting of international rules and norms is why it remains outside of the G7, and it will continue to remain out," Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a news conference.

The G7 summit, which the US hosts this year, convenes the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK to discuss matters of co-operation.

Russia was expelled from the group, previously known as the G8, in 2014 in response to its annexation of Crimea.

Earlier, a spokesman for the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would veto any proposal to allow Russia to rejoin the group.

Unless Russia ceases its "aggressive and destabilising activity", the UK would not support the country's readmission to the group, Mr Johnson's spokesman said.

"Russia was removed from the G7 group of nations following its&nbsp;annexation of Crimea and we are yet to see evidence of changed behaviour which would justify its readmittance," the spokesman told reporters.

The president had said the G7's "outdated group of countries" should be expanded to include others, including Russia.

The White House said making "progress toward convening the G7" with Russia was among the topics Trump and Putin discussed in a phone call.

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</ul>

Trump said on Saturday he would postpone the G7 summit scheduled to take place this month until September.

G7 leaders of the UK and Canada have opposed Russia's return to the G7, deepening a rift over US President Donald Trump's wish for the country to rejoin. "Russia was excluded from the G7 after it invaded Crimea a number of years ago, and its continued disrespect and flaunting of international rules and norms is why it remains outside of the G7, and it will continue to remain out," Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a news conference.

G7 leaders of the UK and Canada have opposed Russia's return to the G7, deepening a rift over US President Donald Trump's wish for the country to rejoin. "Russia was excluded from the G7 after it invaded Crimea a number of years ago, and its continued disrespect and flaunting of international rules and norms is why it remains outside of the G7, and it will continue to remain out," Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a news conference. The G7 summit, which the US hosts this year, convenes the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK to discuss matters of co-operation. Russia was expelled from the group, previously known as the G8, in 2014 in response to its annexation of Crimea. Earlier, a spokesman for the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would veto any proposal to allow Russia to rejoin the group. Unless Russia ceases its "aggressive and destabilising activity", the UK would not support the country's readmission to the group, Mr Johnson's spokesman said. "Russia was removed from the G7 group of nations following its annexation of Crimea and we are yet to see evidence of changed behaviour which would justify its readmittance," the spokesman told reporters. The president had said the G7's "outdated group of countries" should be expanded to include others, including Russia. The White House said making "progress toward convening the G7" with Russia was among the topics Trump and Putin discussed in a phone call. Trump said on Saturday he would postpone the G7 summit scheduled to take place this month until September.

UK, Canada reject Russia's return after Trump summit invite

Russia, which is the third-worst affected country by coronavirus, is planning to start clinical trials within two weeks on a vaccine to combat the coronavirus, the health minister reported on&nbsp;Saturday.

Authorities approved the country's first anti-COVID-19 drug. Officials revealed that Russian&nbsp;researchers are working on almost 50 different vaccine projects.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-vaccine-could-be-ready-by-year-end-government-body-says-302038">Also read:&nbsp;Chinese vaccine could be ready by year-end, government body says</a>

Volunteers have already been selected to participate in the study.&nbsp;

"The tests are under way and we plan to start clinical trials in the next two weeks," Health Minister Mikhail Murashko was quoted by local news agency.

The Healthy Ministry has approved Avifavir for coronavirus treatment, according to the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). It was developed on the basis of a drug known generically as favipiravir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thirty-countries-launch-alliance-to-share-covid-19-tools-301909/amp">Also read:&nbsp;Thirty countries launch alliance to share COVID-19 tools</a>

RDIF has reported Avidavir to be successful in the first stage, and hopes it will prove out tot be successful in the final stage too, with the participation of 330 patients.

One of the Russian vaccine projects is being undertaken by the state-run Vektor Institute in Siberia, whose director general, Rinat Maksyutov, has claimed that the trial was successful on animals. His team is trying to finish the trials by mid-September.

&nbsp;

Russia, which is the third-worst affected country by coronavirus, is planning to start clinical trials within two weeks on a vaccine to combat the coronavirus, the health minister reported on Saturday.

Russia, which is the third-worst affected country by coronavirus, is planning to start clinical trials within two weeks on a vaccine to combat the coronavirus, the health minister reported on Saturday. Authorities approved the country's first anti-COVID-19 drug. Officials revealed that Russian researchers are working on almost 50 different vaccine projects. Also read: Chinese vaccine could be ready by year-end, government body says Volunteers have already been selected to participate in the study. "The tests are under way and we plan to start clinical trials in the next two weeks," Health Minister Mikhail Murashko was quoted by local news agency. The Healthy Ministry has approved Avifavir for coronavirus treatment, according to the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). It was developed on the basis of a drug known generically as favipiravir. Also read: Thirty countries launch alliance to share COVID-19 tools RDIF has reported Avidavir to be successful in the first stage, and hopes it will prove out tot be successful in the final stage too, with the participation of 330 patients. One of the Russian vaccine projects is being undertaken by the state-run Vektor Institute in Siberia, whose director general, Rinat Maksyutov, has claimed that the trial was successful on animals. His team is trying to finish the trials by mid-September.

COVID 19: Russia to start vaccine trials within two weeks

Iran on Saturday moved to open businesses, religious and cultural sites as it eases restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Museums and historical sites are to reopen on Sunday to coincide with the Eid el-Fitr celebrations that end the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, President Hassan Rouhani said on state television.

Holy shrines — some of which became focal points of the coronavirus epidemic in Iran - will reopen Monday.

Rouhani had said last week that the shrines would open for three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon. Some areas of the shrines such as narrow corridors will stay shut.

All workers in the country will return to work next Saturday.

"We can say we have passed the three stages regarding the coronavirus," Rouhani said.

Rouhani said on Saturday that 88 percent of the fatalities from COVID-19 in Iran were victims with underlying illnesses.

According to health ministry figures, more than than 7,000 have so far died from the pandemic in Iran and more than 130,000 have been infected.

Meanwhile, Russia&nbsp;said on Saturday that 9,434 new cases of the novel coronavirus had been reported in the last 24 hours, pushing its nationwide tally to 335,882.

The country's coronavirus crisis response centre reported 139 new fatalities after a record of 150 deaths the day before, bringing the death toll to 3,388.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Iran on Saturday moved to open businesses, religious and cultural sites as it eases restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Museums and historical sites are to reopen on Sunday to coincide with the Eid el-Fitr celebrations that end the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, President Hassan Rouhani said on state television.

Iran on Saturday moved to open businesses, religious and cultural sites as it eases restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Museums and historical sites are to reopen on Sunday to coincide with the Eid el-Fitr celebrations that end the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, President Hassan Rouhani said on state television. Holy shrines — some of which became focal points of the coronavirus epidemic in Iran - will reopen Monday. Rouhani had said last week that the shrines would open for three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon. Some areas of the shrines such as narrow corridors will stay shut. All workers in the country will return to work next Saturday. "We can say we have passed the three stages regarding the coronavirus," Rouhani said. Rouhani said on Saturday that 88 percent of the fatalities from COVID-19 in Iran were victims with underlying illnesses. According to health ministry figures, more than than 7,000 have so far died from the pandemic in Iran and more than 130,000 have been infected. Meanwhile, Russia said on Saturday that 9,434 new cases of the novel coronavirus had been reported in the last 24 hours, pushing its nationwide tally to 335,882. The country's coronavirus crisis response centre reported 139 new fatalities after a record of 150 deaths the day before, bringing the death toll to 3,388. (With inputs from Reuters)

Iran to reopen religious, cultural sites as Russia reports 9,434 new coronavirus cases

The United States has said that the delivery of &nbsp;200 medical ventilators to Russia will begin this week. Russia has the world's second-highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases.

Russia has reported 9,263 cases for the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the total tally to 299,941. The country recorded 115 deaths due to the virus taking the toll to 2,837. Russia has however seen a decline in daily cases, the country recorded cases below 10,000 for the fourth day in a row.

The US embassy in Moscow had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin requested for assistance from the United States President Donald Trump, after which US administration decided to give 200 ventilators to the country.&nbsp;

According to the embassy, 50 ventilators out of 200 will be ready for shipment by Wednesday, whereas the remaining 150 will be ready shortly after.&nbsp;

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has increased to over 4.8 million, while the death toll has surpassed 318,000, according to Johns Hopkins University.

As of Tuesday morning, the total number of cases stood at 4,801,282, while the death toll increased to 318,465, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

The US currently accounts for the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 15,37,830 and 90,694, respectively.

Europe reopened more widely on Monday, allowing people into the Acropolis in Greece, shops in Italy, markets and museums in Belgium, golf courses in Ireland and beer gardens in Germany while its leaders discussed how to salvage hallowed summer vacations.

The United States has said that the delivery of 200 medical ventilators to Russia will begin this week. Russia has the world's second-highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases.

The United States has said that the delivery of 200 medical ventilators to Russia will begin this week. Russia has the world's second-highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases. Russia has reported 9,263 cases for the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the total tally to 299,941. The country recorded 115 deaths due to the virus taking the toll to 2,837. Russia has however seen a decline in daily cases, the country recorded cases below 10,000 for the fourth day in a row. The US embassy in Moscow had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin requested for assistance from the United States President Donald Trump, after which US administration decided to give 200 ventilators to the country. According to the embassy, 50 ventilators out of 200 will be ready for shipment by Wednesday, whereas the remaining 150 will be ready shortly after. The overall number of global coronavirus cases has increased to over 4.8 million, while the death toll has surpassed 318,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. As of Tuesday morning, the total number of cases stood at 4,801,282, while the death toll increased to 318,465, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. The US currently accounts for the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 15,37,830 and 90,694, respectively. Europe reopened more widely on Monday, allowing people into the Acropolis in Greece, shops in Italy, markets and museums in Belgium, golf courses in Ireland and beer gardens in Germany while its leaders discussed how to salvage hallowed summer vacations.

Russia to receive ventilators from US as cases near 300,000

High school seniors donning masks have returned to schools in South Korea. Mandatory temperature checks were carried out at the entrance. Elementary, middle and high school students will rejoin in a phased manner till June 1.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/new-cluster-of-cases-shows-coronavirus-may-be-mutating-299964" hreflang="en">New cluster of cases shows coronavirus may be mutating</a>

China’s Jilin province reported four&nbsp;new cases. All new cases were local transmissions. The province has reported 133 locally transmitted cases so far. 1,181 close contacts of the patients are also under observation. China’s official tally stands at 82,965.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-rising-cases-brazils-health-ministry-recommends-hydroxychloroquine-to-treat-coronavirus-cases-299967" hreflang="en">Amid rising cases, Brazil's health ministry recommends hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus cases</a>

Riot police had to be deployed in force in Paris after cars were set ablaze in some low-income housing estates. The violence was sparked by the death of an 18-year old in an accident.

Residents of Cochabamba took to the streets to demand an end to nationwide lockdown. Bolivians claim lockdown has left them without food or money. Demonstrators created roadblocks using rocks &amp; debris.

The first train in two&nbsp;months left Karachi station on Tuesday. Train service has resumed partially ahead of Eid holiday. Thirty trains will resume service in the first phase. All passengers have been&nbsp;required to wear a mask. Trains will operate at 60 per cent capacity.

Russia recorded its highest single-day death toll. 135 people died in the country in the last 24 hours. Dagestan has emerged as the new virus hotspot with over 3,600 cases and 36 deaths. At over 308,700, Russia has the world's second-highest number of coronavirus cases.

Muslim protesters prayed in Skanderbeg square against Kosovo's decision to keep mosques closed. Close to 50 people defied lockdown restrictions to hold a mass prayer. Organisers asked the participants to wear a mask &amp; maintain social distancing.

China has asked journalists to take a virus test before attending parliament events. Journalists have to undertake a nucleic acid test &amp; quarantine themselves till the test results come.

5-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo rejoined Juventus for training. Ronaldo spent the last two&nbsp;weeks in quarantine before rejoining his teammates.&nbsp;All players have been asked to respect social distancing while training.

China tested 856,128 residents of Wuhan on Tuesday. Over 467,000 were tested in the city a day earlier. Wuhan is testing its entire population to identify any asymptomatic carriers.

High school seniors donning masks have returned to schools in South Korea. Mandatory temperature checks were carried out at the entrance. Elementary, middle and high school students will rejoin in a phased manner till June 1.

High school seniors donning masks have returned to schools in South Korea. Mandatory temperature checks were carried out at the entrance. Elementary, middle and high school students will rejoin in a phased manner till June 1. Also read: New cluster of cases shows coronavirus may be mutating China’s Jilin province reported four new cases. All new cases were local transmissions. The province has reported 133 locally transmitted cases so far. 1,181 close contacts of the patients are also under observation. China’s official tally stands at 82,965. Also read: Amid rising cases, Brazil's health ministry recommends hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus cases Riot police had to be deployed in force in Paris after cars were set ablaze in some low-income housing estates. The violence was sparked by the death of an 18-year old in an accident. Residents of Cochabamba took to the streets to demand an end to nationwide lockdown. Bolivians claim lockdown has left them without food or money. Demonstrators created roadblocks using rocks & debris. The first train in two months left Karachi station on Tuesday. Train service has resumed partially ahead of Eid holiday. Thirty trains will resume service in the first phase. All passengers have been required to wear a mask. Trains will operate at 60 per cent capacity. Russia recorded its highest single-day death toll. 135 people died in the country in the last 24 hours. Dagestan has emerged as the new virus hotspot with over 3,600 cases and 36 deaths. At over 308,700, Russia has the world's second-highest number of coronavirus cases. Muslim protesters prayed in Skanderbeg square against Kosovo's decision to keep mosques closed. Close to 50 people defied lockdown restrictions to hold a mass prayer. Organisers asked the participants to wear a mask & maintain social distancing. China has asked journalists to take a virus test before attending parliament events. Journalists have to undertake a nucleic acid test & quarantine themselves till the test results come. 5-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo rejoined Juventus for training. Ronaldo spent the last two weeks in quarantine before rejoining his teammates. All players have been asked to respect social distancing while training. China tested 856,128 residents of Wuhan on Tuesday. Over 467,000 were tested in the city a day earlier. Wuhan is testing its entire population to identify any asymptomatic carriers.

Coronavirus tracker: South Korea's schools to resume, Russia witnesses spike in cases

Russia has reported 9,263 cases for the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the total tally to 299,941. The country recorded 115 deaths due to the virus taking the toll to 2,837.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-worldwide-cases-near-49-million-death-toll-at-318465-299544" hreflang="en">Covid-19 worldwide cases near 4.9 million; death toll at 318,465</a>

Russia has however seen a decline in daily cases, the country recorded cases below 10,000 for the fourth day in a row.

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has increased to over 4.8 million, while the death toll has surpassed 318,000, according to Johns Hopkins University.

As of Tuesday morning, the total number of cases stood at 4,801,282, while the death toll increased to 318,465, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

The US currently accounts for the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 15,37,830 and 90,694, respectively.

Europe reopened more widely on Monday, allowing people into the Acropolis in Greece, shops in Italy, markets and museums in Belgium, golf courses in Ireland and beer gardens in Germany while its leaders discussed how to salvage hallowed summer vacations.

Russia has reported 9,263 cases for the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the total tally to 299,941. The country recorded 115 deaths due to the virus taking the toll to 2,837.

Russia has reported 9,263 cases for the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the total tally to 299,941. The country recorded 115 deaths due to the virus taking the toll to 2,837. Also read: Covid-19 worldwide cases near 4.9 million; death toll at 318,465 Russia has however seen a decline in daily cases, the country recorded cases below 10,000 for the fourth day in a row. The overall number of global coronavirus cases has increased to over 4.8 million, while the death toll has surpassed 318,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. As of Tuesday morning, the total number of cases stood at 4,801,282, while the death toll increased to 318,465, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. The US currently accounts for the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 15,37,830 and 90,694, respectively. Europe reopened more widely on Monday, allowing people into the Acropolis in Greece, shops in Italy, markets and museums in Belgium, golf courses in Ireland and beer gardens in Germany while its leaders discussed how to salvage hallowed summer vacations.

Russia nears 300,000 coronavirus cases, reports 115 deaths in 24 hours

May 9 in history: First birth control pill, Russia's biggest military parade and more

The US Justice Department has dropped charges against Donald Trump's former aide Michael Flynn, despite his two affirmations of guilty plea.

The department said in a filing Flynn's December 2017 guilty plea for lying to the FBI in an interview over his Russia contacts was moot because the lies were not significant.

It said the FBI's original probe of him had no "legitimate investigative basis."

Interestingly, the decision by the Justice Department was led by Trump's&nbsp;close ally Attorney General Bill Barr.

It sparked accusations that Barr was undermining longstanding department policies barring interference in cases involving political cronies.

In response to the announcement, Flynn tweeted a video of his grandson reciting the US Pledge of Allegiance with the caption: "and JUSTICE for ALL".

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My grandson Travis...“and JUSTICE for ALL” ⚖️❤️🙏🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/IuOGugjOC3">pic.twitter.com/IuOGugjOC3</a>
— General Flynn (@GenFlynn) <a href="https://twitter.com/GenFlynn/status/1258495318490054661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On Thursday,&nbsp;Trump said he was "very happy for General Flynn".

Flynn was Trump's first national security adviser,&nbsp;who was fired three years ago due and convicted during the special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference.

He had pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about contacts with Russia's ambassador to the US.

The US Justice Department has dropped charges against Donald Trump's former aide Michael Flynn, despite his two affirmations of guilty plea. The department said in a filing Flynn's December 2017 guilty plea for lying to the FBI in an interview over his Russia contacts was moot because the lies were not significant.

The US Justice Department has dropped charges against Donald Trump's former aide Michael Flynn, despite his two affirmations of guilty plea. The department said in a filing Flynn's December 2017 guilty plea for lying to the FBI in an interview over his Russia contacts was moot because the lies were not significant. It said the FBI's original probe of him had no "legitimate investigative basis." Interestingly, the decision by the Justice Department was led by Trump's close ally Attorney General Bill Barr. It sparked accusations that Barr was undermining longstanding department policies barring interference in cases involving political cronies. In response to the announcement, Flynn tweeted a video of his grandson reciting the US Pledge of Allegiance with the caption: "and JUSTICE for ALL". My grandson Travis...“and JUSTICE for ALL” ⚖️❤️🙏🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/IuOGugjOC3 — General Flynn (@GenFlynn) May 7, 2020 × On Thursday, Trump said he was "very happy for General Flynn". Flynn was Trump's first national security adviser, who was fired three years ago due and convicted during the special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference. He had pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about contacts with Russia's ambassador to the US.

Charges dropped against Trump's ex-adviser, despite twice guilty affirmations

Robots will replace&nbsp;soldiers on the battlefield in Russia according to Vitaly Davydov, the deputy director of the country's Advanced Research Foundation.

Davydov said ''living fighters will gradually begin to be replaced by their robotic ‘'brothers’ who can act faster, more accurately and more selectively than people.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-to-provide-hybrid-defense-to-georgia-against-russia-296089" hreflang="en">NATO to provide 'hybrid defense' to Georgia against Russia</a>

Russia seeking to augment its existing military with new, autonomous capabilities.

The Russian Ministry of Defence is working on a new generation of combat machines for training and possible future use although some the country's robots have&nbsp;underperformed expectations in combat.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sets-a-grim-record-reports-7933-coronavirus-cases-in-a-day-296066" hreflang="en">Russia sets a grim record, reports 7,933 coronavirus cases in a day</a>

At the center of this design is an uncrewed ground vehicle called the&nbsp;Marker UGV which resembles&nbsp;a miniature tank with treads and turrets.

According to Samuel Bendett, an adviser at the Center for Naval Analysis, ''there is a still-classified Russian&nbsp;military robotics road-map that sketches out various stages of Russian unnamed military developments, which undoubtedly has been influenced by Russian military actions and experience in Syria.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-prime-minister-mikhail-mishustin-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-295929" hreflang="en">Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for coronavirus</a>

''The Ministry of Defence is discussing the eventual use of robotic swarms in combat— and Marker is definitely the platform to test that out,'' he added.

Russia plans to test&nbsp;swarms of ground robots&nbsp;later in 2020. United States also has&nbsp;many robotic programs under way .

Robots will replace soldiers on the battlefield in Russia according to Vitaly Davydov, the deputy director of the country's Advanced Research Foundation. Davydov said ''living fighters will gradually begin to be replaced by their robotic ‘'brothers’ who can act faster, more accurately and more selectively than people.

Robots will replace soldiers on the battlefield in Russia according to Vitaly Davydov, the deputy director of the country's Advanced Research Foundation. Davydov said ''living fighters will gradually begin to be replaced by their robotic ‘'brothers’ who can act faster, more accurately and more selectively than people.'' Also read: NATO to provide 'hybrid defense' to Georgia against Russia Russia seeking to augment its existing military with new, autonomous capabilities. The Russian Ministry of Defence is working on a new generation of combat machines for training and possible future use although some the country's robots have underperformed expectations in combat. Also read: Russia sets a grim record, reports 7,933 coronavirus cases in a day At the center of this design is an uncrewed ground vehicle called the Marker UGV which resembles a miniature tank with treads and turrets. According to Samuel Bendett, an adviser at the Center for Naval Analysis, ''there is a still-classified Russian military robotics road-map that sketches out various stages of Russian unnamed military developments, which undoubtedly has been influenced by Russian military actions and experience in Syria.'' Also read: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for coronavirus ''The Ministry of Defence is discussing the eventual use of robotic swarms in combat— and Marker is definitely the platform to test that out,'' he added. Russia plans to test swarms of ground robots later in 2020. United States also has many robotic programs under way .

Russia: Robotic swarms will replace soldiers in combat

Russia said Monday that the permanent members of the UN Security Council have agreed to hold a video conference on the coronavirus pandemic. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that "all the leaders of the other countries of the 'five' have supported this initiative.

Russia said Monday that the permanent members of the UN Security Council have agreed to hold a video conference on the coronavirus pandemic. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that "all the leaders of the other countries of the 'five' have supported this initiative." The five permanent UN Security Council members (the "P5"), a powerful group that can stop any resolution, are Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States. Lavrov said "the 'five' is considering now how to make its own contribution to creating ways to fight the coronavirus." "With this aim, a video conference has been agreed in principle. Now it's being decided on what precise day it could happen," the diplomat said in an online address. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists a date had not been set yet. The Security Council has been largely silent since the start of the pandemic, silenced by strong divisions between the permanent members -- notably, the United States, China and Russia. The United States and China have engaged in a war of words over COVID-19's origins, while Russia and China are not keen to see the Security Council treat the issue as more than a health and economic matter. Putin discussed holding a video summit during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month, the Kremlin said. The Russian foreign ministry said at the time that Lavrov had "agreed to closely cooperate" on summit preparations with US counterpart Mike Pompeo. Macron and US President Donald Trump urged talks between P5 leaders early this month. The Security Council is finally expected this week to adopt its first resolution on the pandemic, amid calls for intensified international cooperation. A draft resolution jointly proposed by Tunisia and permanent member France, calls for "enhanced coordination among all countries," a "cessation of hostilities" and a "humanitarian pause" in countries in conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a global ceasefire last month.

UN Security Council members agree on virus video summit: Russia

Russia has formally protested to the Czech Foreign Ministry over a media report claiming that their spies may have plotted to poison the mayor of Prague and another local official.

Respekt weekly had, on Monday, claimed that Czech intelligence services suspected a Russian agent was sent to Prague three weeks ago to poison Prague mayor Zdenek Hrib and Prague 6 district's Mayor Ondrej Kolar with ricin -- a highly potent toxin.

The Russian embassy in Prague, to this end, clarified in a statement: "The allegations in the story are absolutely baseless and designed to 'discredit' Russia."

Hrib and Kolar have both angered Moscow and both have been strongly criticised recently by Russian officials.

(with inputs)

Russia has formally protested to the Czech Foreign Ministry over a media report claiming that their spies may have plotted to poison the mayor of Prague and another local official.

Russia has formally protested to the Czech Foreign Ministry over a media report claiming that their spies may have plotted to poison the mayor of Prague and another local official. Respekt weekly had, on Monday, claimed that Czech intelligence services suspected a Russian agent was sent to Prague three weeks ago to poison Prague mayor Zdenek Hrib and Prague 6 district's Mayor Ondrej Kolar with ricin -- a highly potent toxin. The Russian embassy in Prague, to this end, clarified in a statement: "The allegations in the story are absolutely baseless and designed to 'discredit' Russia." Hrib and Kolar have both angered Moscow and both have been strongly criticised recently by Russian officials. (with inputs)

Russia dismisses reports of plot to poison Prague mayor

Russia saw a record daily rise in new coronavirus cases and related deaths on Tuesday, its coronavirus crisis response centre said, with data suggesting the world's biggest country by territory has overtaken China and Iran in confirmed infections.

The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia rose by 6,411 on Tuesday, bringing its nationwide tally to 93,558. The number of deaths rose by 72, also a daily record, taking the total number of fatalities to 867.

The figures mean Russia now ranks eighth worldwide for the number of confirmed cases, though it still has far fewer related deaths than the other most affected countries, which include the United States, many European nations, Iran, China and Turkey.

Russia's total population of 147 million is scattered across 11 time zones and 85 regions. The coronavirus data includes the Crimea peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

The country has been on lockdown since late March, and President Vladimir Putin has yet to say whether this will be extended beyond the current expiry date of April 30. The lockdown is estimated to cost Russia 0.5 percentage points of its gross domestic product every week.

Putin is due to deliver a speech later on Tuesday, the Kremlin said.

Russia enters two sets of long public holidays from Friday to May 11, with only three working days in between which many usually prefer to take off as well and to spend nearly two weeks outside the big cities.

Yandex, Russia's top search engine, has recently introduced a special self-isolation index which tracks people's activity based on Yandex apps, including maps, taxi, food delivery and others.

On Tuesday it stood at 3 of the maximum 5 for Moscow, a city of nearly 13 million where the number of confirmed infections is close to 50,000, meaning there are a lot of people on the streets.

Although Moscow's index is better than an average in nearly 300 other Russian cities that Yandex tracks, it went down this week from early April, indicating that people are starting to disregard the lockdown restrictions.

Moscow, the epicentre of the pandemic in Russia, has introduced special barcodes for private cars and public transport since mid-April to curb people's movements - a practice set to be extended to 21 other Russian regions.

Russia is rushing to turn regular hospitals into coronavirus-focused facilities, as well as building new medical spots and turning large public places into temporary hospitals.

Anna Popova, the head of Russia's safety watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, told state television on Monday that, in her view, restrictions should remain in place until May 12.

Russia saw a record daily rise in new coronavirus cases and related deaths on Tuesday, its coronavirus crisis response centre said, with data suggesting the world's biggest country by territory has overtaken China and Iran in confirmed infections.

Russia saw a record daily rise in new coronavirus cases and related deaths on Tuesday, its coronavirus crisis response centre said, with data suggesting the world's biggest country by territory has overtaken China and Iran in confirmed infections. The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia rose by 6,411 on Tuesday, bringing its nationwide tally to 93,558. The number of deaths rose by 72, also a daily record, taking the total number of fatalities to 867. The figures mean Russia now ranks eighth worldwide for the number of confirmed cases, though it still has far fewer related deaths than the other most affected countries, which include the United States, many European nations, Iran, China and Turkey. Russia's total population of 147 million is scattered across 11 time zones and 85 regions. The coronavirus data includes the Crimea peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The country has been on lockdown since late March, and President Vladimir Putin has yet to say whether this will be extended beyond the current expiry date of April 30. The lockdown is estimated to cost Russia 0.5 percentage points of its gross domestic product every week. Putin is due to deliver a speech later on Tuesday, the Kremlin said. Russia enters two sets of long public holidays from Friday to May 11, with only three working days in between which many usually prefer to take off as well and to spend nearly two weeks outside the big cities. Yandex, Russia's top search engine, has recently introduced a special self-isolation index which tracks people's activity based on Yandex apps, including maps, taxi, food delivery and others. On Tuesday it stood at 3 of the maximum 5 for Moscow, a city of nearly 13 million where the number of confirmed infections is close to 50,000, meaning there are a lot of people on the streets. Although Moscow's index is better than an average in nearly 300 other Russian cities that Yandex tracks, it went down this week from early April, indicating that people are starting to disregard the lockdown restrictions. Moscow, the epicentre of the pandemic in Russia, has introduced special barcodes for private cars and public transport since mid-April to curb people's movements - a practice set to be extended to 21 other Russian regions. Russia is rushing to turn regular hospitals into coronavirus-focused facilities, as well as building new medical spots and turning large public places into temporary hospitals. Anna Popova, the head of Russia's safety watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, told state television on Monday that, in her view, restrictions should remain in place until May 12.

Russia sees record rise in coronavirus cases, deaths

Russia has officially surpassed China in terms of coronavirus cases. The country reported 6,198 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday taking the total tally to 87,147.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-positive-cases-near-3-million-mark-globally-death-toll-passes-2-lacs-294998">COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lacs</a>

Russia has also reported 50 deaths in the last 24 hours. Yet another country has surpassed China, who currently has 82,830 cases of coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The coronavirus cases worldwide are set to cross the three million mark with 2,971,831 people infected worldwide and 206,553 people killed due to this pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-complaints-of-faulty-kits-by-several-nations-china-confiscates-89-million-face-masks-294838" hreflang="en">Amid complaints of faulty kits by several nations, China confiscates 89 million face masks</a>

Around 868,480 people of that tally have recovered. The United States of America remains the worst-hit country followed by Spain and Italy.&nbsp;

The United States has recorded 1,330 novel coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, according to figures reported late Sunday by the Johns Hopkins University.

The country now has an overall death toll of 55,415, with 964,937 confirmed infections, according to a tally by the Baltimore-based institution at 8:30 pm.

The 24-hour US death toll was 2,494 late Saturday, and 1,258 on Friday evening -- the lowest in nearly three weeks -- as the government struggles to quell the virus.

On the other hand, Wuhan which was the initial epicentre and also suspected to be the origin of COVID-19 has now discharged all its patients.&nbsp;

Russia has officially surpassed China in terms of coronavirus cases. The country reported 6,198 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday taking the total tally to 87,147.

Russia has officially surpassed China in terms of coronavirus cases. The country reported 6,198 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday taking the total tally to 87,147. Also read: COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lacs Russia has also reported 50 deaths in the last 24 hours. Yet another country has surpassed China, who currently has 82,830 cases of coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus cases worldwide are set to cross the three million mark with 2,971,831 people infected worldwide and 206,553 people killed due to this pandemic. Also read: Amid complaints of faulty kits by several nations, China confiscates 89 million face masks Around 868,480 people of that tally have recovered. The United States of America remains the worst-hit country followed by Spain and Italy. The United States has recorded 1,330 novel coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, according to figures reported late Sunday by the Johns Hopkins University. The country now has an overall death toll of 55,415, with 964,937 confirmed infections, according to a tally by the Baltimore-based institution at 8:30 pm. The 24-hour US death toll was 2,494 late Saturday, and 1,258 on Friday evening -- the lowest in nearly three weeks -- as the government struggles to quell the virus. On the other hand, Wuhan which was the initial epicentre and also suspected to be the origin of COVID-19 has now discharged all its patients.

Russia crosses China in terms of COVID-19 cases, reports 50 deaths in one day

Russia's opposition has called for an online protest next week to press the Kremlin for financial aid for people struggling under the coronavirus lockdown, reported news agency AFP.

During an online Youtube rally next Tuesday, Moscow councillors Yulia Galyamina, Ilya Azar and their allies also plan to seek an amnesty for prisoners and oppose President Vladimir Putin's plan to change the constitution in a move that could allow him to stay in power until 2036, the report added.

Putin has been forced to defer a key vote on the proposed amendment.

"We demand that the president and the Russian government adopt emergency measures to save people during the crisis," the organisers said in a manifesto posted on Galyamina's Facebook page.

The organisers invited supporters to send them "virtual" placards that will be shown live during the protest.

The fall in oil price and coronavirus pandemic has hit the country's economy and left many Russians without jobs.&nbsp;

The Russian President&nbsp;has urged Russians to stay home and told their employers to continue paying their salaries but given the companies little tangible support.

Anger is growing due to lack of support from the government for ordinary people and for small and medium-sized businesses.

Some are also concerned that many medics and clinics complain of protective gear shortages.

Russia on Tuesday reported 52,763 coronavirus cases and 456 fatalities, and Putin has warned that the peak has not yet passed.

(With inputs from AFP)

Russia's opposition has called for an online protest next week to press the Kremlin for financial aid for people struggling under the coronavirus lockdown, reported news agency AFP.

Russia's opposition has called for an online protest next week to press the Kremlin for financial aid for people struggling under the coronavirus lockdown, reported news agency AFP. During an online Youtube rally next Tuesday, Moscow councillors Yulia Galyamina, Ilya Azar and their allies also plan to seek an amnesty for prisoners and oppose President Vladimir Putin's plan to change the constitution in a move that could allow him to stay in power until 2036, the report added. Putin has been forced to defer a key vote on the proposed amendment. "We demand that the president and the Russian government adopt emergency measures to save people during the crisis," the organisers said in a manifesto posted on Galyamina's Facebook page. The organisers invited supporters to send them "virtual" placards that will be shown live during the protest. The fall in oil price and coronavirus pandemic has hit the country's economy and left many Russians without jobs. The Russian President has urged Russians to stay home and told their employers to continue paying their salaries but given the companies little tangible support. Anger is growing due to lack of support from the government for ordinary people and for small and medium-sized businesses. Some are also concerned that many medics and clinics complain of protective gear shortages. Russia on Tuesday reported 52,763 coronavirus cases and 456 fatalities, and Putin has warned that the peak has not yet passed. (With inputs from AFP)

Russian opposition calls for online protest against lockdown

The oil producting countries have finally agreed upon a production cut. As per the historic deal signed today, 10 per cent of the global oil supply would be cut. After a lot of hiccups, Organization of Petroleum Exporting countries (OPEC), and its allies led by Russia reached this deal.&nbsp;

However, the deal got a tepid reaction. The two leading benchmarks of oil sellers and buyers, Brent Crude and West Texas Intermediate remained unmoved in trade today.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-opec-allies-ink-historic-oil-deal-292334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

What is the historic deal?

As per the deal, the production cut of oil supply will be nine million barrels per day for May and June. The cut is four times more of what was undertaken post 2008 financial crisis.&nbsp;

However, this might not be enough as experts predict a drop in demand of over 30 million barrels a day just in the month of April.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/covid-19-a-crisis-manufactured-292248">COVID-19: A crisis manufactured?</a>

Why the demand of oil dropped?

During the beginning of 2020, oil prices were in between 65 to 70 dollars per barrel. When coronavirus hit China, the factories began to shut, which led to a slide in oil prices. China is the biggest consumer of oil in the world.&nbsp;

On March 13, the oil market began to witness its worst slide in over a decade when the&nbsp;World Health Organization (WHO) declared Europe as the new epicentre of the epidemic. Now, the oil market has collapsed with prices dropping to 25 dollars per barrel.&nbsp;

The hindrances in the deal

The deal came after a lot of tensions between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Initially, Russia's Vladimir Putin rejected the deal and started a price war with Saudi Arabia. The US intervened as America was also suffering from losses from Shale oil reserves. US President Donald Trump urged Putin and Saudi Crown Pricne Mohammed bin Salman to work together to strike a deal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The oil producting countries have finally agreed upon a production cut. As per the historic deal signed today, 10 per cent of the global oil supply would be cut.

The oil producting countries have finally agreed upon a production cut. As per the historic deal signed today, 10 per cent of the global oil supply would be cut. After a lot of hiccups, Organization of Petroleum Exporting countries (OPEC), and its allies led by Russia reached this deal. However, the deal got a tepid reaction. The two leading benchmarks of oil sellers and buyers, Brent Crude and West Texas Intermediate remained unmoved in trade today. Watch | What is the historic deal? As per the deal, the production cut of oil supply will be nine million barrels per day for May and June. The cut is four times more of what was undertaken post 2008 financial crisis. However, this might not be enough as experts predict a drop in demand of over 30 million barrels a day just in the month of April. Also read | COVID-19: A crisis manufactured? Why the demand of oil dropped? During the beginning of 2020, oil prices were in between 65 to 70 dollars per barrel. When coronavirus hit China, the factories began to shut, which led to a slide in oil prices. China is the biggest consumer of oil in the world. On March 13, the oil market began to witness its worst slide in over a decade when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Europe as the new epicentre of the epidemic. Now, the oil market has collapsed with prices dropping to 25 dollars per barrel. The hindrances in the deal The deal came after a lot of tensions between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Initially, Russia's Vladimir Putin rejected the deal and started a price war with Saudi Arabia. The US intervened as America was also suffering from losses from Shale oil reserves. US President Donald Trump urged Putin and Saudi Crown Pricne Mohammed bin Salman to work together to strike a deal.

EXPLAINED: What is the historic oil deal all about?

Oil prices rallied Monday after top producers agreed to slash output and shore up coronavirus-ravaged energy markets, but some analysts were concerned the cuts did not go far enough.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate was up 7.7 percent at $24.52 a barrel in Asian trade while Brent crude, the international benchmark, put on 5.0 percent to $33.08 a barrel.&nbsp;

OPEC producers dominated by Saudi Arabia and allies led by Russia met via videoconference for an hour Sunday in a last effort to cement a deal struck early Friday.&nbsp;

It still required Mexico's agreement and in a compromise reached Sunday they agreed to a cut of 9.7 million barrels per day from May, according to its Energy Minister Rocio Nahle, down slightly from 10 million barrels per day envisioned earlier.&nbsp;

OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo called the cuts "historic".&nbsp;

Oil markets have been in turmoil for weeks as lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed worldwide to combat the virus outbreak strangle demand, with a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia compounding the crisis.

While Monday's price rises were healthy, they were not as strong as the double-digit jumps and falls of recent weeks in a highly volatile market, and analysts were sceptical the deal went far enough.&nbsp;

The amount being cut was slightly lower than had been expected, and observers said it would not make up for expected demand loss due to the virus outbreak. Some analysts are putting this at about 25 million barrels per day in April.&nbsp;

In addition, storage tanks worldwide are rapidly filling up.&nbsp;

"The deal is a little less than the market expected given that Mexico has gotten off easy," Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates LLC in Houston, told Bloomberg News.

"The hard work lies ahead given that the market is very sceptical that OPEC+ are actually going to be able to come up with their near 10 million barrels a day of production cuts."

AxiCorp's Stephen Innes added that "there remain concerns the agreement could be a day late and a 'barrel short' to prevent a decline in prices in the coming weeks as storage capacity brims".&nbsp;

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Oil prices rallied Monday after top producers agreed to slash output and shore up coronavirus-ravaged energy markets, but some analysts were concerned the cuts did not go far enough.

Oil prices rallied Monday after top producers agreed to slash output and shore up coronavirus-ravaged energy markets, but some analysts were concerned the cuts did not go far enough. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate was up 7.7 percent at $24.52 a barrel in Asian trade while Brent crude, the international benchmark, put on 5.0 percent to $33.08 a barrel. OPEC producers dominated by Saudi Arabia and allies led by Russia met via videoconference for an hour Sunday in a last effort to cement a deal struck early Friday. It still required Mexico's agreement and in a compromise reached Sunday they agreed to a cut of 9.7 million barrels per day from May, according to its Energy Minister Rocio Nahle, down slightly from 10 million barrels per day envisioned earlier. OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo called the cuts "historic". Oil markets have been in turmoil for weeks as lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed worldwide to combat the virus outbreak strangle demand, with a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia compounding the crisis. While Monday's price rises were healthy, they were not as strong as the double-digit jumps and falls of recent weeks in a highly volatile market, and analysts were sceptical the deal went far enough. The amount being cut was slightly lower than had been expected, and observers said it would not make up for expected demand loss due to the virus outbreak. Some analysts are putting this at about 25 million barrels per day in April. In addition, storage tanks worldwide are rapidly filling up. "The deal is a little less than the market expected given that Mexico has gotten off easy," Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates LLC in Houston, told Bloomberg News. "The hard work lies ahead given that the market is very sceptical that OPEC+ are actually going to be able to come up with their near 10 million barrels a day of production cuts." AxiCorp's Stephen Innes added that "there remain concerns the agreement could be a day late and a 'barrel short' to prevent a decline in prices in the coming weeks as storage capacity brims".

Oil rallies as top producers agree massive output cuts

A UN board of inquiry investigating attacks on civilian establishments in Syria, including hospitals, has refrained from directly holding Russia responsible, according to a summary of its report published Monday.

The coordinates of the sites had been communicated to the belligerents by the United Nations to protect them from air strikes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-victory-day-rehearsals-continue-despite-coronavirus-crisis-290914" hreflang="en">Russia: Victory Day rehearsals continue despite coronavirus crisis</a>

Without mentioning Russia, the investigation concluded that in four out of the seven cases studied by the board -- a school, a health center, a surgical hospital and a protection center -- "the government of Syria and/or its allies had carried out the airstrike."

In 2019, The New York Times published an exhaustive investigation, notably including recordings of Russian pilots, that directly incriminated Russia in attacks on hospitals in Syria.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-impact-is-covid-19-having-on-war-torn-areas-like-yemen-syria-libya-290652">What impact is COVID-19 having on war-torn areas like Yemen, Syria, Libya</a>

''The refusal to explicitly name Russia as a responsible party working alongside the Syrian government... is deeply disappointing," Human Rights Watch said after the summary was published.

The UN commission chose seven cases, but its investigators were unable to visit the sites because the Syrian government did not grant visas.

The cases included the Martyr Akram Ali Ibrahim Al-Ahmad school in Madiq Castle on April 2018, 2019, and the Rakaya Sijneh health center on May 3.

There were no victims in either case. The report said it was highly likely the raids were conducted by Syria or its allies.

The commission also looked at the Kafr Nabutha health center (May 7), which had no victims and was also likely conducted by Syria and its allies.

A UN board of inquiry investigating attacks on civilian establishments in Syria, including hospitals, has refrained from directly holding Russia responsible, according to a summary of its report published Monday.

A UN board of inquiry investigating attacks on civilian establishments in Syria, including hospitals, has refrained from directly holding Russia responsible, according to a summary of its report published Monday. The coordinates of the sites had been communicated to the belligerents by the United Nations to protect them from air strikes. Also read: Russia: Victory Day rehearsals continue despite coronavirus crisis Without mentioning Russia, the investigation concluded that in four out of the seven cases studied by the board -- a school, a health center, a surgical hospital and a protection center -- "the government of Syria and/or its allies had carried out the airstrike." In 2019, The New York Times published an exhaustive investigation, notably including recordings of Russian pilots, that directly incriminated Russia in attacks on hospitals in Syria. Also read: What impact is COVID-19 having on war-torn areas like Yemen, Syria, Libya ''The refusal to explicitly name Russia as a responsible party working alongside the Syrian government... is deeply disappointing," Human Rights Watch said after the summary was published. The UN commission chose seven cases, but its investigators were unable to visit the sites because the Syrian government did not grant visas. The cases included the Martyr Akram Ali Ibrahim Al-Ahmad school in Madiq Castle on April 2018, 2019, and the Rakaya Sijneh health center on May 3. There were no victims in either case. The report said it was highly likely the raids were conducted by Syria or its allies. The commission also looked at the Kafr Nabutha health center (May 7), which had no victims and was also likely conducted by Syria and its allies.

UN refrains from directly blaming Russia for Syria hospital attacks

In the first-ever time in its history, the United States on Monday declared a white supremacist group of Russia as a foreign terrorist organisation.&nbsp;

The State Department said that the Russian Imperial Movement runs paramilitary training camps in St. Petersburg and has attracted neo-Nazis from across the globe.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reports-136-new-deaths-as-authorities-say-gradual-downtrend-in-coronvirus-cases-290927">Iran reports 136 new deaths as authorities say 'gradual downtrend' in coronvirus cases</a>

This is the first time the US has declared a white supremacist group as a terror organisation, a tool that is traditionally used against Islamist radicals.

“These designations are unprecedented,” Nathan Sales, US Counter-Terrorism, envoy, in a statement, said.

This decision came after the State Department in its last annual terrorism report last November said ethnically and racially driven terrorism had jumped alarmingly in 2018 both worldwide and in the US.&nbsp;

Russian Imperial Movement’s (RIM) recognize themselves as Russian Orthodox nationalists who support restoring the monarchy and privileging the interests of ethnic Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarussians.

With such designations, the US typically freezes assets of the blacklisted group in the country and bars any countrymen to financially transact with such a group.&nbsp;

Sales cited a series of attacks from late 2016 in the Swedish city of Gothenburg carried out by two people from RIM, adding that the individuals were trained in Russia.&nbsp;

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In the first-ever time in its history, the United States on Monday declared a white supremacist group of Russia as a foreign terrorist organisation. The State Department said that the Russian Imperial Movement runs paramilitary training camps in St.

In the first-ever time in its history, the United States on Monday declared a white supremacist group of Russia as a foreign terrorist organisation. The State Department said that the Russian Imperial Movement runs paramilitary training camps in St. Petersburg and has attracted neo-Nazis from across the globe. Also read | Iran reports 136 new deaths as authorities say 'gradual downtrend' in coronvirus cases This is the first time the US has declared a white supremacist group as a terror organisation, a tool that is traditionally used against Islamist radicals. “These designations are unprecedented,” Nathan Sales, US Counter-Terrorism, envoy, in a statement, said. This decision came after the State Department in its last annual terrorism report last November said ethnically and racially driven terrorism had jumped alarmingly in 2018 both worldwide and in the US. Russian Imperial Movement’s (RIM) recognize themselves as Russian Orthodox nationalists who support restoring the monarchy and privileging the interests of ethnic Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarussians. With such designations, the US typically freezes assets of the blacklisted group in the country and bars any countrymen to financially transact with such a group. Sales cited a series of attacks from late 2016 in the Swedish city of Gothenburg carried out by two people from RIM, adding that the individuals were trained in Russia.

In a first, US declares white supremacist group as terrorist organisation

At a time when concerns over a massive surge in coronavirus outbreak remain, Russia continued holding rehearsals for its Victory Day parade.&nbsp;

Russia's coronavirus tally so far stands at 6,342, a rise of 954 cases in the last 24 hours, its crisis response centre said on Monday. At least 47 people have died due to coronavirus in Russia.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-in-good-spirits-after-being-hospitalised-due-to-covid-19-290908">British PM Boris Johnson in 'good spirits' after being hospitalised due to COVID-19</a>

The Victory Day parade is scheduled for May 9 and France President Emmanuel Macron is amongst the world leaders who have been invited to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of second world war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-reports-fewer-than-50-coronavirus-cases-who-lauds-nations-response-290895">South Korea reports fewer than 50 coronavirus cases; WHO lauds nation's response</a>

The event holds significance for the Russian president who currently faces isolation largely by the&nbsp;West.&nbsp;

However, the preparations could worsen the COVID-19 situation in Moscow as the city remains the epicentre of the outbreak with 591 new cases.&nbsp;

Moscow is under lockdown since last week and many regions across the country have adopted similar measures to curb the spread.&nbsp;

In an online video, nearly 15,000 soldiers are seen present inside a parade ground outside Moscow, where Russia's defence ministry earlier confirmed it is organising rehearsals for the event.&nbsp;

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Video purportedly of Russian troops at the Victory Day Parade rehearsals in Alabino who aren't quite meeting the 1.5 meter social distancing requirement instituted by local officials.<a href="https://t.co/Zhut8EX9gt">https://t.co/Zhut8EX9gt</a> <a href="https://t.co/JIQLTPFUMQ">pic.twitter.com/JIQLTPFUMQ</a>
— Rob Lee (@RALee85) <a href="https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1245630198885650432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A new website was censured over claims of violating regulations of fake news after it reported that the parade might be cancelled in one Russian region due to COVID-19. &nbsp;

“May 9th is a sacred date for millions upon millions in Russia and CIS countries,” a foreign ministry handle wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

“The Victory Day parade is scheduled (sanitary measures taken) and will march on Red Square.”

Victory Day is one of the most important events in Russia and the Western nations have given it a miss since 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea. The distances grew even more after Moscow's alleged meddling in the US elections and the poisoning of Russian intel officer Sergei Skripal in 2018 in Salisbury in the UK.&nbsp; 
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At a time when concerns over a massive surge in coronavirus outbreak remain, Russia continued holding rehearsals for its Victory Day parade. Russia's coronavirus tally so far stands at 6,342, a rise of 954 cases in the last 24 hours, its crisis response centre said on Monday.

At a time when concerns over a massive surge in coronavirus outbreak remain, Russia continued holding rehearsals for its Victory Day parade. Russia's coronavirus tally so far stands at 6,342, a rise of 954 cases in the last 24 hours, its crisis response centre said on Monday. At least 47 people have died due to coronavirus in Russia. Also read | British PM Boris Johnson in 'good spirits' after being hospitalised due to COVID-19 The Victory Day parade is scheduled for May 9 and France President Emmanuel Macron is amongst the world leaders who have been invited to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of second world war. Also read | South Korea reports fewer than 50 coronavirus cases; WHO lauds nation's response The event holds significance for the Russian president who currently faces isolation largely by the West. However, the preparations could worsen the COVID-19 situation in Moscow as the city remains the epicentre of the outbreak with 591 new cases. Moscow is under lockdown since last week and many regions across the country have adopted similar measures to curb the spread. In an online video, nearly 15,000 soldiers are seen present inside a parade ground outside Moscow, where Russia's defence ministry earlier confirmed it is organising rehearsals for the event. Video purportedly of Russian troops at the Victory Day Parade rehearsals in Alabino who aren't quite meeting the 1.5 meter social distancing requirement instituted by local officials.https://t.co/Zhut8EX9gt pic.twitter.com/JIQLTPFUMQ — Rob Lee (@RALee85) April 2, 2020 × A new website was censured over claims of violating regulations of fake news after it reported that the parade might be cancelled in one Russian region due to COVID-19. “May 9th is a sacred date for millions upon millions in Russia and CIS countries,” a foreign ministry handle wrote on Twitter. “The Victory Day parade is scheduled (sanitary measures taken) and will march on Red Square.” Victory Day is one of the most important events in Russia and the Western nations have given it a miss since 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea. The distances grew even more after Moscow's alleged meddling in the US elections and the poisoning of Russian intel officer Sergei Skripal in 2018 in Salisbury in the UK.

Russia: Victory Day rehearsals continue despite coronavirus crisis

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