President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;is taking precautions to protect himself against coronavirus, the Kremlin said on Wednesday, as Moscow authorities launched a smartphone app designed to track people who have been ordered to stay home because of the virus.

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Putin&nbsp;will hold a government meeting later on Wednesday by video conference, the Kremlin said, a day after a doctor who met him last week said he had been diagnosed with the highly infectious virus.

Denis Protsenko last week gave&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;a tour of Moscow's main coronavirus hospital and shook hands with the Russian leader. Protsenko is now self-isolating in his office.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/did-russia-have-prior-knowledge-of-coronavirus-pandemic-289707">Did Russia have prior knowledge of coronavirus pandemic?</a>

The Kremlin, which has said that everything is fine with&nbsp;Putin's health, said the president was now keeping his distance from other people and preferred to work remotely.

Asked if&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;had changed the way he greeted people and was now keeping a distance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said:

"Of course, now everyone is maintaining a social distance. Everyone is doing this."

Russia expanded its coronavirus lockdown on Wednesday to cover more of its sprawling territory as the official tally of infections rose to 2,777, a one-day increase of 440. Twenty-four people have so far died in Russia, authorities say.

Moscow, a bustling metropolis of more than 12.5 million that has become the epicentre of Russia's outbreak, has come to an eerie standstill since announcing a partial lockdown on Sunday.

Residents can leave their homes only to buy food or medicine nearby, get urgent medical treatment, walk the dog or empty their bins. Red Square was largely empty on Tuesday except for police who stopped occasional passersby to check their papers.

On Wednesday, a Moscow city official said authorities had developed a smartphone app for residents who have contracted the virus that would allow officials to monitor their movements. The app will be available from Thursday, the official, Eduard Lysenko, told the Ekho Moskvy radio station.

The Russian capital is also preparing to roll out a QR-code system where each resident that registers online will be assigned a unique code that they can show to police officers if stopped when going to the shop or the chemist, he said.

Both measures appeared in an unconfirmed draft blueprint for a city-wide surveillance system that was circulated online this week. Kremlin critics said it risked turning Moscow into a "digital concentration camp".

Lysenko said that anyone without a device that is able to download the tracking app would be lent one by city authorities that they would later return.

Eight southern Russian regions rolled out lockdown measures similar to Moscow on Wednesday, meaning that over two thirds of Russia's more than 80 regions are now in a state of partial lockdown.

President Vladimir Putin is taking precautions to protect himself against coronavirus, the Kremlin said on Wednesday, as Moscow authorities launched a smartphone app designed to track people who have been ordered to stay home because of the virus.

President Vladimir Putin is taking precautions to protect himself against coronavirus, the Kremlin said on Wednesday, as Moscow authorities launched a smartphone app designed to track people who have been ordered to stay home because of the virus. Also read: Russian doctor who met Prez Putin a week ago tests positive for COVID-19 Putin will hold a government meeting later on Wednesday by video conference, the Kremlin said, a day after a doctor who met him last week said he had been diagnosed with the highly infectious virus. Denis Protsenko last week gave Putin a tour of Moscow's main coronavirus hospital and shook hands with the Russian leader. Protsenko is now self-isolating in his office. Also see: Did Russia have prior knowledge of coronavirus pandemic? The Kremlin, which has said that everything is fine with Putin's health, said the president was now keeping his distance from other people and preferred to work remotely. Asked if Putin had changed the way he greeted people and was now keeping a distance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "Of course, now everyone is maintaining a social distance. Everyone is doing this." Russia expanded its coronavirus lockdown on Wednesday to cover more of its sprawling territory as the official tally of infections rose to 2,777, a one-day increase of 440. Twenty-four people have so far died in Russia, authorities say. Moscow, a bustling metropolis of more than 12.5 million that has become the epicentre of Russia's outbreak, has come to an eerie standstill since announcing a partial lockdown on Sunday. Residents can leave their homes only to buy food or medicine nearby, get urgent medical treatment, walk the dog or empty their bins. Red Square was largely empty on Tuesday except for police who stopped occasional passersby to check their papers. On Wednesday, a Moscow city official said authorities had developed a smartphone app for residents who have contracted the virus that would allow officials to monitor their movements. The app will be available from Thursday, the official, Eduard Lysenko, told the Ekho Moskvy radio station. The Russian capital is also preparing to roll out a QR-code system where each resident that registers online will be assigned a unique code that they can show to police officers if stopped when going to the shop or the chemist, he said. Both measures appeared in an unconfirmed draft blueprint for a city-wide surveillance system that was circulated online this week. Kremlin critics said it risked turning Moscow into a "digital concentration camp". Lysenko said that anyone without a device that is able to download the tracking app would be lent one by city authorities that they would later return. Eight southern Russian regions rolled out lockdown measures similar to Moscow on Wednesday, meaning that over two thirds of Russia's more than 80 regions are now in a state of partial lockdown.

Putin takes coronavirus precautions as Moscow unveils tracking app

Moscow, with its more than 12 million people, went into lockdown on Monday while other parts of Russia moved to introduce similar steps to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

The enforcement of the strict new rules, which Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin suddenly announced late Sunday, coincided with the beginning of a "non-working" week declared by President Vladimir Putin.

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"The situation is certainly serious and everyone should take this very seriously," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Moscow, which has become the epicentre of the contagion in Russia, announced the new measures after many Muscovites failed to heed recommendations to self-isolate and instead went to parks for barbecues at the weekend.

On Monday, Red Square in the heart of Moscow was eerily empty, while the streets of Europe's most populous city were quiet even though traffic could still be seen on the roads.

Patriarch Ponds, a popular central park, was deserted in the morning except for a lone woman walking her corgi. Police cars drove slowly through the streets, looking out for Muscovites breaking the rules.&nbsp;

Anna, a 36-year-old web designer living in south Moscow, said the lockdown would be hard for her and her five-year-old daughter.&nbsp;

"But I don't want Arina to get sick," she told AFP while on her way to buy some bread. "So of course we will observe the quarantine."

But some were in no hurry to take the new rules to heart. Three teenagers flouted social distancing rules, walking and laughing together.

"Staying home with our parents will kill us quicker than the coronavirus," said one teen as the others nodded.

Regions eye lockdowns&nbsp;

Muscovites are now only allowed to leave their homes in cases of a medical emergency, to travel to jobs judged essential, and to go to local grocery stores and pharmacies which need to enforce social distancing.

People are also allowed to take out the trash and walk their dogs.

Over the past 24 hours, Russia has recorded 302 new cases -- the biggest daily increase so far -- taking the national tally to 1,835 cases of coronavirus and nine deaths.

But the real number of infected people is believed to be higher and critics have rounded on authorities for not proposing tougher measures sooner.

At a government meeting, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin asked regional authorities to prepare for Moscow-style lockdowns, saying it was important to pre-empt a major outbreak.

At least eight regions including the Western exclave region of Kaliningrad have already imposed or were preparing to impose strict quarantines.&nbsp;

Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov was the first regional leader to announce a lockdown last week, banning non-residents from entering the once restive region.

Masked men in black uniforms were policing streets in Chechnya armed with white clubs, according to a video published by independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta.

In a rare televised address last Wednesday, Putin announced that Russians would not be required to go to work this week, but would still get paid.

He also postponed an upcoming public vote on constitutional reforms that would allow him to stay in power until 2036.

'Pray at home'&nbsp;

The powerful Russian Orthodox Church, which had initially said authorities had no right to close churches, finally fell into line on Sunday, with Patriarch Kirill calling on the faithful to pray at home.

"You can be saved without going to church," he told believers in an address.

The new isolation rules, which will be policed by a vast system of facial-recognition cameras in Moscow, came into force as Russia also closed its borders.

&nbsp;

Moscow, with its more than 12 million people, went into lockdown on Monday while other parts of Russia moved to introduce similar steps to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

Moscow, with its more than 12 million people, went into lockdown on Monday while other parts of Russia moved to introduce similar steps to curb the coronavirus outbreak. The enforcement of the strict new rules, which Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin suddenly announced late Sunday, coincided with the beginning of a "non-working" week declared by President Vladimir Putin. Also read | As cases cross 1,500 mark, Russia starts building a dedicated COVID-19 hospital "The situation is certainly serious and everyone should take this very seriously," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Moscow, which has become the epicentre of the contagion in Russia, announced the new measures after many Muscovites failed to heed recommendations to self-isolate and instead went to parks for barbecues at the weekend. On Monday, Red Square in the heart of Moscow was eerily empty, while the streets of Europe's most populous city were quiet even though traffic could still be seen on the roads. Patriarch Ponds, a popular central park, was deserted in the morning except for a lone woman walking her corgi. Police cars drove slowly through the streets, looking out for Muscovites breaking the rules. Anna, a 36-year-old web designer living in south Moscow, said the lockdown would be hard for her and her five-year-old daughter. "But I don't want Arina to get sick," she told AFP while on her way to buy some bread. "So of course we will observe the quarantine." But some were in no hurry to take the new rules to heart. Three teenagers flouted social distancing rules, walking and laughing together. "Staying home with our parents will kill us quicker than the coronavirus," said one teen as the others nodded. Regions eye lockdowns Muscovites are now only allowed to leave their homes in cases of a medical emergency, to travel to jobs judged essential, and to go to local grocery stores and pharmacies which need to enforce social distancing. People are also allowed to take out the trash and walk their dogs. Over the past 24 hours, Russia has recorded 302 new cases -- the biggest daily increase so far -- taking the national tally to 1,835 cases of coronavirus and nine deaths. But the real number of infected people is believed to be higher and critics have rounded on authorities for not proposing tougher measures sooner. At a government meeting, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin asked regional authorities to prepare for Moscow-style lockdowns, saying it was important to pre-empt a major outbreak. At least eight regions including the Western exclave region of Kaliningrad have already imposed or were preparing to impose strict quarantines. Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov was the first regional leader to announce a lockdown last week, banning non-residents from entering the once restive region. Masked men in black uniforms were policing streets in Chechnya armed with white clubs, according to a video published by independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta. In a rare televised address last Wednesday, Putin announced that Russians would not be required to go to work this week, but would still get paid. He also postponed an upcoming public vote on constitutional reforms that would allow him to stay in power until 2036. 'Pray at home' The powerful Russian Orthodox Church, which had initially said authorities had no right to close churches, finally fell into line on Sunday, with Patriarch Kirill calling on the faithful to pray at home. "You can be saved without going to church," he told believers in an address. The new isolation rules, which will be policed by a vast system of facial-recognition cameras in Moscow, came into force as Russia also closed its borders.

Moscow begins lockdown during tougher push to curb coronavirus

27 March in history: Twenty-two years ago today, Viagra was approved for commercial use

US&nbsp;authorities put out tsunami warnings on Wednesday after an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck off&nbsp;Russia's Kuril Islands, but meteorological officials in Japan issued no alerts, although they said there might be slight tidal changes.

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The US&nbsp;National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said a tsunami watch was issued for the state of Hawaii, while another agency, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, said the quake had potential to generate a destructive tsunami.

"Tsunami waves are forecast to be less than 0.3 meters above the tide level," the center said in its advisory about risks to the coasts of Hawaii, Japan,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and the Pacific islands of Midway, the Northern Marianas and Wake Island.

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The height is equivalent to just under a foot.

The Japan Meteorological Association warned against slight tidal changes but said no warnings or even watch advisories had been issued.

The earthquake, 218 km&nbsp;south-southeast of the town of Severo, struck at a depth of 56.7 km, the US&nbsp;Geological Survey (USGS) said.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

US authorities put out tsunami warnings on Wednesday after an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck off Russia's Kuril Islands, but meteorological officials in Japan issued no alerts, although they said there might be slight tidal changes.

US authorities put out tsunami warnings on Wednesday after an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck off Russia's Kuril Islands, but meteorological officials in Japan issued no alerts, although they said there might be slight tidal changes. Also see: Russia uses face recognition system to find suspected COVID-19 patient The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said a tsunami watch was issued for the state of Hawaii, while another agency, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, said the quake had potential to generate a destructive tsunami. "Tsunami waves are forecast to be less than 0.3 meters above the tide level," the center said in its advisory about risks to the coasts of Hawaii, Japan, Russia and the Pacific islands of Midway, the Northern Marianas and Wake Island. Also read: Putin dons hazmat suit as Moscow says coronavirus outbreak is worse than it looks The height is equivalent to just under a foot. The Japan Meteorological Association warned against slight tidal changes but said no warnings or even watch advisories had been issued. The earthquake, 218 km south-southeast of the town of Severo, struck at a depth of 56.7 km, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Tsunami warnings after magnitude 7.8 quake off Russia's Kuril islands

A 7.5-magnitude quake hit off Russia's Kuril Islands on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said, although there was no tsunami threat.

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The quake hit at a depth of 59 kilometres (37 miles), around 1,400 kilometres (around 850 miles) northeast of the Japanese city of Sapporo, USGS added.

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The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said "only very small tsunami waves were generated by this earthquake and there is no further threat".

It had previously warned tsunami waves were possible for coasts in the region.

The four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain -- Habomai, Shikotan, Etorofu and Kunashiri -- have been disputed between Moscow and Tokyo since the end of World War II.

The Kurils are known as the Northern Territories in Japan.

A 7.5-magnitude quake hit off Russia's Kuril Islands on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said, although there was no tsunami threat. Also read: Russia to use mobile phones to track people at risk of coronavirus The quake hit at a depth of 59 kilometres (37 miles), around 1,400 kilometres (around 850 miles) northeast of the Japanese city of Sapporo, USGS added.

A 7.5-magnitude quake hit off Russia's Kuril Islands on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said, although there was no tsunami threat. Also read: Russia to use mobile phones to track people at risk of coronavirus The quake hit at a depth of 59 kilometres (37 miles), around 1,400 kilometres (around 850 miles) northeast of the Japanese city of Sapporo, USGS added. Also read: Russian President Vladimir Putin says, 'I am not a 'tsar', I work every day' The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said "only very small tsunami waves were generated by this earthquake and there is no further threat". It had previously warned tsunami waves were possible for coasts in the region. The four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain -- Habomai, Shikotan, Etorofu and Kunashiri -- have been disputed between Moscow and Tokyo since the end of World War II. The Kurils are known as the Northern Territories in Japan.

7.5-magnitude quake hits off Russia's Kuril Islands: USGS

Saudi Arabia’s oil spat with Russia throws a spanner into the works of the Kingdom’s long-standing effort to hedge its bets, a strategy that has taken on added significance as the Gulf comes to grips with the likelihood that the region’s security architecture will fundamentally change.

Saudi Arabia, despite a primary focus on close ties to the United States, has increasingly sought to put its eggs in multiple baskets by initially forging closer military and economic relations with Britain, France, and Germany, and more recently with Russia and China.

Saudi Arabia has increasingly sought to put its eggs in multiple baskets, forging closer military and economic relations with Russia and China.

The Saudi strategy, stemming from mounting doubts about the reliability of the United States as an ally and protector of last resort, was showcased when China opened its first overseas defence production facility in Saudi Arabia for the manufacturing of the CH-4 Caihong or Rainbow drone, as well as associated equipment.

The CH-4 is comparable to the US armed MQ-9 Reaper drone that Washington has refused to sell to the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s willingness to undermine its hedging strategy by challenging Russia’s refusal to continue to align its production levels with that of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) follows the Kingdom’s bowing to US pressure to acquire Lockheed Martin’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system rather than Russia’s S-400 anti-aircraft and anti-missile weapon.

Putin made a last-ditch sales pitch last September after the Kingdom’s six battalions of US-made Patriot batteries failed to detect drone and missile attacks on two of the country’s key oil facilities that knocked out half of its production capacity.

The decision by Mohammed bin Salman, known by his initials MBS, to confront Russia stemmed from a stark choice confronting the Crown Prince: endanger relations with the only power to have put forward a regional security plan that would have allowed the Kingdom to hedge its bets while maintaining close ties to the United States, or drive oil prices down in a bid to force Russia to coordinate production levels that would ensure a higher price.

Ultimately, the Crown Prince’s choice was driven by economics rather than long-term security.

Low oil prices have already forced the Kingdom to borrow from international financial markets. $80 per barrel is the price it needs to balance its budget. It is also the price MBS needs for his ambitious plans to diversify and streamline the Saudi economy and turn it into a cutting edge 21st-century knowledge hub.

MBS may in some respects have shot himself in the foot even if his assumption proves correct that the Kingdom could win a price and production war and that Russian President Vladimir Putin would see a longer-term move from a unipolar to a multilateral security arrangement in the Gulf as too big a prize to lose.

Last year’s limited initial public offering (IPO) on the Saudi stock exchange by Aramco, the Kingdom’s national oil company, that constituted a crown jewel in MBS’ economic reform plans, failed to convincingly address fears that it was subject to the whims of the Kingdom’s ruling elite.

The oil war with Russia may have convinced investors’ worst fears with Aramco raising capacity and production to help MBS with his gamble.

“This has proved to investors that their worst fears about Aramco were a reality. The company’s plans and its output decisions are based on MBS’ erratic behaviour,” said a Saudi official familiar with Aramco’s offering.

MBS may not be the only one to suffer consequences of the oil war, but his&nbsp;may be a tougher struggle because it involves restoration of trust.

The setback for US Shale oil companies that need a relatively high oil price to break even, the reason Russia was willing to go to war with Saudi Arabia, is likely to be temporary as was evident in 2014 when Saudi Arabia gunned for market share rather than price to drive American producers out of business.

“A protracted crude oil price war on the supply side, combined with the simultaneous demand shock caused by Covid-19’s impact on economic activity, will hurt oil producers everywhere,” said Tilak K Doshi, an energy scholar at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute.

If the Crown Prince’s decision was driven by domestic considerations, so was Putin’s.

Yet, despite believing that OPEC had outlived its utility, Putin was taken aback by the ferocity of Saudi Arabia’s response to the Russian cancellation of its earlier production level agreement with OPEC, prompting Moscow to call for a return to the agreed levels for the first quarter of this year.

“OPEC is finished, so is any attempt to ‘manage’ the oil market. US shale (as a fully privately owned industry) operates on aggressive free-market principals. The Russians understand that and so does Saudi. The energy game (including alternatives) is now a survival of the fittest,” tweeted Ali Shihabi, a banker-turned-pro-Saudi-political commentator.

In Russia, MBS is up against an opponent that could prove to have a long breath.

Saudi Arabia’s oil spat with Russia throws a spanner into the works of the Kingdom’s long-standing effort to hedge its bets, a strategy that has taken on added significance as the Gulf comes to grips with the likelihood that the region’s security architecture will fundamentally change.

Saudi Arabia’s oil spat with Russia throws a spanner into the works of the Kingdom’s long-standing effort to hedge its bets, a strategy that has taken on added significance as the Gulf comes to grips with the likelihood that the region’s security architecture will fundamentally change. Saudi Arabia, despite a primary focus on close ties to the United States, has increasingly sought to put its eggs in multiple baskets by initially forging closer military and economic relations with Britain, France, and Germany, and more recently with Russia and China. Saudi Arabia has increasingly sought to put its eggs in multiple baskets, forging closer military and economic relations with Russia and China. The Saudi strategy, stemming from mounting doubts about the reliability of the United States as an ally and protector of last resort, was showcased when China opened its first overseas defence production facility in Saudi Arabia for the manufacturing of the CH-4 Caihong or Rainbow drone, as well as associated equipment. The CH-4 is comparable to the US armed MQ-9 Reaper drone that Washington has refused to sell to the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia’s willingness to undermine its hedging strategy by challenging Russia’s refusal to continue to align its production levels with that of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) follows the Kingdom’s bowing to US pressure to acquire Lockheed Martin’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system rather than Russia’s S-400 anti-aircraft and anti-missile weapon. Putin made a last-ditch sales pitch last September after the Kingdom’s six battalions of US-made Patriot batteries failed to detect drone and missile attacks on two of the country’s key oil facilities that knocked out half of its production capacity. The decision by Mohammed bin Salman, known by his initials MBS, to confront Russia stemmed from a stark choice confronting the Crown Prince: endanger relations with the only power to have put forward a regional security plan that would have allowed the Kingdom to hedge its bets while maintaining close ties to the United States, or drive oil prices down in a bid to force Russia to coordinate production levels that would ensure a higher price. Ultimately, the Crown Prince’s choice was driven by economics rather than long-term security. Low oil prices have already forced the Kingdom to borrow from international financial markets. $80 per barrel is the price it needs to balance its budget. It is also the price MBS needs for his ambitious plans to diversify and streamline the Saudi economy and turn it into a cutting edge 21st-century knowledge hub. MBS may in some respects have shot himself in the foot even if his assumption proves correct that the Kingdom could win a price and production war and that Russian President Vladimir Putin would see a longer-term move from a unipolar to a multilateral security arrangement in the Gulf as too big a prize to lose. Last year’s limited initial public offering (IPO) on the Saudi stock exchange by Aramco, the Kingdom’s national oil company, that constituted a crown jewel in MBS’ economic reform plans, failed to convincingly address fears that it was subject to the whims of the Kingdom’s ruling elite. The oil war with Russia may have convinced investors’ worst fears with Aramco raising capacity and production to help MBS with his gamble. “This has proved to investors that their worst fears about Aramco were a reality. The company’s plans and its output decisions are based on MBS’ erratic behaviour,” said a Saudi official familiar with Aramco’s offering. MBS may not be the only one to suffer consequences of the oil war, but his may be a tougher struggle because it involves restoration of trust. The setback for US Shale oil companies that need a relatively high oil price to break even, the reason Russia was willing to go to war with Saudi Arabia, is likely to be temporary as was evident in 2014 when Saudi Arabia gunned for market share rather than price to drive American producers out of business. “A protracted crude oil price war on the supply side, combined with the simultaneous demand shock caused by Covid-19’s impact on economic activity, will hurt oil producers everywhere,” said Tilak K Doshi, an energy scholar at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute. If the Crown Prince’s decision was driven by domestic considerations, so was Putin’s. Yet, despite believing that OPEC had outlived its utility, Putin was taken aback by the ferocity of Saudi Arabia’s response to the Russian cancellation of its earlier production level agreement with OPEC, prompting Moscow to call for a return to the agreed levels for the first quarter of this year. “OPEC is finished, so is any attempt to ‘manage’ the oil market. US shale (as a fully privately owned industry) operates on aggressive free-market principals. The Russians understand that and so does Saudi. The energy game (including alternatives) is now a survival of the fittest,” tweeted Ali Shihabi, a banker-turned-pro-Saudi-political commentator. In Russia, MBS is up against an opponent that could prove to have a long breath.

Playing for higher stakes: Saudi Arabia gambles on oil war with Russia

A mysterious 25,000-year-old structure built of the bones of 60 mammoths has been unearthed in Russia.

Researchers believe mammoth houses were generally iconstructed by Palaeolithic people to serve as houses, providing refuge during harsh winters.

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However, they could not figure out the reason behind the construction of this circular&nbsp;Ice age structure.

''Clearly, a lot of time and effort went into building this structure so it was obviously important to the people that made it for some reason'' said Alexander Pryor, the lead archaeologist of the excavation.

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In 2014, researchers found evidence of this structure at the site and began excavation in 2015, which took three years.

A study detailing their findings published this week in the journal Antiquity.

This isn't the first "mammoth house" to be found in Russia, but it is the oldest and largest, measuring 41 feet across.

Till date, the oldest ice age structure was dated 22,000 years old.

In the 1960s and 1970s, researchers found similar, smaller buildings at the site, which they named&nbsp;Kostenki 11. It's 310 miles south of Moscow and is now a museum called the State Archaeological Museum-Reserve Kostenki.

A mysterious 25,000-year-old structure built of the bones of 60 mammoths has been unearthed in Russia. Researchers believe mammoth houses were generally iconstructed by Palaeolithic people to serve as houses, providing refuge during harsh winters.

A mysterious 25,000-year-old structure built of the bones of 60 mammoths has been unearthed in Russia. Researchers believe mammoth houses were generally iconstructed by Palaeolithic people to serve as houses, providing refuge during harsh winters. Also read: Huge trove of mammoth skeletons found in Mexico However, they could not figure out the reason behind the construction of this circular Ice age structure. ''Clearly, a lot of time and effort went into building this structure so it was obviously important to the people that made it for some reason'' said Alexander Pryor, the lead archaeologist of the excavation. Also read: Mammoth skeleton sells for nearly 550,000 Euros at French auction In 2014, researchers found evidence of this structure at the site and began excavation in 2015, which took three years. A study detailing their findings published this week in the journal Antiquity. This isn't the first "mammoth house" to be found in Russia, but it is the oldest and largest, measuring 41 feet across. Till date, the oldest ice age structure was dated 22,000 years old. In the 1960s and 1970s, researchers found similar, smaller buildings at the site, which they named Kostenki 11. It's 310 miles south of Moscow and is now a museum called the State Archaeological Museum-Reserve Kostenki.

Oldest and largest Ice Age 'mammoth house' found in Russia

Russia's Constitutional Court on Monday approved amendments proposed by President Vladimir Putin to the country's basic law, giving him the option of serving two further terms in office.

The Constitutional Court published the ruling on its website and immediately sent the ruling to Putin, who could now stay in power until 2036.

The court issued a speedy decision after Putin signed the final reform package on Saturday, though it had a week to consider its ruling.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-signs-russias-constitutional-reform-law-286399">&nbsp;Vladimir Putin signs Russia's constitutional reform law</a>

Putin, 67, last week backed a last-minute proposal by the first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova, to add an amendment to the reform package allowing his possible return to the Kremlin after 2024.

Under the current constitution, he is not allowed to serve another presidential term, having served two consecutive stints from 2012.

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The new constitution would allow him to reset his term-limit clock back to zero, paving the way for him to stay in power until 2036.

The bill subsequently sailed through the upper house and regional parliaments as required last week.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Putin plans radical overhaul to constitution

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-putin-plans-radical-overhaul-to-constitution-285699/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Russian leader had proposed changes to the constitution in January but until last week denied that he was seeking to extend his rule.&nbsp;

His spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin changed his mind because of global instability.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-vladimir-putin-may-remain-president-for-life-285897">WION Edit: Vladimir Putin may remain President for life</a>

The amendments also include stipulations banning gay marriages and protecting the "historic truth" of Russia's role in World War II.

Russia's Constitutional Court on Monday approved amendments proposed by President Vladimir Putin to the country's basic law, giving him the option of serving two further terms in office.

Russia's Constitutional Court on Monday approved amendments proposed by President Vladimir Putin to the country's basic law, giving him the option of serving two further terms in office. The Constitutional Court published the ruling on its website and immediately sent the ruling to Putin, who could now stay in power until 2036. The court issued a speedy decision after Putin signed the final reform package on Saturday, though it had a week to consider its ruling. Also read: Vladimir Putin signs Russia's constitutional reform law Putin, 67, last week backed a last-minute proposal by the first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova, to add an amendment to the reform package allowing his possible return to the Kremlin after 2024. Under the current constitution, he is not allowed to serve another presidential term, having served two consecutive stints from 2012. Also see: Russian authorities curate rescue plan for businesses amid covid-19 pandemic The new constitution would allow him to reset his term-limit clock back to zero, paving the way for him to stay in power until 2036. The bill subsequently sailed through the upper house and regional parliaments as required last week. Watch: Gravitas: Putin plans radical overhaul to constitution The Russian leader had proposed changes to the constitution in January but until last week denied that he was seeking to extend his rule. His spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin changed his mind because of global instability. Also read: WION Edit: Vladimir Putin may remain President for life The amendments also include stipulations banning gay marriages and protecting the "historic truth" of Russia's role in World War II.

Russian Constitutional Court approves Putin reform plan

Russia announced new steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus on Monday, including closing its border with Belarus, but hopes to avoid taking "tougher measures".

Moscow has already shut its border with China and limited flights with Iran and South Korea. Russia announced last week it was limiting flights to the European Union.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-linked-disinformation-campaign-fueling-coronavirus-alarm-us-282159">Russia-linked disinformation campaign fueling coronavirus alarm: US</a>

"Proactive preventative measures we already took in February have reduced the spread of the new coronavirus in Russia," Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

Russia has recorded 63 cases of COVID-19 but no deaths, according to official figures.

"We should do all we can so that the situation does not develop like in other countries," Mishustin said.

The prime minister announced a task force was being created to lead Russia's response to the pandemic.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-russia-temporarily-bans-entry-of-chinese-nationals-281698">Coronavirus Outbreak: Russia temporarily bans entry of Chinese nationals</a>

A new 24-hour online alert system will alert Russians with updates via social media and a dedicated hotline will be active soon, the prime minister said.

"We are deliberately introducing all the current restrictions in order to avoid tougher measures in the future," he added.

Russians have been advised to avoid public transport during rush hour and shaking hands.

Last week Moscow said it was building a special medical centre inspired by a rapidly built Chinese facility to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Russia announced new steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus on Monday, including closing its border with Belarus, but hopes to avoid taking "tougher measures".

Russia announced new steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus on Monday, including closing its border with Belarus, but hopes to avoid taking "tougher measures". Moscow has already shut its border with China and limited flights with Iran and South Korea. Russia announced last week it was limiting flights to the European Union. Also Read: Russia-linked disinformation campaign fueling coronavirus alarm: US "Proactive preventative measures we already took in February have reduced the spread of the new coronavirus in Russia," Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. Russia has recorded 63 cases of COVID-19 but no deaths, according to official figures. "We should do all we can so that the situation does not develop like in other countries," Mishustin said. The prime minister announced a task force was being created to lead Russia's response to the pandemic. Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: Russia temporarily bans entry of Chinese nationals A new 24-hour online alert system will alert Russians with updates via social media and a dedicated hotline will be active soon, the prime minister said. "We are deliberately introducing all the current restrictions in order to avoid tougher measures in the future," he added. Russians have been advised to avoid public transport during rush hour and shaking hands. Last week Moscow said it was building a special medical centre inspired by a rapidly built Chinese facility to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Russia to launch task force to contain covid-19 pandemic

The Russian government said Monday it would unlock $4 billion to help the economy with the coronavirus pandemic and urged businesses to help slow the spread of the virus.

Reserves of 300 billion rubles ($4 billion) "can be used by the government within the framework of this year's budget to cover top priority needs when it comes to expenses and support of industries and citizens," Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a government meeting.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-signs-russias-constitutional-reform-law-286399">Vladimir Putin signs Russia's constitutional reform law</a>

Mishustin said the authorities should help in particular companies in trade, tourism and aviation, and announced that the government would expand lending offers to small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Mishustin called on Russian businesses particularly large corporations to take steps to halt the spread of the coronavirus and asked for solutions to help the government.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-slide-again-on-coronavirus-fears-price-war-286661">Oil prices slide again on coronavirus fears, price war</a>

"The fight against the pandemic is a task not only for state structures but for all of society," he said.

The prime minister also urged every Russian "to help and take care of each other".

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Mishustin praised the preventative measures his government has taken so far and pledged transparency with future steps.

"We should do everything so that the situation does not develop like it is developing in other countries," Mishustin said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-steps-up-coronavirus-response-announces-rate-cut-shutdowns-and-curfews-286589">US steps up coronavirus response, announces rate cut, shutdowns and curfews</a>

He also said Russia was closing its border with Belarus, a close political and economic ally.

Last week the Russian government announced measures to support the tumbling ruble amid falling oil prices after OPEC and Moscow failed to agree a deal to reduce output and Saudi Arabia launched an all-out price war.

The Russian government said Monday it would unlock $4 billion to help the economy with the coronavirus pandemic and urged businesses to help slow the spread of the virus.

The Russian government said Monday it would unlock $4 billion to help the economy with the coronavirus pandemic and urged businesses to help slow the spread of the virus. Reserves of 300 billion rubles ($4 billion) "can be used by the government within the framework of this year's budget to cover top priority needs when it comes to expenses and support of industries and citizens," Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a government meeting. Also read: Vladimir Putin signs Russia's constitutional reform law Mishustin said the authorities should help in particular companies in trade, tourism and aviation, and announced that the government would expand lending offers to small- and medium-sized enterprises. Mishustin called on Russian businesses particularly large corporations to take steps to halt the spread of the coronavirus and asked for solutions to help the government. Also see: Oil prices slide again on coronavirus fears, price war "The fight against the pandemic is a task not only for state structures but for all of society," he said. The prime minister also urged every Russian "to help and take care of each other". × Mishustin praised the preventative measures his government has taken so far and pledged transparency with future steps. "We should do everything so that the situation does not develop like it is developing in other countries," Mishustin said. Also read: US steps up coronavirus response, announces rate cut, shutdowns and curfews He also said Russia was closing its border with Belarus, a close political and economic ally. Last week the Russian government announced measures to support the tumbling ruble amid falling oil prices after OPEC and Moscow failed to agree a deal to reduce output and Saudi Arabia launched an all-out price war.

Russian authorities curate rescue plan for businesses amid covid-19 pandemic

Oil extended losses on Monday as an emergency rate cut by the US Federal Reserve failed to soothe global financial markets panicked by the rapid spread of the coronavirus while a price war rages on between top producers.

Brent crude fell $1.13 to $32.72 a barrel by 0230 GMT, tumbling after last week's plunge of 25%, the largest weekly fall since 2008. The front-month price opened at a high of $35.84 but slipped to a low of $31.63.

US crude was at $31.01, down 72 cents after slipping below $30 earlier in the session, despite US President Donald Trump's pledge to fill strategic oil reserves in the world's largest oil consumer "to the top".

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-jump-to-61-over-opec-supply-cut-reports-265782">Oil prices jump to $61 over OPEC+ supply cut reports</a>

The US Fed slashed interest rates on Sunday in its second emergency cut this month and said it would expand its balance sheet by at least $700 billion in coming weeks in a bid to ease tension in financial markets.

Oil prices have come under intense pressure on both demand and supply sides. Worries about the pandemic slashing oil buying persist, while oversupply fears have grown after top exporter Saudi Arabia ramped up output and slashed prices to increase sales to consumers in Asia and Europe.

Earlier this month, the Organization of the Petroleum Countries and Russia failed to extend a production cut agreement which has been supporting prices since 2016.

"Fear remains the crux of the problem here as market players remain unconvinced that monetary policy easing and liquidity injections will solve an essential healthcare crisis," OCBC Bank's economist Selena Ling said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-rise-10-after-russia-indicates-open-to-cooperation-with-opec-285465">Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC'</a>

"The end-game to me remains not about more policy bazookas, but a peak in global COVID-19 infections and fatalities, and, or a COVID-19 vaccine cure in the horizon."

Despite the massive drop in both oil and natural gas prices last week, the US oil drilling rig count rose for a second week in a row to its highest since December, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday.

Still, the number of rigs is expected to fall as producers deepen spending cuts on new drilling.

More pain will be felt by US producers as Brent's premium to WTI is close to its narrowest since 2016, making US crude oil uncompetitive in international markets. Exports are set to fall by 1 million barrels per day each in April and May, sources have said.

"The big loser will be US shale, where the Republican government will possibly face a bailout decision on a heavily indebted industry sooner rather than later," said Jeffrey Halley, a senior market analyst at Oanda in Singapore.

&nbsp;

Oil extended losses on Monday as an emergency rate cut by the US Federal Reserve failed to soothe global financial markets panicked by the rapid spread of the coronavirus while a price war rages on between top producers.

Oil extended losses on Monday as an emergency rate cut by the US Federal Reserve failed to soothe global financial markets panicked by the rapid spread of the coronavirus while a price war rages on between top producers. Brent crude fell $1.13 to $32.72 a barrel by 0230 GMT, tumbling after last week's plunge of 25%, the largest weekly fall since 2008. The front-month price opened at a high of $35.84 but slipped to a low of $31.63. US crude was at $31.01, down 72 cents after slipping below $30 earlier in the session, despite US President Donald Trump's pledge to fill strategic oil reserves in the world's largest oil consumer "to the top". Also Read: Oil prices jump to $61 over OPEC+ supply cut reports The US Fed slashed interest rates on Sunday in its second emergency cut this month and said it would expand its balance sheet by at least $700 billion in coming weeks in a bid to ease tension in financial markets. Oil prices have come under intense pressure on both demand and supply sides. Worries about the pandemic slashing oil buying persist, while oversupply fears have grown after top exporter Saudi Arabia ramped up output and slashed prices to increase sales to consumers in Asia and Europe. Earlier this month, the Organization of the Petroleum Countries and Russia failed to extend a production cut agreement which has been supporting prices since 2016. "Fear remains the crux of the problem here as market players remain unconvinced that monetary policy easing and liquidity injections will solve an essential healthcare crisis," OCBC Bank's economist Selena Ling said. Also Read: Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC' "The end-game to me remains not about more policy bazookas, but a peak in global COVID-19 infections and fatalities, and, or a COVID-19 vaccine cure in the horizon." Despite the massive drop in both oil and natural gas prices last week, the US oil drilling rig count rose for a second week in a row to its highest since December, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday. Still, the number of rigs is expected to fall as producers deepen spending cuts on new drilling. More pain will be felt by US producers as Brent's premium to WTI is close to its narrowest since 2016, making US crude oil uncompetitive in international markets. Exports are set to fall by 1 million barrels per day each in April and May, sources have said. "The big loser will be US shale, where the Republican government will possibly face a bailout decision on a heavily indebted industry sooner rather than later," said Jeffrey Halley, a senior market analyst at Oanda in Singapore.

Oil prices slide again on coronavirus fears, price war

Dutch prosecutors have accused Russia of trying to sabotage the investigation into the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight 17 in Ukraine in 2014, saying this has cast ''a dark shadow''&nbsp;over the impending trial of four suspects.

Three Russians and a Ukrainian are on trial over the 2014 crash of the Malaysia Airlines jet in rebel-held eastern Ukraine with the loss of all 298 people on board, 196 of the Dutch.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-key-questions-about-the-mh17-trial-284521c">Five key questions about the MH17 trial</a>

Moscow had tried to track down witnesses in the trial that started in the Netherlands, leaving some in fear for their lives in case they were identified, prosecutors said.

"There are clear indications that Russian security services are actively attempting to disrupt efforts to establish the truth behind the shooting down of flight MH17," prosecutor Thijs Berger told judges.

Russian spies had also tried to hack Malaysian and Dutch authorities investigating the crash, he said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mh17-calls-show-ties-between-russian-officials-rebels-262134">MH17 calls 'show ties between Russian officials, rebels'</a>

"Seen as a whole, this information casts a dark shadow over these proceedings," Berger said.

The trial opened in the absence of the suspects which includes Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergei Dubinsky, Oleg Pulatov and Ukrainian citizen Leonid Kharchenko.&nbsp;

International investigators say the Boeing 777 was hit by a Russian-made BUK surface-to-air missile, fired from territory held by pro-Moscow rebels battling Kiev.

Relatives of those who died have repeatedly called for the trial to examine the role of&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in the crash.

The case was adjourned for two weeks and will resume on 23 March.

MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on 17 July 2014 when it was shot down by a missile fired from territory held by pro-Moscow rebels amid fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Dutch prosecutors have accused Russia of trying to sabotage the investigation into the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight 17 in Ukraine in 2014, saying this has cast ''a dark shadow'' over the impending trial of four suspects.

Dutch prosecutors have accused Russia of trying to sabotage the investigation into the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight 17 in Ukraine in 2014, saying this has cast ''a dark shadow'' over the impending trial of four suspects. Three Russians and a Ukrainian are on trial over the 2014 crash of the Malaysia Airlines jet in rebel-held eastern Ukraine with the loss of all 298 people on board, 196 of the Dutch. Also see: Five key questions about the MH17 trial Moscow had tried to track down witnesses in the trial that started in the Netherlands, leaving some in fear for their lives in case they were identified, prosecutors said. "There are clear indications that Russian security services are actively attempting to disrupt efforts to establish the truth behind the shooting down of flight MH17," prosecutor Thijs Berger told judges. Russian spies had also tried to hack Malaysian and Dutch authorities investigating the crash, he said. Also read: MH17 calls 'show ties between Russian officials, rebels' "Seen as a whole, this information casts a dark shadow over these proceedings," Berger said. The trial opened in the absence of the suspects which includes Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergei Dubinsky, Oleg Pulatov and Ukrainian citizen Leonid Kharchenko. International investigators say the Boeing 777 was hit by a Russian-made BUK surface-to-air missile, fired from territory held by pro-Moscow rebels battling Kiev. Relatives of those who died have repeatedly called for the trial to examine the role of Russia in the crash. The case was adjourned for two weeks and will resume on 23 March. MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on 17 July 2014 when it was shot down by a missile fired from territory held by pro-Moscow rebels amid fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Russian meddling casts 'dark shadow' over MH17 trial, says prosecutors

Constitutional changes allowing Vladimir Putin to run for president again in 2024 sailed through both houses of Russia's parliament on Wednesday, raising the prospect he could clock up over three decades in the Kremlin.

Constitutional changes allowing Vladimir Putin to run for president again in 2024 sailed through both houses of Russia's parliament on Wednesday, raising the prospect he could clock up over three decades in the Kremlin. Putin, 67, who has dominated Russia's political landscape for two decades as either president or prime minister, made a dramatic appearance in the lower chamber a day earlier to argue that term limits were less important in times of crisis. A former KGB officer, Putin is currently required by the constitution to step down in 2024 when his second sequential and fourth presidential term ends. But the amendment which he backed would formally reset his own presidential term tally to zero. Successors would face a two-term limit however. The 450-seat State Duma, the lower house of parliament, on Wednesday backed the term reset for Putin, along with other amendments to the constitution, by 383 votes, in a final reading. Nobody voted against. Hours later, the 170-seat Federation Council, the upper house of parliament, gave its approval by 160 votes to one. "Vladimir Vladimirovich must have the right to run in new competitive nationwide elections," said Valentina Matviyenko, the speaker of the upper house, calling the amendment timely. "Whether he exercises this right in 2024 or not is of course up to him, but he must have the right... We must recognise what was done by Vladimir Vladimirovoch Putin for the country's development in the last 20 years. He has raised the country from its knees." If, as Putin critics expect, regional parliaments and the constitutional court now give their blessing and the overall changes are backed in a nationwide vote in April, Putin would have the legal option to run again for president in 2024. Were he to do that, and his health and electoral fortunes allowed, he could potentially stay in office for another two back-to-back six-year terms until 2036 at which point he would be 83 and have spent 36 years at the top of Russian politics. Such a scenario would see him wield power longer than Soviet leader Josef Stalin, but still leave him well short of Tsar Peter the Great, who reigned for 43 years. President for life? Opposition activists have said they plan to organise protests as early as Friday. Their plans are complicated however by an order from Moscow's government which has banned public gatherings of more than 5,000 people until April 10 due to coronavirus-related risks. Putin remains popular with many Russians, who see him as a welcome source of stability, even as others complain that he has been in power for too long. Two people staged lone pickets outside the State Duma on Wednesday. One of them Gleb Tumanov, 31, said he was a member of the Yabloko party, and held a banner calling the move "an usurpation of power." "I’m here because of Vladimir Putin’s desire to stay for a fifth term or even maybe a sixth," said Tumanov. “It just feels sad. And reminiscent of the Soviet Union. I didn’t spend very much time living in the Soviet Union obviously but neither do I have any desire to do so." Kremlin critic and opposition politician Alexei Navalny has said he believed Putin was trying to become president for life. Putin has not spelled out his plans after 2024, but has said he does not favour the Soviet-era practice of leaders remaining in place until they die. Putin in January unveiled a major shake-up of Russian politics and a constitutional overhaul, which the Kremlin billed as a redistribution of power from the presidency to parliament. But Putin's critics say the reform was merely a smoke screen to give the country's ruling elite a way to keep Putin in power after 2024. Opposition politician and former lawmaker Dmitry Gudkov said on Wednesday he thought the changes had dealt a mortal blow to the country's constitution. "Russia has lost its constitution, which didn't work anyway," Gudkov wrote on social media. "The fig leaf has fallen off the regime and we can see who turned out to be beneath it."

Sixteen more years? Russian parliament backs move to keep Putin in power

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has been the leader of Russia for 20 years now. In that entire time, all throughout he has maintained a firm grip on the country.

And now, with the new Constitutional amendments, it looks like Putin is bound to touch the pinnacle of power - an authoritarian as described by the West or a nationalist who doesn't take no for an answer.

Perhaps the best adjective to describe the Russian President is power - at least that's what he likes to project. This week, Russia watchers had a close eye on Russia's state Duma.

The point of discussion was the landmark constitutional amendments that Russian Parliament plans to make. 
 
Among a long list of proposals, there is one that stands out - an end to the Constitutional term limits for&nbsp;Presidents. Putin gave his endorsement to the plan on Tuesday. Russia's Parliament approved it on Wednesday. Something that would allow Vladimir Putin to run for President once again in 2024 when his Presidential term expires.&nbsp;The amendment allows him to stay in power for two more terms (until 2036, when he will be 84).&nbsp;

Back in January, Putin had announced plans to make some fundamental changes to the Russian Constitution. He wants a ban on handing over Russian territory to foreign powers - something that could strengthen Moscow's grip on Crimea.

Putin also wants a marriage to be defined as a union of man and woman - a move that would rule out marriage between homosexuals.

The Russian President wants the new amendments to be ironclad. He has proposed a referendum to allow citizens to approve the changes. A nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments is planned for April 22.

But, this is a vote that the Russian president is favoured to win - many even term the referendum just a formality. Russia watchers say that neither the legal system nor the voters present a serious challenge to Putin's plans.

 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been the leader of Russia for 20 years now. In that entire time, all throughout he has maintained a firm grip on the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been the leader of Russia for 20 years now. In that entire time, all throughout he has maintained a firm grip on the country. And now, with the new Constitutional amendments, it looks like Putin is bound to touch the pinnacle of power - an authoritarian as described by the West or a nationalist who doesn't take no for an answer. Perhaps the best adjective to describe the Russian President is power - at least that's what he likes to project. This week, Russia watchers had a close eye on Russia's state Duma. The point of discussion was the landmark constitutional amendments that Russian Parliament plans to make. Among a long list of proposals, there is one that stands out - an end to the Constitutional term limits for Presidents. Putin gave his endorsement to the plan on Tuesday. Russia's Parliament approved it on Wednesday. Something that would allow Vladimir Putin to run for President once again in 2024 when his Presidential term expires. The amendment allows him to stay in power for two more terms (until 2036, when he will be 84). Back in January, Putin had announced plans to make some fundamental changes to the Russian Constitution. He wants a ban on handing over Russian territory to foreign powers - something that could strengthen Moscow's grip on Crimea. Putin also wants a marriage to be defined as a union of man and woman - a move that would rule out marriage between homosexuals. The Russian President wants the new amendments to be ironclad. He has proposed a referendum to allow citizens to approve the changes. A nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments is planned for April 22. But, this is a vote that the Russian president is favoured to win - many even term the referendum just a formality. Russia watchers say that neither the legal system nor the voters present a serious challenge to Putin's plans.

Explained: How Vladimir Putin could stay Russian President for two more terms

Turkey urged Russia on Wednesday to deal with alleged violations of a week-old ceasefire by Syrian government forces in Idlib, the last bastion of resistance to President Bashar al-Assad.

"Although there are only small incidents here and there, the ceasefire has started to be violated," said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who backs some rebel groups in Idlib.

"We are sharing these developments with Russia... and expect them to take measures."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-says-us-offering-patriot-systems-if-s-400s-remain-unboxed-285504">Turkish President Erdogan says US offering Patriot systems if S-400s remain unboxed</a>

Erdogan agreed a truce last week with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, who supports government forces, but previous deals have proved temporary.

Turkey launched a military operation in Syria after more than 50 of its soldiers were killed in Idlib last month.

Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said talks were proceeding "in a constructive fashion" with Russia to launch joint patrols along the key M4 road in Idlib on Sunday, as agreed under the ceasefire deal.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-deal-with-european-union-needs-to-be-updated-turkey-285469">Migrant deal with European Union needs to be updated: Turkey</a>

As well as supporting some rebel groups, Turkey set up military observation posts in Idlib under a 2018 deal with Russia aimed at preventing a regime assault.

"We signed the temporary ceasefire in Moscow. The matter now is to turn this ceasefire into a permanent one. We are chasing this speedily now. Once we are done with it, we will have an easier task," Erdogan said.

"In the face of the smallest attack (on our posts), we will not only retaliate, but we will respond much more heavily."

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-pitches-for-constitutional-amendment-mps-back-package-of-changes-285487"> Putin pitches for constitutional amendment, MPs back package of changes</a>

Damascus, backed by Iranian troops and Russian air strikes, has been fighting to retake Idlib since December, pushing close to a million civilians northwards towards Turkey's border.

Turkey already hosts some four million refugees, and has called for greater assistance from Europe and its NATO partners in dealing with the crisis.

Turkey urged Russia on Wednesday to deal with alleged violations of a week-old ceasefire by Syrian government forces in Idlib, the last bastion of resistance to President Bashar al-Assad.

Turkey urged Russia on Wednesday to deal with alleged violations of a week-old ceasefire by Syrian government forces in Idlib, the last bastion of resistance to President Bashar al-Assad. "Although there are only small incidents here and there, the ceasefire has started to be violated," said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who backs some rebel groups in Idlib. "We are sharing these developments with Russia... and expect them to take measures." Also read: Turkish President Erdogan says US offering Patriot systems if S-400s remain unboxed Erdogan agreed a truce last week with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, who supports government forces, but previous deals have proved temporary. Turkey launched a military operation in Syria after more than 50 of its soldiers were killed in Idlib last month. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said talks were proceeding "in a constructive fashion" with Russia to launch joint patrols along the key M4 road in Idlib on Sunday, as agreed under the ceasefire deal. Also see: Migrant deal with European Union needs to be updated: Turkey As well as supporting some rebel groups, Turkey set up military observation posts in Idlib under a 2018 deal with Russia aimed at preventing a regime assault. "We signed the temporary ceasefire in Moscow. The matter now is to turn this ceasefire into a permanent one. We are chasing this speedily now. Once we are done with it, we will have an easier task," Erdogan said. "In the face of the smallest attack (on our posts), we will not only retaliate, but we will respond much more heavily." Also read: Putin pitches for constitutional amendment, MPs back package of changes Damascus, backed by Iranian troops and Russian air strikes, has been fighting to retake Idlib since December, pushing close to a million civilians northwards towards Turkey's border. Turkey already hosts some four million refugees, and has called for greater assistance from Europe and its NATO partners in dealing with the crisis.

Turkey urges Russia to address Syria truce violations

A sharp bounce in the price of oil Tuesday provided some support to under-pressure stocks in early Asian trade, a day after global equities suffered their biggest losses in more than a decade.

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World stock markets had capitulated on what has become known as "Black Monday", with the Dow Jones Index in the US losing more than 2,000 points, and the crash even triggering the emergency break in early trade amid panic selling.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-takes-biggest-daily-dive-in-over-a-decade-as-russia-opec-split-284881" hreflang="en">Oil takes biggest daily dive in over a decade as Russia, OPEC split</a>

But there was some relief on Tuesday as oil prices jumped around six per cent after plunging by a third the previous day, in their worst session since the 1991 Gulf War.

Japan's main Nikkei index opened three per cent lower following the dizzying falls on Wall Street but later pared back losses by more than half.

An hour and a half into trade, the Nikkei stood at 19,622.05 points, a loss of 0.4 per cent compared to the previous day.

The Nikkei was helped by a sell-off in the yen, which is normally heavily bought during times of market uncertainty. A weaker yen is positive for exporters on the Japanese market and usually boosts their share prices.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/big-blow-to-oil-industry-due-to-covid-19-outbreak-opec-announces-massive-output-cuts-284813/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The market in Seoul was down 0.4 per cent and the ASX in Australia pared losses to around one per cent after opening lower by nearly four per cent.

In China, where authorities reported the lowest number of fresh coronavirus cases since data started being reported in late January, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index opened 0.61 per cent higher at 2,961.38 points.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, opened 0.63 per cent higher, up 11.68 points, at 1,854.34.

Market panic had been driven by uncertainty over the spreading coronavirus but also a spat between Saudi Arabia and Russia over oil production that had battered prices.

Top exporter Saudi Arabia slashed the prices it charges customers following a bust-up with Russia over crude production cuts, starting a price war that sent traders into a tailspin.

Stephen Innes, the chief market strategist at AxiCorp, described Monday's market reaction as the "sum of all fears" and warned the panic had not stopped yet amid "growing evidence that an oil shock of historic proportions is now underway."

"Severe weakness in energy markets is quickly cascading into broader declines in commodity markets, high-yield credit, and equities," he said.

The panic on Monday was felt around the world, with the Dax blue-chip index in Frankfurt seeing its sharpest single fall since 2001.

London's FTSE index closed down more than seven per cent while in Paris, the CAC-40 index lost over eight per cent, its worst daily drop since the 2008 financial crisis.

"The markets have passed from panic mode into pure hysteria," said Ayush Ansal, chief investment officer at trading firm Crimson Black Capital.

"Markets were at breaking point before Saudi Arabia's decision to launch an oil price war but this latest development has taken them beyond that."

A sharp bounce in the price of oil Tuesday provided some support to under-pressure stocks in early Asian trade, a day after global equities suffered their biggest losses in more than a decade.

A sharp bounce in the price of oil Tuesday provided some support to under-pressure stocks in early Asian trade, a day after global equities suffered their biggest losses in more than a decade. Also read: Mukesh Ambani becomes poorer by over Rs 41, 700 crores after Sensex crash World stock markets had capitulated on what has become known as "Black Monday", with the Dow Jones Index in the US losing more than 2,000 points, and the crash even triggering the emergency break in early trade amid panic selling. Also read: Oil takes biggest daily dive in over a decade as Russia, OPEC split But there was some relief on Tuesday as oil prices jumped around six per cent after plunging by a third the previous day, in their worst session since the 1991 Gulf War. Japan's main Nikkei index opened three per cent lower following the dizzying falls on Wall Street but later pared back losses by more than half. An hour and a half into trade, the Nikkei stood at 19,622.05 points, a loss of 0.4 per cent compared to the previous day. The Nikkei was helped by a sell-off in the yen, which is normally heavily bought during times of market uncertainty. A weaker yen is positive for exporters on the Japanese market and usually boosts their share prices. The market in Seoul was down 0.4 per cent and the ASX in Australia pared losses to around one per cent after opening lower by nearly four per cent. In China, where authorities reported the lowest number of fresh coronavirus cases since data started being reported in late January, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index opened 0.61 per cent higher at 2,961.38 points. The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, opened 0.63 per cent higher, up 11.68 points, at 1,854.34. Market panic had been driven by uncertainty over the spreading coronavirus but also a spat between Saudi Arabia and Russia over oil production that had battered prices. Top exporter Saudi Arabia slashed the prices it charges customers following a bust-up with Russia over crude production cuts, starting a price war that sent traders into a tailspin. Stephen Innes, the chief market strategist at AxiCorp, described Monday's market reaction as the "sum of all fears" and warned the panic had not stopped yet amid "growing evidence that an oil shock of historic proportions is now underway." "Severe weakness in energy markets is quickly cascading into broader declines in commodity markets, high-yield credit, and equities," he said. The panic on Monday was felt around the world, with the Dax blue-chip index in Frankfurt seeing its sharpest single fall since 2001. London's FTSE index closed down more than seven per cent while in Paris, the CAC-40 index lost over eight per cent, its worst daily drop since the 2008 financial crisis. "The markets have passed from panic mode into pure hysteria," said Ayush Ansal, chief investment officer at trading firm Crimson Black Capital. "Markets were at breaking point before Saudi Arabia's decision to launch an oil price war but this latest development has taken them beyond that."

Asian Stock Market supported after sharp bounce in Oil prices

Tanker rates to ship oil in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are surging as oil traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil in as they take advantage of a 25% plunge in prices on Monday amid a price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Shipping rates from the Middle East to Asia, for instance, have risen by more than 25% since last Friday, while several traders are making enquiries to lease tankers to temporarily store oil offshore, traders and shipping sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

The cost of renting a VLCC, which can carry 2 million barrels of crude and can be used for floating storage, was assessed Tuesday at around $38,700 per day, compared with around $30,700 per day on Friday and $14,800 a month ago, shipbroker sources said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-after-us-strike-kills-iranian-general-271775">Oil prices surge after US strike kills Iranian general Soleimani</a> 
&nbsp;

"Tanker offers are quite high today," said a Singapore-based crude oil trader. "Now the contango market structure supports (oil storage), but shipowners are raising prices."

Oil tanker charter rates jump as traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil.

The rise in tanker chartering rates is a boon for shipowners who have seen demand walloped recently by the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak which choked commodity and semi-finished goods imports into top consumer China.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-surge-after-trump-tears-up-iran-deal-135734">Oil prices surge after Trump tears up Iran deal</a>

We are seeing several deals being negotiated for short-term (6-12 months) charters, with one already concluded. The fall in oil prices has made floating storage more attractive, although the margins are still relatively thin," energy shipbroker and consultancy Poten &amp; Partners said in a research note.

A Pareto Securities shipping note to clients said: "while actual fixing activity was rather limited yesterday, the 'floating storage' interest has boosted shipowners' sentiment and rate ideas have thus been increased substantially."

Another shipbroker in Singapore said his firm had not secured any fixtures yet "but there a is huge expectation of firming of the spot market. It's the older tonnage that will be more likely to be engaged for floating storage."

Crude oil's forward curve change from backwardation to contango.

Crude oil prices suffered their biggest daily rout since the 1991 Gulf War on Monday as top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia began a price war that threatens to overwhelm global oil markets with supply.

Major milestones for big moves in light crude oil prices.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezulea-crisis-crude-oil-prices-surge-195411">Venezulea Crisis: Crude oil prices surge</a>

Several refiners are already looking to maximise imports of Middle Eastern purchase to take advantage of cheap crude after the Saudis slashed their official selling prices (OSPs) for April in an attempt to lure buyers.

"The VLCC rates are climbing up but it's mainly sentiment-driven right now, it's main traders who are enquiring for storage," a Singapore-based ship broker told Reuters.

The Worldscale index rate for shipping crude on a VLCC from the Middle East to North Asia rose to 54 points on Tuesday, from 49 points on Monday, according to trade and shipping sources.

Time charter equivalent rates for a 2,70,000 deadweight tonnes tanker on the Middle East to China route increased by 27 per cent in one day on Monday, said Ralph Leszczynski, head of research at shipbroker Banchero Costa in Singapore.

The flip in the crude oil market's forward curve to a contango where deferred prices are above spot prices has been a key factor spurring demand for storage.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/oil-prices-fall-on-dip-in-china-demand-surging-us-output-143077">Oil prices fall on dip in China demand, surging US output</a>

The recent steep fall in spot Brent oil prices has made storing oil for later sale economical.

In the Middle East benchmark Dubai crude oil market, the April, May Dubai inter-month spread widened to 77 cents a barrel as of noon on Tuesday, making oil storage profitable. Brent crude prices are in a similar structure.

In addition to floating storage, countries like China and India could move to exploit the weak prices and increase imports for strategic reserves, boosting tanker demand, said Ralph Leszczynski, head of research at shipbroker Banchero Costa in Singapore.

"China, in particular, was the first to suffer from the coronavirus outbreak, but now also seems to be the first to put it behind them. The situation seems increasingly under control," he said.

&nbsp;

Tanker rates to ship oil in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are surging as oil traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil in as they take advantage of a 25% plunge in prices on Monday amid a price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Tanker rates to ship oil in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are surging as oil traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil in as they take advantage of a 25% plunge in prices on Monday amid a price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. Shipping rates from the Middle East to Asia, for instance, have risen by more than 25% since last Friday, while several traders are making enquiries to lease tankers to temporarily store oil offshore, traders and shipping sources told Reuters on Tuesday. The cost of renting a VLCC, which can carry 2 million barrels of crude and can be used for floating storage, was assessed Tuesday at around $38,700 per day, compared with around $30,700 per day on Friday and $14,800 a month ago, shipbroker sources said. Also Read: Oil prices surge after US strike kills Iranian general Soleimani "Tanker offers are quite high today," said a Singapore-based crude oil trader. "Now the contango market structure supports (oil storage), but shipowners are raising prices." Oil tanker charter rates jump as traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil. The rise in tanker chartering rates is a boon for shipowners who have seen demand walloped recently by the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak which choked commodity and semi-finished goods imports into top consumer China. Also Read: Oil prices surge after Trump tears up Iran deal We are seeing several deals being negotiated for short-term (6-12 months) charters, with one already concluded. The fall in oil prices has made floating storage more attractive, although the margins are still relatively thin," energy shipbroker and consultancy Poten & Partners said in a research note. A Pareto Securities shipping note to clients said: "while actual fixing activity was rather limited yesterday, the 'floating storage' interest has boosted shipowners' sentiment and rate ideas have thus been increased substantially." Another shipbroker in Singapore said his firm had not secured any fixtures yet "but there a is huge expectation of firming of the spot market. It's the older tonnage that will be more likely to be engaged for floating storage." Crude oil's forward curve change from backwardation to contango. Crude oil prices suffered their biggest daily rout since the 1991 Gulf War on Monday as top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia began a price war that threatens to overwhelm global oil markets with supply. Major milestones for big moves in light crude oil prices. Also Read: Venezulea Crisis: Crude oil prices surge Several refiners are already looking to maximise imports of Middle Eastern purchase to take advantage of cheap crude after the Saudis slashed their official selling prices (OSPs) for April in an attempt to lure buyers. "The VLCC rates are climbing up but it's mainly sentiment-driven right now, it's main traders who are enquiring for storage," a Singapore-based ship broker told Reuters. The Worldscale index rate for shipping crude on a VLCC from the Middle East to North Asia rose to 54 points on Tuesday, from 49 points on Monday, according to trade and shipping sources. Time charter equivalent rates for a 2,70,000 deadweight tonnes tanker on the Middle East to China route increased by 27 per cent in one day on Monday, said Ralph Leszczynski, head of research at shipbroker Banchero Costa in Singapore. The flip in the crude oil market's forward curve to a contango where deferred prices are above spot prices has been a key factor spurring demand for storage. Also Read: Oil prices fall on dip in China demand, surging US output The recent steep fall in spot Brent oil prices has made storing oil for later sale economical. In the Middle East benchmark Dubai crude oil market, the April, May Dubai inter-month spread widened to 77 cents a barrel as of noon on Tuesday, making oil storage profitable. Brent crude prices are in a similar structure. In addition to floating storage, countries like China and India could move to exploit the weak prices and increase imports for strategic reserves, boosting tanker demand, said Ralph Leszczynski, head of research at shipbroker Banchero Costa in Singapore. "China, in particular, was the first to suffer from the coronavirus outbreak, but now also seems to be the first to put it behind them. The situation seems increasingly under control," he said.

Tanker rates surge as traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil

TODAY IN HISTORY: 8 MARCH

Brent slid to its biggest daily loss in more than 11 years on Friday after Russia balked at OPEC's proposed steep production cuts to stabilize prices hit by economic fallout from the coronavirus, and OPEC responded by removing limits on its own production.

Brent slid to its biggest daily loss in more than 11 years on Friday after Russia balked at OPEC's proposed steep production cuts to stabilize prices hit by economic fallout from the coronavirus, and OPEC responded by removing limits on its own production. More than 1 million US crude contracts changed hands during the session, as the three-year pact between OPEC and Russia ended in acrimony. "Prices plunged because the OPEC confab ended up being an epic fail on the part of all involved. Russia has clearly decided to employ a scorched earth approach to the oil market: every country for itself," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York. Brent futures had their its biggest daily percentage fall since December 2008, down $4.72, or 9.4%, to settle at $45.27 a barrel. It was Brent's lowest closing price since June 2017. US West Texas Intermediate crude dropped $4.62, or 10.1%, to $41.28, its lowest close since August 2016 and the largest daily percentage loss since November 2014. More than 4.58 million US front-month crude contracts changed hands this week, the busiest week ever for that contract. Both Brent and WTI are down over 30% so far this year. The number of people infected with coronavirus across the world surpassed 100,000 as the outbreak reached more countries and the economic damage intensified. Business districts began to empty and stock markets tumbled. The split between OPEC and Russia revived fears of a 2014 oil price crash, when Saudi Arabia and Russia fought for market share with U.S. shale oil producers, which have never participated in output-limiting pacts. OPEC was pushing for an additional 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) of cuts until the end of 2020. Non-OPEC states were expected to contribute 500,000 bpd to the overall extra cut, OPEC ministers said. The new deal would have meant OPEC+ production curbs amounting to a total of 3.6 million bpd, or about 3.6% of global supply. "From (April 1) all oil producers are allowed to produce as much as they like," analysts at ABN AMRO said in a report. The Dutch bank cut its Brent oil price forecast for 2020 by 15.5% to $49 a barrel from the previous forecast of $58. The bank noted that OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo indicated there will be more informal meetings on the proposed cuts in coming weeks, however.

Oil takes biggest daily dive in over a decade as Russia, OPEC split

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Russian oil giant Rosneft on Wednesday announced a deal to supply up to two million tonnes of oil to India this year, adding that Delhi planned to invest in its Arctic projects.

Rosneft has signed a contract with Indian Oil Corporation to supply the oil via Russia's southern port Novorossiysk, it said in a statement.

The Russian state-owned oil company's chief Igor Sechin was in India Wednesday for talks with Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to discuss increasing Russian oil supplies to India, it said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-rises-more-than-1-ahead-of-opec-meeting-to-discuss-supply-cuts-284412">Oil rises more than 1% ahead of OPEC meeting to discuss supply cuts</a>

They also discussed Russia's offshore and liquified natural gas (LNG) projects, including Vostok Oil in Arctic Siberia, in which the Indian firm had already agreed to participate, Rosneft said.

India and Russia will negotiate terms of India's involvement in Vostok Oil "in the shortest time possible," it added.

Rosneft's Vostok Oil operation in the north of the Krasnoyarsk region is a projected "oil cluster of global importance," according to the company. It received a license to develop the West Irkinsky oil and gas site last year.

Watch:&nbsp;

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Rosneft sees Vostok Oil as a way to increase cargo traffic on the Northern Sea route to 80 million tonnes by 2024 as ordered by President Vladimir Putin.

Since 2017, Rosneft owns 49 per cent of the Indian group Nayara, which operates the country's second-largest refinery in Vadinar.

Russian oil giant Rosneft on Wednesday announced a deal to supply up to two million tonnes of oil to India this year, adding that Delhi planned to invest in its Arctic projects.

Russian oil giant Rosneft on Wednesday announced a deal to supply up to two million tonnes of oil to India this year, adding that Delhi planned to invest in its Arctic projects. Rosneft has signed a contract with Indian Oil Corporation to supply the oil via Russia's southern port Novorossiysk, it said in a statement. The Russian state-owned oil company's chief Igor Sechin was in India Wednesday for talks with Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to discuss increasing Russian oil supplies to India, it said. Also read: Oil rises more than 1% ahead of OPEC meeting to discuss supply cuts They also discussed Russia's offshore and liquified natural gas (LNG) projects, including Vostok Oil in Arctic Siberia, in which the Indian firm had already agreed to participate, Rosneft said. India and Russia will negotiate terms of India's involvement in Vostok Oil "in the shortest time possible," it added. Rosneft's Vostok Oil operation in the north of the Krasnoyarsk region is a projected "oil cluster of global importance," according to the company. It received a license to develop the West Irkinsky oil and gas site last year. Watch: × Rosneft sees Vostok Oil as a way to increase cargo traffic on the Northern Sea route to 80 million tonnes by 2024 as ordered by President Vladimir Putin. Since 2017, Rosneft owns 49 per cent of the Indian group Nayara, which operates the country's second-largest refinery in Vadinar.

Russia boosts oil supply to India

Syria's war-ravaged northwest woke up to relative calm Friday, its skies free of warplanes for the first day in months, following a Russian-Turkish ceasefire deal.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group and sources in Idlib province said the truce that came into force at midnight appeared to be holding.

Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman reported "a complete absence of regime and Russian warplanes in the Idlib airspace".

He said an exchange of fire that did not cause any casualties took place before dawn but added that belligerents on Friday seemed to be observing the ceasefire.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-erdogan-seek-to-ease-syria-tensions-at-high-stakes-talks-284398">Putin, Erdogan seek to ease Syria tensions at high-stakes talks</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the two main foreign brokers in the nine-year-old conflict, reached a deal after hours of talks in Moscow on Thursday.

The agreement will create a security corridor along the key M4 highway in northern Syria, where Turkish and Russian forces will launch joint patrols later this month.

Putin told a joint news conference after the talks that the agreement would "serve as a good basis for ending fighting" in Idlib and for "stopping the suffering of the civilian population".

A Russian-backed government offensive on the last rebel bastion in the country has killed hundreds of civilians since December and displaced close to a million people.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-air-defence-responds-to-israeli-missiles-report-284433">Syrian air defence responds to 'Israeli missiles': Report</a>

The crisis it has sparked on Turkey's doorstep has been described by the United Nations as the worst humanitarian emergency yet since the start of the war in 2011.

Tensions had risen in recent weeks between Damascus and Turkey, which has had troops in northern Syria since 2016 and backs rebel groups.

A regime strike last month in Idlib resulted in the deaths of 34 Turkish soldiers, the heaviest loss of personnel for Ankara since its military intervention in Syria.

Turkey's reply has been bruising, with devastating drone and rocket strikes destroying regime positions and military equipment and killing dozens of government troops.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-russia-have-agreed-on-syria-ceasefire-from-midnight-president-erdogan-284594">Turkey, Russia have agreed on Syria ceasefire from midnight: President Erdogan</a>

The joint Russian-Turkish patrols will operate between the town of Tronba in Idlib and a village in Latakia province, a regime stronghold.

These patrols, which will mark the first time Russian and Turkish forces operate jointly in Idlib, are due to start on March 15.

On that day, the conflict which has killed close to 400,000 people and displaced half of the population of Syria, will enter its tenth year.

Syria's war-ravaged northwest woke up to relative calm Friday, its skies free of warplanes for the first day in months, following a Russian-Turkish ceasefire deal.

Syria's war-ravaged northwest woke up to relative calm Friday, its skies free of warplanes for the first day in months, following a Russian-Turkish ceasefire deal. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group and sources in Idlib province said the truce that came into force at midnight appeared to be holding. Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman reported "a complete absence of regime and Russian warplanes in the Idlib airspace". He said an exchange of fire that did not cause any casualties took place before dawn but added that belligerents on Friday seemed to be observing the ceasefire. Also read: Putin, Erdogan seek to ease Syria tensions at high-stakes talks Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the two main foreign brokers in the nine-year-old conflict, reached a deal after hours of talks in Moscow on Thursday. The agreement will create a security corridor along the key M4 highway in northern Syria, where Turkish and Russian forces will launch joint patrols later this month. Putin told a joint news conference after the talks that the agreement would "serve as a good basis for ending fighting" in Idlib and for "stopping the suffering of the civilian population". A Russian-backed government offensive on the last rebel bastion in the country has killed hundreds of civilians since December and displaced close to a million people. Also see: Syrian air defence responds to 'Israeli missiles': Report The crisis it has sparked on Turkey's doorstep has been described by the United Nations as the worst humanitarian emergency yet since the start of the war in 2011. Tensions had risen in recent weeks between Damascus and Turkey, which has had troops in northern Syria since 2016 and backs rebel groups. A regime strike last month in Idlib resulted in the deaths of 34 Turkish soldiers, the heaviest loss of personnel for Ankara since its military intervention in Syria. Turkey's reply has been bruising, with devastating drone and rocket strikes destroying regime positions and military equipment and killing dozens of government troops. Also read: Turkey, Russia have agreed on Syria ceasefire from midnight: President Erdogan The joint Russian-Turkish patrols will operate between the town of Tronba in Idlib and a village in Latakia province, a regime stronghold. These patrols, which will mark the first time Russian and Turkish forces operate jointly in Idlib, are due to start on March 15. On that day, the conflict which has killed close to 400,000 people and displaced half of the population of Syria, will enter its tenth year.

Rare calm in Syria's Idlib after ceasefire deal

Ukraine's Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk has resigned after six months in the job and will be replaced by one of his deputies, according to members of parliament.

Goncharuk had offered to quit in January after a leaked recording emerged of him questioning President Volodymyr Zelensky's grasp of economics, only for the head of state to refuse his resignation.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-pm-oleksiy-honcharuk-offers-resignation-after-leaked-recording-274852">Ukrainian PM Oleksiy Honcharuk offers resignation after leaked recording</a>

Although government officials did not confirm that Goncharuk was stepping down, MPs from Zelensky's party said his departure was announced during a meeting with the president and that a parliamentary vote to approve it would be held on Wednesday.

Zelensky planned to replace his 35-year-old prime minister, the youngest premier in Ukraine's history because he was unhappy with the government's performance on economic issues as per&nbsp;official sources.

Goncharuk denied having presented his resignation on Monday but admitted: "consultations on the subject" had taken place with the president.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-zelensky-rejects-pms-resignation-after-leaked-recording-274964">Ukraine President Zelensky rejects PM's resignation after leaked recording</a>

However, late on Tuesday, MPs from the president's Servant of the People party were told of his resignation during a meeting with Zelensky, parliamentary deputy Ievgenia Kravtchuk said.

Zelensky told party members that Denys Chmygal, one of the&nbsp;vice-premiers, would take up the reins of government, Kravtchuk said.&nbsp;

The news was confirmed by two of her parliamentary colleagues, who said the foreign, finance and defence ministers would also be replaced.

Goncharuk had been nominated for the post by Zelensky last August against the backdrop of a struggling economy and a protracted war with Russian-backed separatists in the east.

But since the president's refusal to accept his last resignation, Zelensky's party has criticised the work of his government.

Comedian-turned-politician Zelensky came to power last April promising to "break the system" that had ruled Ukraine since independence in 1991.

Among his campaign promises were ending the conflict in the east, fighting corruption and launching economic reforms in one of Europe's poorest countries.

His party won legislative elections in July and formed a government including a number of inexperienced ministers.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk has resigned after six months in the job and will be replaced by one of his deputies, according to members of parliament.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk has resigned after six months in the job and will be replaced by one of his deputies, according to members of parliament. Goncharuk had offered to quit in January after a leaked recording emerged of him questioning President Volodymyr Zelensky's grasp of economics, only for the head of state to refuse his resignation. Also read: Ukrainian PM Oleksiy Honcharuk offers resignation after leaked recording Although government officials did not confirm that Goncharuk was stepping down, MPs from Zelensky's party said his departure was announced during a meeting with the president and that a parliamentary vote to approve it would be held on Wednesday. Zelensky planned to replace his 35-year-old prime minister, the youngest premier in Ukraine's history because he was unhappy with the government's performance on economic issues as per official sources. Goncharuk denied having presented his resignation on Monday but admitted: "consultations on the subject" had taken place with the president. Also read: Ukraine President Zelensky rejects PM's resignation after leaked recording However, late on Tuesday, MPs from the president's Servant of the People party were told of his resignation during a meeting with Zelensky, parliamentary deputy Ievgenia Kravtchuk said. Zelensky told party members that Denys Chmygal, one of the vice-premiers, would take up the reins of government, Kravtchuk said. The news was confirmed by two of her parliamentary colleagues, who said the foreign, finance and defence ministers would also be replaced. Goncharuk had been nominated for the post by Zelensky last August against the backdrop of a struggling economy and a protracted war with Russian-backed separatists in the east. But since the president's refusal to accept his last resignation, Zelensky's party has criticised the work of his government. Comedian-turned-politician Zelensky came to power last April promising to "break the system" that had ruled Ukraine since independence in 1991. Among his campaign promises were ending the conflict in the east, fighting corruption and launching economic reforms in one of Europe's poorest countries. His party won legislative elections in July and formed a government including a number of inexperienced ministers.

Ukrainian PM Oleksiy Honcharuk resigns after six months

Tensions are running very high between Turkey and Russia-backed Syria. Syrian government forces are intensifying attacks on a Turkey-backed rebel stronghold.

The prospect of an all-out war leaves millions of Syrian civilians trapped in the middle. Two nights ago, thousands of Syrian refugees were pushing against the fence at the Greek border.

The Greek police deployed its anti-riot squad and fired tear gas against the refugees, including women and children, who were all stuck in the no man's land.

So, once the land routes were shut, they set sail in dinghies to the Greek islands. But, a Syrian boy has died after one of the rubber dinghies capsized. He is the first casualty of a fresh wave of migration.

It brings back haunting memories of the Syrian toddler, whose dead body washed up on a Turkish beach in 2015. The refugees can't return to their homes anytime soon

Turkey and Syria are locked in a bitter tit-for-tat conflict in the North-Eastern Syrian province of Idlib.

Amid heavy Russian bombardment, clashes are continuing between Syrian government forces and armed rebel groups in the province. Street battles in the key town of Saracen continue - neither side is able to hold the city.

But, Bashar al-Assad has pledged to 'confront the flagrant Turkish aggression'. It all began when the forces loyal to the Syrian government attacked the last rebel stronghold in Idlib.&nbsp;

Turkey immediately intervened for two reasons - first, the Syrian offensive triggered the largest single wave of displacement in the nine-year war.&nbsp;

It sent 9,50,000 Syrian refugees towards the Turkish border. Turkey already hosts 4.1 million refugees, including 3.7 million Syrians. So, it said it can't allow any more refugees to enter its borders.

Second, Turkey backs some rebel groups in Syria, so it sent tanks and troops as reinforcement to counter the Syrian offensive.&nbsp;

Idlib was designated a de-escalation&nbsp;zone in a 2018 agreement between Turkey and Russia, who back opposing sides and Ankara has repeatedly demanded that al-Assad's forces withdraw behind a line determined by Turkey.

Although Turkey showed restraint initially, it vowed revenge when Turkish soldiers were killed in a Syrian bombardment. In a recent attack, Turkey lost 34 soldiers to an airstrike, allegedly carried out by Syria. This provoked President Erdogan to threaten Russia and Syria to fall behind the line or face a ruthless offensive.

This raises the risk of direct military confrontation between Turkey and Russia. The prospect of an all-out war leaves millions of Syrian civilians trapped in the middle. The movement of migrants to the West could continue if the situation in Idlib deteriorates further.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the risk of even greater escalation grows by the hour, and as always, civilians are paying the gravest price.

Tensions are running very high between Turkey and Russia-backed Syria. Syrian government forces are intensifying attacks on a Turkey-backed rebel stronghold. The prospect of an all-out war leaves millions of Syrian civilians trapped in the middle.

Tensions are running very high between Turkey and Russia-backed Syria. Syrian government forces are intensifying attacks on a Turkey-backed rebel stronghold. The prospect of an all-out war leaves millions of Syrian civilians trapped in the middle. Two nights ago, thousands of Syrian refugees were pushing against the fence at the Greek border. The Greek police deployed its anti-riot squad and fired tear gas against the refugees, including women and children, who were all stuck in the no man's land. So, once the land routes were shut, they set sail in dinghies to the Greek islands. But, a Syrian boy has died after one of the rubber dinghies capsized. He is the first casualty of a fresh wave of migration. It brings back haunting memories of the Syrian toddler, whose dead body washed up on a Turkish beach in 2015. The refugees can't return to their homes anytime soon Turkey and Syria are locked in a bitter tit-for-tat conflict in the North-Eastern Syrian province of Idlib. Amid heavy Russian bombardment, clashes are continuing between Syrian government forces and armed rebel groups in the province. Street battles in the key town of Saracen continue - neither side is able to hold the city. But, Bashar al-Assad has pledged to 'confront the flagrant Turkish aggression'. It all began when the forces loyal to the Syrian government attacked the last rebel stronghold in Idlib. Turkey immediately intervened for two reasons - first, the Syrian offensive triggered the largest single wave of displacement in the nine-year war. It sent 9,50,000 Syrian refugees towards the Turkish border. Turkey already hosts 4.1 million refugees, including 3.7 million Syrians. So, it said it can't allow any more refugees to enter its borders. Second, Turkey backs some rebel groups in Syria, so it sent tanks and troops as reinforcement to counter the Syrian offensive. Idlib was designated a de-escalation zone in a 2018 agreement between Turkey and Russia, who back opposing sides and Ankara has repeatedly demanded that al-Assad's forces withdraw behind a line determined by Turkey. Although Turkey showed restraint initially, it vowed revenge when Turkish soldiers were killed in a Syrian bombardment. In a recent attack, Turkey lost 34 soldiers to an airstrike, allegedly carried out by Syria. This provoked President Erdogan to threaten Russia and Syria to fall behind the line or face a ruthless offensive. This raises the risk of direct military confrontation between Turkey and Russia. The prospect of an all-out war leaves millions of Syrian civilians trapped in the middle. The movement of migrants to the West could continue if the situation in Idlib deteriorates further. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the risk of even greater escalation grows by the hour, and as always, civilians are paying the gravest price.

Civilians pay the gravest price as war in Syria escalates

A Turkish fighter jet downed a Syrian regime&nbsp;warplane over the northwestern Idlib province Tuesday, the&nbsp;Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war&nbsp;monitor said, in the third such downing in three days.

Turkey on Sunday confirmed it had launched a military operation against Russia-backed regime forces in the border region, where Ankara supports some rebel groups.

Syrian state news agency SANA said one of its planes was "targeted" after two others were shot down on Sunday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-forces-down-syrian-planes-over-idlib-report-283587">Turkish forces down Syrian planes over Idlib: Report</a>

Turkey confirmed the downing of an L-39&nbsp;jet.

"As part of the Spring Shield operation that is successfully continuing, an L-39 plane belonging to the regime has been downed," the Turkish defence ministry said.

The Observatory said the regime plane was brought down by a Turkish F-16 and crashed to the ground in a regime-held area south of the embattled rebel bastion.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-european-union-envoy-heads-to-turkey-for-syrian-refugee-talks-283921">Top European Union envoy heads to Turkey for Syrian refugee talks</a>

The fate of the crew was not immediately clear, the Britain-based Observatory said.

Regime forces have since December been battling to retake the last major opposition bastion of Idlib from rebels and jihadists linked to Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate.

The Turkish operation came after an airstrike on Thursday blamed on Damascus killed 34 Turkish soldiers in the region.

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The Observatory says 93 regime soldiers have been killed in Turkish bombardment since Friday along with 10 fighters of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and four pro-Iranian fighters.

On Sunday, Damascus claimed to have brought down three Turkish drones over the region.

The&nbsp;Syrian conflict has killed more than 380,000 people since it began in 2011 and displaced millions.

A Turkish fighter jet downed a Syrian regime warplane over the northwestern Idlib province Tuesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said, in the third such downing in three days.

A Turkish fighter jet downed a Syrian regime warplane over the northwestern Idlib province Tuesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said, in the third such downing in three days. Turkey on Sunday confirmed it had launched a military operation against Russia-backed regime forces in the border region, where Ankara supports some rebel groups. Syrian state news agency SANA said one of its planes was "targeted" after two others were shot down on Sunday. Also read: Turkish forces down Syrian planes over Idlib: Report Turkey confirmed the downing of an L-39 jet. "As part of the Spring Shield operation that is successfully continuing, an L-39 plane belonging to the regime has been downed," the Turkish defence ministry said. The Observatory said the regime plane was brought down by a Turkish F-16 and crashed to the ground in a regime-held area south of the embattled rebel bastion. Also see: Top European Union envoy heads to Turkey for Syrian refugee talks The fate of the crew was not immediately clear, the Britain-based Observatory said. Regime forces have since December been battling to retake the last major opposition bastion of Idlib from rebels and jihadists linked to Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. The Turkish operation came after an airstrike on Thursday blamed on Damascus killed 34 Turkish soldiers in the region. Watch: × The Observatory says 93 regime soldiers have been killed in Turkish bombardment since Friday along with 10 fighters of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and four pro-Iranian fighters. On Sunday, Damascus claimed to have brought down three Turkish drones over the region. The Syrian conflict has killed more than 380,000 people since it began in 2011 and displaced millions.

Turkey fighter jet downs Syrian warplane over Idlib: Monitor

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Russia on Thursday for a summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss the mounting tensions in Syria, his office said Monday.&nbsp;

"The president is due to pay a one-day visit to Russia on March 5," the Turkish presidency said in a statement.&nbsp;

Turkey confirmed on Sunday that it had launched a full military operation against Russian-backed Syrian forces following increasing clashes in the last rebel stronghold of Idlib.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-drones-kill-19-syrian-government-soldiers-as-tensions-soar-283645">Turkish drones kill 19 Syrian government soldiers as tensions soar</a>

Ankara, which backs Islamist fighters in the province, killed 19 Syrian soldiers in drone strikes on Sunday and downed two regime planes.&nbsp;

But it remains determined to avoid direct clashes with Moscow, with which it shares significant defense and trade ties.

Despite being on opposing sides of the conflict, Turkey and Russia have coordinated closely in the past.&nbsp;

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/refugees-stream-towards-greece-after-turkey-opens-gates-283696">Refugees stream towards Greece after Turkey opens gates</a>

They secured a deal in Sochi in 2018 that led to Turkey establishing 12 military observation posts in Idlib to prevent a Syrian offensive and a fresh flood of refugees into Turkish territory.&nbsp;

But Syria and Russia look increasingly determined to regain full control of the area and an offensive launched in December has displaced close to a million civilians, and seen increasing clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces.&nbsp;

The latest escalation followed the killing of 34 Turkish soldiers last week in an airstrike blamed on Damascus.

&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Russia on Thursday for a summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss the mounting tensions in Syria, his office said Monday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Russia on Thursday for a summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss the mounting tensions in Syria, his office said Monday. "The president is due to pay a one-day visit to Russia on March 5," the Turkish presidency said in a statement. Turkey confirmed on Sunday that it had launched a full military operation against Russian-backed Syrian forces following increasing clashes in the last rebel stronghold of Idlib. Also read: Turkish drones kill 19 Syrian government soldiers as tensions soar Ankara, which backs Islamist fighters in the province, killed 19 Syrian soldiers in drone strikes on Sunday and downed two regime planes. But it remains determined to avoid direct clashes with Moscow, with which it shares significant defense and trade ties. Despite being on opposing sides of the conflict, Turkey and Russia have coordinated closely in the past. Also see: Refugees stream towards Greece after Turkey opens gates They secured a deal in Sochi in 2018 that led to Turkey establishing 12 military observation posts in Idlib to prevent a Syrian offensive and a fresh flood of refugees into Turkish territory. But Syria and Russia look increasingly determined to regain full control of the area and an offensive launched in December has displaced close to a million civilians, and seen increasing clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces. The latest escalation followed the killing of 34 Turkish soldiers last week in an airstrike blamed on Damascus.

Turkish President Erdogan to meet Putin in Russia for Syria talks: Turkish presidency

<div>
Thousands rallied in central Moscow on Saturday to call on President Vladimir Putin not to stay in power indefinitely, in the first major protest by the Russian opposition since the Kremlin chief announced controversial plans to change the constitution.

The rally marked five years since the assassination of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, but its organisers also want the event to send a message to Putin after he proposed major constitutional changes.

Organisers, including the country's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, called for a mass turnout to show Putin that he must not consider staying in power by any means when his current mandate ends in 2024.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-used-a-body-double-says-russian-president-vladimir-putin-283289">Never used a body double, says Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>

Moscow authorities gave permission to the rally -- after a succession of demonstrations urging fair elections last summer were roughly dispersed -- and the street was packed by a flow of protesters, an AFP correspondent said.

"The Putin regime is a threat to humankind," said the slogan on one placard next to a portrait of Nemtsov.&nbsp;

"Putin's policies are based on total lies," said another, quoting the liberal politician who was on assassinated in central Moscow on February 27, 2015.

"Russia without Putin!" the crowds chanted repeatedly as they began marching.

The White Counter monitor which counts attendance at protests said 22,300 people took part in the march. The interior ministry said 8,000 took part.

'Stay in power by any means'

Putin, who has dominated Russia for two decades, in January unleashed a political storm, proposing an overhaul of the constitution, the first changes to the basic law since 1993.

Analysts see the plan as beginning preparations for succession when Putin's fourth presidential term ends in 2024, while the opposition says the Kremlin strongman wants to remain leader for life.

"I think that this is a crime, that it is mocking the constitution," said Semyon Pevzner, a pensioner aged 75. "The only aim is to stay in power by any means possible."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-trump-campaign-sues-new-york-times-over-russia-opinion-piece-283020">Trump campaign sues New York Times over Russia opinion piece</a>

Putin first came to power as prime minister in 1999 under Boris Yeltsin before becoming president in 2000. He served the maximum two consecutive terms between 2000 and 2008 before a four-year stint as prime minister.&nbsp;

He returned to the Kremlin in 2012 for a newly-expanded six-year mandate and was re-elected in 2018. But opponents fear he could remain Russia's number one even if the job of president nominally goes to someone else in 2024.

Kseniya Telmanova, a 21-year-old student, reflected that Putin had been president for her whole life, except her first few months. "Probably those were the best months of my life," she said, laughing. "The leaders should fear the fact they can lose power."

Russia is planning to hold a referendum on the constitutional amendments on April 22.

According to the Levada Center, an independent pollster, a quarter of Russians will back the constitutional proposals, while 56 per cent said they were still not sure why the changes were needed.

Forty-four per cent also said Putin should quit power in 2024, while 45 per cent said he should stay.

'Against political repression'

Around 2,000 people gathered for a similar demonstration in Russia's second city of Saint Petersburg on Saturday, clutching flowers, portraits of Nemtsov and banners reading "They feared you Boris".

"This is basically the only chance we have to go out and say that we are against what is going on in the country and against this police state," said Galina Zuiko, 55.

Nemtsov -- one of Putin's most vocal critics and a former deputy prime minister in the Yeltsin government -- was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin.

In 2017, a court found a former security force officer from Chechnya guilty of his murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Four other men were found guilty of involvement in the killing.

But Nemtsov's family and allies insist the authorities have failed to bring the masterminds to justice.

"We have not seen any major progress" in the probe, Navalny said in brief comments to pro-opposition channel TV Rain. "We will continue to turn out (every year) until this case is solved."

Protesters also urged authorities to release Russia's political prisoners, with a group of women holding a banner reading: "Mothers against political repression. Freedom to our children."

A number of people were jailed after tens of thousands rallied in Moscow last summer to demand fair elections, in the biggest upsurge of protests in the country for more than half a decade.
</div>

Thousands rallied in central Moscow on Saturday to call on President Vladimir Putin not to stay in power indefinitely, in the first major protest by the Russian opposition since the Kremlin chief announced controversial plans to change the constitution.

Thousands rallied in central Moscow on Saturday to call on President Vladimir Putin not to stay in power indefinitely, in the first major protest by the Russian opposition since the Kremlin chief announced controversial plans to change the constitution. The rally marked five years since the assassination of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, but its organisers also want the event to send a message to Putin after he proposed major constitutional changes. Organisers, including the country's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, called for a mass turnout to show Putin that he must not consider staying in power by any means when his current mandate ends in 2024. Also read: Never used a body double, says Russian President Vladimir Putin Moscow authorities gave permission to the rally -- after a succession of demonstrations urging fair elections last summer were roughly dispersed -- and the street was packed by a flow of protesters, an AFP correspondent said. "The Putin regime is a threat to humankind," said the slogan on one placard next to a portrait of Nemtsov. "Putin's policies are based on total lies," said another, quoting the liberal politician who was on assassinated in central Moscow on February 27, 2015. "Russia without Putin!" the crowds chanted repeatedly as they began marching. The White Counter monitor which counts attendance at protests said 22,300 people took part in the march. The interior ministry said 8,000 took part. 'Stay in power by any means' Putin, who has dominated Russia for two decades, in January unleashed a political storm, proposing an overhaul of the constitution, the first changes to the basic law since 1993. Analysts see the plan as beginning preparations for succession when Putin's fourth presidential term ends in 2024, while the opposition says the Kremlin strongman wants to remain leader for life. "I think that this is a crime, that it is mocking the constitution," said Semyon Pevzner, a pensioner aged 75. "The only aim is to stay in power by any means possible." Also see: Trump campaign sues New York Times over Russia opinion piece Putin first came to power as prime minister in 1999 under Boris Yeltsin before becoming president in 2000. He served the maximum two consecutive terms between 2000 and 2008 before a four-year stint as prime minister. He returned to the Kremlin in 2012 for a newly-expanded six-year mandate and was re-elected in 2018. But opponents fear he could remain Russia's number one even if the job of president nominally goes to someone else in 2024. Kseniya Telmanova, a 21-year-old student, reflected that Putin had been president for her whole life, except her first few months. "Probably those were the best months of my life," she said, laughing. "The leaders should fear the fact they can lose power." Russia is planning to hold a referendum on the constitutional amendments on April 22. According to the Levada Center, an independent pollster, a quarter of Russians will back the constitutional proposals, while 56 per cent said they were still not sure why the changes were needed. Forty-four per cent also said Putin should quit power in 2024, while 45 per cent said he should stay. 'Against political repression' Around 2,000 people gathered for a similar demonstration in Russia's second city of Saint Petersburg on Saturday, clutching flowers, portraits of Nemtsov and banners reading "They feared you Boris". "This is basically the only chance we have to go out and say that we are against what is going on in the country and against this police state," said Galina Zuiko, 55. Nemtsov -- one of Putin's most vocal critics and a former deputy prime minister in the Yeltsin government -- was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin. In 2017, a court found a former security force officer from Chechnya guilty of his murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Four other men were found guilty of involvement in the killing. But Nemtsov's family and allies insist the authorities have failed to bring the masterminds to justice. "We have not seen any major progress" in the probe, Navalny said in brief comments to pro-opposition channel TV Rain. "We will continue to turn out (every year) until this case is solved." Protesters also urged authorities to release Russia's political prisoners, with a group of women holding a banner reading: "Mothers against political repression. Freedom to our children." A number of people were jailed after tens of thousands rallied in Moscow last summer to demand fair elections, in the biggest upsurge of protests in the country for more than half a decade.

Opposition urges 'Russia without Putin' in rally for slain liberal

At least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed as violence escalates in Syria's Idlib province after an airstrike blamed on Damascus, with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg condemning "indiscriminate" attacks by the Assad regime and Russia.

Dozens of more soldiers were injured and taken to Turkey for treatment, Rahmi Dogan, governor of Turkish Hatay -- bordering Syria -- said Friday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-rules-out-smallest-step-back-in-syrias-idlib-282938">Erdogan rules out 'smallest step back' in Syria's Idlib</a>

The heavy losses in northwestern Idlib come after weeks of growing tensions between rebel supporter Ankara and Damascus ally Moscow.

Stoltenberg "urged all parties to de-escalate this dangerous situation and avoid further worsening of the horrendous humanitarian situation in the region", his spokesman said Friday.

In a phone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, the NATO secretary-general "condemned the continued indiscriminate airstrikes by the Syrian regime and its backer Russia in Idlib province", according to the spokesman.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idlib-fighting-turkey-defence-minister-threatens-to-activate-s-400-missiles-against-russia-281961">Idlib fighting: Turkey defence minister threatens to activate S-400 missiles against Russia</a>

Turkey has urged the Syrian regime to withdraw from Turkish observation posts in Idlib, while Moscow has accused Ankara of aiding "terrorists" in Syria.

Under a 2018 deal with Russia meant to bring calm to Idlib, Turkey has 12 observation posts in the region -- but several have come under fire from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hastily convened an emergency meeting in Ankara after the Idlib attack.

Erdogan's top press aide, Fahrettin Altun, said Turkey's military retaliated against all known positions of the regime after the airstrike.

In a statement, Altun called on the international community to fulfil its responsibilities to end the violence in Idlib and the regime's "crimes against humanity".

The latest attack means 53 Turkish security personnel have been killed in the province this month.

There was a flurry of diplomatic activity as Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin spoke with US national security advisor, Robert O'Brien, state news agency Anadolu reported without giving detail.

More civilians killed

Jihadists and Turkish-backed rebels on Thursday re-entered Saraqeb, a key Idlib crossroads town they had lost earlier in February, reversing one of the main gains of the government's devastating offensive.

The counteroffensive could, however, be short-lived as Russian-backed Syrian troops continued to chip away at other parts of the rebel bastion, capturing 20 localities.

Seven civilians, including three children, were killed in regime and Russian bombardment of Idlib, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, adding to more than 400 such deaths since December.

The UN Security Council, where Moscow has systematically vetoed truce initiatives, met again Thursday amid growing concern Idlib is witnessing the nine-year-old war's worst humanitarian emergency.

State news agency SANA acknowledged there were "fierce clashes" between the army and "terrorist groups on the Saraqeb front".

An AFP correspondent accompanied the rebels into Saraqeb, where he found a ghost town of bombed outbuildings.

The counterattack temporarily reverses one of the key gains of the government since its offensive against the country's last rebel enclave in December.

Refugee fears

The cash-strapped government had been keen to fully secure the M5, a highway that connects Syria's four main cities and passes through Saraqeb.

The Syrian Observatory said the airstrikes were carried out by Assad government ally Russia, heavily criticised by the West for the high civilian death toll from its bombing campaign.

State media accused the "terrorists" of launching car bombings and other suicide attacks against government forces attempting to retake the town.

It said the army had inflicted heavy losses on the attackers, despite the military support it said they had received from Turkey.

Some 950,0000 civilians have fled the government offensive, raising fears in Ankara of a new influx of refugees.

Turkey already hosts the world's largest number of Syrian refugees — around 3.6 million people — placing an increasingly unpopular burden on public services.

The country's ruling party spokesman Omer Celik told CNN Turk broadcaster Friday Ankara was not in a position to "hold" refugees any longer and called on the European Union to do more.

More than half a million of those displaced since December are children, tens of thousands of whom are sleeping rough in northern Syria's harsh winter.

UN powerlessness

The Turkish president vowed Wednesday Ankara would not take the "smallest step back" in the standoff with Damascus and Moscow over Idlib.

Erdogan warned the Syrian government to "stop its attacks as soon as possible" and to pull back by the end of the month.

The UN has repeatedly warned the fighting in Idlib could potentially create the most serious humanitarian crisis since the civil war's start in 2011.

Nine out of 15 members of the Security Council on Wednesday urged Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to step up his involvement in efforts to restore peace in Idlib.

Russian vetoes, often backed by China, have chronically crippled UN action in Syria.

At least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed as violence escalates in Syria's Idlib province after an airstrike blamed on Damascus, with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg condemning "indiscriminate" attacks by the Assad regime and Russia.

At least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed as violence escalates in Syria's Idlib province after an airstrike blamed on Damascus, with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg condemning "indiscriminate" attacks by the Assad regime and Russia. Dozens of more soldiers were injured and taken to Turkey for treatment, Rahmi Dogan, governor of Turkish Hatay -- bordering Syria -- said Friday. Also read: Erdogan rules out 'smallest step back' in Syria's Idlib The heavy losses in northwestern Idlib come after weeks of growing tensions between rebel supporter Ankara and Damascus ally Moscow. Stoltenberg "urged all parties to de-escalate this dangerous situation and avoid further worsening of the horrendous humanitarian situation in the region", his spokesman said Friday. In a phone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, the NATO secretary-general "condemned the continued indiscriminate airstrikes by the Syrian regime and its backer Russia in Idlib province", according to the spokesman. Also read: Idlib fighting: Turkey defence minister threatens to activate S-400 missiles against Russia Turkey has urged the Syrian regime to withdraw from Turkish observation posts in Idlib, while Moscow has accused Ankara of aiding "terrorists" in Syria. Under a 2018 deal with Russia meant to bring calm to Idlib, Turkey has 12 observation posts in the region -- but several have come under fire from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hastily convened an emergency meeting in Ankara after the Idlib attack. Erdogan's top press aide, Fahrettin Altun, said Turkey's military retaliated against all known positions of the regime after the airstrike. In a statement, Altun called on the international community to fulfil its responsibilities to end the violence in Idlib and the regime's "crimes against humanity". The latest attack means 53 Turkish security personnel have been killed in the province this month. There was a flurry of diplomatic activity as Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin spoke with US national security advisor, Robert O'Brien, state news agency Anadolu reported without giving detail. More civilians killed Jihadists and Turkish-backed rebels on Thursday re-entered Saraqeb, a key Idlib crossroads town they had lost earlier in February, reversing one of the main gains of the government's devastating offensive. The counteroffensive could, however, be short-lived as Russian-backed Syrian troops continued to chip away at other parts of the rebel bastion, capturing 20 localities. Seven civilians, including three children, were killed in regime and Russian bombardment of Idlib, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, adding to more than 400 such deaths since December. The UN Security Council, where Moscow has systematically vetoed truce initiatives, met again Thursday amid growing concern Idlib is witnessing the nine-year-old war's worst humanitarian emergency. State news agency SANA acknowledged there were "fierce clashes" between the army and "terrorist groups on the Saraqeb front". An AFP correspondent accompanied the rebels into Saraqeb, where he found a ghost town of bombed outbuildings. The counterattack temporarily reverses one of the key gains of the government since its offensive against the country's last rebel enclave in December. Refugee fears The cash-strapped government had been keen to fully secure the M5, a highway that connects Syria's four main cities and passes through Saraqeb. The Syrian Observatory said the airstrikes were carried out by Assad government ally Russia, heavily criticised by the West for the high civilian death toll from its bombing campaign. State media accused the "terrorists" of launching car bombings and other suicide attacks against government forces attempting to retake the town. It said the army had inflicted heavy losses on the attackers, despite the military support it said they had received from Turkey. Some 950,0000 civilians have fled the government offensive, raising fears in Ankara of a new influx of refugees. Turkey already hosts the world's largest number of Syrian refugees — around 3.6 million people — placing an increasingly unpopular burden on public services. The country's ruling party spokesman Omer Celik told CNN Turk broadcaster Friday Ankara was not in a position to "hold" refugees any longer and called on the European Union to do more. More than half a million of those displaced since December are children, tens of thousands of whom are sleeping rough in northern Syria's harsh winter. UN powerlessness The Turkish president vowed Wednesday Ankara would not take the "smallest step back" in the standoff with Damascus and Moscow over Idlib. Erdogan warned the Syrian government to "stop its attacks as soon as possible" and to pull back by the end of the month. The UN has repeatedly warned the fighting in Idlib could potentially create the most serious humanitarian crisis since the civil war's start in 2011. Nine out of 15 members of the Security Council on Wednesday urged Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to step up his involvement in efforts to restore peace in Idlib. Russian vetoes, often backed by China, have chronically crippled UN action in Syria.

33 Turkish soldiers killed in airstrike by Syrian regime forces in Idlib

Hundreds of migrants in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/33-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-airstrike-by-syrian-regime-forces-in-idlib-283217">Turkey</a> were heading towards border regions with Europe, local media reported Friday after reports said Turkish authorities had "opened the gates".

The movement of people came after 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib in an airstrike on Thursday blamed on Damascus.

Pro-government daily Sabah said the decision to "open the border gates" was taken following an emergency meeting chaired by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/33-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-airstrike-by-syrian-regime-forces-in-idlib-283217">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> on Thursday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/33-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-airstrike-by-syrian-regime-forces-in-idlib-283217">33 Turkish soldiers killed in airstrike by Syrian regime forces in Idlib</a>

Nearly 300 migrants arrived in Edirne province on the border with Greece in a bid to go to Europe, the private DHA news agency reported.

The group included Syrians, Iranians, Iraqis, Moroccans and Pakistanis, who told the agency they had come to the border after hearing the news about the soldiers.

Another group of migrants arrived at the coast of Ayvacik in Canakkale, western Turkey, and wanted to go to Lesbos by boats after reading reports of an "open-door policy", DHA reported.

The agency published images of people carrying their belongings, walking in the dead of night in Edirne and Canakkale.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-turkish-troops-killed-in-syrias-idlib-defence-ministry-283030">Two Turkish troops killed in Syria's Idlib: Defence ministry</a>

Some 32 soldiers were also injured after the airstrike in Idlib, blamed on Damascus, the governor of Turkish border province Hatay said.

Turkey has 12 observation posts in Idlib as part of a 2018 deal with Russia to prevent a regime offensive.

But in recent months, Syrian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/33-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-airstrike-by-syrian-regime-forces-in-idlib-283217">Bashar al-Assad</a> has pushed an assault to retake the last rebel bastion backed by Russian airstrikes, killing hundreds of civilians.

Hundreds of thousands more Syrians in Idlib have been forced to flee their homes and head towards the Turkish border.

Turkey, which is already home to around 3.6 million Syrian refugees, fears more people arriving in the country where there is growing popular discontent towards refugees.

"We said we could not handle the pressure of newly-arrived refugees," Erdogan's ruling party spokesman Omer Celik told CNN Turk broadcaster early Friday.

"Our refugee policy remains the same but there is a situation at hand and we are not in a position to hold this," Celik said.

"There is only one thing the European Union can do and that is help the Turkish republic," he added.

Erdogan previously threatened to open the gates to Europe late last year as he sought more international support.

Hundreds of migrants in Turkey were heading towards border regions with Europe, local media reported Friday after reports said Turkish authorities had "opened the gates".

Hundreds of migrants in Turkey were heading towards border regions with Europe, local media reported Friday after reports said Turkish authorities had "opened the gates". The movement of people came after 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib in an airstrike on Thursday blamed on Damascus. Pro-government daily Sabah said the decision to "open the border gates" was taken following an emergency meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday. Also read: 33 Turkish soldiers killed in airstrike by Syrian regime forces in Idlib Nearly 300 migrants arrived in Edirne province on the border with Greece in a bid to go to Europe, the private DHA news agency reported. The group included Syrians, Iranians, Iraqis, Moroccans and Pakistanis, who told the agency they had come to the border after hearing the news about the soldiers. Another group of migrants arrived at the coast of Ayvacik in Canakkale, western Turkey, and wanted to go to Lesbos by boats after reading reports of an "open-door policy", DHA reported. The agency published images of people carrying their belongings, walking in the dead of night in Edirne and Canakkale. Also read: Two Turkish troops killed in Syria's Idlib: Defence ministry Some 32 soldiers were also injured after the airstrike in Idlib, blamed on Damascus, the governor of Turkish border province Hatay said. Turkey has 12 observation posts in Idlib as part of a 2018 deal with Russia to prevent a regime offensive. But in recent months, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has pushed an assault to retake the last rebel bastion backed by Russian airstrikes, killing hundreds of civilians. Hundreds of thousands more Syrians in Idlib have been forced to flee their homes and head towards the Turkish border. Turkey, which is already home to around 3.6 million Syrian refugees, fears more people arriving in the country where there is growing popular discontent towards refugees. "We said we could not handle the pressure of newly-arrived refugees," Erdogan's ruling party spokesman Omer Celik told CNN Turk broadcaster early Friday. "Our refugee policy remains the same but there is a situation at hand and we are not in a position to hold this," Celik said. "There is only one thing the European Union can do and that is help the Turkish republic," he added. Erdogan previously threatened to open the gates to Europe late last year as he sought more international support.

Hundreds head towards Europe border after reports claim that Turkey 'opens gates'

Russia on Friday said it was sending two warships armed with cruise missiles to waters off the Syrian coast and blamed Ankara for the killing of 33 Turkish soldiers in Syria's Idlib region the previous day.

The killing of the Turkish soldiers on Thursday and the wounding of 32 others, announced by the governor in Turkey's Hatay province bordering Syria, raised the Turkish military death toll in the region to 54 this month.

Turkey has sent thousands of troops and heavy military hardware into Syria and Erdogan has warned that Turkey will launch a full-scale offensive to repel Syrian forces unless they pull back from Turkish observation posts in the region.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/33-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-airstrike-by-syrian-regime-forces-in-idlib-283217">33 Turkish soldiers killed in airstrike by Syrian regime forces in Idlib</a>

Though trying to coordinate their efforts on Syria, Russia backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey backs rebel forces opposing Assad.

Responding to Thursday's killings, a senior Turkish official said on Friday that Ankara would no longer stop Syrian refugees from reaching Europe. Turkey blamed an airstrike by Syrian government forces for the deaths.

Russia's Defence Ministry was cited by the RIA news agency on Friday however as saying that the Turkish troops had been hit by artillery fire from Syrian government forces who were trying to repel an offensive by rebel forces.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-head-towards-europe-border-after-reports-turkey-opens-gates-283266">Hundreds head towards Europe border after reports Turkey 'opens gates'</a>

It was quoted as saying that Ankara had failed to notify Moscow of the presence of Turkish troops in the area hit by shelling despite being in regular communication with the Russian military.

The Turkish troops had been deployed directly alongside anti-government rebels, the ministry was cited as saying. But according to information provided by Turkey, there were no Turkish troops in the area and Russia said that Turkish forces "shouldn't have been there."

Russian warplanes did not carry out any airstrikes in the area at the time of the incident and Moscow did everything it could to help once it learnt of the Turkish troop presence, the ministry was cited as saying.

That included ensuring Syrian forces stopped shelling to allow Turkey to evacuate it's dead and wounded.

Separately, and as tensions between Ankara and Damascus rose, Russia's Black Sea Fleet was cited by the Interfax news agency on Friday as saying it was sending two warships equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles to waters off the Syrian coast.

Russia on Friday said it was sending two warships armed with cruise missiles to waters off the Syrian coast and blamed Ankara for the killing of 33 Turkish soldiers in Syria's Idlib region the previous day.

Russia on Friday said it was sending two warships armed with cruise missiles to waters off the Syrian coast and blamed Ankara for the killing of 33 Turkish soldiers in Syria's Idlib region the previous day. The killing of the Turkish soldiers on Thursday and the wounding of 32 others, announced by the governor in Turkey's Hatay province bordering Syria, raised the Turkish military death toll in the region to 54 this month. Turkey has sent thousands of troops and heavy military hardware into Syria and Erdogan has warned that Turkey will launch a full-scale offensive to repel Syrian forces unless they pull back from Turkish observation posts in the region. Also read: 33 Turkish soldiers killed in airstrike by Syrian regime forces in Idlib Though trying to coordinate their efforts on Syria, Russia backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey backs rebel forces opposing Assad. Responding to Thursday's killings, a senior Turkish official said on Friday that Ankara would no longer stop Syrian refugees from reaching Europe. Turkey blamed an airstrike by Syrian government forces for the deaths. Russia's Defence Ministry was cited by the RIA news agency on Friday however as saying that the Turkish troops had been hit by artillery fire from Syrian government forces who were trying to repel an offensive by rebel forces. Also read: Hundreds head towards Europe border after reports Turkey 'opens gates' It was quoted as saying that Ankara had failed to notify Moscow of the presence of Turkish troops in the area hit by shelling despite being in regular communication with the Russian military. The Turkish troops had been deployed directly alongside anti-government rebels, the ministry was cited as saying. But according to information provided by Turkey, there were no Turkish troops in the area and Russia said that Turkish forces "shouldn't have been there." Russian warplanes did not carry out any airstrikes in the area at the time of the incident and Moscow did everything it could to help once it learnt of the Turkish troop presence, the ministry was cited as saying. That included ensuring Syrian forces stopped shelling to allow Turkey to evacuate it's dead and wounded. Separately, and as tensions between Ankara and Damascus rose, Russia's Black Sea Fleet was cited by the Interfax news agency on Friday as saying it was sending two warships equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles to waters off the Syrian coast.

Russia sends warships to Syria, blames Ankara for killing of Turkish troops

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