<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-meet-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-in-vietnam-on-february-27-28-trump-in-state-of-the-union-address-195467">US President Donald Trump</a> said on Sunday that if he could have one "do-over," it would be "personnel" decisions, including naming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-again-blasts-us-attorney-general-sessions-166716">former Senator Jeff Sessions</a> as his first US attorney general.

"I would say if I had one do-over, it would be, I would not have appointed Jeff Sessions to be attorney general ... That was the biggest mistake," Trump said in an interview aired on Sunday with NBC's 'Meet the Press' program.

After almost three years of investigations, Trump's presidency is still clouded by questions surrounding Russian interference to boost his candidacy in the 2016 US elections and his subsequent efforts to impede inquiries into the matter.

Sessions, formerly a Republican senator from Alabama, was one of the earliest Trump administration casualties of the Russian election meddling scandal, which continues to be investigated by committees of the US Congress.

In February 2016, Sessions became the first serving senator to endorse Trump when the New York reality TV star and real estate developer was still a presidential candidate.

Russian intelligence organizations a month later began a cyber campaign aimed at interfering with the 2016 presidential election, according to US intelligence agencies.

During the campaign, Sessions, a close Trump adviser, met with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak. Several others in Trump's inner circle met with Russians during this period, too.

In late July 2016, the FBI began investigating Russian meddling in the election.

After Trump's stunning election victory, Sessions was rewarded for his loyalty by being nominated as the top US law enforcement official and head of the Justice Department.

In January 2017 in Senate confirmation hearings, Sessions said that during the campaign he had no communication with Russians. A month later, he was confirmed as attorney general.

Only two months afterwards Sessions' campaign ties to Kislyak were reported. Democrats accused him of lying to Congress.

In March 2017, Sessions recused himself from the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the elections, infuriating Trump, who thereafter frequently attacked Sessions.

In May 2017, Special Counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to take over the Russia probe from the FBI.

In November 2018, after months of being publicly ridiculed by Trump, Sessions resigned. He was replaced briefly by Matthew Whitaker until William Barr was confirmed to the job of the attorney general. On Barr, Trump said, "He's brought sanity back."

Mueller's 448-page final report, released in mid-April, found insufficient evidence to establish that the Trump campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Moscow, despite numerous contacts between the campaign and Russia.

The report also described attempts by Trump to impede Mueller's investigation but stopped short of declaring that he committed a crime.

Asked on Sunday if he had read the Mueller report, Trump said, "I read much of it ... I read the conclusion." He again called the allegations that his campaign worked with the Kremlin "a hoax."

Trump told NBC: "I'll be honest with you, nobody even mentions Russia anymore since the Mueller report."

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that if he could have one "do-over," it would be "personnel" decisions, including naming former Senator Jeff Sessions as his first US attorney general.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that if he could have one "do-over," it would be "personnel" decisions, including naming former Senator Jeff Sessions as his first US attorney general. "I would say if I had one do-over, it would be, I would not have appointed Jeff Sessions to be attorney general ... That was the biggest mistake," Trump said in an interview aired on Sunday with NBC's 'Meet the Press' program. After almost three years of investigations, Trump's presidency is still clouded by questions surrounding Russian interference to boost his candidacy in the 2016 US elections and his subsequent efforts to impede inquiries into the matter. Sessions, formerly a Republican senator from Alabama, was one of the earliest Trump administration casualties of the Russian election meddling scandal, which continues to be investigated by committees of the US Congress. In February 2016, Sessions became the first serving senator to endorse Trump when the New York reality TV star and real estate developer was still a presidential candidate. Russian intelligence organizations a month later began a cyber campaign aimed at interfering with the 2016 presidential election, according to US intelligence agencies. During the campaign, Sessions, a close Trump adviser, met with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak. Several others in Trump's inner circle met with Russians during this period, too. In late July 2016, the FBI began investigating Russian meddling in the election. After Trump's stunning election victory, Sessions was rewarded for his loyalty by being nominated as the top US law enforcement official and head of the Justice Department. In January 2017 in Senate confirmation hearings, Sessions said that during the campaign he had no communication with Russians. A month later, he was confirmed as attorney general. Only two months afterwards Sessions' campaign ties to Kislyak were reported. Democrats accused him of lying to Congress. In March 2017, Sessions recused himself from the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the elections, infuriating Trump, who thereafter frequently attacked Sessions. In May 2017, Special Counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to take over the Russia probe from the FBI. In November 2018, after months of being publicly ridiculed by Trump, Sessions resigned. He was replaced briefly by Matthew Whitaker until William Barr was confirmed to the job of the attorney general. On Barr, Trump said, "He's brought sanity back." Mueller's 448-page final report, released in mid-April, found insufficient evidence to establish that the Trump campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Moscow, despite numerous contacts between the campaign and Russia. The report also described attempts by Trump to impede Mueller's investigation but stopped short of declaring that he committed a crime. Asked on Sunday if he had read the Mueller report, Trump said, "I read much of it ... I read the conclusion." He again called the allegations that his campaign worked with the Kremlin "a hoax." Trump told NBC: "I'll be honest with you, nobody even mentions Russia anymore since the Mueller report."

Trump admits his 'biggest mistake' was handing Jeff Sessions the attorney general job

Chechen rights activist Oyub Titiyev walked free on Friday after being granted parole from a sentence for drugs possession that prompted international condemnation.

Titiyev, the 61-year-old head of the Chechen branch of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-merkel-plea-putin-backs-probe-into-chechen-gay-attacks-15274"> Russian rights group Memorial</a>, was arrested in January last year, accused of possessing a marijuana-like substance.

Memorial is one of a few rights groups to continue operations in Chechnya, a region under tight control of strongman Ramzan Kadyrov where activists have been beaten up and killed.

In March Titiyev was sentenced to four years in a penal colony but was granted parole this month.

Emerging from prison in the Chechen town of Argun, Titiyev said he "had never ceased his work on human rights," said Oleg Orlov, a Memorial representative who was among those welcoming him.

"We're all happy that our colleague is finally free," said Orlov, while adding Tityev will probably not be able to continue working in Chechnya as before.

"I think it's hardly possible he could work here," Orlov said, while adding that Titiyev will "definitely continue at Memorial" and the group will continue work in Chechnya "in a different way."

Titiyev has gone to stay with his brother, Orlov and his lawyer Marina Dubrovina said.

"He missed his loved ones a lot and wants to go home," said Dubrovina.

The group highlights human rights violations and has specifically accused Kadyrov of heading a totalitarian regime that uses kidnapping and torture.

Chechen leader Kadyrov wrote on Instagram that he "welcomed" the decision to free Titiyev.

Titiyev's release comes a week after Russia dropped drug charges against investigative journalist Ivan Golunov after a huge public outcry, with authorities acknowledging police evidence did not stand up.

Kremlin critics say drug charges are routinely used to silence rights workers and activists.

While Titiyev and Golunov's cases are a cause for celebration, they do not signal any wider change, cautioned lawyer Dubrovina.

"The release of two people can't be called a trend, because a huge number of people who have had drugs planted on them are in jail," she said.

"It's very good that they freed Titiyev but it would be good if the practice of planting drugs ended."

Titiyev and his supporters have linked his case to his investigations into the secretive prison system of a region notorious for rights abuses.

"He has always said it is linked to his activity as head of Grozny Memorial. It's persecution for his activities," said Dubrovina.

am/wdb

Chechen rights activist Oyub Titiyev walked free on Friday after being granted parole from a sentence for drugs possession that prompted international condemnation.

Chechen rights activist Oyub Titiyev walked free on Friday after being granted parole from a sentence for drugs possession that prompted international condemnation. Titiyev, the 61-year-old head of the Chechen branch of Russian rights group Memorial, was arrested in January last year, accused of possessing a marijuana-like substance. Memorial is one of a few rights groups to continue operations in Chechnya, a region under tight control of strongman Ramzan Kadyrov where activists have been beaten up and killed. In March Titiyev was sentenced to four years in a penal colony but was granted parole this month. Emerging from prison in the Chechen town of Argun, Titiyev said he "had never ceased his work on human rights," said Oleg Orlov, a Memorial representative who was among those welcoming him. "We're all happy that our colleague is finally free," said Orlov, while adding Tityev will probably not be able to continue working in Chechnya as before. "I think it's hardly possible he could work here," Orlov said, while adding that Titiyev will "definitely continue at Memorial" and the group will continue work in Chechnya "in a different way." Titiyev has gone to stay with his brother, Orlov and his lawyer Marina Dubrovina said. "He missed his loved ones a lot and wants to go home," said Dubrovina. The group highlights human rights violations and has specifically accused Kadyrov of heading a totalitarian regime that uses kidnapping and torture. Chechen leader Kadyrov wrote on Instagram that he "welcomed" the decision to free Titiyev. Titiyev's release comes a week after Russia dropped drug charges against investigative journalist Ivan Golunov after a huge public outcry, with authorities acknowledging police evidence did not stand up. Kremlin critics say drug charges are routinely used to silence rights workers and activists. While Titiyev and Golunov's cases are a cause for celebration, they do not signal any wider change, cautioned lawyer Dubrovina. "The release of two people can't be called a trend, because a huge number of people who have had drugs planted on them are in jail," she said. "It's very good that they freed Titiyev but it would be good if the practice of planting drugs ended." Titiyev and his supporters have linked his case to his investigations into the secretive prison system of a region notorious for rights abuses. "He has always said it is linked to his activity as head of Grozny Memorial. It's persecution for his activities," said Dubrovina. am/wdb

Russia frees Chechen activist Oyub Titiyev after drugs possession sentence

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday the international community had failed to provide any evidence that Moscow was behind the downing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-russians-1-ukrainian-behind-mh17-flight-crash-over-ukraine-in-2014-investigators-228694">Malaysia Airlines flight MH17</a> in which 298 people died.

"What we've seen as evidence of Russia's guilt absolutely does not suit us. We believe that there is no proof there," Putin told reporters.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mh17-crash-4-suspects-to-face-murder-trial-228853/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

On Wednesday, international investigators charged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-after-mh17-downing-airline-conflict-alert-system-remains-patchy-224198">three Russians and a Ukrainian</a> over the downing of the plane in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said on Thursday that Russia must ensure that those charged with murder over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 face justice.

"We call upon Russia to... ensure that any indicted individuals currently in Russia face justice," Pompeo said in a statement.

The authorities have opened criminal proceedings against the suspects behind the crash.

The Dutch-led probe said it was going to prosecute Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Oleg Pulatov as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko over the downing of the Malaysia Airlines plane.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday the international community had failed to provide any evidence that Moscow was behind the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in which 298 people died.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday the international community had failed to provide any evidence that Moscow was behind the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in which 298 people died. "What we've seen as evidence of Russia's guilt absolutely does not suit us. We believe that there is no proof there," Putin told reporters. On Wednesday, international investigators charged three Russians and a Ukrainian over the downing of the plane in eastern Ukraine in 2014. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said on Thursday that Russia must ensure that those charged with murder over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 face justice. "We call upon Russia to... ensure that any indicted individuals currently in Russia face justice," Pompeo said in a statement. The authorities have opened criminal proceedings against the suspects behind the crash. The Dutch-led probe said it was going to prosecute Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Oleg Pulatov as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko over the downing of the Malaysia Airlines plane.

No proof to link Russia was behind downing of MH17 aircraft: Putin

Russia must ensure that those charged with murder over the downing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-russians-1-ukrainian-behind-mh17-flight-crash-over-ukraine-in-2014-investigators-228694">Malaysia Airlines flight MH17</a> face justice, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday.

"We call upon Russia to... ensure that any indicted individuals currently in Russia face justice," Pompeo said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Investigators named three Russian suspects and one Ukranian behind the MH17 flight which crashed over Ukraine in July 2014.

All 298 passengers on board the Malaysia Airlines plane were killed which included 15 crew members.

The authorities have opened criminal proceedings against the suspects behind the crash.

The Dutch-led probe said it was going to prosecute Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Oleg Pulatov as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko over the downing of the Malaysia Airlines plane.

Russia must ensure that those charged with murder over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 face justice, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday.

Russia must ensure that those charged with murder over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 face justice, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday. "We call upon Russia to... ensure that any indicted individuals currently in Russia face justice," Pompeo said in a statement. Meanwhile, Investigators named three Russian suspects and one Ukranian behind the MH17 flight which crashed over Ukraine in July 2014. All 298 passengers on board the Malaysia Airlines plane were killed which included 15 crew members. The authorities have opened criminal proceedings against the suspects behind the crash. The Dutch-led probe said it was going to prosecute Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Oleg Pulatov as well as Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko over the downing of the Malaysia Airlines plane.

Russia must ensure 'justice' after MH17 murder charges, says US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Russian President Vladimir Putin during his annual marathon phone-in on Thursday claimed kudos for the release of whales held in cramped pens and intended for commercial aquariums.

The release of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beluga-whale-with-russian-harness-raises-alarm-in-norway-214660">eight beluga and killer whales </a>comes after a huge international outcry over the holding in captivity of nearly 100 of the marine mammals.

The move will be seen by some as a publicity stunt to boost the president's popularity amid falling approval ratings.

The whales have been held in enclosures in far eastern Russia since last summer by commercial firms that planned to deliver them to aquariums, including in China where the industry is booming.

Scientists and celebrities had called for their release.

On Thursday, a state television journalist reported live from a gangway beside the enclosures near the far eastern port town of Nakhodka after eight were taken away to be released in their native habitat in what she hailed as a "miraculous effect of the phone-in".

There has been a debate over whether to release the whales directly from the pens off the port of Nakhodka or, in a much more costly process, return them to the Sea of Okhotsk where they were caught -- more than 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) to the north.

Russian officials said the eight whales, and others still in captivity, would all be freed in the Sea of Okhotosk.

"Right now two killer whales and six belugas are being taken to the Shantar Islands to finally set them free," the TV reporter said.

The feel-good resolution to the controversy was reached during Putin's phone-in, where he often resolves ordinary people's problems on the spot and upbraids officials.

Putin, who has previously taken part in tagging an endangered beluga whale to help conservation research, said that the issue had been the animals' high commercial value.

"The killer whales alone -- as far as I know -- are worth around 100 million dollars... When it's big money, problems are always hard to solve," Putin said.

"Thank God things have started moving."

Russian television filmed a container with whales being loaded onto a truck with a crane early in the morning on Thursday.

The whales will travel partly by boat along the Amur River, a television reporter said.

Deputy prime minister Alexei Gordeyev told Putin live on air that the government would change the law to ban hunting whales for "educational and cultural purposes" - a loophole used to capture these whales.

He said that the "right decision was taken on the recommendation of scientists" to release the mammals in their native habitat.

It will take "around four months" to release all the whales in the groups that they have been living in, he said.

The companies that caught the whales have been fined.

Russian President Vladimir Putin during his annual marathon phone-in on Thursday claimed kudos for the release of whales held in cramped pens and intended for commercial aquariums.

Russian President Vladimir Putin during his annual marathon phone-in on Thursday claimed kudos for the release of whales held in cramped pens and intended for commercial aquariums. The release of eight beluga and killer whales comes after a huge international outcry over the holding in captivity of nearly 100 of the marine mammals. The move will be seen by some as a publicity stunt to boost the president's popularity amid falling approval ratings. The whales have been held in enclosures in far eastern Russia since last summer by commercial firms that planned to deliver them to aquariums, including in China where the industry is booming. Scientists and celebrities had called for their release. On Thursday, a state television journalist reported live from a gangway beside the enclosures near the far eastern port town of Nakhodka after eight were taken away to be released in their native habitat in what she hailed as a "miraculous effect of the phone-in". There has been a debate over whether to release the whales directly from the pens off the port of Nakhodka or, in a much more costly process, return them to the Sea of Okhotsk where they were caught -- more than 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) to the north. Russian officials said the eight whales, and others still in captivity, would all be freed in the Sea of Okhotosk. "Right now two killer whales and six belugas are being taken to the Shantar Islands to finally set them free," the TV reporter said. The feel-good resolution to the controversy was reached during Putin's phone-in, where he often resolves ordinary people's problems on the spot and upbraids officials. Putin, who has previously taken part in tagging an endangered beluga whale to help conservation research, said that the issue had been the animals' high commercial value. "The killer whales alone -- as far as I know -- are worth around 100 million dollars... When it's big money, problems are always hard to solve," Putin said. "Thank God things have started moving." Russian television filmed a container with whales being loaded onto a truck with a crane early in the morning on Thursday. The whales will travel partly by boat along the Amur River, a television reporter said. Deputy prime minister Alexei Gordeyev told Putin live on air that the government would change the law to ban hunting whales for "educational and cultural purposes" - a loophole used to capture these whales. He said that the "right decision was taken on the recommendation of scientists" to release the mammals in their native habitat. It will take "around four months" to release all the whales in the groups that they have been living in, he said. The companies that caught the whales have been fined.

Putin helps free beluga, killer whales in phone-in amid falling approval ratings

US President Donald Trump has asked The New York Times to disclose its sources behind the report that claimed that his government was ramping up cyber attacks on Russia's electric power grid as a sign of warning to President Vladimir Putin.

"The story in the @nytimes about the U.S. escalating attacks on Russia's power grid is Fake News, and the Failing New York Times knows it. They should immediately release their sources which, if they exist at all, which I doubt, are phoney. Times must be held fully accountable!" Trump wrote on his official Twitter handle on Monday (local time).

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The story in the <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a> about the U.S. escalating attacks on Russia’s power grid is Fake News, and the Failing New York Times knows it. They should immediately release their sources which, if they exist at all, which I doubt, are phony. Times must be held fully accountable!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1140804748423118848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Citing unofficial sources, The New York Times report claimed that the US has placed a malware inside the Russian systems operating the nation's power grid so as to conduct cyber attacks if a conflict arises between the two countries in the future.

"Two administration officials said they believed Trump had not been briefed in any detail about the steps to place "implants" — software code that can be used for surveillance or attack — inside the Russian grid," said the report.

"Pentagon and intelligence officials described broad hesitation to go into detail with Trump about operations against Russia for concern over his reaction — and the possibility that he might countermand it or discuss it with foreign officials, as he did in 2017 when he mentioned a sensitive operation in Syria to the Russian foreign minister," it added.

Trump's National Security Adviser John Bolton had recently said that the US was now taking a broader view of the potential digital targets as part of an effort "to say to Russia, or anybody else that's engaged in cyberoperations against us, 'You will pay a price."

In a couple of tweets on Saturday, the US President had refuted these claims and deemed the article a "virtual act of treason" written without "the slightest thought of consequence."

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Do you believe that the Failing New York Times just did a story stating that the United States is substantially increasing Cyber Attacks on Russia. This is a virtual act of Treason by a once great paper so desperate for a story, any story, even if bad for our Country.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1140065300186128384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The report adds that Trump himself has not been briefed about the details of the "implants" inside the Russian grid, in fear that he might countermand the operation or discuss it with the foreign officials

US President Donald Trump has asked The New York Times to disclose its sources behind the report that claimed that his government was ramping up cyber attacks on Russia's electric power grid as a sign of warning to President Vladimir Putin.

US President Donald Trump has asked The New York Times to disclose its sources behind the report that claimed that his government was ramping up cyber attacks on Russia's electric power grid as a sign of warning to President Vladimir Putin. "The story in the @nytimes about the U.S. escalating attacks on Russia's power grid is Fake News, and the Failing New York Times knows it. They should immediately release their sources which, if they exist at all, which I doubt, are phoney. Times must be held fully accountable!" Trump wrote on his official Twitter handle on Monday (local time). The story in the @nytimes about the U.S. escalating attacks on Russia’s power grid is Fake News, and the Failing New York Times knows it. They should immediately release their sources which, if they exist at all, which I doubt, are phony. Times must be held fully accountable! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2019 × Citing unofficial sources, The New York Times report claimed that the US has placed a malware inside the Russian systems operating the nation's power grid so as to conduct cyber attacks if a conflict arises between the two countries in the future. "Two administration officials said they believed Trump had not been briefed in any detail about the steps to place "implants" — software code that can be used for surveillance or attack — inside the Russian grid," said the report. "Pentagon and intelligence officials described broad hesitation to go into detail with Trump about operations against Russia for concern over his reaction — and the possibility that he might countermand it or discuss it with foreign officials, as he did in 2017 when he mentioned a sensitive operation in Syria to the Russian foreign minister," it added. Trump's National Security Adviser John Bolton had recently said that the US was now taking a broader view of the potential digital targets as part of an effort "to say to Russia, or anybody else that's engaged in cyberoperations against us, 'You will pay a price." In a couple of tweets on Saturday, the US President had refuted these claims and deemed the article a "virtual act of treason" written without "the slightest thought of consequence." Do you believe that the Failing New York Times just did a story stating that the United States is substantially increasing Cyber Attacks on Russia. This is a virtual act of Treason by a once great paper so desperate for a story, any story, even if bad for our Country..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2019 × The report adds that Trump himself has not been briefed about the details of the "implants" inside the Russian grid, in fear that he might countermand the operation or discuss it with the foreign officials

Donald Trump asks New York Times to disclose sources that US is ramping up cyber attacks on Russia

Russian lawmakers said on Thursday that a new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-deploy-1000-troops-to-poland-warsaw-may-call-them-fort-trump-226730">US military deployment to Poland announced by President Donald Trump</a> would force Moscow to take retaliatory steps, with one saying it would make Poland a target in the event of a conflict.

Trump pledged to Polish President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday that he would deploy 1,000 US troops to Poland, a step sought by Warsaw to deter potential aggression from Russia.

Members of Russia's parliament were the first in Moscow to react to the initiative, which they said also envisaged deploying military drones.

"In the event of any conflict, God forbid, the territory of Poland would become a clear target for a retaliatory strike, if there was suddenly an attack on us," Vladimir Dzhabarov, deputy head of the upper house of parliament's international affairs committee, told the Interfax news agency.

Another lawmaker, ex-commander of Russia's special forces Vladimir Shamanov, who now runs the lower house of parliament's defence committee, said he was concerned about the US drones because of their potential to carry nuclear weapons.

"The world is gradually slipping towards a dangerous moment comparable to the Caribbean crisis," Shamanov said, using the Russian expression for the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis - a standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.

"...We will be forced to take retaliatory measures and we have them in our armoury," Interfax cited him as saying.

The Russian parliament is not normally involved in the decision-making process on foreign affairs, except in situations where the Kremlin requests the upper house's formal approval for a military operation.

The Kremlin has yet to comment on the new US plans for Poland but President Vladimir Putin said in an interview, published earlier on Thursday, that relations between Moscow and Washington were getting worse and worse.

Trump announced the Polish deployment ahead of a G20 summit in Japan later this month, at which Trump and Putin might meet.

Russian lawmakers said on Thursday that a new US military deployment to Poland announced by President Donald Trump would force Moscow to take retaliatory steps, with one saying it would make Poland a target in the event of a conflict.

Russian lawmakers said on Thursday that a new US military deployment to Poland announced by President Donald Trump would force Moscow to take retaliatory steps, with one saying it would make Poland a target in the event of a conflict. Trump pledged to Polish President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday that he would deploy 1,000 US troops to Poland, a step sought by Warsaw to deter potential aggression from Russia. Members of Russia's parliament were the first in Moscow to react to the initiative, which they said also envisaged deploying military drones. "In the event of any conflict, God forbid, the territory of Poland would become a clear target for a retaliatory strike, if there was suddenly an attack on us," Vladimir Dzhabarov, deputy head of the upper house of parliament's international affairs committee, told the Interfax news agency. Another lawmaker, ex-commander of Russia's special forces Vladimir Shamanov, who now runs the lower house of parliament's defence committee, said he was concerned about the US drones because of their potential to carry nuclear weapons. "The world is gradually slipping towards a dangerous moment comparable to the Caribbean crisis," Shamanov said, using the Russian expression for the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis - a standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. "...We will be forced to take retaliatory measures and we have them in our armoury," Interfax cited him as saying. The Russian parliament is not normally involved in the decision-making process on foreign affairs, except in situations where the Kremlin requests the upper house's formal approval for a military operation. The Kremlin has yet to comment on the new US plans for Poland but President Vladimir Putin said in an interview, published earlier on Thursday, that relations between Moscow and Washington were getting worse and worse. Trump announced the Polish deployment ahead of a G20 summit in Japan later this month, at which Trump and Putin might meet.

Russia will respond to new United States deployment in Poland: Lawmakers

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fired two police generals involved in a discredited criminal case against a journalist, an episode that sparked a mass protest in Moscow the previous day, the Kremlin said.

Russian police abruptly dropped drugs charges on Tuesday against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-police-detain-more-than-400-at-protest-over-journalist-226611">journalist Ivan Golunov</a>, a rare U-turn by the authorities in the face of anger from his supporters who had alleged he was framed for his reporting.

Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev said at the time that he planned to ask Putin to dismiss senior police personnel involved in the case.

The Kremlin said on Thursday that Putin had fired two senior police officers, both of whom had the major-general rank.

Golunov, 36, known for exposing corruption among Moscow city officials, was detained by police last Thursday and accused of dealing drugs, an allegation he denied.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fired two police generals involved in a discredited criminal case against a journalist, an episode that sparked a mass protest in Moscow the previous day, the Kremlin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fired two police generals involved in a discredited criminal case against a journalist, an episode that sparked a mass protest in Moscow the previous day, the Kremlin said. Russian police abruptly dropped drugs charges on Tuesday against journalist Ivan Golunov, a rare U-turn by the authorities in the face of anger from his supporters who had alleged he was framed for his reporting. Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev said at the time that he planned to ask Putin to dismiss senior police personnel involved in the case. The Kremlin said on Thursday that Putin had fired two senior police officers, both of whom had the major-general rank. Golunov, 36, known for exposing corruption among Moscow city officials, was detained by police last Thursday and accused of dealing drugs, an allegation he denied.

Putin fires police generals over discredited case against journalist

&nbsp;The US President Donald Trump pledged to Polish President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday that he will<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-offering-2-billion-to-host-us-military-base-donald-trump-166570"> deploy 1,000 US troops to Poland</a>, a step sought by Warsaw to deter potential aggression from Russia.

Despite their strong show of unity, Trump disagreed with Duda's attempt to force the retirement of some Polish Supreme Court judges, a decision last year that prompted protests. "No," Trump said when asked if he supported the move.

Trump announced the troop deployment at a joint news conference with Duda in the White House Rose Garden shortly after the two leaders signed a joint declaration affirming defence cooperation and watched a US made F-35 fighter jet fly overhead.

Duda, who is considering naming the US installation "Fort Trump," said the new influx of troops was needed because of Moscow's past aggression against Poland and to help solidify his country's ties to the West.

"Russia again is showing its unkind, unfriendly imperial face," he said. "Russia is always looking out to take our territory."

Trump said earlier the troop contingent could come from the US force in Germany, which he has accused of paying too little for NATO's common defence.

The decision by Trump represents an effort to cater to the interests of Poland, a key NATO ally, while not overly antagonizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom Trump would like to have friendly relations. He and Putin are to meet in Japan in two weeks.

"I hope that Poland is going to have a great relationship with Russia. I hope that we're going to have a great relationship with Russia," said Trump.

The United States already has troops in Poland as part of a 2016 agreement with the NATO military alliance in response to Moscow's annexation of Crimea from Poland's eastern neighbour Ukraine in 2014.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued a statement welcoming the deployment.

"Today’s announcement is part of NATO’s measured, defensive and proportionate efforts to strengthen our deterrence and defence," he said.

Duda denied backsliding on democracy when asked about his attempt to remove the judges. He said some of them dated back to Poland's communist past and that he wanted to remove them as part of judicial reforms.

"This is a very complex issue," he said. "Everything that we were doing was aimed at retiring those people .. Let me assure you, freedom of speech is absolutely respected in Poland. Poland absolutely respects all constitutional standards."

With Trump to turn 73 on Friday, Duda wished Trump a happy birthday at an evening White House reception whose audience included Polish-Americans. Some in the crowd launched into a happy birthday song in Polish.

"This first term of your presidency will be the introduction to your second term," Duda told Trump.

The US President Donald Trump pledged to Polish President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday that he will deploy 1,000 US troops to Poland, a step sought by Warsaw to deter potential aggression from Russia.

The US President Donald Trump pledged to Polish President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday that he will deploy 1,000 US troops to Poland, a step sought by Warsaw to deter potential aggression from Russia. Despite their strong show of unity, Trump disagreed with Duda's attempt to force the retirement of some Polish Supreme Court judges, a decision last year that prompted protests. "No," Trump said when asked if he supported the move. Trump announced the troop deployment at a joint news conference with Duda in the White House Rose Garden shortly after the two leaders signed a joint declaration affirming defence cooperation and watched a US made F-35 fighter jet fly overhead. Duda, who is considering naming the US installation "Fort Trump," said the new influx of troops was needed because of Moscow's past aggression against Poland and to help solidify his country's ties to the West. "Russia again is showing its unkind, unfriendly imperial face," he said. "Russia is always looking out to take our territory." Trump said earlier the troop contingent could come from the US force in Germany, which he has accused of paying too little for NATO's common defence. The decision by Trump represents an effort to cater to the interests of Poland, a key NATO ally, while not overly antagonizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom Trump would like to have friendly relations. He and Putin are to meet in Japan in two weeks. "I hope that Poland is going to have a great relationship with Russia. I hope that we're going to have a great relationship with Russia," said Trump. The United States already has troops in Poland as part of a 2016 agreement with the NATO military alliance in response to Moscow's annexation of Crimea from Poland's eastern neighbour Ukraine in 2014. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued a statement welcoming the deployment. "Today’s announcement is part of NATO’s measured, defensive and proportionate efforts to strengthen our deterrence and defence," he said. Duda denied backsliding on democracy when asked about his attempt to remove the judges. He said some of them dated back to Poland's communist past and that he wanted to remove them as part of judicial reforms. "This is a very complex issue," he said. "Everything that we were doing was aimed at retiring those people .. Let me assure you, freedom of speech is absolutely respected in Poland. Poland absolutely respects all constitutional standards." With Trump to turn 73 on Friday, Duda wished Trump a happy birthday at an evening White House reception whose audience included Polish-Americans. Some in the crowd launched into a happy birthday song in Polish. "This first term of your presidency will be the introduction to your second term," Duda told Trump.

US will deploy 1,000 troops to Poland; Warsaw may call them 'Fort Trump'

Russia said on Tuesday it plans to deliver its S-400 missile defence systems to Turkey in July, setting the clock ticking on a US threat to hit Ankara with sanctions if it goes ahead with a deal that has strained ties between the NATO allies.

Turkey and the United States have sparred publicly for months over Ankara's order for the S-400s, which are not compatible with the transatlantic alliance's systems.

Washington has threatened to remove Turkey from its F-35 fighter jet programme unless it drops the deal, and has set its own deadline of July 31. If Ankara accepts delivery of the S-400s, that would trigger U.S. sanctions that could prolong Turkey's economic recession and prompt a re-evaluation of its 67-year membership of NATO.

Turkey said that a US House of Representatives' resolution on Monday condemning the S-400 purchase and urging sanctions was unacceptably threatening.

Later on Tuesday in Moscow, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told reporters: "The agreements reached between Russia and Turkey are being fulfilled on time in the given context. There are no bilateral problems."

Asked if the surface-to-air missiles will be delivered in July, he said: "Yes, that's what we plan somehow."

The comments came days after the head of Russian state conglomerate Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, said Moscow would start delivering the S-400s to Turkey in two months. Turkish officials have said the delivery could take place as soon as June.

The US&nbsp;resolution, introduced in May and entitled "Expressing concern for the United States-Turkey alliance", was agreed in the House on Monday.

It urges Turkey to cancel the S-400 purchase and calls for sanctions if Ankara accepts their delivery. That, the resolution said, would undermine the U.S.-led transatlantic defence alliance.

In response, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that its foreign policy and judicial system were being maligned by "unfair" and "unfounded" allegations in the resolution.

"It is unacceptable to take decisions which do not serve to increase mutual trust, to continue to keep the language of threats and sanctions on the agenda and to set various artificial deadlines," it added in a statement.

Pilot training wound down

President Tayyip Erdogan's government faces a balancing act in its ties with the West and Russia, with which it has close energy ties and is also cooperating in neighbouring Syria.

The United States is also pressuring Turkey and other nations to isolate Iran, including blocking oil exports.

U.S. officials said on Monday the training of Turkish pilots on F-35 fighter jets had come to a faster-than-expected halt at an air base in Arizona, as Ankara's involvement was wound down over the S-400 controversy.

The United States says Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defences poses a threat to Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighters, which Turkey also plans to buy.

"We rarely see it in foreign affairs, but this is a black and white issue. There is no middle ground. Either Mr. Erdogan cancels the Russian deal, or he doesn't," Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said on the House floor on Monday.

"There is no future for Turkey having both Russian weapons and American F-35s. There's no third option," he said.

Turkey appeared set to move ahead with the S-400 purchase despite the US&nbsp;warnings. Erdogan said last week it was "out of the question" for Turkey to back away from its deal with Moscow.

Separately, credit ratings agency Fitch said on Tuesday that any US&nbsp;sanctions would have a "significant impact" on sentiment around the Turkish lira, which has sold off since late March in part due to the spat with Washington over the missile defence system.

"If sanctions are imposed, it would be relatively mild and...the direct impact would be minimal. However, the impact on sentiment could be significant," said Paul Gamble, senior director and head of emerging Europe at Fitch Ratings.

Russia said on Tuesday it plans to deliver its S-400 missile defence systems to Turkey in July, setting the clock ticking on a US threat to hit Ankara with sanctions if it goes ahead with a deal that has strained ties between the NATO allies.

Russia said on Tuesday it plans to deliver its S-400 missile defence systems to Turkey in July, setting the clock ticking on a US threat to hit Ankara with sanctions if it goes ahead with a deal that has strained ties between the NATO allies. Turkey and the United States have sparred publicly for months over Ankara's order for the S-400s, which are not compatible with the transatlantic alliance's systems. Washington has threatened to remove Turkey from its F-35 fighter jet programme unless it drops the deal, and has set its own deadline of July 31. If Ankara accepts delivery of the S-400s, that would trigger U.S. sanctions that could prolong Turkey's economic recession and prompt a re-evaluation of its 67-year membership of NATO. Turkey said that a US House of Representatives' resolution on Monday condemning the S-400 purchase and urging sanctions was unacceptably threatening. Later on Tuesday in Moscow, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told reporters: "The agreements reached between Russia and Turkey are being fulfilled on time in the given context. There are no bilateral problems." Asked if the surface-to-air missiles will be delivered in July, he said: "Yes, that's what we plan somehow." The comments came days after the head of Russian state conglomerate Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, said Moscow would start delivering the S-400s to Turkey in two months. Turkish officials have said the delivery could take place as soon as June. The US resolution, introduced in May and entitled "Expressing concern for the United States-Turkey alliance", was agreed in the House on Monday. It urges Turkey to cancel the S-400 purchase and calls for sanctions if Ankara accepts their delivery. That, the resolution said, would undermine the U.S.-led transatlantic defence alliance. In response, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that its foreign policy and judicial system were being maligned by "unfair" and "unfounded" allegations in the resolution. "It is unacceptable to take decisions which do not serve to increase mutual trust, to continue to keep the language of threats and sanctions on the agenda and to set various artificial deadlines," it added in a statement. Pilot training wound down President Tayyip Erdogan's government faces a balancing act in its ties with the West and Russia, with which it has close energy ties and is also cooperating in neighbouring Syria. The United States is also pressuring Turkey and other nations to isolate Iran, including blocking oil exports. U.S. officials said on Monday the training of Turkish pilots on F-35 fighter jets had come to a faster-than-expected halt at an air base in Arizona, as Ankara's involvement was wound down over the S-400 controversy. The United States says Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defences poses a threat to Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighters, which Turkey also plans to buy. "We rarely see it in foreign affairs, but this is a black and white issue. There is no middle ground. Either Mr. Erdogan cancels the Russian deal, or he doesn't," Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said on the House floor on Monday. "There is no future for Turkey having both Russian weapons and American F-35s. There's no third option," he said. Turkey appeared set to move ahead with the S-400 purchase despite the US warnings. Erdogan said last week it was "out of the question" for Turkey to back away from its deal with Moscow. Separately, credit ratings agency Fitch said on Tuesday that any US sanctions would have a "significant impact" on sentiment around the Turkish lira, which has sold off since late March in part due to the spat with Washington over the missile defence system. "If sanctions are imposed, it would be relatively mild and...the direct impact would be minimal. However, the impact on sentiment could be significant," said Paul Gamble, senior director and head of emerging Europe at Fitch Ratings.

Russia plans to deliver missiles to Turkey in July; US takes dim view

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-fall-on-surging-us-crude-stockpiles-economic-concerns-221236">Oil prices resumed their slide</a> on Wednesday, dragged down by a surprise gain in US inventories and comments from the head of Russian state oil producer Rosneft questioning the point of a deal with OPEC to withhold supplies.

Brent futures were down 27 cents, or 0.4%, at $61.70 a barrel by 0152 GMT. They rose 1.1% on Tuesday after a near 13 per cent falls in the previous four sessions.

The US West Texas Intermediate crude was down by 32 cents, or 0.6%, at $53.16 a barrel. The US benchmark closed 0.4% higher on Tuesday.

Oil prices have fallen sharply on fears about slowing global demand but won a respite on Tuesday after a global stock market rally on hopes of a cut in US interest rates.

The US crude stocks rose unexpectedly last week, while gasoline and distillate inventories built more than expected, industry group the American Petroleum Institute said on Tuesday.

Crude inventories rose by 3.5 million barrels in the week to May 31 to 478 million, compared with analysts' expectations for a decrease of 849,000 barrels.

Official numbers from the US Energy Information Administration are due out later on Wednesday.

"It was a very bearish number and if confirmed by the EIA it will hammer prices," said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management in Bangkok.

The oil market has been weighed down by concerns about slowing global growth from the US, Sino trade war and President Donald Trump's threats last week to place tariffs on Mexican imports.

To prevent oversupply and prop up the market, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, together with allies including Russia, has been withholding production since the start of the year.

The group plans to decide later this month or in early July whether to continue the supply curbs.

But on Tuesday, the head of oil giant Rosneft, Igor Sechin, said Russia should pump at will and he would seek compensation from the government if cuts were extended.

Russia's average daily oil output has nonetheless dropped to a three-year-low after contaminated crude clogged its main export route.

Further pressuring oil prices and undermining OPEC's efforts to tighten the market has been surging US output to record highs, leading to more of its crude being exported.

"Does it make sense (for Russia) to reduce (oil output) if the U.S immediately takes (our) market share?" Sechin was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency.

"We have to defend our market share," he said.

Oil prices resumed their slide on Wednesday, dragged down by a surprise gain in US inventories and comments from the head of Russian state oil producer Rosneft questioning the point of a deal with OPEC to withhold supplies.

Oil prices resumed their slide on Wednesday, dragged down by a surprise gain in US inventories and comments from the head of Russian state oil producer Rosneft questioning the point of a deal with OPEC to withhold supplies. Brent futures were down 27 cents, or 0.4%, at $61.70 a barrel by 0152 GMT. They rose 1.1% on Tuesday after a near 13 per cent falls in the previous four sessions. The US West Texas Intermediate crude was down by 32 cents, or 0.6%, at $53.16 a barrel. The US benchmark closed 0.4% higher on Tuesday. Oil prices have fallen sharply on fears about slowing global demand but won a respite on Tuesday after a global stock market rally on hopes of a cut in US interest rates. The US crude stocks rose unexpectedly last week, while gasoline and distillate inventories built more than expected, industry group the American Petroleum Institute said on Tuesday. Crude inventories rose by 3.5 million barrels in the week to May 31 to 478 million, compared with analysts' expectations for a decrease of 849,000 barrels. Official numbers from the US Energy Information Administration are due out later on Wednesday. "It was a very bearish number and if confirmed by the EIA it will hammer prices," said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management in Bangkok. The oil market has been weighed down by concerns about slowing global growth from the US, Sino trade war and President Donald Trump's threats last week to place tariffs on Mexican imports. To prevent oversupply and prop up the market, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, together with allies including Russia, has been withholding production since the start of the year. The group plans to decide later this month or in early July whether to continue the supply curbs. But on Tuesday, the head of oil giant Rosneft, Igor Sechin, said Russia should pump at will and he would seek compensation from the government if cuts were extended. Russia's average daily oil output has nonetheless dropped to a three-year-low after contaminated crude clogged its main export route. Further pressuring oil prices and undermining OPEC's efforts to tighten the market has been surging US output to record highs, leading to more of its crude being exported. "Does it make sense (for Russia) to reduce (oil output) if the U.S immediately takes (our) market share?" Sechin was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency. "We have to defend our market share," he said.

Oil prices fall on rise in US inventories, supply worries

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin praised their countries' ties during a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Beijing and Moscow seek to shore up cooperation amid tensions with the US.&nbsp;

Putin said the visit was a "key event" in relations between the two neighbours.

"Our relationship will be better and better," said Xi, who was received with full honours when he arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport in the afternoon.

The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with its Western partners and subsequent turn toward its neighbour to the east.

"In recent years, thanks to your direct participation, the relationship between Russia and China has reached an unprecedentedly high level," the Russian president said.

Following the talks and a visit to the Bolshoi Theatre late Wednesday, Xi is set to travel to Russia's former imperial capital Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;

There he will attend an economic forum hosted by Putin on Thursday and Friday.

China and Russia "have strong political mutual trust, and support each other firmly on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns," Xi said during an interview with Russian media ahead of the visit.

Putin's foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, earlier said Xi and Putin would sign a new declaration on their "global partnership and strategic cooperation, which are entering a new era".

The Chinese delegation brought two pandas as gifts, bound for the Moscow Zoo. "The animal is a symbol of China and the gesture is very important to our partners," Ushakov said. 
T 
he partnership is yielding increasing trade, which has increased by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion (96 billion euros), he added, calling China "Russia's most important economic partner".

Russia's 'pivot' paying off&nbsp;

Russia may have had unrealistic expectations from its pivot to the east following Western sanctions over Ukraine, said Alexander Gabuev, who heads the Asia programme at the Carnegie Moscow Center.

Nevertheless, China's share in Russian foreign trade has nearly doubled since then, he added.

"The pivot really is happening," he said.

"Despite all the difficulties, China became a significant creditor and rather significant investor" in Russia at a time when many other investors preferred to pack their bags.

Cooperation with China is seen by Moscow as "the lesser of two evils" to stimulate economic growth, Gabuev said -- the alternative being deep internal reforms and reconciliation with the West.

Politically, the two countries seem consistently aligned and often vote in unison as permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Presidential advisor Ushakov said "the positions of Russia and China are very close or coincide completely on most international issues," including the North Korean nuclear programme, the Venezuelan crisis and the Iran nuclear deal.

All these issues would be discussed during the leaders' meeting, he added.&nbsp;

The countries would also discuss their relationship with the "great Western powers, including the United States", he said.

Moscow's relations with Washington have been at a post-Cold War low for some time, and Beijing is locked in a trade war with the US.

After Washington criticised its rights record, Beijing issued a travel warning to Chinese nationals Tuesday about crime and police harassment in the United States.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin praised their countries' ties during a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Beijing and Moscow seek to shore up cooperation amid tensions with the US.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin praised their countries' ties during a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Beijing and Moscow seek to shore up cooperation amid tensions with the US. Putin said the visit was a "key event" in relations between the two neighbours. "Our relationship will be better and better," said Xi, who was received with full honours when he arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport in the afternoon. The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with its Western partners and subsequent turn toward its neighbour to the east. "In recent years, thanks to your direct participation, the relationship between Russia and China has reached an unprecedentedly high level," the Russian president said. Following the talks and a visit to the Bolshoi Theatre late Wednesday, Xi is set to travel to Russia's former imperial capital Saint Petersburg. There he will attend an economic forum hosted by Putin on Thursday and Friday. China and Russia "have strong political mutual trust, and support each other firmly on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns," Xi said during an interview with Russian media ahead of the visit. Putin's foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, earlier said Xi and Putin would sign a new declaration on their "global partnership and strategic cooperation, which are entering a new era". The Chinese delegation brought two pandas as gifts, bound for the Moscow Zoo. "The animal is a symbol of China and the gesture is very important to our partners," Ushakov said. T he partnership is yielding increasing trade, which has increased by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion (96 billion euros), he added, calling China "Russia's most important economic partner". Russia's 'pivot' paying off Russia may have had unrealistic expectations from its pivot to the east following Western sanctions over Ukraine, said Alexander Gabuev, who heads the Asia programme at the Carnegie Moscow Center. Nevertheless, China's share in Russian foreign trade has nearly doubled since then, he added. "The pivot really is happening," he said. "Despite all the difficulties, China became a significant creditor and rather significant investor" in Russia at a time when many other investors preferred to pack their bags. Cooperation with China is seen by Moscow as "the lesser of two evils" to stimulate economic growth, Gabuev said -- the alternative being deep internal reforms and reconciliation with the West. Politically, the two countries seem consistently aligned and often vote in unison as permanent members of the UN Security Council. Presidential advisor Ushakov said "the positions of Russia and China are very close or coincide completely on most international issues," including the North Korean nuclear programme, the Venezuelan crisis and the Iran nuclear deal. All these issues would be discussed during the leaders' meeting, he added. The countries would also discuss their relationship with the "great Western powers, including the United States", he said. Moscow's relations with Washington have been at a post-Cold War low for some time, and Beijing is locked in a trade war with the US. After Washington criticised its rights record, Beijing issued a travel warning to Chinese nationals Tuesday about crime and police harassment in the United States.

China's Xi in Russia to boost cooperation amid US tensions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-people-missing-after-blasts-at-russian-military-plant-22-injured-223432">Two people missing after blasts at Russian military plant, 22 injured</a>

At least two people were missing on Saturday after blasts at the explosives plant Kristall in the central Russian town of Dzerzhinsk, Interfax and RIA news agencies reported. Some 22 people were injured, Interfax news agency reported citing a source. An official at the local health ministry said earlier that most of the injured have fragment wounds.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-will-have-no-walkover-in-parliament-rahul-gandhi-223399">BJP will have no walkover in Parliament: Rahul Gandhi</a>

Asserting that the 52 newly-elected Congress MPs will work like "a pride of brave-hearted lions", Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that his party will continue to work "fearlessly" and that the BJP cannot have a "walk over" in parliament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/wont-stake-claim-in-lok-sabha-for-leader-of-opposition-congress-223378">Won't stake claim in Lok Sabha for Leader of Opposition: Congress</a>

The Congress party on Saturday said that it will not stake a claim for the post of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha as it is falling short of two seats and is not able to reach the required number of 54.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-eyes-steps-to-cut-immigrant-flows-to-us-border-official-223382">Mexico eyes steps to cut immigrant flows to US border: Official</a>

Mexico wants to sharpen existing measures in its bid to narrow a flood of Central American migrants to the US border, a top Mexican official said on Friday, ahead of planned meetings in Washington over tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-chinese-defence-chiefs-discuss-sanctions-enforcement-on-north-korea-223376">US, Chinese defence chiefs discuss sanctions enforcement on North Korea</a>

Patrick Shanahan, the acting US Defence Secretary, and Wei Fenghe, the Chinese Defence Minister, discussed ways to better enforce UN sanctions on North Korea during a "constructive and productive" meeting held on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum here on Friday.

Two people missing after blasts at Russian military plant, 22 injured At least two people were missing on Saturday after blasts at the explosives plant Kristall in the central Russian town of Dzerzhinsk, Interfax and RIA news agencies reported.

Two people missing after blasts at Russian military plant, 22 injured At least two people were missing on Saturday after blasts at the explosives plant Kristall in the central Russian town of Dzerzhinsk, Interfax and RIA news agencies reported. Some 22 people were injured, Interfax news agency reported citing a source. An official at the local health ministry said earlier that most of the injured have fragment wounds. BJP will have no walkover in Parliament: Rahul Gandhi Asserting that the 52 newly-elected Congress MPs will work like "a pride of brave-hearted lions", Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that his party will continue to work "fearlessly" and that the BJP cannot have a "walk over" in parliament. Won't stake claim in Lok Sabha for Leader of Opposition: Congress The Congress party on Saturday said that it will not stake a claim for the post of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha as it is falling short of two seats and is not able to reach the required number of 54. Mexico eyes steps to cut immigrant flows to US border: Official Mexico wants to sharpen existing measures in its bid to narrow a flood of Central American migrants to the US border, a top Mexican official said on Friday, ahead of planned meetings in Washington over tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump. US, Chinese defence chiefs discuss sanctions enforcement on North Korea Patrick Shanahan, the acting US Defence Secretary, and Wei Fenghe, the Chinese Defence Minister, discussed ways to better enforce UN sanctions on North Korea during a "constructive and productive" meeting held on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum here on Friday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

At least two people were missing on Saturday after blasts at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blast-at-central-explosives-plant-injures-19-authorities-warn-of-more-explosions-223393">explosives plant Kristall in the central Russian town of Dzerzhinsk</a>, Interfax and RIA news agencies reported.

"As we understand, two went missing," deputy governor Dmitry Krasnov was quoted by RIA as saying in a statement broadcast by Russian state TV channel Rossiya 24.

Some 22 people were injured, Interfax news agency reported citing a source. An official at the local health ministry said earlier that most of the injured have fragment wounds.

Dzerzhinsk is close to the city of Nizhny Novgorod, about 400 km (250 miles) east of Moscow. Founded in Soviet times, the Kristall scientific institute is one of the major Russian developers of explosives technology for military and civilian use. The plant is part of Russia's Rostec, a state conglomerate which has been affected by Western sanctions over Russian policy towards Ukraine.

According to TASS news agency, 27 people requested medical help after the blasts, the local health ministry said.

A section of the building where the blasts occurred was partially destroyed and a fire broke out at the facility, where explosives and ammunition, including aerial bombs, were stored, Russian news agencies said.

A neighbouring building also caught fire, RIA reported citing a source.

Rossiya 24 TV showed smoke rising from the plant.

At least two people were missing on Saturday after blasts at the explosives plant Kristall in the central Russian town of Dzerzhinsk, Interfax and RIA news agencies reported.

At least two people were missing on Saturday after blasts at the explosives plant Kristall in the central Russian town of Dzerzhinsk, Interfax and RIA news agencies reported. "As we understand, two went missing," deputy governor Dmitry Krasnov was quoted by RIA as saying in a statement broadcast by Russian state TV channel Rossiya 24. Some 22 people were injured, Interfax news agency reported citing a source. An official at the local health ministry said earlier that most of the injured have fragment wounds. Dzerzhinsk is close to the city of Nizhny Novgorod, about 400 km (250 miles) east of Moscow. Founded in Soviet times, the Kristall scientific institute is one of the major Russian developers of explosives technology for military and civilian use. The plant is part of Russia's Rostec, a state conglomerate which has been affected by Western sanctions over Russian policy towards Ukraine. According to TASS news agency, 27 people requested medical help after the blasts, the local health ministry said. A section of the building where the blasts occurred was partially destroyed and a fire broke out at the facility, where explosives and ammunition, including aerial bombs, were stored, Russian news agencies said. A neighbouring building also caught fire, RIA reported citing a source. Rossiya 24 TV showed smoke rising from the plant.

Two people missing after blasts at Russian military plant, 22 injured

A blast occurred at Russia's major explosives plant and has injured as many as 19 people, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

The blast took place in the town of Dzerzhinsk in central Russia, AFP reported quoting Russian news agency TASS and Interfax. Local authorities have warned of more such explosions.&nbsp;

As per reports, a section of the building where the blasts occurred was partially destroyed. A fire broke out at the facility, where explosives and ammunition were stored, the news agencies said.

The local media cited state health ministry. More details are awaited, no loss of life has been reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

A blast occurred at Russia's major explosives plant and has injured as many as 19 people, news agency AFP reported. The blast took place in the town of Dzerzhinsk in central Russia, AFP reported quoting Russian news agency TASS and Interfax.

A blast occurred at Russia's major explosives plant and has injured as many as 19 people, news agency AFP reported. The blast took place in the town of Dzerzhinsk in central Russia, AFP reported quoting Russian news agency TASS and Interfax. Local authorities have warned of more such explosions. As per reports, a section of the building where the blasts occurred was partially destroyed. A fire broke out at the facility, where explosives and ammunition were stored, the news agencies said. The local media cited state health ministry. More details are awaited, no loss of life has been reported. (With inputs from AFP)

Russia: Blast at central explosives plant injures 19, authorities warn of more explosions

India's decision to buy the long-range <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-must-sign-s-400-deal-russia-167776">S-400 missile defence system</a> from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties, the Trump administration has warned.

The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 to procure the lethal missile system.

India and Russia signed a USD 5 billion S-400 air defence system deal in October last after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A Senior State Department Official told a group of reporters on Thursday that New Delhi's decision to buy S-400 air defence system from Moscow was significant, disagreeing with the view that it "isn't a big deal".

The official disagreed with the view that India's buying of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heard-and-understood-by-us-on-s-400-missile-deal-defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-210014">S-400 from Russia</a> might not have an impact as long as it increases its military purchase from the US.

Watch: Know how US perceives India-Russia S-400 deal

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"I disagree. The S-400 is significant because of CAATSA sanctions. It's also significant because of what it precludes, in terms of future high-tech cooperation," the official said.

The S-400 missile defence system deal could result in US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) instituted by the US Congress on arms purchases from Russia.

The official said if India went ahead with its decision to buy the S-400 missile defence system from Russia, it will have serious implications on the defence ties.

The Trump administration has been very clear that the acquisition of advanced Russian technology sends the wrong message to Russia at a time when it continues its aggressions, the official said.

"Those concerns we hold high," said the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

"You can look at the very serious conversation that's taking place with our NATO partner Turkey and the same concerns will apply should India proceed with an S-400 purchase," the official said.

"We don't commingle highest technology systems. There are threats posed by the purchase of an S-400. So that conversation you're seeing played out in Turkey right now," the official said, asserting that those same concerns would apply to India as well.

Noting that there is no automatic waivers under CAATSA legislation, the official said that there is a provision that allows for presidential determination.

"Every case would have to be looked at individually. But I think the broader issue is where are India's military relations headed with whom is it going to share the highest technology and that operating environment because certain choices preclude other choices," the official noted.

"As we have discussions about a combat aircraft sales and other advanced systems, the decisions that India makes with regard to S-400 will have an impact on those conversations," the senior State Department official said.

India has been diversifying its weapons supply over the years. The US estimates that probably 60 to 70 per cent of its hardware is of Soviet/Russia origin.

There is still a significant dependence on Russia. But the jump in India's purchase of military equipment from the US from zero to USD 18 billion is significant, the official said.

"We do more military exercises with India than with any other country in the world. Through these exercises, through the enhanced cooperation we have, whether it's in the disaster assistance and humanitarian relief area or whether it's on this joint sailing that we did in the south China Sea, there's natural interest and also increasing the interoperability of our military equipment.

"So we, we certainly look forward to ongoing discussions about a variety of ones," the official said.

Asked that India took the decision to buy S-400 from Russia as the US was not willing to share such hardware with it, the official said: "There's another message from the United States and let's talk. We have systems that are effective. There are other platforms that are very effective".

There are other considerations at play as well, the official said.

"But I think there's also a very positive message. We are now able to cooperate in ways that we could not before. We are now reaching agreements that we did not have before that allow us to consider sales that were incomprehensible only five years ago," the official said.

"So, we look forward to continuing the conversation because this really is a conversation. Choices that are made now will establish the framework for the future and we certainly have the ambitions for the broadest possible, deepest possible military relationship with India," the official said.

The official underscored that the US was ready to discuss the full array of equipment available to address India's concerns.&nbsp;

India's decision to buy the long-range S-400 missile defence system from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties, the Trump administration has warned.

India's decision to buy the long-range S-400 missile defence system from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties, the Trump administration has warned. The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 to procure the lethal missile system. India and Russia signed a USD 5 billion S-400 air defence system deal in October last after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. A Senior State Department Official told a group of reporters on Thursday that New Delhi's decision to buy S-400 air defence system from Moscow was significant, disagreeing with the view that it "isn't a big deal". The official disagreed with the view that India's buying of S-400 from Russia might not have an impact as long as it increases its military purchase from the US. Watch: Know how US perceives India-Russia S-400 deal × "I disagree. The S-400 is significant because of CAATSA sanctions. It's also significant because of what it precludes, in terms of future high-tech cooperation," the official said. The S-400 missile defence system deal could result in US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) instituted by the US Congress on arms purchases from Russia. The official said if India went ahead with its decision to buy the S-400 missile defence system from Russia, it will have serious implications on the defence ties. The Trump administration has been very clear that the acquisition of advanced Russian technology sends the wrong message to Russia at a time when it continues its aggressions, the official said. "Those concerns we hold high," said the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "You can look at the very serious conversation that's taking place with our NATO partner Turkey and the same concerns will apply should India proceed with an S-400 purchase," the official said. "We don't commingle highest technology systems. There are threats posed by the purchase of an S-400. So that conversation you're seeing played out in Turkey right now," the official said, asserting that those same concerns would apply to India as well. Noting that there is no automatic waivers under CAATSA legislation, the official said that there is a provision that allows for presidential determination. "Every case would have to be looked at individually. But I think the broader issue is where are India's military relations headed with whom is it going to share the highest technology and that operating environment because certain choices preclude other choices," the official noted. "As we have discussions about a combat aircraft sales and other advanced systems, the decisions that India makes with regard to S-400 will have an impact on those conversations," the senior State Department official said. India has been diversifying its weapons supply over the years. The US estimates that probably 60 to 70 per cent of its hardware is of Soviet/Russia origin. There is still a significant dependence on Russia. But the jump in India's purchase of military equipment from the US from zero to USD 18 billion is significant, the official said. "We do more military exercises with India than with any other country in the world. Through these exercises, through the enhanced cooperation we have, whether it's in the disaster assistance and humanitarian relief area or whether it's on this joint sailing that we did in the south China Sea, there's natural interest and also increasing the interoperability of our military equipment. "So we, we certainly look forward to ongoing discussions about a variety of ones," the official said. Asked that India took the decision to buy S-400 from Russia as the US was not willing to share such hardware with it, the official said: "There's another message from the United States and let's talk. We have systems that are effective. There are other platforms that are very effective". There are other considerations at play as well, the official said. "But I think there's also a very positive message. We are now able to cooperate in ways that we could not before. We are now reaching agreements that we did not have before that allow us to consider sales that were incomprehensible only five years ago," the official said. "So, we look forward to continuing the conversation because this really is a conversation. Choices that are made now will establish the framework for the future and we certainly have the ambitions for the broadest possible, deepest possible military relationship with India," the official said. The official underscored that the US was ready to discuss the full array of equipment available to address India's concerns.

India's buying of S-400 from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties: US 

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will hold a summit meeting on June 29, when Putin visits Japan for a meeting of leaders of the Group of 20 nations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday.

Senior officials and political leaders from both countries have held talks frequently in recent months to discuss ways to put an end to a decades-old territorial dispute and conclude a peace treaty.

"With eyes on the Russia-Japan summit meeting at the time of the G20 summit in Osaka, we made checks on the state of progress in Russia-Japan relations," Lavrov told reporters after meeting his Japanese counterpart, Taro Kono.

Lavrov's comment, in Russian, was translated into Japanese at a joint news conference with Kono.

Japan claims a string of Russia-controlled western Pacific islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan and Southern Kuriles in Russia.

The territorial row over the island chain, seized by Soviet troops at the end of World War Two, has upset diplomatic relations ever since, precluding a formal peace treaty between the two countries.

Lavrov also said talks with Japan on five joint economic activity projects on the disputed islands were proceeding at a good pace, without elaborating.

Abe and Putin in 2016 agreed to launch talks on joint economic activities on the islands as a step toward concluding a peace treaty.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will hold a summit meeting on June 29, when Putin visits Japan for a meeting of leaders of the Group of 20 nations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will hold a summit meeting on June 29, when Putin visits Japan for a meeting of leaders of the Group of 20 nations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday. Senior officials and political leaders from both countries have held talks frequently in recent months to discuss ways to put an end to a decades-old territorial dispute and conclude a peace treaty. "With eyes on the Russia-Japan summit meeting at the time of the G20 summit in Osaka, we made checks on the state of progress in Russia-Japan relations," Lavrov told reporters after meeting his Japanese counterpart, Taro Kono. Lavrov's comment, in Russian, was translated into Japanese at a joint news conference with Kono. Japan claims a string of Russia-controlled western Pacific islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan and Southern Kuriles in Russia. The territorial row over the island chain, seized by Soviet troops at the end of World War Two, has upset diplomatic relations ever since, precluding a formal peace treaty between the two countries. Lavrov also said talks with Japan on five joint economic activity projects on the disputed islands were proceeding at a good pace, without elaborating. Abe and Putin in 2016 agreed to launch talks on joint economic activities on the islands as a step toward concluding a peace treaty.

Russia's Putin, Japan's Abe to hold summit meet on June 29

The&nbsp;Kremlin&nbsp;said on Friday that it was&nbsp;Turkey's responsibility to stop<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-to-putin-we-need-a-ceasefire-in-syrias-idlib-223237">&nbsp;militants&nbsp;in&nbsp;Syria's&nbsp;Idlib&nbsp;province </a>from firing on civilian and Russian targets.

Kremlin&nbsp;spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the comments when asked about a suggestion from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to implement a ceasefire in&nbsp;Idlib.

A Russian-backed Syrian government offensive in the rebel-held northwest, the most serious escalation of the war between President Bashar al-Assad and his enemies since last summer, has uprooted around 250,000 people in the territory, the last significant rebel stronghold.

The Kremlin said on Friday that it was Turkey's responsibility to stop militants in Syria's Idlib province from firing on civilian and Russian targets. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the comments when asked about a suggestion from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to implement a ceasefire in Idlib.

The Kremlin said on Friday that it was Turkey's responsibility to stop militants in Syria's Idlib province from firing on civilian and Russian targets. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the comments when asked about a suggestion from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to implement a ceasefire in Idlib. A Russian-backed Syrian government offensive in the rebel-held northwest, the most serious escalation of the war between President Bashar al-Assad and his enemies since last summer, has uprooted around 250,000 people in the territory, the last significant rebel stronghold.

Kremlin says onus is on Turkey to rein in militants in Syria's Idlib

Afghan politicians are set to attend a two-day meeting with the Taliban in Moscow this week, officials confirmed Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid ongoing peace talks between the US and the militants.

The meeting -- set to run from the 27th and 28th of May -- will mark the 100th anniversary of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-rivals-say-no-closer-to-direct-talks-after-moscow-meeting-176527">diplomatic relations</a> between Russia and Afghanistan.

Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told the insurgents were planning to send a delegation to attend the ceremony but provided no further details.

A spokesman for Afghanistan's high peace council -- which is charged with helping facilitate peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban -- said Karim Khalili, who heads the body, will also be in attendance.

Former president Hamid Karzai is also set to make an appearance, with his spokesman Yousof Saha&nbsp;suggesting the Afghan and Taliban delegations might meet on the sidelines of the ceremony for informal talks but noted that nothing was guaranteed.

The potential talks would mark the second time leaders from the militant movement have met with opposition leaders in Russia, following a rare sit down between the two sides in February that saw members of the Taliban and Afghan politicians praying together and chatting over meals. &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, no representatives from the current administration of President Ashraf Ghani were present at those informal talks, spurring fears the administration was being further sidelined in the ongoing peace process. &nbsp;

The latest meeting in Moscow comes weeks after the sixth round of talks between the US and Taliban wrapped in Doha with no tangible progress cited by the negotiating teams as Washington continues to push for a settlement with the militants aimed at ending its 18-year fight in Afghanistan.

The Taliban have said that peace negotiations were stumbling over the fundamental question of when foreign forces would depart Afghanistan.

The US, however, has refused to agree to withdrawal as part of an eventual deal until the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire, and other commitments including an "intra-Afghan" dialogue with the Kabul government and other Afghan representatives.

Moscow appears to be gaining influence in the ongoing process, with the US announcing last month that Washington had reached a consensus with China and Russia on the key formula for a peace deal it is negotiating in Afghanistan.

Afghan politicians are set to attend a two-day meeting with the Taliban in Moscow this week, officials confirmed Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid ongoing peace talks between the US and the militants.

Afghan politicians are set to attend a two-day meeting with the Taliban in Moscow this week, officials confirmed Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid ongoing peace talks between the US and the militants. The meeting -- set to run from the 27th and 28th of May -- will mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told the insurgents were planning to send a delegation to attend the ceremony but provided no further details. A spokesman for Afghanistan's high peace council -- which is charged with helping facilitate peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban -- said Karim Khalili, who heads the body, will also be in attendance. Former president Hamid Karzai is also set to make an appearance, with his spokesman Yousof Saha suggesting the Afghan and Taliban delegations might meet on the sidelines of the ceremony for informal talks but noted that nothing was guaranteed. The potential talks would mark the second time leaders from the militant movement have met with opposition leaders in Russia, following a rare sit down between the two sides in February that saw members of the Taliban and Afghan politicians praying together and chatting over meals. However, no representatives from the current administration of President Ashraf Ghani were present at those informal talks, spurring fears the administration was being further sidelined in the ongoing peace process. The latest meeting in Moscow comes weeks after the sixth round of talks between the US and Taliban wrapped in Doha with no tangible progress cited by the negotiating teams as Washington continues to push for a settlement with the militants aimed at ending its 18-year fight in Afghanistan. The Taliban have said that peace negotiations were stumbling over the fundamental question of when foreign forces would depart Afghanistan. The US, however, has refused to agree to withdrawal as part of an eventual deal until the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire, and other commitments including an "intra-Afghan" dialogue with the Kabul government and other Afghan representatives. Moscow appears to be gaining influence in the ongoing process, with the US announcing last month that Washington had reached a consensus with China and Russia on the key formula for a peace deal it is negotiating in Afghanistan.

Russia invites Taliban and Afghan politicians to Moscow meeting 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-to-meet-nicolas-maduro-envoys-in-oslo-guaido-221654">Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido </a>on Sunday defended his decision to send delegates to Oslo for talks with representatives of President Nicolas Maduro's government, warning that critics of the move risk becoming accomplices of his rival's "dictatorship."

"We have to play on all the boards... we have to have an active presence in all places," Guaido told hundreds of supporters in Barquisimeto in Venezuela's Lara state.

"From Lara to Norway, from Caracas to Washington, our demands are the same. Whoever wants us to renounce the pressure in the street or in international scenarios in order to stop the takeover, becomes an accomplice of the dictatorship," he later tweeted.

Guaido, recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries as Venezuela's interim president, said Saturday that the opposition delegation will be headed by deputy legislative speaker Stalin Gonzalez and the ex-deputy Gerardo Blyde.

Media reports said Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez and the governor of Miranda state Hector Rodriguez represented Maduro's government in the initial talks, but it was unclear if they would participate in next week's meeting.

Guaido has appeared cautious about talking with Maduro's representatives since the idea is unpopular with the opposition base that has spent months in the streets trying to push Maduro out.

The bid for talks comes after a months-long power struggle between National Assembly leader Guaido and the socialist president, with sometimes deadly street clashes.

Guaido's backers dismiss Maduro's presidency as "illegitimate" following his re-election last year in polls widely labelled as rigged.

Maduro has been shunned by much of the international community for presiding over the country's economic collapse, which has led to shortages of basic goods -- forcing millions to flee -- as well as brutally suppressing dissent.

He retains the backing of major creditors Russia, China and Cuba, as well as the powerful military.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Sunday defended his decision to send delegates to Oslo for talks with representatives of President Nicolas Maduro's government, warning that critics of the move risk becoming accomplices of his rival's "dictatorship.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Sunday defended his decision to send delegates to Oslo for talks with representatives of President Nicolas Maduro's government, warning that critics of the move risk becoming accomplices of his rival's "dictatorship." "We have to play on all the boards... we have to have an active presence in all places," Guaido told hundreds of supporters in Barquisimeto in Venezuela's Lara state. "From Lara to Norway, from Caracas to Washington, our demands are the same. Whoever wants us to renounce the pressure in the street or in international scenarios in order to stop the takeover, becomes an accomplice of the dictatorship," he later tweeted. Guaido, recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries as Venezuela's interim president, said Saturday that the opposition delegation will be headed by deputy legislative speaker Stalin Gonzalez and the ex-deputy Gerardo Blyde. Media reports said Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez and the governor of Miranda state Hector Rodriguez represented Maduro's government in the initial talks, but it was unclear if they would participate in next week's meeting. Guaido has appeared cautious about talking with Maduro's representatives since the idea is unpopular with the opposition base that has spent months in the streets trying to push Maduro out. The bid for talks comes after a months-long power struggle between National Assembly leader Guaido and the socialist president, with sometimes deadly street clashes. Guaido's backers dismiss Maduro's presidency as "illegitimate" following his re-election last year in polls widely labelled as rigged. Maduro has been shunned by much of the international community for presiding over the country's economic collapse, which has led to shortages of basic goods -- forcing millions to flee -- as well as brutally suppressing dissent. He retains the backing of major creditors Russia, China and Cuba, as well as the powerful military.

Venezuela's Guaido defends planned talks with Maduro representatives

The US&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;on Thursday ordered the&nbsp;intelligence&nbsp;community&nbsp;to&nbsp;cooperate&nbsp;with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorney-general-william-barr-refuses-to-testify-before-house-judiciary-committee-on-mueller-report-215205">Attorney General William Barr's&nbsp;</a>review&nbsp;of the events that prompted an investigation into links between the&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;campaign and&nbsp;Russia.

The directive comes as the White House spars with congressional Democrats over the work of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who led a two-year investigation into whether Russia meddled in the 2016 US&nbsp;election and if there were any ties between the&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;campaign and&nbsp;Russia.

"Today, at the request and recommendation of the attorney general of the United States, President Donald J.&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;directed the&nbsp;intelligence&nbsp;community&nbsp;to quickly and fully cooperate with the attorney general's investigation into surveillance activities during the 2016 presidential election," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said after&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;issued the directive.

The order also allows Barr to declassify any information he sees fit during his&nbsp;review.

A redacted version of Mueller's report was released publicly in April. The&nbsp;probe&nbsp;found no evidence that the&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and did not draw a conclusion on whether&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;obstructed justice, but outlined some incidents that Democrats have said may be obstruction.

Republican House member Mark Meadows tweeted on Thursday that "Americans are going to learn the truth about what occurred at their Justice Department."

Adam Schiff, a Democrat member and Chairman of the House&nbsp;Intelligence&nbsp;Committee, criticized&nbsp;Trump's directive.

"While&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;stonewalls the public from learning the truth about his obstruction of justice,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Barr conspire to weaponize law enforcement and classified information against their political enemies," Schiff said on Twitter.

"The coverup has entered a new and dangerous phase. This is un-American," he added.

In separate comments late Thursday on MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show", House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said Mueller had told him that he is willing to testify to lawmakers in private, but is willing to make a public statement.

Nadler, a Democrat, told Maddow that if Mueller did testify behind closed doors then the public would get a written transcript of the testimony.

But&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;railed on Twitter early Friday against the investigation and said that the investigation was politically motivated.

He wrote: “Intelligence&nbsp;Agencies were used against an American President.” @DevinNunes @ShannonBream @FoxNews This should NEVER happen to a President again! Dems are furious at Robert Mueller for his findings - NO COLLUSION, NO OBSTRUCTION. Now they should go back to work and legislate!"

"DRAINING THE SWAMP"

Trump, a Republican, harbours suspicions that the Democratic Obama administration ordered him investigated during the 2016 campaign to try to undermine his candidacy, and he wants payback against those he believes were responsible.

"Comey, Brennan, Clapper, we're draining the swamp, folks,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;told a rally on Monday in Pennsylvania, referring to former FBI Director James Comey, former CIA Director John Brennan, and James Clapper, a former director of national&nbsp;intelligence, all of whom have been critical of&nbsp;Trump.

Of specific interest to&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;are the warrants that emanated from a secretive court that authorizes surveillance on foreign powers and their agents.&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;supporters believe the warrants will identify those responsible for the&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;probe&nbsp;that is still roiling Washington.

Last month, Barr said at a Senate hearing that "spying" on&nbsp;Trump's campaign was carried out by US&nbsp;intelligence&nbsp;agencies, though he later referred to his concerns as focused on "unauthorized surveillance."

Barr has assigned a top federal prosecutor in Connecticut to&nbsp;probe&nbsp;the&nbsp;origins&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;investigation in what is the third known inquiry into the opening of the FBI&nbsp;probe.

The US President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the intelligence community to cooperate with Attorney General William Barr's review of the events that prompted an investigation into links between the Trump campaign and Russia.

The US President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the intelligence community to cooperate with Attorney General William Barr's review of the events that prompted an investigation into links between the Trump campaign and Russia. The directive comes as the White House spars with congressional Democrats over the work of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who led a two-year investigation into whether Russia meddled in the 2016 US election and if there were any ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. "Today, at the request and recommendation of the attorney general of the United States, President Donald J. Trump directed the intelligence community to quickly and fully cooperate with the attorney general's investigation into surveillance activities during the 2016 presidential election," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said after Trump issued the directive. The order also allows Barr to declassify any information he sees fit during his review. A redacted version of Mueller's report was released publicly in April. The probe found no evidence that the Trump campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia and did not draw a conclusion on whether Trump obstructed justice, but outlined some incidents that Democrats have said may be obstruction. Republican House member Mark Meadows tweeted on Thursday that "Americans are going to learn the truth about what occurred at their Justice Department." Adam Schiff, a Democrat member and Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized Trump's directive. "While Trump stonewalls the public from learning the truth about his obstruction of justice, Trump and Barr conspire to weaponize law enforcement and classified information against their political enemies," Schiff said on Twitter. "The coverup has entered a new and dangerous phase. This is un-American," he added. In separate comments late Thursday on MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show", House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said Mueller had told him that he is willing to testify to lawmakers in private, but is willing to make a public statement. Nadler, a Democrat, told Maddow that if Mueller did testify behind closed doors then the public would get a written transcript of the testimony. But Trump railed on Twitter early Friday against the investigation and said that the investigation was politically motivated. He wrote: “Intelligence Agencies were used against an American President.” @DevinNunes @ShannonBream @FoxNews This should NEVER happen to a President again! Dems are furious at Robert Mueller for his findings - NO COLLUSION, NO OBSTRUCTION. Now they should go back to work and legislate!" "DRAINING THE SWAMP" Trump, a Republican, harbours suspicions that the Democratic Obama administration ordered him investigated during the 2016 campaign to try to undermine his candidacy, and he wants payback against those he believes were responsible. "Comey, Brennan, Clapper, we're draining the swamp, folks," Trump told a rally on Monday in Pennsylvania, referring to former FBI Director James Comey, former CIA Director John Brennan, and James Clapper, a former director of national intelligence, all of whom have been critical of Trump. Of specific interest to Trump are the warrants that emanated from a secretive court that authorizes surveillance on foreign powers and their agents. Trump supporters believe the warrants will identify those responsible for the Russia probe that is still roiling Washington. Last month, Barr said at a Senate hearing that "spying" on Trump's campaign was carried out by US intelligence agencies, though he later referred to his concerns as focused on "unauthorized surveillance." Barr has assigned a top federal prosecutor in Connecticut to probe the origins of the Russia investigation in what is the third known inquiry into the opening of the FBI probe.

Trump orders intelligence community to cooperate with review on Russia probe origins

Last month marked the 70th anniversary of the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Formed post-World War II, it is a political, military and a diplomatic alliance between the United States and its allies — primarily European nations.&nbsp;

The need for such a grouping arose in the backdrop of the Cold War, where the US and its allies wanted to protect their interests from aggression and expansionism of the Soviet bloc.

The NATO treaty was signed on April 4, 1949 by the US, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and the United Kingdom, wherein Article 5 outlined the NATO’s motto — ‘Collective Defense’. It stated that an attack on any one of its members would be considered an attack on all the NATO members.&nbsp;

That, effectively, puts West Europe under the US’s ‘nuclear umbrella’. The collective strength of NATO has been unmatched by any other military grouping in the last seven decades, including the Warsaw Pact, which was created by the Soviet bloc as a response to NATO.

NATO’s deterrence has also been formidable as no country or group of countries possess the wherewithal and capability to challenge its collective might.&nbsp;

However, NATO has faced serious challenges while fighting non-state actors, especially post-Cold War. After the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991, NATO had to redefine its aims and goals since there was no Soviet Union left to contain. Therefore, the NATO alliance shifted its focus towards countering terrorism.

In this context, the 9/11 terror attacks became a watershed moment in NATO’s seven-decade history, as it was the only time when Article 5 of the treaty was invoked. The US and its allies decided to retaliate collectively in the US-led military campaign (2001) in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

While the fight against terrorism has got NATO much praise, it has also been seriously criticised by human rights groups after the NATO bombings of Yugoslavia where hundreds of civilians were killed due to air strikes.&nbsp;

The collective, however, justified its actions by hiding behind Article 4 of the NATO charter, under which its member countries can bring any issue of concern to the North Atlantic Council for discussion, particularly those related to their security. &nbsp;

Over the last seven decades, NATO has been instrumental in its commitment to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. This makes NATO a key cog in the trans-Atlantic security dynamics in particular, and international security in general.&nbsp;

At present, NATO’s relevance in international security dynamics is still intact. However, the resurgence of Russia and a rising China is posing serious challenges to it once again.&nbsp;

The steep decline in US-Russia relations over the last couple of years have reached alarming levels, which is comparable to Cold War years, thereby making NATO’s role in safeguarding the interests of US and its allies even more paramount.&nbsp;

However, the US — especially under the Trump administration — has been extremely critical of NATO in the context of sharing the financial burden of its operation, making it an existential threat to NATO’s functioning. &nbsp;

Trump’s stand on funding NATO has made it a headache for US allies, as well the opponents of Trump within the US, who find this problematic for the smooth functioning of this group.&nbsp;

The other big trouble is Trump’s reluctance to criticise President Vladimir Putin, under whom a resurgent Russia is posing a serious challenge to NATO’s supremacy. The Kremlin already considers NATO as a security threat in Eastern Europe and is therefore regarded as a hostile military bloc by Russia.

In this context, the US presidential elections scheduled for next year becomes even more important as it could well decide NATO’s future. US allies will therefore keep a close eye on these elections as the stakes are much higher for them this time.

While NATO began as a political and military alliance designed to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area, it has grown as an institution in itself whose future seems very enduring and robust. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-russia-s-resurgence-and-china-s-rise-will-test-nato-2749888">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Last month marked the 70th anniversary of the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Formed post-World War II, it is a political, military and a diplomatic alliance between the United States and its allies — primarily European nations.

Last month marked the 70th anniversary of the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Formed post-World War II, it is a political, military and a diplomatic alliance between the United States and its allies — primarily European nations. The need for such a grouping arose in the backdrop of the Cold War, where the US and its allies wanted to protect their interests from aggression and expansionism of the Soviet bloc. The NATO treaty was signed on April 4, 1949 by the US, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and the United Kingdom, wherein Article 5 outlined the NATO’s motto — ‘Collective Defense’. It stated that an attack on any one of its members would be considered an attack on all the NATO members. That, effectively, puts West Europe under the US’s ‘nuclear umbrella’. The collective strength of NATO has been unmatched by any other military grouping in the last seven decades, including the Warsaw Pact, which was created by the Soviet bloc as a response to NATO. NATO’s deterrence has also been formidable as no country or group of countries possess the wherewithal and capability to challenge its collective might. However, NATO has faced serious challenges while fighting non-state actors, especially post-Cold War. After the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991, NATO had to redefine its aims and goals since there was no Soviet Union left to contain. Therefore, the NATO alliance shifted its focus towards countering terrorism. In this context, the 9/11 terror attacks became a watershed moment in NATO’s seven-decade history, as it was the only time when Article 5 of the treaty was invoked. The US and its allies decided to retaliate collectively in the US-led military campaign (2001) in Afghanistan. While the fight against terrorism has got NATO much praise, it has also been seriously criticised by human rights groups after the NATO bombings of Yugoslavia where hundreds of civilians were killed due to air strikes. The collective, however, justified its actions by hiding behind Article 4 of the NATO charter, under which its member countries can bring any issue of concern to the North Atlantic Council for discussion, particularly those related to their security. Over the last seven decades, NATO has been instrumental in its commitment to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. This makes NATO a key cog in the trans-Atlantic security dynamics in particular, and international security in general. At present, NATO’s relevance in international security dynamics is still intact. However, the resurgence of Russia and a rising China is posing serious challenges to it once again. The steep decline in US-Russia relations over the last couple of years have reached alarming levels, which is comparable to Cold War years, thereby making NATO’s role in safeguarding the interests of US and its allies even more paramount. However, the US — especially under the Trump administration — has been extremely critical of NATO in the context of sharing the financial burden of its operation, making it an existential threat to NATO’s functioning. Trump’s stand on funding NATO has made it a headache for US allies, as well the opponents of Trump within the US, who find this problematic for the smooth functioning of this group. The other big trouble is Trump’s reluctance to criticise President Vladimir Putin, under whom a resurgent Russia is posing a serious challenge to NATO’s supremacy. The Kremlin already considers NATO as a security threat in Eastern Europe and is therefore regarded as a hostile military bloc by Russia. In this context, the US presidential elections scheduled for next year becomes even more important as it could well decide NATO’s future. US allies will therefore keep a close eye on these elections as the stakes are much higher for them this time. While NATO began as a political and military alliance designed to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area, it has grown as an institution in itself whose future seems very enduring and robust. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Russia’s resurgence and China’s rise will test NATO

Former US&nbsp;national security adviser Michael Flynn gave Special Counsel Robert Mueller information about attempts by people tied to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-propose-plan-to-make-us-immigration-more-merit-based-219054"> Trump administration </a>and Congress to obstruct the Russia investigation, court documents released on Thursday showed.

The documents revealed for the first time sections that had originally been blacked out before last month`s release of Mueller`s report on his probe into Russia`s meddling in the 2016 election. The new disclosures were made at prosecutors` request.&nbsp;

Flynn "informed the government of multiple instances, both before and after his guilty plea, where either he or his attorneys received communications from persons connected to the Administration or Congress that could have affected both his willingness to cooperate and the completeness of that cooperation," Mueller wrote in a memo originally submitted ahead of Flynn`s planned sentencing on Dec. 18, 2018.&nbsp;

"The defendant even provided a voicemail recording of one such communication. In some instances, the SCO was unaware of the outreach until being alerted to it by the defendant," he wrote, using the acronym for the Special Counsel`s Office.

The US&nbsp;District Judge Emmet Sullivan, who is overseeing Flynn`s case, further ordered the government to disclose transcripts of the voicemail recording and of Flynn`s conversations with Russian officials by May 31 and an unredacted version of the sections of Mueller`s report relating to Flynn.

Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents about his December 2016 conversations with Sergei Kislyak, then <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-increasing-influence-in-cuba-stirs-ghost-of-cold-war-215866">Russia’s</a> ambassador in Washington, about US&nbsp;sanctions imposed on Moscow by the administration of Trump’s Democratic predecessor Barack Obama.

The conversations took place between Trump`s November election victory and his inauguration in January 2017.

Flynn had been scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 18 but the judge fiercely criticized the retired US&nbsp;Army lieutenant general for his actions and delayed his sentencing until after he had finished helping prosecutors with other probes.

Mueller has asked for the judge not to sentence Flynn to prison given his substantial cooperation.&nbsp;

Flynn is still cooperating with prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia against his former business partner, Bijan Rafiekian, who was indicted on allegations of unregistered lobbying on behalf of Turkey. Rafiekian has pleaded not guilty and will take his case to a trial scheduled to begin in July.

Mueller completed his investigation in March. While he did not find that there was a conspiracy between Moscow and the Trump campaign to influence the 2016 election, his report describes multiple actions Trump took to try to impede the investigation.

The report stopped short of declaring Trump had committed a crime.

&nbsp;

Former US national security adviser Michael Flynn gave Special Counsel Robert Mueller information about attempts by people tied to the Trump administration and Congress to obstruct the Russia investigation, court documents released on Thursday showed.

Former US national security adviser Michael Flynn gave Special Counsel Robert Mueller information about attempts by people tied to the Trump administration and Congress to obstruct the Russia investigation, court documents released on Thursday showed. The documents revealed for the first time sections that had originally been blacked out before last month`s release of Mueller`s report on his probe into Russia`s meddling in the 2016 election. The new disclosures were made at prosecutors` request. Flynn "informed the government of multiple instances, both before and after his guilty plea, where either he or his attorneys received communications from persons connected to the Administration or Congress that could have affected both his willingness to cooperate and the completeness of that cooperation," Mueller wrote in a memo originally submitted ahead of Flynn`s planned sentencing on Dec. 18, 2018. "The defendant even provided a voicemail recording of one such communication. In some instances, the SCO was unaware of the outreach until being alerted to it by the defendant," he wrote, using the acronym for the Special Counsel`s Office. The US District Judge Emmet Sullivan, who is overseeing Flynn`s case, further ordered the government to disclose transcripts of the voicemail recording and of Flynn`s conversations with Russian officials by May 31 and an unredacted version of the sections of Mueller`s report relating to Flynn. Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents about his December 2016 conversations with Sergei Kislyak, then Russia’s ambassador in Washington, about US sanctions imposed on Moscow by the administration of Trump’s Democratic predecessor Barack Obama. The conversations took place between Trump`s November election victory and his inauguration in January 2017. Flynn had been scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 18 but the judge fiercely criticized the retired US Army lieutenant general for his actions and delayed his sentencing until after he had finished helping prosecutors with other probes. Mueller has asked for the judge not to sentence Flynn to prison given his substantial cooperation. Flynn is still cooperating with prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia against his former business partner, Bijan Rafiekian, who was indicted on allegations of unregistered lobbying on behalf of Turkey. Rafiekian has pleaded not guilty and will take his case to a trial scheduled to begin in July. Mueller completed his investigation in March. While he did not find that there was a conspiracy between Moscow and the Trump campaign to influence the 2016 election, his report describes multiple actions Trump took to try to impede the investigation. The report stopped short of declaring Trump had committed a crime.

Michael Flynn detailed attempts to obstruct Russia probe: US court filing

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the Syrian regime of "seeking to sabotage" Ankara's relationship with Russia through its latest offensive in the northwest of the war-torn country.

Clashes in Idlib province in northwestern Syria have killed at least 42 fighters in 24 hours, a monitor said Monday, and the regime bombardment on the region has devastated health services.

Idlib's three million inhabitants are supposed to be protected by a buffer zone deal signed last September by Russia and Turkey.

Erdogan told his Russian counterpart,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-will-meet-vladimir-putin-on-thursday-in-russias-far-east-confirms-russia-212962"> Vladimir Putin</a>, during a phone call late on Monday that the offensive by President Bashar al-Assad's forces "sought to sabotage Turkish-Russian cooperation," according to Fahrettin Altun, communications director at the Turkish presidency, on Twitter.

The readout of the phone call made no mention of the fact that Russian forces are involved in the Syrian offensive.&nbsp;

Russia and Turkey are on opposing sides of the conflict, with Moscow strongly supporting Assad, while Ankara has called for his ouster and supported Syrian rebels in the civil war since it began in 2011.

However, Turkey and Russia have worked closely, along with Iran, to find a political solution to the conflict.&nbsp;

Erdogan lamented that "the regime's ceasefire violations targeting the Idlib de-escalation zone over the last two weeks have reached an alarming dimension."

He said it was impossible to explain it as a counter-terror effort given the number of casualties and damage to health services.

The Turkish leader also warned that the attacks risked undermining the fate of the political process in Syria.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, controls most of Idlib province as well as parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 16 loyalists and 19 jihadists died between Sunday and Monday in clashes in the area of Jabal al-Akrad in Latakia province, which lies on the bastion's northwestern edge.

Russian and regime aircraft bombarded the area on Monday, while they also hit southern parts of the jihadist stronghold, said the Britain-based war monitor.

HTS and its allies launched a counter-attack late Monday, bombing areas in the north of the province and sparking fierce clashes on the ground, according to the Observatory.

The civil war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the Syrian regime of "seeking to sabotage" Ankara's relationship with Russia through its latest offensive in the northwest of the war-torn country.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the Syrian regime of "seeking to sabotage" Ankara's relationship with Russia through its latest offensive in the northwest of the war-torn country. Clashes in Idlib province in northwestern Syria have killed at least 42 fighters in 24 hours, a monitor said Monday, and the regime bombardment on the region has devastated health services. Idlib's three million inhabitants are supposed to be protected by a buffer zone deal signed last September by Russia and Turkey. Erdogan told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, during a phone call late on Monday that the offensive by President Bashar al-Assad's forces "sought to sabotage Turkish-Russian cooperation," according to Fahrettin Altun, communications director at the Turkish presidency, on Twitter. The readout of the phone call made no mention of the fact that Russian forces are involved in the Syrian offensive. Russia and Turkey are on opposing sides of the conflict, with Moscow strongly supporting Assad, while Ankara has called for his ouster and supported Syrian rebels in the civil war since it began in 2011. However, Turkey and Russia have worked closely, along with Iran, to find a political solution to the conflict. Erdogan lamented that "the regime's ceasefire violations targeting the Idlib de-escalation zone over the last two weeks have reached an alarming dimension." He said it was impossible to explain it as a counter-terror effort given the number of casualties and damage to health services. The Turkish leader also warned that the attacks risked undermining the fate of the political process in Syria. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, controls most of Idlib province as well as parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 16 loyalists and 19 jihadists died between Sunday and Monday in clashes in the area of Jabal al-Akrad in Latakia province, which lies on the bastion's northwestern edge. Russian and regime aircraft bombarded the area on Monday, while they also hit southern parts of the jihadist stronghold, said the Britain-based war monitor. HTS and its allies launched a counter-attack late Monday, bombing areas in the north of the province and sparking fierce clashes on the ground, according to the Observatory. The civil war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

Erdogan accuses Syria regime of undermining Turkey-Russia deal

Russian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-president-vladimir-putin-scores-eight-goals-in-all-star-hockey-game-217675">President Vladimir Putin</a> on Tuesday meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the highest-level talks between the rival powers in nearly a year as they see if they can make headway on a raft of disagreements from Venezuela to Iran to arms control.

Pompeo will visit Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi less than two weeks after US President Donald Trump voiced optimism about improving relations with Moscow during a more than one-hour telephone conversation with the Russian leader.

The new diplomatic push followed the long-awaited report in the United States by investigator Robert Mueller which found that Russia interfered in the 2016 election but that the Trump campaign did not collude with Moscow, partially lifting a cloud that had hung over the mogul-turned-president for two years.

Putin is expected to receive Pompeo Tuesday evening after the US secretary of state holds talks with Moscow's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov.

"My meetings in Russia will highlight a number of important topics," Pompeo tweeted on Tuesday.

"On some issues, we may agree, on others we may disagree, but when it’s in our national interests, it is our responsibility to find a way forward."

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Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to see Putin since July when Trump met him in Helsinki and stunned the US political class by appearing to accept the Russian leader's statement at face value that he did not meddle in the US election.

Despite Trump's conciliatory attitude toward Putin, Washington and Moscow are at loggerheads on an array of urgent strategic questions, including the Venezuelan crisis, Iran, the Syrian civil war and the conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;

&nbsp;'Hypersonic weapons'&nbsp;

Hours before he meets Pompeo, Putin is expected to visit a top military flight test centre and inspect new weaponry on Tuesday.

At a meeting Monday evening, Putin stressed that Russia was developing hypersonic weapons and tasked his top brass with also developing defences against such weapons.

"We understand full well that leading countries of the world will sooner or later get such weapons," Putin said.&nbsp;

"This means that we should get hold of defences against such types of weapons before" Western countries put such weapons into combat service.

Both the United States and Russia hope to make some progress on arms control, with Moscow seeking a five-year extension of the New START treaty, which caps the number of nuclear warheads well below Cold War limits and is set to expire in 2021.

The Trump administration earlier this year pulled out of another key arms control agreement, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, with NATO allies saying a Russian missile system was in violation. Moscow has denied the claims.

Last year Putin revealed a new generation of "invincible" nuclear weapons and warned of a new arms race if America pulled out of weapons treaties.

The Venezuela crisis is expected to be another key point of contention.

The United States has been trying for more than three months to topple Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a leftist firebrand whose re-election was widely criticised for irregularities, and Pompeo has repeatedly blamed Russia for giving him a lifeline.

Trump has, however, contradicted Pompeo, saying the Russian president assured him that Moscow is not involved in Venezuela.

&nbsp;'Regime slays dissidents'&nbsp;

The US president's enthusiasm for courting Putin has little support in Washington, even within his own administration, which has kept up a campaign of pressure including sanctions on Russia over alleged election meddling and Moscow's support for armed separatists in Ukraine.

Pompeo, despite his close relationship with Trump, left little doubt on where he stood in remarks Saturday in California.

Addressing the conservative Claremont Institute, Pompeo said that US policymakers in recent decades had "drifted from realism" and chastised them for believing that "enfolding the likes of China and Russia into a so-called rules-based international order would hasten their domestic evolution towards democracy."

"But we can see now 30 years on, after the end of the Cold War, that the Putin regime slays dissidents in cold blood and invades its neighbours," Pompeo said.

Pompeo cancelled a stop in Moscow scheduled for Monday to meet with European foreign ministers in Brussels, who have been uncomfortable with the hawkish direction of the United States, especially on Iran.

The United States has pulled out of a nuclear deal backed by the Europeans, Russia and China and instead has slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran in an all-out effort to curb Tehran's regional clout.

The United States has recently ramped up the pressure by deploying to the region an aircraft carrier strike group and nuclear-capable bombers, warning vaguely of imminent threats from Iran, which UN inspectors say is complying with the 2015 accord.

Russia's Lavrov said he would have a "frank conversation" with Pompeo on Iran.

"We will try to clarify with Pompeo how the Americans plan to get out of this crisis, which was created by their unilateral decisions," Lavrov told reporters as he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Sochi on Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the highest-level talks between the rival powers in nearly a year as they see if they can make headway on a raft of disagreements from Venezuela to Iran to arms control.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the highest-level talks between the rival powers in nearly a year as they see if they can make headway on a raft of disagreements from Venezuela to Iran to arms control. Pompeo will visit Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi less than two weeks after US President Donald Trump voiced optimism about improving relations with Moscow during a more than one-hour telephone conversation with the Russian leader. The new diplomatic push followed the long-awaited report in the United States by investigator Robert Mueller which found that Russia interfered in the 2016 election but that the Trump campaign did not collude with Moscow, partially lifting a cloud that had hung over the mogul-turned-president for two years. Putin is expected to receive Pompeo Tuesday evening after the US secretary of state holds talks with Moscow's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov. "My meetings in Russia will highlight a number of important topics," Pompeo tweeted on Tuesday. "On some issues, we may agree, on others we may disagree, but when it’s in our national interests, it is our responsibility to find a way forward." × Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to see Putin since July when Trump met him in Helsinki and stunned the US political class by appearing to accept the Russian leader's statement at face value that he did not meddle in the US election. Despite Trump's conciliatory attitude toward Putin, Washington and Moscow are at loggerheads on an array of urgent strategic questions, including the Venezuelan crisis, Iran, the Syrian civil war and the conflict in Ukraine. 'Hypersonic weapons' Hours before he meets Pompeo, Putin is expected to visit a top military flight test centre and inspect new weaponry on Tuesday. At a meeting Monday evening, Putin stressed that Russia was developing hypersonic weapons and tasked his top brass with also developing defences against such weapons. "We understand full well that leading countries of the world will sooner or later get such weapons," Putin said. "This means that we should get hold of defences against such types of weapons before" Western countries put such weapons into combat service. Both the United States and Russia hope to make some progress on arms control, with Moscow seeking a five-year extension of the New START treaty, which caps the number of nuclear warheads well below Cold War limits and is set to expire in 2021. The Trump administration earlier this year pulled out of another key arms control agreement, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, with NATO allies saying a Russian missile system was in violation. Moscow has denied the claims. Last year Putin revealed a new generation of "invincible" nuclear weapons and warned of a new arms race if America pulled out of weapons treaties. The Venezuela crisis is expected to be another key point of contention. The United States has been trying for more than three months to topple Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a leftist firebrand whose re-election was widely criticised for irregularities, and Pompeo has repeatedly blamed Russia for giving him a lifeline. Trump has, however, contradicted Pompeo, saying the Russian president assured him that Moscow is not involved in Venezuela. 'Regime slays dissidents' The US president's enthusiasm for courting Putin has little support in Washington, even within his own administration, which has kept up a campaign of pressure including sanctions on Russia over alleged election meddling and Moscow's support for armed separatists in Ukraine. Pompeo, despite his close relationship with Trump, left little doubt on where he stood in remarks Saturday in California. Addressing the conservative Claremont Institute, Pompeo said that US policymakers in recent decades had "drifted from realism" and chastised them for believing that "enfolding the likes of China and Russia into a so-called rules-based international order would hasten their domestic evolution towards democracy." "But we can see now 30 years on, after the end of the Cold War, that the Putin regime slays dissidents in cold blood and invades its neighbours," Pompeo said. Pompeo cancelled a stop in Moscow scheduled for Monday to meet with European foreign ministers in Brussels, who have been uncomfortable with the hawkish direction of the United States, especially on Iran. The United States has pulled out of a nuclear deal backed by the Europeans, Russia and China and instead has slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran in an all-out effort to curb Tehran's regional clout. The United States has recently ramped up the pressure by deploying to the region an aircraft carrier strike group and nuclear-capable bombers, warning vaguely of imminent threats from Iran, which UN inspectors say is complying with the 2015 accord. Russia's Lavrov said he would have a "frank conversation" with Pompeo on Iran. "We will try to clarify with Pompeo how the Americans plan to get out of this crisis, which was created by their unilateral decisions," Lavrov told reporters as he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Sochi on Monday.

Putin meets Pompeo as US seeks 'a way forward' in ties

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will have plenty to talk about with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov when the pair meet in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Tuesday.

As relations between Moscow and Washington plunge to depths not seen since the Cold War, here are topics the top diplomats could address:

&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;

Pompeo and Lavrov have in the past weeks called on the other's country to get out of crisis-wracked Venezuela.

Moscow is a key ally of President Nicolas Maduro whereas Washington backs opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-seeks-us-pentagon-cooperation-to-solve-political-crisis-217960">Juan Guaido.</a>&nbsp;

Russia slammed the US's "irresponsible" support for a failed uprising against Maduro. Pompeo said Maduro had been ready to leave the country but that his Russian backers talked him out of it.

North Korea&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month met Russia's Vladimir Putin for their first face-to-face talks.

The meeting in Vladivostok aimed to counter US influence and boost Moscow's role on the Korean peninsula after earlier negotiations between Kim and US President Donald Trump broke down.&nbsp;

Pyongyang has angrily insisted "foolish and dangerous" Pompeo be kept away from further talks.&nbsp;

Election meddling&nbsp;

The report by US special counsel Robert Mueller did not find Trump's campaign team colluded with Moscow but did document widespread Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election.&nbsp;

Pompeo, who has promised "tough actions" on meddling, last month warned Russia would attempt to influence the next US presidential election in 2020.

"And we should expect in 2050, the Russians will be at it still," he said.&nbsp;

Moscow has long rejected reports it sought to swing the 2016 vote in Trump's favour. &nbsp;

Prisoners&nbsp;

Moscow has denounced the case against Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics.&nbsp;

Butina, who remains incarcerated in the US, faced "arbitrary" charges, Putin has said.

Meanwhile, US citizen Paul Whelan is in detention in Russia.

The security expert was accused of espionage and arrested in Moscow late last year.

Moscow has rejected the idea Whelan could be exchanged for any prisoner in the United States, saying it does not treat people as "pawns" in diplomatic games.

&nbsp;Iran nuclear deal&nbsp;

Russia has criticised Washington's exit from the 2015 nuclear deal, an agreement which curbed Iran's nuclear ambitions in return for sanctions relief.&nbsp;

European counterparts urged Pompeo Monday to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf after Washington sent an aircraft carrier and bombers to protect its interests and President Donald Trump said Tehran would "suffer greatly".

UN inspectors have said Iran is complying with the deal, and Moscow last week denounced new US sanctions on the country's mining industry, calling for new talks to save the nuclear accord.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will have plenty to talk about with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov when the pair meet in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will have plenty to talk about with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov when the pair meet in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Tuesday. As relations between Moscow and Washington plunge to depths not seen since the Cold War, here are topics the top diplomats could address: Venezuela Pompeo and Lavrov have in the past weeks called on the other's country to get out of crisis-wracked Venezuela. Moscow is a key ally of President Nicolas Maduro whereas Washington backs opposition leader Juan Guaido. Russia slammed the US's "irresponsible" support for a failed uprising against Maduro. Pompeo said Maduro had been ready to leave the country but that his Russian backers talked him out of it. North Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month met Russia's Vladimir Putin for their first face-to-face talks. The meeting in Vladivostok aimed to counter US influence and boost Moscow's role on the Korean peninsula after earlier negotiations between Kim and US President Donald Trump broke down. Pyongyang has angrily insisted "foolish and dangerous" Pompeo be kept away from further talks. Election meddling The report by US special counsel Robert Mueller did not find Trump's campaign team colluded with Moscow but did document widespread Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election. Pompeo, who has promised "tough actions" on meddling, last month warned Russia would attempt to influence the next US presidential election in 2020. "And we should expect in 2050, the Russians will be at it still," he said. Moscow has long rejected reports it sought to swing the 2016 vote in Trump's favour. Prisoners Moscow has denounced the case against Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics. Butina, who remains incarcerated in the US, faced "arbitrary" charges, Putin has said. Meanwhile, US citizen Paul Whelan is in detention in Russia. The security expert was accused of espionage and arrested in Moscow late last year. Moscow has rejected the idea Whelan could be exchanged for any prisoner in the United States, saying it does not treat people as "pawns" in diplomatic games. Iran nuclear deal Russia has criticised Washington's exit from the 2015 nuclear deal, an agreement which curbed Iran's nuclear ambitions in return for sanctions relief. European counterparts urged Pompeo Monday to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf after Washington sent an aircraft carrier and bombers to protect its interests and President Donald Trump said Tehran would "suffer greatly". UN inspectors have said Iran is complying with the deal, and Moscow last week denounced new US sanctions on the country's mining industry, calling for new talks to save the nuclear accord.

Mike Pompeo-Vladimir Putin meeting: Five Talking Points

Russian President Vladimir Putin hit the ice on Friday in a hockey game in which he showed off his puck-handling skills and scored eight goals -- a display that reinforced his image as a man of action.

A judo black belt, Putin has long been keen to show off his athletic prowess, including by working out with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, hitting the ski slopes in Sochi or diving to the bottom of the Black Sea.

Skating alongside Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russian hockey greats such as Pavel Bure and Igor Larionov, Putin helped his side to an emphatic 14-7 win in the Night Hockey League.

Playing centre forward, Putin was provided with plenty of scoring opportunities by his linemates and was met with little resistance by the opposing team's defence.

After winning the match, celebrating along with his teammates, Putin took a fall during his victory lap.

The 66-year-old appeared in good spirits after tripping on a red mat laid on the ice and was helped up by his fellow teammates.

Putin, whose approval ratings have slipped in recent years as Russia battles economic woes, periodically plays hockey with government officials, businessmen and former National Hockey League (NHL) stars in matches that are broadcast with pomp on national television.

After opening the scoring unassisted by beating the goaltender 2 minutes into the game, the 66-year-old added seven more goals, making him the top scorer.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hit the ice on Friday in a hockey game in which he showed off his puck-handling skills and scored eight goals -- a display that reinforced his image as a man of action.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hit the ice on Friday in a hockey game in which he showed off his puck-handling skills and scored eight goals -- a display that reinforced his image as a man of action. A judo black belt, Putin has long been keen to show off his athletic prowess, including by working out with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, hitting the ski slopes in Sochi or diving to the bottom of the Black Sea. Skating alongside Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russian hockey greats such as Pavel Bure and Igor Larionov, Putin helped his side to an emphatic 14-7 win in the Night Hockey League. Playing centre forward, Putin was provided with plenty of scoring opportunities by his linemates and was met with little resistance by the opposing team's defence. After winning the match, celebrating along with his teammates, Putin took a fall during his victory lap. The 66-year-old appeared in good spirits after tripping on a red mat laid on the ice and was helped up by his fellow teammates. Putin, whose approval ratings have slipped in recent years as Russia battles economic woes, periodically plays hockey with government officials, businessmen and former National Hockey League (NHL) stars in matches that are broadcast with pomp on national television. After opening the scoring unassisted by beating the goaltender 2 minutes into the game, the 66-year-old added seven more goals, making him the top scorer.

Russian President Vladimir Putin scores eight goals in all-star hockey game

Ukraine called on Friday before an international tribunal for the "urgent" release of its sailors held by Russia since their International Tribunal was captured off Crimea last November.

The diplomatic incident has heightened tensions between the neighbours locked in conflict for the last five years.

Ukraine's deputy foreign minister Olena Zerkal, addressing the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in the German city of Hamburg, called for the immediate release of the 24 sailors being held in Moscow.

Russia accuses the Ukrainian sailors of violating its maritime borders.

Last November, Russia opened fire upon, then captured the sailors manning three Ukrainian vessels off Crimea, which were trying to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov.

Zerkal described the sailors' continued detention as "just an additional illustration of Russia's continued disrespect for international law".

"From the moment of the detentions, Ukraine has worked urgently to solve this matter", said Zerkal who insisted her country has given "Russia every opportunity to settle the issue by diplomatic means".

She described Russia's conduct as "a profound violation" of "international law" and demanded the "urgent" release of the sailors.

"Each additional day of detentions, each interrogation, each court case aggravates the dispute between the parties".

Russia did not send representatives to the hearing in Hamburg as it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction. Zerkal greeted its absence with "regret".

Outgoing Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has insisted the sailors are "prisoners of war" and described their detention as "blatant proof that Russia continues to show cynical disrespect for human rights".

"We expect that in a matter of weeks the Tribunal will oblige Russia to release our sailors and Ukrainian ships, and its actions will be considered illegitimate," Poroshenko said in a statement last month.

"Russia still has a chance to free our sailors and ships without waiting for the formal recognition of the international crime committed by the Kremlin."

The Ukrainian sailors face up to six years in prison for illegally crossing Russian borders, lawyers have said.

Critics of the Kremlin have accused Russia of preparing a show trial.

The capture of the Ukrainian ships was the most dangerous direct clash in years between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

They have been locked in a confrontation since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and supported an insurgency in eastern Ukraine. More than 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

Ukraine called on Friday before an international tribunal for the "urgent" release of its sailors held by Russia since their International Tribunal was captured off Crimea last November.

Ukraine called on Friday before an international tribunal for the "urgent" release of its sailors held by Russia since their International Tribunal was captured off Crimea last November. The diplomatic incident has heightened tensions between the neighbours locked in conflict for the last five years. Ukraine's deputy foreign minister Olena Zerkal, addressing the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in the German city of Hamburg, called for the immediate release of the 24 sailors being held in Moscow. Russia accuses the Ukrainian sailors of violating its maritime borders. Last November, Russia opened fire upon, then captured the sailors manning three Ukrainian vessels off Crimea, which were trying to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. Zerkal described the sailors' continued detention as "just an additional illustration of Russia's continued disrespect for international law". "From the moment of the detentions, Ukraine has worked urgently to solve this matter", said Zerkal who insisted her country has given "Russia every opportunity to settle the issue by diplomatic means". She described Russia's conduct as "a profound violation" of "international law" and demanded the "urgent" release of the sailors. "Each additional day of detentions, each interrogation, each court case aggravates the dispute between the parties". Russia did not send representatives to the hearing in Hamburg as it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction. Zerkal greeted its absence with "regret". Outgoing Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has insisted the sailors are "prisoners of war" and described their detention as "blatant proof that Russia continues to show cynical disrespect for human rights". "We expect that in a matter of weeks the Tribunal will oblige Russia to release our sailors and Ukrainian ships, and its actions will be considered illegitimate," Poroshenko said in a statement last month. "Russia still has a chance to free our sailors and ships without waiting for the formal recognition of the international crime committed by the Kremlin." The Ukrainian sailors face up to six years in prison for illegally crossing Russian borders, lawyers have said. Critics of the Kremlin have accused Russia of preparing a show trial. The capture of the Ukrainian ships was the most dangerous direct clash in years between the ex-Soviet neighbours. They have been locked in a confrontation since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and supported an insurgency in eastern Ukraine. More than 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

Ukraine demands release of navy sailors held by Russia

The Russia probe plunged Washington into turmoil Wednesday as Donald Trump's son reportedly was ordered to testify before a Senate panel and the White House refused to release material on investigations into the president.

A day after the top Republican in Congress called the Russia probe "case closed," Trump's conflict with his Democratic opponents escalated to new heights as a House panel voted to hold the nation's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-accuses-william-barr-of-contempt-as-trump-invokes-executive-privilege-217129">Attorney General Bill Barr in contempt</a> for refusing to turn over key documents.

Following a day of drama that included Trump asserting executive privilege for the first time in his presidency, the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee took the surprise step of issuing a subpoena to Donald Trump Jr to testify as part of its investigation into Russian election interference, US media reported.

It was the first known legal summons issued to a member of the president's family to force testimony in the ongoing investigation, and comes after special counsel Robert Mueller declined to accuse Trump's 2016 campaign of criminal conspiracy to collude with the Russians.

Trump Jr, 41, has testified voluntarily in private once to the committee, and was peppered with questions about a June 9, 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York that he and other campaign officials had with a Russian lawyer who had offered them dirt on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Committee aides would not confirm the subpoena or what they want to discuss with the president's eldest son, who currently helps run the Trump Organization.

Citing a person close to Trump Jr, The Wall Street Journal reported he had offered to answer questions in writing from the committee, and planned to fight the subpoena, which demands he testify in person.

The White House has been seeking to shield a large swathe of material -- including redacted portions of Mueller's report -- subpoenaed by lawmakers seeking to exert their oversight responsibility.

The rare move to invoke executive privilege came as the House Judiciary Committee took its most substantive step yet against a member of the Trump administration by approving a contempt motion against Barr.

"This was a very grave and momentous step we were forced to take today," committee chairman Jerry Nadler said after the party-line vote. 
Nadler said the contempt citation will proceed "rapidly" for a full House vote but did not offer a timeline.

He accused Trump and the White House of stonewalling by preventing America's congressional representatives from conducting oversight of the executive branch.

"It's an attack on the essence of our democracy," Nadler said. "We are now in a constitutional crisis." The Department of Justice swiftly shot back, branding the contempt vote "inappropriate political theatrics." Hours earlier, Trump made clear he would assert his executive privilege to keep Mueller's full report under wraps.

"Neither the White House nor Attorney General Barr will comply with Chairman Nadler's unlawful and reckless demands," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.

Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd stressed that Trump had moved to keep "the entirety of the subpoenaed materials" from the eyes of Congress.

Nadler warned that such action "represents a clear escalation in the Trump administration's blanket defiance of Congress's constitutionally mandated duties." Democrats have struggled with their battle plan in the wake of the Mueller report.

Some have called for impeachment proceedings against Trump, while others stress the need to refocus on issues affecting everyday Americans ahead of the 2020 election.

Trump claimed the document exonerated him of wrongdoing. On the question of obstruction of justice, the report did not conclude Trump committed a crime, but Mueller wrote that "it also does not exonerate him."&nbsp;

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Trump's nemesis in Congress, has refrained from calling for his impeachment.

But on Wednesday she voiced support for the contempt move, and delivered a stinging message about the White House refusal to release the unredacted report.

"Is this what it looks like when you have nothing to hide?" Pelosi tweeted.

For several hours in the tense judiciary hearing, lawmakers traded barbs about Barr's brazen protection of the president and the calculated effort by Democrats to punish him and gain access to key material.

Addressing a rally of supporters in Florida on Wednesday night, Trump defended his attorney general as "great" and said that after Mueller's two-year probe found "nothing," the Democrats were not finished.

"You know it was going to be, like, 'we want the Mueller report.' Now they say, 'Mueller report, no, we want to start all over again.' It is a disgrace." Barr defied a subpoena to turn over a complete copy of Mueller's report and the underlying evidence, and last week refused to testify before the House Judiciary Committee.

The panel approved the 27-page contempt citation in which Nadler wrote that even the redacted report "offers disturbing evidence and analysis that President Trump engaged in obstruction of justice at the highest levels."

The Russia probe plunged Washington into turmoil Wednesday as Donald Trump's son reportedly was ordered to testify before a Senate panel and the White House refused to release material on investigations into the president.

The Russia probe plunged Washington into turmoil Wednesday as Donald Trump's son reportedly was ordered to testify before a Senate panel and the White House refused to release material on investigations into the president. A day after the top Republican in Congress called the Russia probe "case closed," Trump's conflict with his Democratic opponents escalated to new heights as a House panel voted to hold the nation's Attorney General Bill Barr in contempt for refusing to turn over key documents. Following a day of drama that included Trump asserting executive privilege for the first time in his presidency, the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee took the surprise step of issuing a subpoena to Donald Trump Jr to testify as part of its investigation into Russian election interference, US media reported. It was the first known legal summons issued to a member of the president's family to force testimony in the ongoing investigation, and comes after special counsel Robert Mueller declined to accuse Trump's 2016 campaign of criminal conspiracy to collude with the Russians. Trump Jr, 41, has testified voluntarily in private once to the committee, and was peppered with questions about a June 9, 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York that he and other campaign officials had with a Russian lawyer who had offered them dirt on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Committee aides would not confirm the subpoena or what they want to discuss with the president's eldest son, who currently helps run the Trump Organization. Citing a person close to Trump Jr, The Wall Street Journal reported he had offered to answer questions in writing from the committee, and planned to fight the subpoena, which demands he testify in person. The White House has been seeking to shield a large swathe of material -- including redacted portions of Mueller's report -- subpoenaed by lawmakers seeking to exert their oversight responsibility. The rare move to invoke executive privilege came as the House Judiciary Committee took its most substantive step yet against a member of the Trump administration by approving a contempt motion against Barr. "This was a very grave and momentous step we were forced to take today," committee chairman Jerry Nadler said after the party-line vote. Nadler said the contempt citation will proceed "rapidly" for a full House vote but did not offer a timeline. He accused Trump and the White House of stonewalling by preventing America's congressional representatives from conducting oversight of the executive branch. "It's an attack on the essence of our democracy," Nadler said. "We are now in a constitutional crisis." The Department of Justice swiftly shot back, branding the contempt vote "inappropriate political theatrics." Hours earlier, Trump made clear he would assert his executive privilege to keep Mueller's full report under wraps. "Neither the White House nor Attorney General Barr will comply with Chairman Nadler's unlawful and reckless demands," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd stressed that Trump had moved to keep "the entirety of the subpoenaed materials" from the eyes of Congress. Nadler warned that such action "represents a clear escalation in the Trump administration's blanket defiance of Congress's constitutionally mandated duties." Democrats have struggled with their battle plan in the wake of the Mueller report. Some have called for impeachment proceedings against Trump, while others stress the need to refocus on issues affecting everyday Americans ahead of the 2020 election. Trump claimed the document exonerated him of wrongdoing. On the question of obstruction of justice, the report did not conclude Trump committed a crime, but Mueller wrote that "it also does not exonerate him." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Trump's nemesis in Congress, has refrained from calling for his impeachment. But on Wednesday she voiced support for the contempt move, and delivered a stinging message about the White House refusal to release the unredacted report. "Is this what it looks like when you have nothing to hide?" Pelosi tweeted. For several hours in the tense judiciary hearing, lawmakers traded barbs about Barr's brazen protection of the president and the calculated effort by Democrats to punish him and gain access to key material. Addressing a rally of supporters in Florida on Wednesday night, Trump defended his attorney general as "great" and said that after Mueller's two-year probe found "nothing," the Democrats were not finished. "You know it was going to be, like, 'we want the Mueller report.' Now they say, 'Mueller report, no, we want to start all over again.' It is a disgrace." Barr defied a subpoena to turn over a complete copy of Mueller's report and the underlying evidence, and last week refused to testify before the House Judiciary Committee. The panel approved the 27-page contempt citation in which Nadler wrote that even the redacted report "offers disturbing evidence and analysis that President Trump engaged in obstruction of justice at the highest levels."

Trump Jr subpoenaed as Congress battles White House over Russia report

Russia marks 74th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany with tanks, military parade

Russian transport minister Yevgeny Dietrich said today the bodies of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/78-people-were-onboard-russian-aeroflot-sukhoi-superjet-aircraft-37-survived-investigators-216230">41 killed have all been recovered</a> after an SSJ-100 passenger plane en route to the northwestern Russian city of Murmansk caught fire before an emergency landing Sunday in Moscow.

During a press briefing held Monday at the Sheremetyevo International Airport, where the accident took place, the official confirmed that 4<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pilot-says-lightning-caused-deadly-russian-crash-landing-216399">0 passengers and one crew member</a> out of the total 78 on board lost their lives.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/atleast-41-killed-as-russian-plane-catches-fire-216293/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said that 33 out of the 37 survivors are passengers, and 27 of them are in good health, while the other six are receiving treatment in the hospital, with no life-threatening injuries reported.

The minister told the press that the investigation committee into the accident and other related departments will provide all necessary help that the survivors as well as the families of the victims might need, including psychological support, and will later commence a compensation scheme after collecting the needed information.

The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation is still looking into the possibilities behind the cause of the deadly plane fire, including insufficient qualifications of the pilots, the dispatchers and technical inspectors.

Other possibilities include aircraft malfunction and adverse weather conditions, according to the committee.

So far the two black boxes from the plane have been retrieved for study, together with fuel samples from the plane's tanks and filling station, recordings of the conversation between the pilots and the dispatchers and recordings from surveillance cameras.

The investigators are also questioning eyewitnesses, airport employees and relatives of the victims.

There is no reason to suspend the operation of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft, said minister Dietrich during the press briefing.

Many flights scheduled to depart from the Sheremetyevo International Airport, one of the largest in Russia, have been canceled or delayed, and some have also been transferred to other airports in Moscow.

As of Monday evening, the clean-up work on the runway was completed and air traffic will resume in another 24 hours, according to reports.

Russian transport minister Yevgeny Dietrich said today the bodies of the 41 killed have all been recovered after an SSJ-100 passenger plane en route to the northwestern Russian city of Murmansk caught fire before an emergency landing Sunday in Moscow.

Russian transport minister Yevgeny Dietrich said today the bodies of the 41 killed have all been recovered after an SSJ-100 passenger plane en route to the northwestern Russian city of Murmansk caught fire before an emergency landing Sunday in Moscow. During a press briefing held Monday at the Sheremetyevo International Airport, where the accident took place, the official confirmed that 40 passengers and one crew member out of the total 78 on board lost their lives. He said that 33 out of the 37 survivors are passengers, and 27 of them are in good health, while the other six are receiving treatment in the hospital, with no life-threatening injuries reported. The minister told the press that the investigation committee into the accident and other related departments will provide all necessary help that the survivors as well as the families of the victims might need, including psychological support, and will later commence a compensation scheme after collecting the needed information. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation is still looking into the possibilities behind the cause of the deadly plane fire, including insufficient qualifications of the pilots, the dispatchers and technical inspectors. Other possibilities include aircraft malfunction and adverse weather conditions, according to the committee. So far the two black boxes from the plane have been retrieved for study, together with fuel samples from the plane's tanks and filling station, recordings of the conversation between the pilots and the dispatchers and recordings from surveillance cameras. The investigators are also questioning eyewitnesses, airport employees and relatives of the victims. There is no reason to suspend the operation of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft, said minister Dietrich during the press briefing. Many flights scheduled to depart from the Sheremetyevo International Airport, one of the largest in Russia, have been canceled or delayed, and some have also been transferred to other airports in Moscow. As of Monday evening, the clean-up work on the runway was completed and air traffic will resume in another 24 hours, according to reports.

No reason to suspend Sukhoi Superjet aircraft operation: Russian transport minister

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