Facebook on Monday said it removed more pages, groups and accounts that originated in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-increasing-influence-in-cuba-stirs-ghost-of-cold-war-215866&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj94r7k9YjiAhUN7nMBHVHhDQMQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Kru-6RGJ09WzhGhbiPfqg"> Russia </a>and were being deceptive about who was behind them and what they were up to.

The takedown at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-bans-louis-farrakhan-alex-jones-and-milo-yiannopoulos-215520&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi17uz29YjiAhVM7HMBHY2TCHQQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2FMLW39dJYpcdu5raIlnp8">Facebook</a> and its image-centric social network Instagram was described as part of an ongoing battle against "coordinated inauthentic behaviour" which has blocked numerous fake accounts from around the world.

"We found two separate, unconnected operations that originated in Russia and used similar tactics, creating networks of accounts to mislead others about who they were and what they were doing," Facebook head of cybersecurity policy Nathaniel Gleicher said in a blog post.

He added that the takedowns were based on the deceptive behaviour of those behind accounts, and not the content posted. Ukraine was the focus of 97 Facebook accounts, pages, or groups removed from the social network, according to Gleicher.

Fake accounts were used to operate pages and groups, spread their content and ramp up engagement, as well as to get people to visit an outside website.

Posts by the account typically involved local and political news; topics including the military conflict in Eastern Ukraine, the civil war in Syria, and Russian politics.&nbsp;Facebook did not disclose the identities of those behind the accounts.

Pages involved had about 34,000 followers each, and about 86,000 Facebook users had joined at least one of the groups. Only a single dollar was spent on a Facebook ad, which ran more than a year ago.

"We identified some of these accounts and Pages through follow-on investigations of the accounts and Pages we removed earlier this year ahead of the elections in Ukraine," Gleicher said.

"We have shared information about our analysis with law enforcement, policymakers and industry partners."

An additional 21 Facebook and Instagram accounts or pages removed focused on Austria, the Baltic states, Germany, Spain, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, according to the California-based internet titan.

Those accounts posted content related to political issues such as immigration, as well as religion and NATO, Facebook said. The campaign used fake accounts, impersonating other users, and amplified "allegations about a public figure working on behalf of intelligence services," Gleicher said.

Facebook on Monday said it removed more pages, groups and accounts that originated in Russia and were being deceptive about who was behind them and what they were up to.

Facebook on Monday said it removed more pages, groups and accounts that originated in Russia and were being deceptive about who was behind them and what they were up to. The takedown at Facebook and its image-centric social network Instagram was described as part of an ongoing battle against "coordinated inauthentic behaviour" which has blocked numerous fake accounts from around the world. "We found two separate, unconnected operations that originated in Russia and used similar tactics, creating networks of accounts to mislead others about who they were and what they were doing," Facebook head of cybersecurity policy Nathaniel Gleicher said in a blog post. He added that the takedowns were based on the deceptive behaviour of those behind accounts, and not the content posted. Ukraine was the focus of 97 Facebook accounts, pages, or groups removed from the social network, according to Gleicher. Fake accounts were used to operate pages and groups, spread their content and ramp up engagement, as well as to get people to visit an outside website. Posts by the account typically involved local and political news; topics including the military conflict in Eastern Ukraine, the civil war in Syria, and Russian politics. Facebook did not disclose the identities of those behind the accounts. Pages involved had about 34,000 followers each, and about 86,000 Facebook users had joined at least one of the groups. Only a single dollar was spent on a Facebook ad, which ran more than a year ago. "We identified some of these accounts and Pages through follow-on investigations of the accounts and Pages we removed earlier this year ahead of the elections in Ukraine," Gleicher said. "We have shared information about our analysis with law enforcement, policymakers and industry partners." An additional 21 Facebook and Instagram accounts or pages removed focused on Austria, the Baltic states, Germany, Spain, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, according to the California-based internet titan. Those accounts posted content related to political issues such as immigration, as well as religion and NATO, Facebook said. The campaign used fake accounts, impersonating other users, and amplified "allegations about a public figure working on behalf of intelligence services," Gleicher said.

Facebook removes more pages tied to Russian operators

Russian investigators said today that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/41-people-dead-in-russian-passenger-plane-fire-216209"> 78 people were onboard</a> the Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft when it caught fire during emergency landing at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday.

"There were 78 people on board, including crew members," the Russian Investigative Committee said in a statement.

"According to updated information, 37 out of them survived," it added.

Forty-one people are believed to be dead as the Russian passenger plane made an emergency landing at Moscow's busiest airport and caught fire. Several passengers onboard the plane escaped through the plane's emergency slides that inflated after emergency landing went haywire.

The plane was flying from Moscow to northern Russian city of Murmansk.

A spokeswoman for the investigators confirmed the death toll was 41.&nbsp;

Another 11 people were injured, Dmitry Matveyev, the Moscow region's health minister said.&nbsp;

No official cause has been given for the disaster as yet.

The Investigative Committee said it had opened an investigation and was looking into whether the pilots had breached air safety rules.

President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expressed their condolences and ordered investigators to establish what had happened.

The Sukhoi Superjet-100 was the first civilian aircraft developed in the country's post-Soviet era. 
&nbsp;

Russian investigators said today that 78 people were onboard the Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft when it caught fire during emergency landing at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday.

Russian investigators said today that 78 people were onboard the Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft when it caught fire during emergency landing at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday. "There were 78 people on board, including crew members," the Russian Investigative Committee said in a statement. "According to updated information, 37 out of them survived," it added. Forty-one people are believed to be dead as the Russian passenger plane made an emergency landing at Moscow's busiest airport and caught fire. Several passengers onboard the plane escaped through the plane's emergency slides that inflated after emergency landing went haywire. The plane was flying from Moscow to northern Russian city of Murmansk. A spokeswoman for the investigators confirmed the death toll was 41. Another 11 people were injured, Dmitry Matveyev, the Moscow region's health minister said. No official cause has been given for the disaster as yet. The Investigative Committee said it had opened an investigation and was looking into whether the pilots had breached air safety rules. President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expressed their condolences and ordered investigators to establish what had happened. The Sukhoi Superjet-100 was the first civilian aircraft developed in the country's post-Soviet era.

78 people were onboard Russian Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet aircraft; 37 survived: Investigators

President Donald Trump appealed for a swift end to the "brutal repression" of the Venezuelan people, following an abortive military uprising by forces backing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-venezuelas-us-backed-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-of-fuelling-conflict-215063">US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido</a>.

"The brutal repression of the Venezuelan people must end, and it must end soon," Trump said as he hosted a national day of prayer service at the White House.

"People are starving. They have no food they have no water, and this was once one of the wealthiest countries in the world," said the president. 
"So we wish them well, we'll be there to help and we are there to help."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/will-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-topple-venezuelas-president-nicolas-maduro-215414">Will opposition leader Juan Guaido topple Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro?</a>

Meanwhile, a US official said&nbsp;US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will discuss disagreements on the Venezuela crisis with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov when they meet next week in Finland.

The official said the top diplomats would take up a range of tensions between the rival powers when they see each other on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting starting Monday in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi.

"I would expect that the secretary and he (Lavrov) will have an opportunity, obviously, to talk," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

"When they have a chance to get together they can review a whole range of issues including our concerns about Russia's behaviour that includes Ukraine and, certainly, Venezuela," he said.

Lavrov and Pompeo had a tense call on Wednesday over Venezuela, where the United States is trying to oust <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356">President Nicolas Maduro</a>, an ally of Moscow.

Pompeo told Lavrov that Russia's assistance to the leftist leader, whose re-election last year was widely criticized internationally as fraudulent, was "destabilizing" Venezuela.

Lavrov, in turn, denounced the "destructive influence" of the United States in what he called a "flagrant violation of international law."

The United States and its European allies have been imposing sanctions on Russia since its 2014 takeover of Crimea, with Moscow's ongoing support of separatists in Ukraine becoming a major source of tension.

The encounter with Lavrov also comes after the long-awaited release of an investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller who said that Russia worked extensively to try to sway the 2016 US election in Donald Trump's favour. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump appealed for a swift end to the "brutal repression" of the Venezuelan people, following an abortive military uprising by forces backing the US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido.

President Donald Trump appealed for a swift end to the "brutal repression" of the Venezuelan people, following an abortive military uprising by forces backing the US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido. "The brutal repression of the Venezuelan people must end, and it must end soon," Trump said as he hosted a national day of prayer service at the White House. "People are starving. They have no food they have no water, and this was once one of the wealthiest countries in the world," said the president. "So we wish them well, we'll be there to help and we are there to help." Also read: Will opposition leader Juan Guaido topple Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro? Meanwhile, a US official said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will discuss disagreements on the Venezuela crisis with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov when they meet next week in Finland. The official said the top diplomats would take up a range of tensions between the rival powers when they see each other on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting starting Monday in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi. "I would expect that the secretary and he (Lavrov) will have an opportunity, obviously, to talk," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. "When they have a chance to get together they can review a whole range of issues including our concerns about Russia's behaviour that includes Ukraine and, certainly, Venezuela," he said. Lavrov and Pompeo had a tense call on Wednesday over Venezuela, where the United States is trying to oust President Nicolas Maduro, an ally of Moscow. Pompeo told Lavrov that Russia's assistance to the leftist leader, whose re-election last year was widely criticized internationally as fraudulent, was "destabilizing" Venezuela. Lavrov, in turn, denounced the "destructive influence" of the United States in what he called a "flagrant violation of international law." The United States and its European allies have been imposing sanctions on Russia since its 2014 takeover of Crimea, with Moscow's ongoing support of separatists in Ukraine becoming a major source of tension. The encounter with Lavrov also comes after the long-awaited release of an investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller who said that Russia worked extensively to try to sway the 2016 US election in Donald Trump's favour.

Trump says 'brutal repression' of Venezuelan people 'must end'

Will opposition leader Juan Guaido topple Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro?

Russian and Syrian forces intensified air strikes and shelling in northwestern Syria overnight in the heaviest assault on the last rebel-held area since it was declared a demilitarised zone under a Russian-Turkish deal, sources said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The targeted villages and towns in northern Hama and southern Idlib fall within a buffer zone agreed last September between Russia and Turkey as part of a deal which averted a major offensive on the area.

Earlier this week Washington warned violence in the buffer zone "will result in the destabilization of the region".

Since Tuesday the Russian and Syrian military attacks have forced thousands of civilians to flee to camps further north along the Turkish border and damaged four medical facilities, according to Idlib civil defence officials and a US medical aid organisation working in the area.&nbsp;

"Medical facilities are being evacuated, leaving the most vulnerable with no access to medical care. We are on the edge of a humanitarian catastrophe," Khaula Sawah, vice president of the US-based Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations -USA (UOSSM US) said in a statement on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Syrian army helicopters have dropped barrel bombs, which are drums or cylinders packed with explosives and shrapnel that cause indiscriminate destruction, killing at least 15 civilians and injured dozens, rescuers in Idlib province said.

Opposition-run civil defence agencies say hundreds of people, mostly civilians, have been killed by Russian and Syrian strikes since the September deal which prevented a potentially devastating offensive on Idlib and nearby areas controlled by rebels and now home to over 3 million people.

Syrian state media, quoting army sources, blamed rebels for the attacks and said it had targeted "terrorist groups" in towns in northern Hama including Kfr Nabouda. It also said al Qaeda-inspired groups have stepped up drone attacks on Russia`s main air base near the Syrian Mediterranean coast, but that these have been unsuccessful.

Idlib is held by an array of rebel groups. The most powerful is Tahrir al-Sham, an amalgamation of Islamist groups dominated by the former Nusra Front - an al Qaeda affiliate until 2016.

Turkey, which has supported the rebels and has troops to monitor the truce, has been negotiating with Moscow to halt the strikes with little success.

The main Turkey-backed rebel grouping said they were rushing extra fighters to the main fronts to face all "possibilities".

In response to the escalation, rebels said they mounted several rocket attacks on army positions including the Breideej army base in northern Hama, injuring and killing at least four Russian soldiers in a mortar attack that hit their vehicle.

"We have stepped up our readiness and sent troop reinforcements to confront any attack the regime and the Russians on any area," Naji al-Mustafa, spokesman for the National Liberation Front coalition of rebel groups told Reuters.

"We cannot leave matters like this.. we are preparing for any possibility.." he added.

A military defector told Reuters on condition of anonymity that the latest campaign could signal a ground offensive aimed at taking control of territory in northern rural Hama province and southern Idlib countryside.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Russian and Syrian forces intensified air strikes and shelling in northwestern Syria overnight in the heaviest assault on the last rebel-held area since it was declared a demilitarised zone under a Russian-Turkish deal, sources said on Thursday.

Russian and Syrian forces intensified air strikes and shelling in northwestern Syria overnight in the heaviest assault on the last rebel-held area since it was declared a demilitarised zone under a Russian-Turkish deal, sources said on Thursday. The targeted villages and towns in northern Hama and southern Idlib fall within a buffer zone agreed last September between Russia and Turkey as part of a deal which averted a major offensive on the area. Earlier this week Washington warned violence in the buffer zone "will result in the destabilization of the region". Since Tuesday the Russian and Syrian military attacks have forced thousands of civilians to flee to camps further north along the Turkish border and damaged four medical facilities, according to Idlib civil defence officials and a US medical aid organisation working in the area. "Medical facilities are being evacuated, leaving the most vulnerable with no access to medical care. We are on the edge of a humanitarian catastrophe," Khaula Sawah, vice president of the US-based Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations -USA (UOSSM US) said in a statement on Wednesday. Syrian army helicopters have dropped barrel bombs, which are drums or cylinders packed with explosives and shrapnel that cause indiscriminate destruction, killing at least 15 civilians and injured dozens, rescuers in Idlib province said. Opposition-run civil defence agencies say hundreds of people, mostly civilians, have been killed by Russian and Syrian strikes since the September deal which prevented a potentially devastating offensive on Idlib and nearby areas controlled by rebels and now home to over 3 million people. Syrian state media, quoting army sources, blamed rebels for the attacks and said it had targeted "terrorist groups" in towns in northern Hama including Kfr Nabouda. It also said al Qaeda-inspired groups have stepped up drone attacks on Russia`s main air base near the Syrian Mediterranean coast, but that these have been unsuccessful. Idlib is held by an array of rebel groups. The most powerful is Tahrir al-Sham, an amalgamation of Islamist groups dominated by the former Nusra Front - an al Qaeda affiliate until 2016. Turkey, which has supported the rebels and has troops to monitor the truce, has been negotiating with Moscow to halt the strikes with little success. The main Turkey-backed rebel grouping said they were rushing extra fighters to the main fronts to face all "possibilities". In response to the escalation, rebels said they mounted several rocket attacks on army positions including the Breideej army base in northern Hama, injuring and killing at least four Russian soldiers in a mortar attack that hit their vehicle. "We have stepped up our readiness and sent troop reinforcements to confront any attack the regime and the Russians on any area," Naji al-Mustafa, spokesman for the National Liberation Front coalition of rebel groups told Reuters. "We cannot leave matters like this.. we are preparing for any possibility.." he added. A military defector told Reuters on condition of anonymity that the latest campaign could signal a ground offensive aimed at taking control of territory in northern rural Hama province and southern Idlib countryside.

Russia and Syrian army step up attacks on rebel held northwestern Syria: Sources

Russia on Tuesday accused Venezuela's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-fully-supports-venezuelan-people-as-juan-guaido-calls-for-uprising-against-nicolas-maduro-214849&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwis1Ju7p_rhAhUBKo8KHdooCVwQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw22HMuleBrrHA4uSKE6FHoG">US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> of fomenting violence and urged talks after the self-proclaimed leader said troops had joined his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

The Russian's foreign ministry said it was important to avoid bloodletting as President Vladimir Putin discussed the unfolding crisis with members of his security council at the Kremlin.

"The radical opposition in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-crisis-violence-rocks-nation-venezuelans-take-to-the-streets-for-maduro-uprising-214976&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjD_dbhp_rhAhUIrY8KHXhwBYwQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3yomi3fetOrqSh3u0Ay8z7"> Venezuela</a> has once again turned to heavy-handed methods of confrontation," the foreign ministry said in a statement, accusing <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/nicolas-maduro-addresses-venezuela-214926&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj28I7Tp_rhAhWLsY8KHdOvABoQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0VV8Gv7lctm3EAs5kg6uMh">Maduro's </a>opponents of "fuelling" conflict.

"It is important to avoid unrest and bloodletting," said the foreign ministry, urging talks between the conflicting sides.

"The problems Venezuela faces should be solved through responsible negotiations without pre-conditions," said the foreign ministry, warning that third countries should not interfere in the crisis.

Last month, Moscow sent troops and equipment to Venezuela, saying they would remain in the country "for as long as needed."

Tensions in crisis-stricken Venezuela have been ratcheted up to a critical level this year, after Guaido, who is head of the opposition-ruled National Assembly, announced in January that he was the acting president under the constitution.&nbsp;

He said Maduro had been fraudulently re-elected last year.

Maduro has presided over economic chaos, with the oil-rich country unable to provide basic medical and food supplies to much of the population.

Earlier Tuesday Guaido said troops had joined his campaign to oust Maduro while the government vowed to put down what it called an attempted coup.

Guaido is recognised by the United States and about 50 other governments but Moscow, along with China, backs Maduro.

Russia has accused Washington of seeking regime change in Venezuela.

Russia on Tuesday accused Venezuela's US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido of fomenting violence and urged talks after the self-proclaimed leader said troops had joined his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

Russia on Tuesday accused Venezuela's US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido of fomenting violence and urged talks after the self-proclaimed leader said troops had joined his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro. The Russian's foreign ministry said it was important to avoid bloodletting as President Vladimir Putin discussed the unfolding crisis with members of his security council at the Kremlin. "The radical opposition in Venezuela has once again turned to heavy-handed methods of confrontation," the foreign ministry said in a statement, accusing Maduro's opponents of "fuelling" conflict. "It is important to avoid unrest and bloodletting," said the foreign ministry, urging talks between the conflicting sides. "The problems Venezuela faces should be solved through responsible negotiations without pre-conditions," said the foreign ministry, warning that third countries should not interfere in the crisis. Last month, Moscow sent troops and equipment to Venezuela, saying they would remain in the country "for as long as needed." Tensions in crisis-stricken Venezuela have been ratcheted up to a critical level this year, after Guaido, who is head of the opposition-ruled National Assembly, announced in January that he was the acting president under the constitution. He said Maduro had been fraudulently re-elected last year. Maduro has presided over economic chaos, with the oil-rich country unable to provide basic medical and food supplies to much of the population. Earlier Tuesday Guaido said troops had joined his campaign to oust Maduro while the government vowed to put down what it called an attempted coup. Guaido is recognised by the United States and about 50 other governments but Moscow, along with China, backs Maduro. Russia has accused Washington of seeking regime change in Venezuela.

Russia accuses Venezuela's US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido of 'fuelling' conflict

Russia should encourage its Venezuelan ally President<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/nicolas-maduro-addresses-venezuela-214926&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi97M38pPrhAhUMq48KHWEWAeMQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3P3cf_5kSplCYEuDk7HsE5"> Nicolas Maduro</a> to avoid violence amid a street revolt aimed at ousting him, the US representative on the crisis said Tuesday.

"The Russians have been playing a very unhelpful role," envoy Elliott Abrams told reporters.

"It would be helpful if they would make a call for no violence because one of the things we have seen in a few cases today is violence on the part of the Venezuelan security forces against unarmed, innocent civilians," he said.

Russia earlier accused <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-will-opposition-leader-guaido-topple-venezuelas-president-maduro-215049&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjy5-rfpPrhAhXT7HMBHZZXADQQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3GKUTFhtxtPhRF7Pi9FyAh">Juan Guaido</a>, recognized by the United States and more than 50 other countries as interim president, of fueling conflict and urged negotiations, an option Washington has rejected.

Abrams said he had exchanged messages with Guaido at around 1800 GMT on Tuesday and that the opposition leader appeared to be "buoyant and determined."

The US envoy also questioned why Maduro had not been seen in public throughout the tumultuous day.

"Normally one would view that as a sign that he is unsure of the support that he has, as he ought to be," Abrams said, while adding that the situation across Venezuela was "confused."

Russia should encourage its Venezuelan ally President Nicolas Maduro to avoid violence amid a street revolt aimed at ousting him, the US representative on the crisis said Tuesday.

Russia should encourage its Venezuelan ally President Nicolas Maduro to avoid violence amid a street revolt aimed at ousting him, the US representative on the crisis said Tuesday. "The Russians have been playing a very unhelpful role," envoy Elliott Abrams told reporters. "It would be helpful if they would make a call for no violence because one of the things we have seen in a few cases today is violence on the part of the Venezuelan security forces against unarmed, innocent civilians," he said. Russia earlier accused Juan Guaido, recognized by the United States and more than 50 other countries as interim president, of fueling conflict and urged negotiations, an option Washington has rejected. Abrams said he had exchanged messages with Guaido at around 1800 GMT on Tuesday and that the opposition leader appeared to be "buoyant and determined." The US envoy also questioned why Maduro had not been seen in public throughout the tumultuous day. "Normally one would view that as a sign that he is unsure of the support that he has, as he ought to be," Abrams said, while adding that the situation across Venezuela was "confused."

Russia should press Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro to avoid violence: US envoy

Some fishermen in Norway stumbled upon a white beluga whale with a tight harness, which they say appeared to be Russian made. The captured whale has raised alarm in Norway and prompted speculation that the animal may have escaped from a Russian military facility.

"The white beluga whale outside the Finnmark coast that had tight straps attached around the body has been freed by the crew from the Directorate of Fisheries'. The crew from the sea service is trained to free whales from ropes and fishing gear and together with the help of a local fisherman Joar Hesten they managed to release the whale yesterday," said a tweet posted by the Norway's Directorate of Fisheries on Saturday.

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Joergen Ree Wiig of the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries said "Equipment St. Petersburg" is written on the harness strap, which features a mount for an action camera. Notably, Russia has a naval base in the region.

He said that fishermen in Arctic Norway last week reported the tame white cetacean with a tight harness swimming around. On Friday, a fisherman, aided by the Ree Wiig, jumped into the frigid water to remove the harness.

He said "people in Norway's military have shown great interest" in the harness.

Norway's Aftenposten daily reported that the Russian military is believed to have trained sea mammals.

Audun Rikardsen, a professor at the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology at the Arctic University of Norway in Tromsoe, northern Norway, believes "it is most likely that Russian Navy in Murmansk" is involved. Russia has major military facilities in and around Murmansk on the Kola Peninsula, in the far northwest of Russia.

It wasn't immediately clear what the mammal was being trained for, or whether it was supposed to be part of any Russian military activity in the region.

Rikardsen said he had checked with scholars in Russia and Norway and said they have not reported any programme or experiments using beluga whales.

"This is a tame animal that is used to get food served so that is why it has made contacts with the fishermen," he said. "The question is now whether it can survive by finding food by itself. We have seen cases where other whales that have been in Russian captivity doing fine."

Hesten told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the whale began to rub itself again his boat when he first spotted it.

Both Russia and Norway share a land and a maritime border. Tensions have recently escalated between the two nations over dominance in the Arctic region.

Whales are useful in detecting weapons, attacking divers and detecting underwater mines.

Russia is not alone in this regard. The US army had actively used 'military dolphins' during the Iraq war.

(With inputs from agencies)

Some fishermen in Norway stumbled upon a white beluga whale with a tight harness, which they say appeared to be Russian made. The captured whale has raised alarm in Norway and prompted speculation that the animal may have escaped from a Russian military facility.

Some fishermen in Norway stumbled upon a white beluga whale with a tight harness, which they say appeared to be Russian made. The captured whale has raised alarm in Norway and prompted speculation that the animal may have escaped from a Russian military facility. "The white beluga whale outside the Finnmark coast that had tight straps attached around the body has been freed by the crew from the Directorate of Fisheries'. The crew from the sea service is trained to free whales from ropes and fishing gear and together with the help of a local fisherman Joar Hesten they managed to release the whale yesterday," said a tweet posted by the Norway's Directorate of Fisheries on Saturday. × Joergen Ree Wiig of the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries said "Equipment St. Petersburg" is written on the harness strap, which features a mount for an action camera. Notably, Russia has a naval base in the region. He said that fishermen in Arctic Norway last week reported the tame white cetacean with a tight harness swimming around. On Friday, a fisherman, aided by the Ree Wiig, jumped into the frigid water to remove the harness. He said "people in Norway's military have shown great interest" in the harness. Norway's Aftenposten daily reported that the Russian military is believed to have trained sea mammals. Audun Rikardsen, a professor at the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology at the Arctic University of Norway in Tromsoe, northern Norway, believes "it is most likely that Russian Navy in Murmansk" is involved. Russia has major military facilities in and around Murmansk on the Kola Peninsula, in the far northwest of Russia. It wasn't immediately clear what the mammal was being trained for, or whether it was supposed to be part of any Russian military activity in the region. Rikardsen said he had checked with scholars in Russia and Norway and said they have not reported any programme or experiments using beluga whales. "This is a tame animal that is used to get food served so that is why it has made contacts with the fishermen," he said. "The question is now whether it can survive by finding food by itself. We have seen cases where other whales that have been in Russian captivity doing fine." Hesten told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the whale began to rub itself again his boat when he first spotted it. Both Russia and Norway share a land and a maritime border. Tensions have recently escalated between the two nations over dominance in the Arctic region. Whales are useful in detecting weapons, attacking divers and detecting underwater mines. Russia is not alone in this regard. The US army had actively used 'military dolphins' during the Iraq war. (With inputs from agencies)

Beluga whale with Russian harness raises alarm in Norway

Russia's pipeline monopoly Transneft is investigating a case of contaminated oil, Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parents-of-novichok-victim-ask-why-uk-settled-ex-spy-in-salisbury-197770">Vladimir Putin</a> said on Saturday, adding that this could lead to a wider inquiry, possibly including law enforcement agencies.

Poland, Germany, Ukraine and some other countries suspended imports of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline this week due to the contamination.

Russia said it plans to restore the pipeline to Europe to stability in two weeks.

"I am aware of what happened, but the details are unknown to me because in order to understand what happened there one needs to conduct an investigation," Putin told reporters in Beijing, adding that he briefly exchanged views on the case with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

The problem arose last week when an unidentified Russian producer contaminated oil with high levels of organic chloride, which is typically used to boost oil output but which must be separated before shipment as it can destroy refining equipment.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev ordered the energy and trade ministries to conduct an inquiry within seven days and prepare proposals on how to avoid a repeat, Interfax news agency reported, citing a government statement which said the results should be sent to the prosecutor's office.

Transneft said on Friday that the contamination which led to the suspension of the oil flows to Europe could be deliberate and that a criminal case was opened, Interfax news agency said.

"First of all, of course, it is necessary to conduct an investigation at the level of Transneft itself and to identify the place from which it came from, for what reasons, what it was and so on.

"This investigation is ongoing," Putin said.

"If the internal corporate investigation is not enough, I do not rule out that we will conduct more thorough (investigation) with the help of law enforcement agencies and specialists", Putin said.

Russia's pipeline monopoly Transneft is investigating a case of contaminated oil, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday, adding that this could lead to a wider inquiry, possibly including law enforcement agencies.

Russia's pipeline monopoly Transneft is investigating a case of contaminated oil, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday, adding that this could lead to a wider inquiry, possibly including law enforcement agencies. Poland, Germany, Ukraine and some other countries suspended imports of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline this week due to the contamination. Russia said it plans to restore the pipeline to Europe to stability in two weeks. "I am aware of what happened, but the details are unknown to me because in order to understand what happened there one needs to conduct an investigation," Putin told reporters in Beijing, adding that he briefly exchanged views on the case with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The problem arose last week when an unidentified Russian producer contaminated oil with high levels of organic chloride, which is typically used to boost oil output but which must be separated before shipment as it can destroy refining equipment. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev ordered the energy and trade ministries to conduct an inquiry within seven days and prepare proposals on how to avoid a repeat, Interfax news agency reported, citing a government statement which said the results should be sent to the prosecutor's office. Transneft said on Friday that the contamination which led to the suspension of the oil flows to Europe could be deliberate and that a criminal case was opened, Interfax news agency said. "First of all, of course, it is necessary to conduct an investigation at the level of Transneft itself and to identify the place from which it came from, for what reasons, what it was and so on. "This investigation is ongoing," Putin said. "If the internal corporate investigation is not enough, I do not rule out that we will conduct more thorough (investigation) with the help of law enforcement agencies and specialists", Putin said.

Vladimir Putin flags wider investigation into contaminated Russian oil

Russia will not immediately raise oil output after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-crackdown-on-irans-oil-exports-could-backfire-badly-with-serious-risks-to-global-economy-213229">United States ends sanctions waivers for buyers of Iranian crude</a> in May, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.

The United States announced this week that, in a bid to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero, it would from May 2 end US waivers that countries such as India, China, South Korea and Turkey currently have on buying Iranian crude.

"We have an agreement with OPEC to maintain production at a certain level and this agreement is in force until July," Putin told reporters on the sidelines of a summit in Beijing.

"I can't imagine how the world energy market will react" after the waivers end in May, Putin said.

But, he added, "none of our partners, including Saudi Arabia, is withdrawing from our agreements within OPEC."

Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter, has also said it had no immediate plans to raise oil output after the sanctions waivers end.

There had been speculation that Riyadh could step in to plug the gap left by the removal of Iranian crude.

Eight countries including China, India and Turkey had been given temporary waivers by the US when it reimposed sanctions on Iran last year.

The end of the exemptions sparked fears of supply shortages, pushing prices to near six-month highs.

Russia will not immediately raise oil output after the United States ends sanctions waivers for buyers of Iranian crude in May, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.

Russia will not immediately raise oil output after the United States ends sanctions waivers for buyers of Iranian crude in May, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday. The United States announced this week that, in a bid to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero, it would from May 2 end US waivers that countries such as India, China, South Korea and Turkey currently have on buying Iranian crude. "We have an agreement with OPEC to maintain production at a certain level and this agreement is in force until July," Putin told reporters on the sidelines of a summit in Beijing. "I can't imagine how the world energy market will react" after the waivers end in May, Putin said. But, he added, "none of our partners, including Saudi Arabia, is withdrawing from our agreements within OPEC." Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter, has also said it had no immediate plans to raise oil output after the sanctions waivers end. There had been speculation that Riyadh could step in to plug the gap left by the removal of Iranian crude. Eight countries including China, India and Turkey had been given temporary waivers by the US when it reimposed sanctions on Iran last year. The end of the exemptions sparked fears of supply shortages, pushing prices to near six-month highs.

Russia won't immediately raise oil output after Iran waivers end: Vladimir Putin

As Russian President Putin and North Korean leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-putin-vow-to-seek-closer-ties-at-first-talks-213353">Kim&nbsp;Jong-un met in Vladivostok </a>with hopes of strengthing ties, the Russian president said North Korea needs security guarantees and denuclearisation could only be achieved through international law.

Putin said North Korea needs international security guarantees in order to dismantle its nuclear programme, and that those guarantees, if they are to work, would need to be offered within a multi-national framework.

The denuclearisation issue has been Trump administrations key demand. The talks between Trump and Kim during the Hanoi Summit had broken down over the key issue of denuclearisation.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nkoreas-kim-says-he-will-coordinate-views-on-peninsula-issues-with-putin-213355/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We need to restore the power of international law, to return to a state where international law, not the law of the strongest, determines the situation in the world," Putin said after meeting Kim.

"We, me and my colleagues, are satisfied with the results of the talks," Putin added.

As Russian President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met in Vladivostok with hopes of strengthing ties, the Russian president said North Korea needs security guarantees and denuclearisation could only be achieved through international law.

As Russian President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met in Vladivostok with hopes of strengthing ties, the Russian president said North Korea needs security guarantees and denuclearisation could only be achieved through international law. Putin said North Korea needs international security guarantees in order to dismantle its nuclear programme, and that those guarantees, if they are to work, would need to be offered within a multi-national framework. The denuclearisation issue has been Trump administrations key demand. The talks between Trump and Kim during the Hanoi Summit had broken down over the key issue of denuclearisation. "We need to restore the power of international law, to return to a state where international law, not the law of the strongest, determines the situation in the world," Putin said after meeting Kim. "We, me and my colleagues, are satisfied with the results of the talks," Putin added.

North Korea needs 'security guarantees' in exchange for denuclearisation, says Putin after meeting Kim

Russia on Wednesday made it easier for people living in eastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-warns-of-threat-of-full-scale-war-with-russia-179864">Ukraine's separatist territories</a> to obtain Russian passports, drawing swift condemnation from Kiev only three days after it elected a new president.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin signed the decree aimed at residents of the unrecognised Donetsk and Lugansk republics that broke away from Kiev in 2014 and are governed by Moscow-backed rebels.

People living in the separatist regions will now be entitled to receive a Russian passport within three months of applying for one.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-tension-between-russia-and-ukraine-keeps-tourists-away-from-crimea-181930">conflict </a>between the Ukrainian government and breakaway rebels began after Moscow annexed Kiev's Crimea peninsula in 2014. The war has claimed some 13,000 lives.&nbsp;

Officials in Kiev slammed the move, saying the timing was aimed to destabilise Ukraine during a period of transition.&nbsp;

The country elected comedian Volodymyr Zelensky as president last weekend.&nbsp;

Due to be inaugurated by early June, Zelensky has pledged to "reboot" peace talks with the separatists that also involve Russia and the West.&nbsp;

'Knife in Ukraine's back'

Putin said the new law was "purely a humanitarian issue."&nbsp;

"We have no desire to create problems for the new Ukrainian authorities," he said during a meeting with lawmakers in Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;

The Russian leader added that people living in the rebel republics are "completely deprived of any civil rights".&nbsp;

"They cannot move normally, cannot realise their most elementary needs," he said.&nbsp;

According to a copy of the decree published on the Kremlin website, the law aimed to "protect rights" and was guided by "the norms of international law".

But Ukraine's foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin called the decision "the continuation of aggression and interference in our internal affairs."&nbsp;

He urged residents in eastern Ukraine not to take Russian passports.&nbsp;

"Russia has deprived you of the present, and now it is trespassing on your future," he wrote on Twitter. &nbsp;

Iryna Gerashchenko, the deputy speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, said Putin "always uses moments of uncertainty and transition periods to plunge another knife into Ukraine's back."&nbsp;

She said the move is a "gross violation" of peace agreements signed by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany in Minsk in 2015.&nbsp;

These aimed to put an end to the conflict but fighting has continued with no clear end in sight.

Zelensky, whose only previous political experience so far has been limited to playing the role of president in a TV show, won Sunday's vote with a landslide victory.&nbsp;

He has said he wants to "renew relations" with the residents of eastern Ukraine, saying "they are also Ukrainians".

The actor has announced plans to start a "powerful information war to end the conflict."&nbsp;

People living in eastern Ukraine mainly have access to Russian television channels.

On the campaign trail, Russian-speaking Zelensky criticised some of Kiev's anti-Moscow policies while saying he would keep Ukraine on a pro-Western course.&nbsp;

He has also said he would not resort to force to take back Crimea. &nbsp;

Russia's reaction to his win has been mixed, with the Kremlin refusing to congratulate him but others seeing an opportunity to improve ties.&nbsp;

Russia on Wednesday made it easier for people living in eastern Ukraine's separatist territories to obtain Russian passports, drawing swift condemnation from Kiev only three days after it elected a new president.

Russia on Wednesday made it easier for people living in eastern Ukraine's separatist territories to obtain Russian passports, drawing swift condemnation from Kiev only three days after it elected a new president. President Vladimir Putin signed the decree aimed at residents of the unrecognised Donetsk and Lugansk republics that broke away from Kiev in 2014 and are governed by Moscow-backed rebels. People living in the separatist regions will now be entitled to receive a Russian passport within three months of applying for one. The conflict between the Ukrainian government and breakaway rebels began after Moscow annexed Kiev's Crimea peninsula in 2014. The war has claimed some 13,000 lives. Officials in Kiev slammed the move, saying the timing was aimed to destabilise Ukraine during a period of transition. The country elected comedian Volodymyr Zelensky as president last weekend. Due to be inaugurated by early June, Zelensky has pledged to "reboot" peace talks with the separatists that also involve Russia and the West. 'Knife in Ukraine's back' Putin said the new law was "purely a humanitarian issue." "We have no desire to create problems for the new Ukrainian authorities," he said during a meeting with lawmakers in Saint Petersburg. The Russian leader added that people living in the rebel republics are "completely deprived of any civil rights". "They cannot move normally, cannot realise their most elementary needs," he said. According to a copy of the decree published on the Kremlin website, the law aimed to "protect rights" and was guided by "the norms of international law". But Ukraine's foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin called the decision "the continuation of aggression and interference in our internal affairs." He urged residents in eastern Ukraine not to take Russian passports. "Russia has deprived you of the present, and now it is trespassing on your future," he wrote on Twitter. Iryna Gerashchenko, the deputy speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, said Putin "always uses moments of uncertainty and transition periods to plunge another knife into Ukraine's back." She said the move is a "gross violation" of peace agreements signed by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany in Minsk in 2015. These aimed to put an end to the conflict but fighting has continued with no clear end in sight. Zelensky, whose only previous political experience so far has been limited to playing the role of president in a TV show, won Sunday's vote with a landslide victory. He has said he wants to "renew relations" with the residents of eastern Ukraine, saying "they are also Ukrainians". The actor has announced plans to start a "powerful information war to end the conflict." People living in eastern Ukraine mainly have access to Russian television channels. On the campaign trail, Russian-speaking Zelensky criticised some of Kiev's anti-Moscow policies while saying he would keep Ukraine on a pro-Western course. He has also said he would not resort to force to take back Crimea. Russia's reaction to his win has been mixed, with the Kremlin refusing to congratulate him but others seeing an opportunity to improve ties.

Russia eases citizenship rules in east Ukraine

What is the Mueller report?

There are several aspects of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 US election campaign that was not previously known until the release of his report on Thursday.

Trump's reaction to the appointment of special counsel

US President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-report-inconclusive-on-trumps-obstruction-of-justice-charge-211626&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiVwv3dp9vhAhUSjuYKHf6LD4IQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw38GcVkJUl5IJjshefSm85n">Donald Trump </a>believed the appointment of a special counsel to take over an active federal investigation would spell the end of his presidency, according to Mueller's report.

When then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions told Trump of Mueller's appointment on May 17, 2017, the report said, Trump slumped back in his chair and said: "Oh my God. This is terrible. This is the end of my presidency. I'm fucked."

Trump asked Sessions, whom he had berated for months for recusing himself from the investigation of Russian interference in the election: "How could you let this happen, Jeff?" and told Sessions he had let him down.

Trump told Sessions he should resign, and Sessions agreed to do so. When Sessions delivered his resignation letter to Trump the following day, Trump put the letter in his pocket but said he wanted Sessions to stay on the job.

That alarmed chief of staff Reince Priebus and senior advisor Steve Bannon, who worried Trump would use the letter to control the Department of Justice, and they tried to return it to Sessions.

Trump took the letter with him on a trip to the Middle East, where he showed it to several senior advisers and asked them what he should do about it. On May 30, he finally returned the letter to Sessions with a note saying: "Not accepted."

The Presidential interview that wasn't

Mueller tried for more than a year to interview Trump, but in the end, Trump refused. Trump provided written answers on some<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-big-moments-in-mueller-investigation-of-russian-meddling-in-2016-us-election-211303&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiVwv3dp9vhAhUSjuYKHf6LD4IQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3mBeukO7iQiInlWalLhsF8"> Russia</a>-related topics but did not agree to answer questions about possible obstruction of justice or events that took place during the presidential transition.

Mueller said he thought he had the legal authority to order Trump to testify before a grand jury, but he decided not to take that course because of the "substantial delay that such an investigative step would likely produce at a late stage in our investigation."

Trump's efforts to fire Mueller

Trump tried to get Mueller fired in June 2017, shortly after he was appointed, according to the 448-page report. Trump called then-White House counsel Don McGahn twice and directed him to order Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to fire Mueller on the grounds that he had conflicts of interest.

McGahn felt "trapped," but did not carry out the order, deciding that he would rather resign, Mueller said.

Other White House advisers later talked McGahn out of resigning, and Trump did not follow up to ask whether McGahn had fulfilled his directive.

Trump pressured McGahn to deny that these events took place when they surfaced in news accounts in January 2018, but McGahn refused, according to Mueller's report, some of which was blacked out to protect some sensitive information.

Trump's efforts to limit the investigation

Trump also enlisted his former campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, to try to narrow the investigation's scope. The report said Trump asked Lewandowski in June 2017 to tell Sessions that he should publicly announce that the Russia probe was "very unfair" to the president, said Trump had done nothing wrong, and limit Mueller's probe into interference in future elections, not the one that had put him in the White House.

A month later, Trump asked Lewandowski about the status of his request and Lewandowski assured Trump he would deliver the message soon. Trump then publicly criticized Sessions in a New York Times interview and a series of Twitter messages.

Mueller says Lewandowski did not want to deliver the message to Sessions, so he asked senior White House official Rick Dearborn to speak to him. Dearborn also did not want to carry out the task. Ultimately, the message never reached Sessions.

Manafort's efforts to monetize the campaign

Mueller found that campaign chairman Paul Manafort's efforts to work with his former business partners in Ukraine were greater than previously known, as he tried to use his insider status on the campaign to collect on debts owed for his past work by Oleg Deripaska, an oligarch who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Shortly after he joined the campaign in the spring of 2016, Manafort directed his deputy Rick Gates to share internal polling data and other campaign materials with Konstantin Kilimnik, a former Ukrainian business partner, with the understanding that it would get passed on to Deripaska, the report said.

During an August 2016 meeting in New York, Manafort told Kilimnik about the campaign's efforts to win the battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Minnesota, the report said. Trump ended up winning three of those states in the November election.

Manafort worked with his Ukrainian allies until the spring of 2018, after he had been indicted by Mueller, to promote a peace plan that would have split the country in two. These efforts did not constitute coordination between the campaign and Russian efforts to disrupt the election, Mueller found.

Manafort urged Gates not to plead guilty after they were both indicted by Mueller, apparently believing that they would be pardoned by the president if they did not cooperate with investigators. Trump's numerous sympathetic statements before and during Manafort's criminal trial could be interpreted as an effort to sway the outcome, but they also could be interpreted as a sign that he genuinely felt sorry for Manafort, Mueller said.

A plan for US - Russia reconciliation

Relations between Washington and Moscow had deteriorated under two previous administrations and the United States had imposed sanctions on Russia. Following Trump's election victory, Russian financier Kirill Dmitriev worked on a proposal to improve ties with Rick Gerson, a hedge fund manager who is friends with Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner. Dmitriev runs Russia's sovereign wealth fund and reports directly to Putin.

Gerson gave the plan to Kushner before Trump was sworn in, Mueller's report said, and Kushner gave copies to Bannon and then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

After Trump took office in January 2017, Dmitriev told Gerson that his "boss" - an apparent reference to Putin - wanted to know if there was a reaction to the proposal, which called for cooperation on terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and economic matters. When Putin and Trump spoke by phone, Dmitriev told Gerson that their plan had "played an important role."

Gerson told Mueller's team that he acted as an intermediary between Trump and Russia on his own initiative, not at the request of Trump's aides.

There are several aspects of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 US election campaign that was not previously known until the release of his report on Thursday.

There are several aspects of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 US election campaign that was not previously known until the release of his report on Thursday. Trump's reaction to the appointment of special counsel US President Donald Trump believed the appointment of a special counsel to take over an active federal investigation would spell the end of his presidency, according to Mueller's report. When then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions told Trump of Mueller's appointment on May 17, 2017, the report said, Trump slumped back in his chair and said: "Oh my God. This is terrible. This is the end of my presidency. I'm fucked." Trump asked Sessions, whom he had berated for months for recusing himself from the investigation of Russian interference in the election: "How could you let this happen, Jeff?" and told Sessions he had let him down. Trump told Sessions he should resign, and Sessions agreed to do so. When Sessions delivered his resignation letter to Trump the following day, Trump put the letter in his pocket but said he wanted Sessions to stay on the job. That alarmed chief of staff Reince Priebus and senior advisor Steve Bannon, who worried Trump would use the letter to control the Department of Justice, and they tried to return it to Sessions. Trump took the letter with him on a trip to the Middle East, where he showed it to several senior advisers and asked them what he should do about it. On May 30, he finally returned the letter to Sessions with a note saying: "Not accepted." The Presidential interview that wasn't Mueller tried for more than a year to interview Trump, but in the end, Trump refused. Trump provided written answers on some Russia-related topics but did not agree to answer questions about possible obstruction of justice or events that took place during the presidential transition. Mueller said he thought he had the legal authority to order Trump to testify before a grand jury, but he decided not to take that course because of the "substantial delay that such an investigative step would likely produce at a late stage in our investigation." Trump's efforts to fire Mueller Trump tried to get Mueller fired in June 2017, shortly after he was appointed, according to the 448-page report. Trump called then-White House counsel Don McGahn twice and directed him to order Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to fire Mueller on the grounds that he had conflicts of interest. McGahn felt "trapped," but did not carry out the order, deciding that he would rather resign, Mueller said. Other White House advisers later talked McGahn out of resigning, and Trump did not follow up to ask whether McGahn had fulfilled his directive. Trump pressured McGahn to deny that these events took place when they surfaced in news accounts in January 2018, but McGahn refused, according to Mueller's report, some of which was blacked out to protect some sensitive information. Trump's efforts to limit the investigation Trump also enlisted his former campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, to try to narrow the investigation's scope. The report said Trump asked Lewandowski in June 2017 to tell Sessions that he should publicly announce that the Russia probe was "very unfair" to the president, said Trump had done nothing wrong, and limit Mueller's probe into interference in future elections, not the one that had put him in the White House. A month later, Trump asked Lewandowski about the status of his request and Lewandowski assured Trump he would deliver the message soon. Trump then publicly criticized Sessions in a New York Times interview and a series of Twitter messages. Mueller says Lewandowski did not want to deliver the message to Sessions, so he asked senior White House official Rick Dearborn to speak to him. Dearborn also did not want to carry out the task. Ultimately, the message never reached Sessions. Manafort's efforts to monetize the campaign Mueller found that campaign chairman Paul Manafort's efforts to work with his former business partners in Ukraine were greater than previously known, as he tried to use his insider status on the campaign to collect on debts owed for his past work by Oleg Deripaska, an oligarch who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Shortly after he joined the campaign in the spring of 2016, Manafort directed his deputy Rick Gates to share internal polling data and other campaign materials with Konstantin Kilimnik, a former Ukrainian business partner, with the understanding that it would get passed on to Deripaska, the report said. During an August 2016 meeting in New York, Manafort told Kilimnik about the campaign's efforts to win the battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Minnesota, the report said. Trump ended up winning three of those states in the November election. Manafort worked with his Ukrainian allies until the spring of 2018, after he had been indicted by Mueller, to promote a peace plan that would have split the country in two. These efforts did not constitute coordination between the campaign and Russian efforts to disrupt the election, Mueller found. Manafort urged Gates not to plead guilty after they were both indicted by Mueller, apparently believing that they would be pardoned by the president if they did not cooperate with investigators. Trump's numerous sympathetic statements before and during Manafort's criminal trial could be interpreted as an effort to sway the outcome, but they also could be interpreted as a sign that he genuinely felt sorry for Manafort, Mueller said. A plan for US - Russia reconciliation Relations between Washington and Moscow had deteriorated under two previous administrations and the United States had imposed sanctions on Russia. Following Trump's election victory, Russian financier Kirill Dmitriev worked on a proposal to improve ties with Rick Gerson, a hedge fund manager who is friends with Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner. Dmitriev runs Russia's sovereign wealth fund and reports directly to Putin. Gerson gave the plan to Kushner before Trump was sworn in, Mueller's report said, and Kushner gave copies to Bannon and then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. After Trump took office in January 2017, Dmitriev told Gerson that his "boss" - an apparent reference to Putin - wanted to know if there was a reaction to the proposal, which called for cooperation on terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and economic matters. When Putin and Trump spoke by phone, Dmitriev told Gerson that their plan had "played an important role." Gerson told Mueller's team that he acted as an intermediary between Trump and Russia on his own initiative, not at the request of Trump's aides.

Factbox: New revelations from the Mueller report

Here is a timeline of significant developments in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-report-to-be-released-by-mid-april-attorney-general-206612">Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation</a> into Russia's role in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election and contacts between President Donald Trump's campaign and Moscow.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-care-about-the-muellers-russia-probe-report-says-donald-trump-209385/amp">I don’t care about the Mueller's Russia probe report, says Donald Trump</a>

2017

May 17 - US Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appoints former FBI Director Mueller as a special counsel to investigate Russian meddling in the 2016 election and to look into any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and people associated with Republican Trump's campaign. The appointment follows Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey on May 9. Days later, Trump attributed the dismissal to "this Russia thing."

June 15 - Mueller is investigating Trump for possible obstruction of justice, the Washington Post reports.

October&nbsp;30 - Veteran Republican political operative and former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who worked for the campaign for five pivotal months in 2016, is indicted on charges of conspiracy against the United States and money laundering, as is his business partner Rick Gates, who also worked for Trump's campaign.

- Former Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos pleads guilty to a charge of lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian officials.

December&nbsp;1 - Michael Flynn, Trump's first national security adviser who also had a prominent campaign role, pleads guilty to the charge of lying to the FBI about his discussions in 2016 with the Russian ambassador to Washington.

2018

February&nbsp;16 - Mueller secures an indictment of 13 Russian individuals and three firms, including a Russian government propaganda arm called the Internet Research Agency, accusing them of tampering in the presidential race to support Trump and disparage Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The accused "had a strategic goal to sow discord in the US political system, including the 2016 US presidential election" according to the court document filed by Mueller.

- An American, Richard Pinedo, pleads guilty to identity fraud for selling bank account numbers after being accused by prosecutors of helping Russians launder money, buy Facebook ads and pay for campaign rally supplies. Pinedo was not associated with the Trump campaign.

February&nbsp;22 - Manafort and Gates are charged with financial crimes, including bank fraud, in Virginia.

February&nbsp;23 - Gates pleads guilty to conspiracy against the United States and lying to investigators. He agrees to cooperate and testify against Manafort at trial.

April 3 - Alex van der Zwaan, the Dutch son-in-law of one of Russia's richest men, is sentenced to 30 days in prison and fined $20,000 for lying to Mueller's investigators, becoming the first person sentenced in the probe.

April 9 - FBI agents raid home, hotel room and office of Trump's personal lawyer and self-described "fixer" Michael Cohen.

April 12 - Rosenstein tells Trump that he is not a target in Mueller's probe.

April 19 - Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a Trump supporter in the election campaign, joins Trump's personal legal team.

June 8 - Mueller charges a Russian-Ukrainian man, Konstantin Kilimnik, a Manafort business partner whom prosecutors say had ties to Russian intelligence, with witness tampering.

July 13 - Federal grand jury indicts 12 Russian military intelligence officers on charges of hacking Democratic Party computer networks in 2016 and staged releases of documents. Russia, which denies interfering in the election, says there is no evidence that the 12 are linked to spying or hacking.

July 16 - In Helsinki after the first summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump publicly contradicts U.S. intelligence agencies that concluded Moscow had interfered in the 2016 election with a campaign of hacking and propaganda. Trump touts Putin's "extremely strong and powerful" denial of meddling. He calls the Mueller inquiry a "rigged witch hunt" on Twitter.

August&nbsp;21 - A trial jury in Virginia finds Manafort guilty of five counts of tax fraud, two counts of bank fraud and one count of failure to disclose a foreign bank account.

- Cohen, in a case brought by U.S. prosecutors in New York, pleads guilty to tax fraud and campaign finance law violations. Cohen is subsequently interviewed by Mueller's team.

August&nbsp;31 - Samuel Patten, an American business partner of Kilimnik, pleads guilty to unregistered lobbying for pro-Kremlin political party in Ukraine.

September&nbsp;14 - Manafort pleads guilty to two conspiracy counts and signs a cooperation agreement with Mueller's prosecutors.

November&nbsp;8 - US Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigns at Trump's request. He had recused himself from overseeing the Mueller inquiry because of his contacts with the Russian ambassador as a Trump campaign official. Trump appoints Sessions' chief of staff Matthew Whitaker, a critic of the Mueller probe, as acting attorney general.

November&nbsp;20 - Giuliani says Trump submitted written answers to questions from Mueller, as the president avoids a face-to-face interview with the special counsel.

November&nbsp;27-28 - Prosecutors say Manafort breached his plea deal by lying to investigators, which Manafort denies. Trump says he has not ruled out granting Manafort a presidential pardon.

November&nbsp;28 - Giuliani says Trump told investigators he was not aware ahead of time of a meeting in Trump Tower in New York between several campaign officials and Russians in June 2016.

November&nbsp;29 - Cohen pleads guilty in the Mueller investigation to lying to Congress about the length of discussions in 2016 on plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. "I made these misstatements to be consistent with individual 1's political messaging and out of loyalty to individual 1," says Cohen, who previously identified "individual 1" as Trump. The president criticises Cohen as a liar and "weak person."

December&nbsp;12 - Two developments highlight growing political and legal risks for Trump: Cohen is sentenced to three years in prison for crimes including orchestrating hush payments to women in violation of campaign laws before the election; American Media Inc, publisher of National Enquirer tabloid, strikes a deal to avoid charges over its role in one of two hush payments. The publisher admits that the payment was aimed at influencing the 2016 election, contradicting Trump's statements.

2019

January&nbsp;25 - Longtime Trump associate and self-proclaimed political "dirty trickster" Roger Stone is charged and arrested at his home in Florida. Stone is accused of lying to Congress about statements suggesting he may have had advance knowledge of plans by Wikileaks to release Democratic Party campaign emails that U.S. officials say were stolen by Russia.

February&nbsp;14 - The Senate votes to confirm William Barr, Trump's nominee to replace Sessions, as attorney general. Barr assumes broad authority over how much of the Mueller report to release.

February&nbsp;22 - Manhattan district attorney's office is pursuing New York state criminal charges against Manafort whether or not he receives a pardon from Trump on federal crimes. Trump cannot issue pardons for state convictions.

February&nbsp;27 - Cohen tells US House Oversight Committee Trump is a "racist," a "con man" and a "cheat" who knew in advance about a release of emails by WikiLeaks in 2016 aimed at hurting rival Clinton. Trump directed negotiations for a real estate project in Moscow during the campaign even as he publicly said he had no business interests in Russia, Cohen testifies.

March 7 - Manafort is sentenced in the Virginia case to almost four years in prison. The judge also ordered Manafort to pay a fine of $50,000 and restitution of just over $24 million.

March 13 - Manafort is sentenced to about 3-1/2 more years in prison in the Washington case, bringing his total prison sentence in the two special counsel cases to 7-1/2 years.

- Shortly after his sentencing in Washington, the Manhattan district attorney announces a separate indictment charging Manafort with residential mortgage fraud and other New York state crimes, which unlike the federal charges cannot be erased by a presidential pardon.

March 22 - Mueller submits his confidential report on the findings of his investigation to US&nbsp;Attorney General William Barr.

March 24 - Barr releases a summary of the "principal conclusions" of Mueller's report and wrote that the investigation did not establish that members of Trump's election campaign conspired with Russia. Mueller did not exonerate Trump on obstruction of justice, said Barr, who himself concluded the inquiry had not found sufficient evidence to warrant criminal obstruction charges against Trump.

March 25 - Democratic lawmakers demand that Barr send the full Mueller report and any underlying documents to Congress by April 2 and say the attorney general's summary is not sufficient. The deadline is not met.

April 3 - The Democratic-led House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted to enable its chairman, Jerrold Nadler, to subpoena the Justice Department to obtain Mueller's unredacted report and all underlying evidence as well as documents and testimony from five former Trump aides.

April 18 - This date is announced by the Justice Department for the release of a redacted version of the Mueller report.

Here is a timeline of significant developments in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 US presidential election and contacts between President Donald Trump's campaign and Moscow.

Here is a timeline of significant developments in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 US presidential election and contacts between President Donald Trump's campaign and Moscow. Also read: I don’t care about the Mueller's Russia probe report, says Donald Trump 2017 May 17 - US Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appoints former FBI Director Mueller as a special counsel to investigate Russian meddling in the 2016 election and to look into any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and people associated with Republican Trump's campaign. The appointment follows Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey on May 9. Days later, Trump attributed the dismissal to "this Russia thing." June 15 - Mueller is investigating Trump for possible obstruction of justice, the Washington Post reports. October 30 - Veteran Republican political operative and former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who worked for the campaign for five pivotal months in 2016, is indicted on charges of conspiracy against the United States and money laundering, as is his business partner Rick Gates, who also worked for Trump's campaign. - Former Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos pleads guilty to a charge of lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian officials. December 1 - Michael Flynn, Trump's first national security adviser who also had a prominent campaign role, pleads guilty to the charge of lying to the FBI about his discussions in 2016 with the Russian ambassador to Washington. 2018 February 16 - Mueller secures an indictment of 13 Russian individuals and three firms, including a Russian government propaganda arm called the Internet Research Agency, accusing them of tampering in the presidential race to support Trump and disparage Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The accused "had a strategic goal to sow discord in the US political system, including the 2016 US presidential election" according to the court document filed by Mueller. - An American, Richard Pinedo, pleads guilty to identity fraud for selling bank account numbers after being accused by prosecutors of helping Russians launder money, buy Facebook ads and pay for campaign rally supplies. Pinedo was not associated with the Trump campaign. February 22 - Manafort and Gates are charged with financial crimes, including bank fraud, in Virginia. February 23 - Gates pleads guilty to conspiracy against the United States and lying to investigators. He agrees to cooperate and testify against Manafort at trial. April 3 - Alex van der Zwaan, the Dutch son-in-law of one of Russia's richest men, is sentenced to 30 days in prison and fined $20,000 for lying to Mueller's investigators, becoming the first person sentenced in the probe. April 9 - FBI agents raid home, hotel room and office of Trump's personal lawyer and self-described "fixer" Michael Cohen. April 12 - Rosenstein tells Trump that he is not a target in Mueller's probe. April 19 - Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a Trump supporter in the election campaign, joins Trump's personal legal team. June 8 - Mueller charges a Russian-Ukrainian man, Konstantin Kilimnik, a Manafort business partner whom prosecutors say had ties to Russian intelligence, with witness tampering. July 13 - Federal grand jury indicts 12 Russian military intelligence officers on charges of hacking Democratic Party computer networks in 2016 and staged releases of documents. Russia, which denies interfering in the election, says there is no evidence that the 12 are linked to spying or hacking. July 16 - In Helsinki after the first summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump publicly contradicts U.S. intelligence agencies that concluded Moscow had interfered in the 2016 election with a campaign of hacking and propaganda. Trump touts Putin's "extremely strong and powerful" denial of meddling. He calls the Mueller inquiry a "rigged witch hunt" on Twitter. August 21 - A trial jury in Virginia finds Manafort guilty of five counts of tax fraud, two counts of bank fraud and one count of failure to disclose a foreign bank account. - Cohen, in a case brought by U.S. prosecutors in New York, pleads guilty to tax fraud and campaign finance law violations. Cohen is subsequently interviewed by Mueller's team. August 31 - Samuel Patten, an American business partner of Kilimnik, pleads guilty to unregistered lobbying for pro-Kremlin political party in Ukraine. September 14 - Manafort pleads guilty to two conspiracy counts and signs a cooperation agreement with Mueller's prosecutors. November 8 - US Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigns at Trump's request. He had recused himself from overseeing the Mueller inquiry because of his contacts with the Russian ambassador as a Trump campaign official. Trump appoints Sessions' chief of staff Matthew Whitaker, a critic of the Mueller probe, as acting attorney general. November 20 - Giuliani says Trump submitted written answers to questions from Mueller, as the president avoids a face-to-face interview with the special counsel. November 27-28 - Prosecutors say Manafort breached his plea deal by lying to investigators, which Manafort denies. Trump says he has not ruled out granting Manafort a presidential pardon. November 28 - Giuliani says Trump told investigators he was not aware ahead of time of a meeting in Trump Tower in New York between several campaign officials and Russians in June 2016. November 29 - Cohen pleads guilty in the Mueller investigation to lying to Congress about the length of discussions in 2016 on plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. "I made these misstatements to be consistent with individual 1's political messaging and out of loyalty to individual 1," says Cohen, who previously identified "individual 1" as Trump. The president criticises Cohen as a liar and "weak person." December 12 - Two developments highlight growing political and legal risks for Trump: Cohen is sentenced to three years in prison for crimes including orchestrating hush payments to women in violation of campaign laws before the election; American Media Inc, publisher of National Enquirer tabloid, strikes a deal to avoid charges over its role in one of two hush payments. The publisher admits that the payment was aimed at influencing the 2016 election, contradicting Trump's statements. 2019 January 25 - Longtime Trump associate and self-proclaimed political "dirty trickster" Roger Stone is charged and arrested at his home in Florida. Stone is accused of lying to Congress about statements suggesting he may have had advance knowledge of plans by Wikileaks to release Democratic Party campaign emails that U.S. officials say were stolen by Russia. February 14 - The Senate votes to confirm William Barr, Trump's nominee to replace Sessions, as attorney general. Barr assumes broad authority over how much of the Mueller report to release. February 22 - Manhattan district attorney's office is pursuing New York state criminal charges against Manafort whether or not he receives a pardon from Trump on federal crimes. Trump cannot issue pardons for state convictions. February 27 - Cohen tells US House Oversight Committee Trump is a "racist," a "con man" and a "cheat" who knew in advance about a release of emails by WikiLeaks in 2016 aimed at hurting rival Clinton. Trump directed negotiations for a real estate project in Moscow during the campaign even as he publicly said he had no business interests in Russia, Cohen testifies. March 7 - Manafort is sentenced in the Virginia case to almost four years in prison. The judge also ordered Manafort to pay a fine of $50,000 and restitution of just over $24 million. March 13 - Manafort is sentenced to about 3-1/2 more years in prison in the Washington case, bringing his total prison sentence in the two special counsel cases to 7-1/2 years. - Shortly after his sentencing in Washington, the Manhattan district attorney announces a separate indictment charging Manafort with residential mortgage fraud and other New York state crimes, which unlike the federal charges cannot be erased by a presidential pardon. March 22 - Mueller submits his confidential report on the findings of his investigation to US Attorney General William Barr. March 24 - Barr releases a summary of the "principal conclusions" of Mueller's report and wrote that the investigation did not establish that members of Trump's election campaign conspired with Russia. Mueller did not exonerate Trump on obstruction of justice, said Barr, who himself concluded the inquiry had not found sufficient evidence to warrant criminal obstruction charges against Trump. March 25 - Democratic lawmakers demand that Barr send the full Mueller report and any underlying documents to Congress by April 2 and say the attorney general's summary is not sufficient. The deadline is not met. April 3 - The Democratic-led House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted to enable its chairman, Jerrold Nadler, to subpoena the Justice Department to obtain Mueller's unredacted report and all underlying evidence as well as documents and testimony from five former Trump aides. April 18 - This date is announced by the Justice Department for the release of a redacted version of the Mueller report.

Timeline: Big moments in Mueller investigation of Russian meddling in 2016 US election

By Jonathan Hall

Involved in armed conflicts on two fronts, in eastern Ukraine and Syria, the Russian Federation’s dual campaigns are often closely associated with one another. Experts looking at Russia’s ongoing operations in the Syrian Civil War often attempt to link them to the conflict in Ukraine. In doing so, analysts and policymakers may inadvertently fail to see the full range of consequences the renewed Russian presence in the Middle East brings. This in no way implies a lack of relationship between the two, but rather that the economic and political benefits Moscow is reaping should be appreciated before such a causal relationship can be understood.

Two main factors of Russia’s intervention in Syria will affect future calculi between interlocutors attempting to resolve the war in the Donbas region and the illegal annexation of Crimea. The first factor that needs addressing is the near-term consequences. Because of its military cooperation with Bashar al-Assad’s regime and other regional players, Moscow has managed to secure billions of dollars from states in the Middle East such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Along with rising global oil prices, Russia has further insulated itself against Western sanctions.

The second implication is the geopolitical importance of Russia’s growing presence in the region, which it is utilising to cast influence throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Its significance comes in the shape of a favorable bargaining position within and without the Minsk framework (for the resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine) for two reasons: geoeconomic clout vis-à-vis the energy market and political leverage over the European Union as it attempts to manage issues related to immigration flows from the MENA region.&nbsp;

Inextricably Linked

September 30, 2015, marked the beginning of Russia’s official involvement in Syria at the request of President Assad, opening with airstrikes around the cities of Homs and Hama in western Syria against the mainstream opposition forces. With the war in eastern Ukraine already being waged for over a year at that point, the two conflicts have since been inextricably linked. Some analysts posit that Russia’s incursion into Syria serves the same purpose as prior aggressions in Ukraine, namely dismantling the current Western-led world order that has been in place since World War II.

Concerning this link, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin likely knew he would be able to use any gains in the Middle East in his favour concerning Ukraine. However, these gains, when seen through a wider lens than just the regional context of Ukraine, provide a clearer analysis of the economically and geopolitically revitalised bargaining position given to the Kremlin on issues with transatlantic partners writ large and, therefore, certainly concerning Donbas and Crimea.

Throughout 2014, as US and EU sanctions began to accumulate, the ruble was at one point devalued by roughly 50 per cent. While Moscow has reclaimed some economic stability, the strength of the Russian currency, which is currently priced at 65 against the US dollar, is no where near its former status of around 35 rubles against the dollar.

While sanctions have certainly hurt Russia’s economy, the drop in the global oil prices had a much more significant effect. Russia’s long-term budget projections placed oil above $100 per barrel; however, at certain points in 2016, the price fell below $30. Moscow’s economic difficulties were further compounded by the budgetary pressures self-imposed by its activities in Ukraine, as well as the economic shock experienced during the 2008-09 global financial crisis that drained central reserves. Even if the sanctions were never imposed, some suggest the Kremlin would still have found itself in a difficult position.

Irrespective of sanctions staying in place, last year the State Duma reviewed the federal budget and projected a surplus of 0.5 per cent of GDP, equating to around $7.7 billion. This was the first expected surplus since 2011, which displays the preponderant effect of oil over Western sanctions given that 2012 marked the beginning of a drop in global oil prices. The World Bank confirmed such reports, forecasting 1.5 per cent&nbsp;GDP growth in 2018, followed by an increase of 1.8 per cent&nbsp;from 2019-20.

Entering Syria

Although the financial losses due to sanctions have not had the same effect as declining oil prices, they have certainly taken their toll. Resumed business with the EU and the US would be the best-case scenario for Russia. However, this would only begin to be a possibility after the Kremlin put forth a concerted effort to work with the international community to bring about peace in the region.

Moscow, however, understands that an abrupt end to the fighting in Donbas, in which it has only marginally admitted involvement, would be highly unlikely, especially while trying to save face on both the international stage as well as in front of domestic audiences. Given this reality, Russia appears fully committed to increasing relations in the Middle East not only militarily, but also economically, as part of its eastward pivot toward the MENA region and Asia. 
 
Important to note is that on the list of sanctioned individuals and entities is Vnesheconombank (VEB), of which Russia’s sovereign wealth fund (SWF), the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), is a fully owned subsidiary. Put simply, SWFs serve as state-owned instruments in public finance. Largely funded by revenues from commodity exports or from foreign exchange reserves in a state’s central bank, SWFs may be used to invest globally. As such, Russia has begun to circumvent the economic hardship of sanctions and severed business partnerships in the West by contractually binding itself to other sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East.

While not an exhaustive list of SWF partnerships, the following are the most lucrative of contracts set up through the RDIF, which represent short-term financial reprieve and long-term economic bargaining power for the Kremlin: the Qatari Investment Authority has committed over $2.5 billion in assets to Russia, mostly within Russia’s oil giant Rosneft; Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund invested $10 billion, mostly focused on technology and energy; and Abu Dhabi, for its part, has set up a $3 billion fund with the RDIF, focused on developing Russia’s southern infrastructure and agricultural sectors. 
 
Arms Sales

Apart from direct SWF investment, Russia’s arms industry has also received a huge boon since Russia commenced military operations in Syria. The importance of this can be seen from former deputy prime minister, Dmitry Rogozin, stating that “arms sales are the most important element of Moscow’s relations with other countries.” For example, in 2009 Moscow sold roughly $9 billion in arms to the MENA region. In 2016, that number rose to $21.4 billion. With the MENA region quickly becoming Russia’s most profitable destination in terms of exporting arms, behind Asia, the correlation of foreign policy interests is clear.

The Kremlin has used the war as effective advertising from the very beginning. In early October, shortly after Russia officially entered the war on behalf of Assad’s regime, Moscow fired 26 cruise missiles from its Caspian Sea flotilla, hitting various targets in Syria. Although it could be argued that the same objective could have been carried out through military capabilities already in-country, Russia was able to broadcast its new technology on a global scale.

Shortly after, customers from the Middle East and abroad began to line up to buy various weapons systems. The key example of this success would be Tehran resuming its position as a top-tier client following the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (and Russia’s assistance in the process) placing weapon orders to the sum of $10 billion.

For the near future, any economic gains achieved by the Russian Federation may directly affect its position moving forward concerning Ukraine. The Kremlin has been hemorrhaging money in backing separatist activities and financing its own operations in Donbas and Crimea. Arms sales and economic partnerships in the Middle East and North Africa will provide the monetary reprieve Russia needs to shield itself from the financial backlash currently being sustained. 
 
Longterm Benefits

While economic deals amongst SWFs and recent increases in arms sales provide Russia assistance in the near-term to face the previous shock to global oil prices as well as Western sanctions, the mid to long-term implications of Russia’s involvement in the Syrian Civil War are the most important to analyze. In terms of bilateral cooperation in the Middle East, relations with Iran are the most important for Russia. A major consumer of Russian arms, Moscow sees Tehran as a “regional superpower” given Iran’s extensive involvement in the war in Syria, its support for Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as the question of its future nuclear capabilities.

Russia also views Tehran as a reliable partner with whom it can successfully counter the US presence in the Black Sea, the Caspian region and the Middle East, in addition to controlling Sunni extremism within Russia’s near-abroad — the North Caucasus and Central Asia. While the war in Syria will eventually come to an end, Russia has now successfully locked itself into the region through its access to the Syrian port of Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase, which it will maintain for at least the next 48 years.

The geopolitical importance of Russia’s permanent military presence in the region, in concert with growing forms of economic cooperation, may be better realized through discussion of the north-south corridor. Introduced by President Putin in 2007, this strategic initiative is based upon a mixture of financial planning and political enterprise. Moscow’s goal with the so-called north-south corridor is to utilize its partnerships in the Middle East and create a staging ground for further economic and political cooperation in Africa and the “global south.”

One example of this is a deal likely brokered thanks to SWF investments in Abu Dhabi’s defense sector for Moscow to create an air hub in the UAE. Through this hub, Russia will be able to deliver infrastructure projects and humanitarian aid.

Should Russia continue to gain political clout throughout the MENA region, the European Union may find itself dealing with Russia as its main interlocutor for issues such as the ongoing refugee crisis. In many European countries, issues concerning migration flows are dominating the discourse in the media and political spheres. Domestic political concerns will likely take precedence over the war in Ukraine. Therefore, Russia’s ability to provide concessions — for example through growing its influence in Libya — to work with the EU in dealing with migration may, in turn, lead to unfavorable tradeoffs for Ukraine.&nbsp;

The trends regarding military and economic cooperation between Russia and its Middle Eastern partners may have begun well before the annexation of Crimea. However, it is apparent that Western sanctions and political pressure have since driven the Kremlin farther east, accelerating its efforts. This divergence does not appear to be coming solely out of desperation after the loss of Western investment, but rather because of the real promise Moscow sees in its increasingly eastward-leaning strategic focus.

Russia’s enlarged presence in the Middle East, particularly as it relates to renewed ties with Iran and the potential access this will give the Kremlin to developments in Africa, clearly displays the war in Syria as just the beginning.

Any increased influence in these regions will come at the expense of transatlantic partners and will shift bargaining positions when it comes to its dealings with Russia, namely as it pertains to Ukraine. If these trends persist, in addition to rising oil prices, some rethinking will be required when it comes to countering Russia in Ukraine as sanctions may become less and less relevant. If this is the case, expect the Russian Federation to become economically more viable, geographically more influential and, as a result, perhaps more aggressive in eastern Ukraine.

 
(Jonathan Hall is a security and political risk analyst focused on Eurasian geopolitics, military affairs, and emerging technologies)

(This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/western-sanctions-russia-economy-syria-ukraine-middle-east-news-00171/">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;

By Jonathan Hall Involved in armed conflicts on two fronts, in eastern Ukraine and Syria, the Russian Federation’s dual campaigns are often closely associated with one another.

By Jonathan Hall Involved in armed conflicts on two fronts, in eastern Ukraine and Syria, the Russian Federation’s dual campaigns are often closely associated with one another. Experts looking at Russia’s ongoing operations in the Syrian Civil War often attempt to link them to the conflict in Ukraine. In doing so, analysts and policymakers may inadvertently fail to see the full range of consequences the renewed Russian presence in the Middle East brings. This in no way implies a lack of relationship between the two, but rather that the economic and political benefits Moscow is reaping should be appreciated before such a causal relationship can be understood. Two main factors of Russia’s intervention in Syria will affect future calculi between interlocutors attempting to resolve the war in the Donbas region and the illegal annexation of Crimea. The first factor that needs addressing is the near-term consequences. Because of its military cooperation with Bashar al-Assad’s regime and other regional players, Moscow has managed to secure billions of dollars from states in the Middle East such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Along with rising global oil prices, Russia has further insulated itself against Western sanctions. The second implication is the geopolitical importance of Russia’s growing presence in the region, which it is utilising to cast influence throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Its significance comes in the shape of a favorable bargaining position within and without the Minsk framework (for the resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine) for two reasons: geoeconomic clout vis-à-vis the energy market and political leverage over the European Union as it attempts to manage issues related to immigration flows from the MENA region. Inextricably Linked September 30, 2015, marked the beginning of Russia’s official involvement in Syria at the request of President Assad, opening with airstrikes around the cities of Homs and Hama in western Syria against the mainstream opposition forces. With the war in eastern Ukraine already being waged for over a year at that point, the two conflicts have since been inextricably linked. Some analysts posit that Russia’s incursion into Syria serves the same purpose as prior aggressions in Ukraine, namely dismantling the current Western-led world order that has been in place since World War II. Concerning this link, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin likely knew he would be able to use any gains in the Middle East in his favour concerning Ukraine. However, these gains, when seen through a wider lens than just the regional context of Ukraine, provide a clearer analysis of the economically and geopolitically revitalised bargaining position given to the Kremlin on issues with transatlantic partners writ large and, therefore, certainly concerning Donbas and Crimea. Throughout 2014, as US and EU sanctions began to accumulate, the ruble was at one point devalued by roughly 50 per cent. While Moscow has reclaimed some economic stability, the strength of the Russian currency, which is currently priced at 65 against the US dollar, is no where near its former status of around 35 rubles against the dollar. While sanctions have certainly hurt Russia’s economy, the drop in the global oil prices had a much more significant effect. Russia’s long-term budget projections placed oil above $100 per barrel; however, at certain points in 2016, the price fell below $30. Moscow’s economic difficulties were further compounded by the budgetary pressures self-imposed by its activities in Ukraine, as well as the economic shock experienced during the 2008-09 global financial crisis that drained central reserves. Even if the sanctions were never imposed, some suggest the Kremlin would still have found itself in a difficult position. Irrespective of sanctions staying in place, last year the State Duma reviewed the federal budget and projected a surplus of 0.5 per cent of GDP, equating to around $7.7 billion. This was the first expected surplus since 2011, which displays the preponderant effect of oil over Western sanctions given that 2012 marked the beginning of a drop in global oil prices. The World Bank confirmed such reports, forecasting 1.5 per cent GDP growth in 2018, followed by an increase of 1.8 per cent from 2019-20. Entering Syria Although the financial losses due to sanctions have not had the same effect as declining oil prices, they have certainly taken their toll. Resumed business with the EU and the US would be the best-case scenario for Russia. However, this would only begin to be a possibility after the Kremlin put forth a concerted effort to work with the international community to bring about peace in the region. Moscow, however, understands that an abrupt end to the fighting in Donbas, in which it has only marginally admitted involvement, would be highly unlikely, especially while trying to save face on both the international stage as well as in front of domestic audiences. Given this reality, Russia appears fully committed to increasing relations in the Middle East not only militarily, but also economically, as part of its eastward pivot toward the MENA region and Asia. Important to note is that on the list of sanctioned individuals and entities is Vnesheconombank (VEB), of which Russia’s sovereign wealth fund (SWF), the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), is a fully owned subsidiary. Put simply, SWFs serve as state-owned instruments in public finance. Largely funded by revenues from commodity exports or from foreign exchange reserves in a state’s central bank, SWFs may be used to invest globally. As such, Russia has begun to circumvent the economic hardship of sanctions and severed business partnerships in the West by contractually binding itself to other sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East. While not an exhaustive list of SWF partnerships, the following are the most lucrative of contracts set up through the RDIF, which represent short-term financial reprieve and long-term economic bargaining power for the Kremlin: the Qatari Investment Authority has committed over $2.5 billion in assets to Russia, mostly within Russia’s oil giant Rosneft; Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund invested $10 billion, mostly focused on technology and energy; and Abu Dhabi, for its part, has set up a $3 billion fund with the RDIF, focused on developing Russia’s southern infrastructure and agricultural sectors. Arms Sales Apart from direct SWF investment, Russia’s arms industry has also received a huge boon since Russia commenced military operations in Syria. The importance of this can be seen from former deputy prime minister, Dmitry Rogozin, stating that “arms sales are the most important element of Moscow’s relations with other countries.” For example, in 2009 Moscow sold roughly $9 billion in arms to the MENA region. In 2016, that number rose to $21.4 billion. With the MENA region quickly becoming Russia’s most profitable destination in terms of exporting arms, behind Asia, the correlation of foreign policy interests is clear. The Kremlin has used the war as effective advertising from the very beginning. In early October, shortly after Russia officially entered the war on behalf of Assad’s regime, Moscow fired 26 cruise missiles from its Caspian Sea flotilla, hitting various targets in Syria. Although it could be argued that the same objective could have been carried out through military capabilities already in-country, Russia was able to broadcast its new technology on a global scale. Shortly after, customers from the Middle East and abroad began to line up to buy various weapons systems. The key example of this success would be Tehran resuming its position as a top-tier client following the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (and Russia’s assistance in the process) placing weapon orders to the sum of $10 billion. For the near future, any economic gains achieved by the Russian Federation may directly affect its position moving forward concerning Ukraine. The Kremlin has been hemorrhaging money in backing separatist activities and financing its own operations in Donbas and Crimea. Arms sales and economic partnerships in the Middle East and North Africa will provide the monetary reprieve Russia needs to shield itself from the financial backlash currently being sustained. Longterm Benefits While economic deals amongst SWFs and recent increases in arms sales provide Russia assistance in the near-term to face the previous shock to global oil prices as well as Western sanctions, the mid to long-term implications of Russia’s involvement in the Syrian Civil War are the most important to analyze. In terms of bilateral cooperation in the Middle East, relations with Iran are the most important for Russia. A major consumer of Russian arms, Moscow sees Tehran as a “regional superpower” given Iran’s extensive involvement in the war in Syria, its support for Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as the question of its future nuclear capabilities. Russia also views Tehran as a reliable partner with whom it can successfully counter the US presence in the Black Sea, the Caspian region and the Middle East, in addition to controlling Sunni extremism within Russia’s near-abroad — the North Caucasus and Central Asia. While the war in Syria will eventually come to an end, Russia has now successfully locked itself into the region through its access to the Syrian port of Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase, which it will maintain for at least the next 48 years. The geopolitical importance of Russia’s permanent military presence in the region, in concert with growing forms of economic cooperation, may be better realized through discussion of the north-south corridor. Introduced by President Putin in 2007, this strategic initiative is based upon a mixture of financial planning and political enterprise. Moscow’s goal with the so-called north-south corridor is to utilize its partnerships in the Middle East and create a staging ground for further economic and political cooperation in Africa and the “global south.” One example of this is a deal likely brokered thanks to SWF investments in Abu Dhabi’s defense sector for Moscow to create an air hub in the UAE. Through this hub, Russia will be able to deliver infrastructure projects and humanitarian aid. Should Russia continue to gain political clout throughout the MENA region, the European Union may find itself dealing with Russia as its main interlocutor for issues such as the ongoing refugee crisis. In many European countries, issues concerning migration flows are dominating the discourse in the media and political spheres. Domestic political concerns will likely take precedence over the war in Ukraine. Therefore, Russia’s ability to provide concessions — for example through growing its influence in Libya — to work with the EU in dealing with migration may, in turn, lead to unfavorable tradeoffs for Ukraine. The trends regarding military and economic cooperation between Russia and its Middle Eastern partners may have begun well before the annexation of Crimea. However, it is apparent that Western sanctions and political pressure have since driven the Kremlin farther east, accelerating its efforts. This divergence does not appear to be coming solely out of desperation after the loss of Western investment, but rather because of the real promise Moscow sees in its increasingly eastward-leaning strategic focus. Russia’s enlarged presence in the Middle East, particularly as it relates to renewed ties with Iran and the potential access this will give the Kremlin to developments in Africa, clearly displays the war in Syria as just the beginning. Any increased influence in these regions will come at the expense of transatlantic partners and will shift bargaining positions when it comes to its dealings with Russia, namely as it pertains to Ukraine. If these trends persist, in addition to rising oil prices, some rethinking will be required when it comes to countering Russia in Ukraine as sanctions may become less and less relevant. If this is the case, expect the Russian Federation to become economically more viable, geographically more influential and, as a result, perhaps more aggressive in eastern Ukraine. (Jonathan Hall is a security and political risk analyst focused on Eurasian geopolitics, military affairs, and emerging technologies) (This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Western sanctions are driving Russia’s focus on the Middle East

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday&nbsp;he had not seen or read a report into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-democrats-want-robert-mueller-to-testify-on-report-on-russian-meddling-in-2016-election-208903">Russian election meddling by Special Counsel Robert Mueller</a>, a day after his attorney general would not say whether he had briefed the White House or shared the report.

Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday declined to say whether he had briefed the White House or shown them the report when questioned at a congressional hearing.

"I have not read the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-report-to-be-released-by-mid-april-attorney-general-206612">Mueller report</a>, I haven't seen the Mueller report. As far as I'm concerned I don't care about the Mueller report. I've been totally exonerated. No collusion, no obstruction," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Barr told lawmakers at a hearing he intended to release "within a week" a redacted version of the long-awaited report, which Mueller submitted to Barr on March 22 after a 22-month investigation.

The 400-page report is expected to shed light on some of the more contentious episodes of Trump's election bid and presidency, including his firing of FBI Director James Comey in 2017 and his campaign's contacts with Russians.

In a March 24 letter to Congress, Barr said Mueller's investigation did not establish that members of Trump's presidential campaign had conspired with Russia.

He said Mueller presented evidence "on both sides" about whether Trump obstructed justice, but did not draw a conclusion one way or the other.

Barr said the White House did not review his letter to Congress laying out Mueller's findings before he sent it.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had not seen or read a report into Russian election meddling by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a day after his attorney general would not say whether he had briefed the White House or shared the report.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had not seen or read a report into Russian election meddling by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a day after his attorney general would not say whether he had briefed the White House or shared the report. Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday declined to say whether he had briefed the White House or shown them the report when questioned at a congressional hearing. "I have not read the Mueller report, I haven't seen the Mueller report. As far as I'm concerned I don't care about the Mueller report. I've been totally exonerated. No collusion, no obstruction," Trump told reporters at the White House. Barr told lawmakers at a hearing he intended to release "within a week" a redacted version of the long-awaited report, which Mueller submitted to Barr on March 22 after a 22-month investigation. The 400-page report is expected to shed light on some of the more contentious episodes of Trump's election bid and presidency, including his firing of FBI Director James Comey in 2017 and his campaign's contacts with Russians. In a March 24 letter to Congress, Barr said Mueller's investigation did not establish that members of Trump's presidential campaign had conspired with Russia. He said Mueller presented evidence "on both sides" about whether Trump obstructed justice, but did not draw a conclusion one way or the other. Barr said the White House did not review his letter to Congress laying out Mueller's findings before he sent it.

I don’t care about the Mueller's Russia probe report, says Donald Trump

Forty-four per cent of Russians aged 15-29 want to emigrate as their economy stagnates, according to a survey by the pollster Gallup.

The poll, based on 2,000 face-to-face interviews conducted in 2018, indicated that 20 per cent of all Russians wanted to move abroad, the highest share since 2007 when it stood at 17 per cent.

Young people of working age were most keen to leave, something that Gallup said threatened Russia's future economic position and political influence.

"While not all of these Russians will move, the higher desire in recent years should concern Moscow," it said.

Russia's population declined last year for the first time in a decade, to 146.8 million, Gallup noted.

Among 30-45 year-olds, 22 per cent wanted to move abroad permanently. The most sought-after destinations overall were Germany and the United States.

As recently as 2014, the year Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, only 14 per cent of 15-29 year-olds and 7 per cent of 30-45 year-olds said they wanted to move away.

Pollsters attribute the souring mood to disillusionment with five consecutive years of falling real incomes and government moves to raise the retirement age and increase value-added tax.

An opinion poll in January indicated that public trust in Putin, re-elected last year with more than 76 per cent of the vote, had fallen to its lowest level in 13 years.

Although his 60 per cent approval rating was still high by Western standards, it was far off the 90 per cent he used to score.

Gallup said Russia was in danger of exceeding the 8 per cent population loss that the United Nations currently projects by 2050. 
&nbsp;

Forty-four per cent of Russians aged 15-29 want to emigrate as their economy stagnates, according to a survey by the pollster Gallup. The poll, based on 2,000 face-to-face interviews conducted in 2018, indicated that 20 per cent of all Russians wanted to move abroad, the highest share since 2007 when it stood at 17 per cent.

Forty-four per cent of Russians aged 15-29 want to emigrate as their economy stagnates, according to a survey by the pollster Gallup. The poll, based on 2,000 face-to-face interviews conducted in 2018, indicated that 20 per cent of all Russians wanted to move abroad, the highest share since 2007 when it stood at 17 per cent. Young people of working age were most keen to leave, something that Gallup said threatened Russia's future economic position and political influence. "While not all of these Russians will move, the higher desire in recent years should concern Moscow," it said. Russia's population declined last year for the first time in a decade, to 146.8 million, Gallup noted. Among 30-45 year-olds, 22 per cent wanted to move abroad permanently. The most sought-after destinations overall were Germany and the United States. As recently as 2014, the year Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, only 14 per cent of 15-29 year-olds and 7 per cent of 30-45 year-olds said they wanted to move away. Pollsters attribute the souring mood to disillusionment with five consecutive years of falling real incomes and government moves to raise the retirement age and increase value-added tax. An opinion poll in January indicated that public trust in Putin, re-elected last year with more than 76 per cent of the vote, had fallen to its lowest level in 13 years. Although his 60 per cent approval rating was still high by Western standards, it was far off the 90 per cent he used to score. Gallup said Russia was in danger of exceeding the 8 per cent population loss that the United Nations currently projects by 2050.

Almost half of young Russians want to emigrate: Report

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers in a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village, and the return of his remains will bring to a close a highly sensitive case for Israelis.

Putin made the revelation at a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting Moscow five days before he is to seek a fifth term in office in a difficult election.

Netanyahu, 69, is running in the April 9 vote despite facing potential corruption charges and experts said he hopes the Moscow visit would increase his chances of success on election day.

"Our military together with Syrian partners found the place of his burial," Putin said of Baumel.

"We are very happy that he will be able to receive the right military honours in his homeland."

Netanyahu said Baumel would be laid to rest at a "very moving" ceremony in Israel later Thursday.&nbsp;

"Zachary's friends and family will take part," he said, adding that his family had been "very touched".

"His father is no longer alive, unfortunately," he added. "His mother is around 100 years old. Zachary also has a sister."

Neither Putin nor Israel have given details on how or where the remains were found.&nbsp;

Putin said only that Syria -- with which Israel has technically been at war -- participated in the operation.&nbsp;

'Risking their lives'

Netanyahu's spokesman posted photographs on Twitter showing a ceremony in the Russian defence ministry handing over the remains to Netanyahu on Thursday.

"Russia has handed over to Israel the remains of a member of a tank battalion, Zachary Baumel, missing for over 37 years," the ministry said in a statement.

The Israeli army had announced Wednesday that the body had already been recovered and returned to the country.

According to translated comments published on the Kremlin website, Netanyahu said, "Russian fighters, risking their lives, brought Zachary's remains to Israeli territory."&nbsp;

But Putin said Thursday: "The remains are with us and, in accordance with military tradition, we will send them to Israel with your participation."

Putin said "it was not easy" for Russian special forces to find the remains. He added that "all the necessary genetic tests have been completed".

He said he valued Netanyahu's "attitude to the memory of Red Army soldiers", adding that Baumel shared the same fate as thousands of Soviet soldiers who went missing during World War II. &nbsp;

'We will not forget this'

Baumel, who was born in the US in 1960 but immigrated to Israel, had been missing since what is known as the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in a Lebanese village of the same name near the Syrian border. Some 20 Israeli soldiers were killed in the fight.&nbsp;

Tank driver Baumel and two other soldiers, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz, had been listed as missing and presumed dead. The other two remain missing.

Netanyahu said he asked Putin two years ago to help in the search for the remains of the missing men.

"You personally responded and gave the order to help in this holy deed," he said, thanking the Russian leader.&nbsp;

"We will not forget this act, it will go down in history."

The return of the remains of soldiers missing in action is a highly important issue in Israel, which has fought repeated wars with its Arab neighbours since the state of Israel was established in 1948.

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers in a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village, and the return of his remains will bring to a close a highly sensitive case for Israelis.

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers in a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village, and the return of his remains will bring to a close a highly sensitive case for Israelis. Putin made the revelation at a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting Moscow five days before he is to seek a fifth term in office in a difficult election. Netanyahu, 69, is running in the April 9 vote despite facing potential corruption charges and experts said he hopes the Moscow visit would increase his chances of success on election day. "Our military together with Syrian partners found the place of his burial," Putin said of Baumel. "We are very happy that he will be able to receive the right military honours in his homeland." Netanyahu said Baumel would be laid to rest at a "very moving" ceremony in Israel later Thursday. "Zachary's friends and family will take part," he said, adding that his family had been "very touched". "His father is no longer alive, unfortunately," he added. "His mother is around 100 years old. Zachary also has a sister." Neither Putin nor Israel have given details on how or where the remains were found. Putin said only that Syria -- with which Israel has technically been at war -- participated in the operation. 'Risking their lives' Netanyahu's spokesman posted photographs on Twitter showing a ceremony in the Russian defence ministry handing over the remains to Netanyahu on Thursday. "Russia has handed over to Israel the remains of a member of a tank battalion, Zachary Baumel, missing for over 37 years," the ministry said in a statement. The Israeli army had announced Wednesday that the body had already been recovered and returned to the country. According to translated comments published on the Kremlin website, Netanyahu said, "Russian fighters, risking their lives, brought Zachary's remains to Israeli territory." But Putin said Thursday: "The remains are with us and, in accordance with military tradition, we will send them to Israel with your participation." Putin said "it was not easy" for Russian special forces to find the remains. He added that "all the necessary genetic tests have been completed". He said he valued Netanyahu's "attitude to the memory of Red Army soldiers", adding that Baumel shared the same fate as thousands of Soviet soldiers who went missing during World War II. 'We will not forget this' Baumel, who was born in the US in 1960 but immigrated to Israel, had been missing since what is known as the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in a Lebanese village of the same name near the Syrian border. Some 20 Israeli soldiers were killed in the fight. Tank driver Baumel and two other soldiers, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz, had been listed as missing and presumed dead. The other two remain missing. Netanyahu said he asked Putin two years ago to help in the search for the remains of the missing men. "You personally responded and gave the order to help in this holy deed," he said, thanking the Russian leader. "We will not forget this act, it will go down in history." The return of the remains of soldiers missing in action is a highly important issue in Israel, which has fought repeated wars with its Arab neighbours since the state of Israel was established in 1948.

Putin says body of missing Israeli soldier found by Russian army

India and Moscow have discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan among other things during their Foreign Office Consultations held in Russia. &nbsp;Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in Moscow from 1st to 2nd April and meet both the Russian deputy foreign ministers — Igor Morgulov and Sergey Ryabkov.

Last year, India participated at Moscow talks on Afghanistan unofficially by sending two former envoys-- Former Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha &amp; Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. Taliban was also present in the meet. New Delhi is in touch with Russia, China, Iran and Central Asian countries regarding the Afghan peace process.

The discussions with the Russians come&nbsp;days after Foreign Secretary met United State's special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Washington and discussed the Afghan peace process. New Delhi has told Washinton that the existing elected political structure in Afghanistan should continue and not replaced by an interim administration. &nbsp;

In a release, the ministry of external affairs said, "Foreign Secretary’s meetings were in-depth and productive, characteristic of the Special &amp; Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. The meetings resulted in enhanced mutual convergence and coordination of views on all major regional and international issues in the spirit of long-standing and time-tested friendship between India and Russia."

Other than Afghanistan, both sides also discussed India’s participation in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September this year, India's Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership and counter-terrorism.&nbsp;

The Russian foreign ministry in its release said," parties noted with satisfaction the ongoing development of Russia-India special privileged strategic partnership, the common approach of two states to the current global and regional challenges, including the creation of security architecture and equal cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and counter-terrorism."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take part in Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok during this phone call earlier this year. Russian President Putin and PM Modi have spoken two times this year. First on January 1 on the occasion of New Year and February 2 to 27 &nbsp;in which President Putin expressed his deep condolences on the Pulwama terrorist attack. A 2nd informal summit between India and Russia is expected to happen this year. The first happened last year in Sochi, Russia.

India and Moscow have discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan among other things during their Foreign Office Consultations held in Russia. Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in Moscow from 1st to 2nd April and meet both the Russian deputy foreign ministers — Igor Morgulov and Sergey Ryabkov.

India and Moscow have discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan among other things during their Foreign Office Consultations held in Russia. Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in Moscow from 1st to 2nd April and meet both the Russian deputy foreign ministers — Igor Morgulov and Sergey Ryabkov. Last year, India participated at Moscow talks on Afghanistan unofficially by sending two former envoys-- Former Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha & Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan. Taliban was also present in the meet. New Delhi is in touch with Russia, China, Iran and Central Asian countries regarding the Afghan peace process. The discussions with the Russians come days after Foreign Secretary met United State's special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Washington and discussed the Afghan peace process. New Delhi has told Washinton that the existing elected political structure in Afghanistan should continue and not replaced by an interim administration. In a release, the ministry of external affairs said, "Foreign Secretary’s meetings were in-depth and productive, characteristic of the Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. The meetings resulted in enhanced mutual convergence and coordination of views on all major regional and international issues in the spirit of long-standing and time-tested friendship between India and Russia." Other than Afghanistan, both sides also discussed India’s participation in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September this year, India's Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership and counter-terrorism. The Russian foreign ministry in its release said," parties noted with satisfaction the ongoing development of Russia-India special privileged strategic partnership, the common approach of two states to the current global and regional challenges, including the creation of security architecture and equal cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and counter-terrorism." Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take part in Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok during this phone call earlier this year. Russian President Putin and PM Modi have spoken two times this year. First on January 1 on the occasion of New Year and February 2 to 27 in which President Putin expressed his deep condolences on the Pulwama terrorist attack. A 2nd informal summit between India and Russia is expected to happen this year. The first happened last year in Sochi, Russia.

India, Russia discuss situation in Afghanistan

Indian foreign secretary V K Gokhale who is on a two-day visit to Russia on Monday met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and discussed a range of issues including India's membership for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which Moscow backs.

A release by Russian govt said, both sides "discussed cooperation within BRICS format, the current issues of the key multilateral export control regimes, including New Delhi application for NSG membership, other non-proliferation and arms control issues, as well as topical international issues of mutual interest."

Russian President Putin and PM Modi have spoken two times this year.&nbsp;

First on January 1 on the occasion of New Year and 2nd on February 27 to in which President Putin expressed his deep condolences on the Pulwama terrorist attack.

The Russian president has invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in the eastern Russian city Vladivostok later this year.&nbsp;

The second informal summit between both countries is expected to happen this year in India. The first happened last year in Sochi, Russia.

Moscow has been a long-standing ally of New Delhi and has backed India in international forums such as the United Nations for the listing of Chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

The country also is an important supplier of India when it comes to defence. Both sides concluded S400 deal last year during the annual bilateral summit.

Indian foreign secretary V K Gokhale who is on a two-day visit to Russia on Monday met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and discussed a range of issues including India's membership for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which Moscow backs.

Indian foreign secretary V K Gokhale who is on a two-day visit to Russia on Monday met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and discussed a range of issues including India's membership for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which Moscow backs. A release by Russian govt said, both sides "discussed cooperation within BRICS format, the current issues of the key multilateral export control regimes, including New Delhi application for NSG membership, other non-proliferation and arms control issues, as well as topical international issues of mutual interest." Russian President Putin and PM Modi have spoken two times this year. First on January 1 on the occasion of New Year and 2nd on February 27 to in which President Putin expressed his deep condolences on the Pulwama terrorist attack. The Russian president has invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in the eastern Russian city Vladivostok later this year. The second informal summit between both countries is expected to happen this year in India. The first happened last year in Sochi, Russia. Moscow has been a long-standing ally of New Delhi and has backed India in international forums such as the United Nations for the listing of Chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Masood Azhar. The country also is an important supplier of India when it comes to defence. Both sides concluded S400 deal last year during the annual bilateral summit.

Foreign secretary V K Gokhale discuss India's membership for NSG with Russia

India,Russia discusses membership for Nuclear Suppliers Group

Russia has clearly stated the purpose of the "specialists" it has sent to Venezuela under a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guaido-says-maduro-paid-russia-with-gold-for-military-presence-206531">military cooperation deal</a>, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday, dismissing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-adviser-warns-russia-on-military-presence-in-venezuela-206568">US concerns</a> about their presence.

"The Russian side clearly stated the purpose of the arrival of its specialists to Caracas. This is not about any `military contingents`," Zakharova said in a statement.

"Thus, the speculations about the conduct of certain `military operations` by Russia in Venezuela are absolutely groundless."

Russia has said its "specialists" pose no threat to regional stability, brushing aside a call from the United States to remove all its military personnel from Venezuela. 
&nbsp;

Russia has clearly stated the purpose of the "specialists" it has sent to Venezuela under a military cooperation deal, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday, dismissing US concerns about their presence.

Russia has clearly stated the purpose of the "specialists" it has sent to Venezuela under a military cooperation deal, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday, dismissing US concerns about their presence. "The Russian side clearly stated the purpose of the arrival of its specialists to Caracas. This is not about any `military contingents`," Zakharova said in a statement. "Thus, the speculations about the conduct of certain `military operations` by Russia in Venezuela are absolutely groundless." Russia has said its "specialists" pose no threat to regional stability, brushing aside a call from the United States to remove all its military personnel from Venezuela.

Russia dismisses speculation about its 'specialists' in Venezuela

Russia on Friday slammed Washington for leading the arms race even as it justified India's ASAT missile project saying ''India's test is in self-defence''.&nbsp;

''We noted the test of anti-satellite weapons conducted by India on March 27 and we have to state that this action of India has been largely the result of the substantially degraded situation in the field of arms control,'' Russia said in a statement.&nbsp;

Russia has repeatedly warned that the destructive actions of the United States to undermine the entire architecture of international security and strategic stability, including unilateral and unlimited development of the US global anti-missile defence systems, as well as the reluctance to abandon plans for the weaponization of outer space, the statement added.&nbsp;

''We urge Washington to take a responsible stand, come to senses and drop the insane, and most importantly - absolutely unrealizable - the idea of universal military domination. It is still possible to stop the arms race unfolding in various regions of the world,'' the statement further said.&nbsp;

Russia, for its part, intends to continue to make every necessary effort to prevent an arms race in outer space.&nbsp;

Russia on Friday slammed Washington for leading the arms race even as it justified India's ASAT missile project saying ''India's test is in self-defence''. ''We noted the test of anti-satellite weapons conducted by India on March 27 and we have to state that this action of India has been largely the result of the substantially degraded situation in the field of arms control,'' Russia said in a statement.

Russia on Friday slammed Washington for leading the arms race even as it justified India's ASAT missile project saying ''India's test is in self-defence''. ''We noted the test of anti-satellite weapons conducted by India on March 27 and we have to state that this action of India has been largely the result of the substantially degraded situation in the field of arms control,'' Russia said in a statement. Russia has repeatedly warned that the destructive actions of the United States to undermine the entire architecture of international security and strategic stability, including unilateral and unlimited development of the US global anti-missile defence systems, as well as the reluctance to abandon plans for the weaponization of outer space, the statement added. ''We urge Washington to take a responsible stand, come to senses and drop the insane, and most importantly - absolutely unrealizable - the idea of universal military domination. It is still possible to stop the arms race unfolding in various regions of the world,'' the statement further said. Russia, for its part, intends to continue to make every necessary effort to prevent an arms race in outer space.

Russia blames US for leading arms race, says India's ASAT test in 'self-defence' 

President Donald Trump's national security adviser warned Russia on Friday about its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guaido-says-maduro-paid-russia-with-gold-for-military-presence-206531">military presence in Venezuela</a>, saying any move to establish or expand operations there would be considered a "direct threat" to international peace.

"We strongly caution actors external to the Western Hemisphere against deploying military assets to Venezuela, or elsewhere in the Hemisphere, with the intent of establishing or expanding military operations," White House national security adviser John Bolton said in a statement.

"We will consider such provocative actions as a direct threat to international peace and security in the region," Bolton added.

Russia said on Thursday it had sent "specialists" to Venezuela under a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-troops-in-venezuela-not-linked-to-any-military-operations-foreign-ministry-206267">military cooperation </a>deal but insisted they posed no threat to regional stability, brushing aside a call by Trump for Moscow to remove all military personnel from the country.

Trump said on Wednesday that "all options" were open to make Russia pull troops out of Venezuela after two Russian air force planes landed outside Caracas on Saturday carrying nearly 100 Russian troops, according to media reports.

The United States recognized the country`s opposition leader, Juan Guaido, the leader of the national assembly, as interim president earlier this year following disputed elections.

Washington has declared President Nicolas Maduro`s government illegitimate and has launched a campaign to have Guaido recognized as the interim leader. Russia has emerged as a key backer of Maduro`s government.&nbsp;

Bolton`s statement condemned Maduro`s "use of foreign military personnel in his attempt to remain in power, including the introduction of Russian military personnel and equipment into Venezuela."

"Maduro will only use this military support to further repress the people of Venezuela; perpetuate the economic crisis that has destroyed Venezuela’s economy; and endanger regional stability," he said.

President Donald Trump's national security adviser warned Russia on Friday about its military presence in Venezuela, saying any move to establish or expand operations there would be considered a "direct threat" to international peace.

President Donald Trump's national security adviser warned Russia on Friday about its military presence in Venezuela, saying any move to establish or expand operations there would be considered a "direct threat" to international peace. "We strongly caution actors external to the Western Hemisphere against deploying military assets to Venezuela, or elsewhere in the Hemisphere, with the intent of establishing or expanding military operations," White House national security adviser John Bolton said in a statement. "We will consider such provocative actions as a direct threat to international peace and security in the region," Bolton added. Russia said on Thursday it had sent "specialists" to Venezuela under a military cooperation deal but insisted they posed no threat to regional stability, brushing aside a call by Trump for Moscow to remove all military personnel from the country. Trump said on Wednesday that "all options" were open to make Russia pull troops out of Venezuela after two Russian air force planes landed outside Caracas on Saturday carrying nearly 100 Russian troops, according to media reports. The United States recognized the country`s opposition leader, Juan Guaido, the leader of the national assembly, as interim president earlier this year following disputed elections. Washington has declared President Nicolas Maduro`s government illegitimate and has launched a campaign to have Guaido recognized as the interim leader. Russia has emerged as a key backer of Maduro`s government. Bolton`s statement condemned Maduro`s "use of foreign military personnel in his attempt to remain in power, including the introduction of Russian military personnel and equipment into Venezuela." "Maduro will only use this military support to further repress the people of Venezuela; perpetuate the economic crisis that has destroyed Venezuela’s economy; and endanger regional stability," he said.

Trump adviser warns Russia on military presence in Venezuela

Gravitas: Trump says 'Russia has to get out' of Venezuela

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido told a crowd of supporters on Thursday that the government of Nicolas Maduro had paid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-troops-in-venezuela-not-linked-to-any-military-operations-foreign-ministry-206267">Russia</a> "in gold" for military presence in the oil-producing nation.

"A small group of troops who still support him (Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro) it's (Russian military presence) to make that small group of troops who still support him, believe - and I repeat it again so that it's clear - 'Look, look, we have the support of the Russians!' That's a lie! They had to pay ahead - because they have a reputation (for not paying) - with gold so that (troops) would be sent in an irresponsible way, requested by this regime," Guaido said.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday&nbsp;called on Russia to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-russia-to-get-its-troops-out-of-venezuela-206097"> pull its troops from Venezuela</a> and said that "all options" were open to make that happen.

The arrival of two Russian air force planes outside Caracas on Saturday believed to be carrying nearly 100 Russian special forces and cybersecurity personnel has escalated the political crisis in Venezuela.

Russia said on Thursday they were "specialists" sent to Venezuela under a military cooperation agreement and were staying put.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido told a crowd of supporters on Thursday that the government of Nicolas Maduro had paid Russia "in gold" for military presence in the oil-producing nation.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido told a crowd of supporters on Thursday that the government of Nicolas Maduro had paid Russia "in gold" for military presence in the oil-producing nation. "A small group of troops who still support him (Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro) it's (Russian military presence) to make that small group of troops who still support him, believe - and I repeat it again so that it's clear - 'Look, look, we have the support of the Russians!' That's a lie! They had to pay ahead - because they have a reputation (for not paying) - with gold so that (troops) would be sent in an irresponsible way, requested by this regime," Guaido said. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Russia to pull its troops from Venezuela and said that "all options" were open to make that happen. The arrival of two Russian air force planes outside Caracas on Saturday believed to be carrying nearly 100 Russian special forces and cybersecurity personnel has escalated the political crisis in Venezuela. Russia said on Thursday they were "specialists" sent to Venezuela under a military cooperation agreement and were staying put.

Guaido says Maduro paid Russia with gold for military presence

US automaker Ford leaves business in Russia, Sollers likely to handle now

Reacting to India's mission Shakti or Anti-Satellite Missile Test, Russia on Friday said that it welcomed New Delhi's "reassurance" on making the outer space free from arms race.&nbsp;

In a statement, Russian foreign ministry highlighted the "non-directedness of this test against any specific country declared by the Indian leadership" as well as the "reassurance of the continuity of New Delhi foreign policy to prevent the deployment of weapons in outer space and thereby the development of an arms race in it."

It has been a long-standing policy of the Indian government not to weaponise the Outer Space and that space must be used only for peaceful purposes.

Russia is the fourth country to make a public statement on India's ASAT test after Pakistan, China and the US. The statement by the US was positive while China's was rather guarded. Pakistan, on expected lines, criticised the New Delhi's move.

But Russia did state that action by New Delhi was "largely the result of the substantially degraded situation in the field of arms control" for which Moscow blamed Washington.&nbsp;

The statement said, actions by US such as "unilateral and unlimited development" of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-shakti-us-state-department-says-space-debris-an-imporant-concern-206157">US global anti-missile</a> defence systems and continuing with its policy of "weaponisation of outer space" is making other countries to take actions "in the interests of strengthening their national security."

US President Donald Trump has proposed a space force in March of 2018 which will be the 6th branch of US armed forces. It will be separate but equal to the US Air Force.

Moscow also suggested its "Indian partners" to "actively join" efforts of the international community to present an arms race in outer space. Russia and China have come up with a draft treaty to prevent the weaponization of outer space.

Reacting to India's mission Shakti or Anti-Satellite Missile Test, Russia on Friday said that it welcomed New Delhi's "reassurance" on making the outer space free from arms race.

Reacting to India's mission Shakti or Anti-Satellite Missile Test, Russia on Friday said that it welcomed New Delhi's "reassurance" on making the outer space free from arms race. In a statement, Russian foreign ministry highlighted the "non-directedness of this test against any specific country declared by the Indian leadership" as well as the "reassurance of the continuity of New Delhi foreign policy to prevent the deployment of weapons in outer space and thereby the development of an arms race in it." It has been a long-standing policy of the Indian government not to weaponise the Outer Space and that space must be used only for peaceful purposes. Russia is the fourth country to make a public statement on India's ASAT test after Pakistan, China and the US. The statement by the US was positive while China's was rather guarded. Pakistan, on expected lines, criticised the New Delhi's move. But Russia did state that action by New Delhi was "largely the result of the substantially degraded situation in the field of arms control" for which Moscow blamed Washington. The statement said, actions by US such as "unilateral and unlimited development" of the US global anti-missile defence systems and continuing with its policy of "weaponisation of outer space" is making other countries to take actions "in the interests of strengthening their national security." US President Donald Trump has proposed a space force in March of 2018 which will be the 6th branch of US armed forces. It will be separate but equal to the US Air Force. Moscow also suggested its "Indian partners" to "actively join" efforts of the international community to present an arms race in outer space. Russia and China have come up with a draft treaty to prevent the weaponization of outer space.

ASAT: Russia welcomes New Delhi's efforts to prevent arms race in outer space 

Police in Moscow arrested a man who allegedly said aloud that clothes made him less agile and aerodynamic and tried to board a plane naked.

The Independent quoting eyewitnesses reported that the would-be passenger passed through checks at Domodedovo Airport before suddenly taking off all his clothes and running on to the jet bridge, which connects airport terminals to planes.

“He shouted that he was naked because clothing impairs the aerodynamics of the body. He flies with more agility when undressed,” a witness told Russian channel REN TV.

He was prevented from boarding the flight to Crimea and was later detained by police officers at the airport.&nbsp;

Fellow passengers told Ren TV the man was inebriated.&nbsp;

“After the police had detained the offender, he was taken to the airport’s medical room and then was hospitalised in a medical facility,” a spokesperson for Russia’s Interior Ministry was quoted as saying.

“The offender is a native of Yakutsk but lives in the Moscow region,” they added, according to The Moscow Times.

Police in Moscow arrested a man who allegedly said aloud that clothes made him less agile and aerodynamic and tried to board a plane naked. The Independent quoting eyewitnesses reported that the would-be passenger passed through checks at Domodedovo Airport before suddenly taking off all his clothes and running on to the jet bridge, which connects airport terminals to planes.

Police in Moscow arrested a man who allegedly said aloud that clothes made him less agile and aerodynamic and tried to board a plane naked. The Independent quoting eyewitnesses reported that the would-be passenger passed through checks at Domodedovo Airport before suddenly taking off all his clothes and running on to the jet bridge, which connects airport terminals to planes. “He shouted that he was naked because clothing impairs the aerodynamics of the body. He flies with more agility when undressed,” a witness told Russian channel REN TV. He was prevented from boarding the flight to Crimea and was later detained by police officers at the airport. Fellow passengers told Ren TV the man was inebriated. “After the police had detained the offender, he was taken to the airport’s medical room and then was hospitalised in a medical facility,” a spokesperson for Russia’s Interior Ministry was quoted as saying. “The offender is a native of Yakutsk but lives in the Moscow region,” they added, according to The Moscow Times.

Russia: Naked man tries to board plane claiming to be more ‘agile’ undressed, held

Venezuela faces second major blackout this month

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