Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp; 
 
Ahead of the one-year anniversary of what Moscow refers to as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual address to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-to-address-russian-duma-world-news-wion-564164">joint houses of parliament</a> and called it a “watershed moment” for the country. During the speech on Tuesday (February 21), he also said that Moscow is suspending participation in the New START treaty, a bilateral agreement on nuclear arms control with the United States. However, the foreign ministry later said that it will comply with certain portions of the treaty.

A “difficult, watershed moment”&nbsp;

The nearly two-hour speech began with the Russian president saying, “I am making this address at a time which we all know is a difficult, watershed moment for our country, a time of cardinal, irreversible changes around the world, the most important historic events that shape the future of our country and our people, when each of us bears a colossal responsibility,” as per Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-speech-live-updates-all-eyes-on-russian-president-564206">As it happened | Vladimir Putin speech: Russia suspending participation in New START nuclear treaty</a>

Referring to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the eastern Donbas region, Putin said that since 2014 the people of Donbas “had been fighting, defending their right to live on their own land, to speak their native language”. Reports suggest that Moscow has intensified attacks on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-capture-of-village-near-eastern-ukrainian-region-kharkiv-563430">eastern front</a> in Ukraine and controls parts of the aforementioned region.&nbsp;

Speaking about the eastern Ukrainian region, the Russian president also said how the residents of Donbas have not given up “in the conditions of blockade and constant shelling, undisguised hatred on the part of the Kyiv regime. They believed and expected that Russia would come to their rescue.” Meanwhile, it has also been reported that despite Russian troops witnessing at least three significant battlefield reversals, Moscow continues to control approximately one-fifth of Ukraine.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-putin-blames-west-and-ukraine-for-provoking-conflict-564437">Russia's Putin blames West and Ukraine for provoking conflict</a>

Putin’s statement also comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an address on Sunday claimed that Kyiv’s troops are inflicting “extraordinarily significant” losses on the Russian forces in several towns in Donbas, where the fight is said to be focused on, in&nbsp;the past couple of months. “The more losses Russia suffers there, in Donbas - in Bakhmut, Vuhledar, Marinka, Kreminna - the faster we will be able to end this war with Ukraine's victory”, said Zelensky.&nbsp;

“They started the war”: Putin accuses the West for the conflict with Ukraine

The ongoing conflict has also been called the biggest confrontation between Russia and the West in decades. “I have already said many times that the people of Ukraine have become the hostage of the Kyiv regime and its Western overlords, who have effectively occupied this country in the political, military and economic sense”, said Putin, in his state-of-the-nation address on Tuesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-west-completely-responsible-for-escalation-of-ukraine-conflict-564278">West 'completely' responsible for fueling the Ukraine conflict, says Putin</a>

He added that the West has “not achieved its goals anywhere and it will not”. The Russian president also accused the West and the “current regime in Kyiv” of not only escalating the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-major-battles-of-the-russia-ukraine-war-564401">ongoing conflict</a> but also starting it as well as “increasing (the) number of victims”. According to the United Nations Office for Human Rights (OHCHR), over 8,000 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the conflict while over 13,000 have been wounded.&nbsp;

Additionally, nearly 18 million are in “dire” need of humanitarian assistance and 14 million are said to have been displaced in Ukraine, as per the UN report. However, the data has been called “only the tip of the iceberg” by the UN human rights chief, Volker Turk. He added, “The toll on civilians is unbearable. Amid electricity and water shortages during the cold winter months”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-putin-not-a-war-with-people-of-ukraine-564438">Russia-Ukraine war | Putin: Not a war with people of Ukraine</a>

Addressing Russia’s lawmakers and military elite, Putin went on to allege that the West was threatening Moscow’s very existence with the Ukraine conflict. “The Western elites do not conceal their goals…It is a direct quote – to bring Russia a strategic defeat. What does it mean? What is it for us? It means to end us, once and for all. It means they plan to turn a local conflict into a global confrontation. We understand it exactly like that. And we will react to it accordingly,” said Putin, as per Reuters.

Russian economy

The Russian president also spoke about how the West has not succeeded in defeating the country’s economy since “those who initiated the sanctions (against Russia) have punished themselves, caused price increases, job losses, business closures and an energy crisis in their countries.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-announces-suspension-of-nuke-arms-control-treaty-with-us-564382">Russian President Vladimir Putin announces suspension of nuke arms control treaty with US</a>

&nbsp;He added, “And they tell their own citizens, and we hear that: that the Russians are to blame for everything. Which means did they use against us in this aggression of sanctions?” As per a report by Statista published on Tuesday, territories and organisations across the world have imposed 10,608 restrictions on Russian individuals, 3,431 list-based sanctions, and 492 sanctions against institutions. The data was calculated starting from February 22, 2022, which is two days prior to the beginning of the invasion to February 10, 2023.&nbsp;

During his address, the Russian president also went on to say that the “anti-Russian sanctions are only a tool, but the goal - as they themselves declare…is to make our citizens suffer.” In 2022, the Russian economy contracted by 2.1 per cent, reported the government-run statistics agency Rosstat, on Monday (February 20). While many have questioned the authenticity of the figures which were published a day before Putin was due to deliver the state-of-the-nation address, Moscow's economy was also called resilient in the face of Western sanctions and prior estimates which projected bigger contractions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-pm-giorgia-meloni-arrives-in-kyiv-by-train-from-poland-564369">Italian PM Giorgia Meloni arrives in Kyiv by train from Poland</a>

Putin announced suspension of New START treaty

During his speech, on Tuesday, the Russian president announced the suspension of the New START treaty with the US which limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads that Washington and Moscow can deploy. The treaty in question also caps the delivery of the deployment of land and submarine-based missiles and bombers by the two countries.&nbsp;

“In the beginning of February this year there was a statement from the North Atlantic alliance demanding that Russia ‘returns to the Strategic Arms Treaty’ as they call it, including allowing inspections of our nuclear defence facilities. I don’t even know what to call it (the request for inspections). It’s a theatre of the absurd,” said Putin, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

However, hours later, Moscow on Tuesday clarified that it will continue observing restrictions on nuclear warheads under the New START treaty. "Russia intends to adhere to a responsible approach and will continue to strictly comply with the quantitative restrictions on strategic offensive arms stipulated by it (New START) within the life cycle of the treaty," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-diplomat-to-visit-russia-amid-beijings-call-to-end-ukraine-war-564123">China's top diplomat to visit Russia amid Beijing's call to end Ukraine war</a>

Putin said, their repeated requests to inspect some US objects have been declined on “formal grounds. We can't properly inspect anything on that side,” he added. Furthermore, the Russian president also acknowledged that Russia-US relations have “deteriorated” and that Washington is fully responsible for this.&nbsp;

He also accused the West of wanting to “inflict a strategic defeat on us and sneak into our nuclear facilities.” “In this regard, I am forced to announce today that Russia is suspending its participation in the strategic offensive arms treaty,” said Putin towards the end of his speech to the lawmakers present at the joint session of the parliament.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-putin-blames-the-west-for-escalation-in-ukraine-564424">Russian president Putin blames the West for escalation in Ukraine</a>

Furthermore, he said that in the current situation, Russia’s ministry of defence and&nbsp;State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (ROSATOM) should make sure that Moscow is “ready to test its nuclear weapons”. However, he said that they will not do it first but if the US conducts its test then Moscow will too, adding that “no one should be under dangerous illusions that global strategic parity can be destroyed.”

On the other hand, the US has previously accused Russia of violating the treaty by not allowing inspections on its territory. This has sparked fears of a nuclear conflict as Moscow has supposedly made veiled threats since the beginning of the conflict. Notably, the two nuclear-armed nations account for about 90 per cent of the world’s nuclear heads, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

What is the New START treaty?

As mentioned earlier, the treaty limits Russia and the US’ nuclear arsenal while&nbsp;the countries have also committed to deploying no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and a maximum of 700 long-range missiles and bombers. Additionally, every year, each side is allowed to conduct up to 18 inspections of strategic nuclear weapons sites, in order to ensure that the other side has not breached the terms of the treaty.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-to-halt-participation-in-new-start-nuclear-arms-treaty-564435">Russia to halt participation in New Start nuclear arms treaty</a>

The treaty was signed in 2010 by former US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev and came into effect a year later. In 2021, it was extended for five more years when incumbent President Joe Biden took office. Notably, the aforementioned inspections had been halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and while the talks of resuming them were to take place in Egypt last year Moscow postponed them. Since then neither side has decided on a new date.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ahead of the one-year anniversary of what Moscow refers to as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual address to the joint houses of parliament and called it a “watershed moment” for the country. During the speech on Tuesday (February 21), he also said that Moscow is suspending participation in the New START treaty, a bilateral agreement on nuclear arms control with the United States. However, the foreign ministry later said that it will comply with certain portions of the treaty. A “difficult, watershed moment” The nearly two-hour speech began with the Russian president saying, “I am making this address at a time which we all know is a difficult, watershed moment for our country, a time of cardinal, irreversible changes around the world, the most important historic events that shape the future of our country and our people, when each of us bears a colossal responsibility,” as per Reuters. ALSO READ | As it happened | Vladimir Putin speech: Russia suspending participation in New START nuclear treaty Referring to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the eastern Donbas region, Putin said that since 2014 the people of Donbas “had been fighting, defending their right to live on their own land, to speak their native language”. Reports suggest that Moscow has intensified attacks on the eastern front in Ukraine and controls parts of the aforementioned region. Speaking about the eastern Ukrainian region, the Russian president also said how the residents of Donbas have not given up “in the conditions of blockade and constant shelling, undisguised hatred on the part of the Kyiv regime. They believed and expected that Russia would come to their rescue.” Meanwhile, it has also been reported that despite Russian troops witnessing at least three significant battlefield reversals, Moscow continues to control approximately one-fifth of Ukraine. ALSO WATCH | Russia's Putin blames West and Ukraine for provoking conflict Putin’s statement also comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an address on Sunday claimed that Kyiv’s troops are inflicting “extraordinarily significant” losses on the Russian forces in several towns in Donbas, where the fight is said to be focused on, in the past couple of months. “The more losses Russia suffers there, in Donbas - in Bakhmut, Vuhledar, Marinka, Kreminna - the faster we will be able to end this war with Ukraine's victory”, said Zelensky. “They started the war”: Putin accuses the West for the conflict with Ukraine The ongoing conflict has also been called the biggest confrontation between Russia and the West in decades. “I have already said many times that the people of Ukraine have become the hostage of the Kyiv regime and its Western overlords, who have effectively occupied this country in the political, military and economic sense”, said Putin, in his state-of-the-nation address on Tuesday. ALSO READ | West 'completely' responsible for fueling the Ukraine conflict, says Putin He added that the West has “not achieved its goals anywhere and it will not”. The Russian president also accused the West and the “current regime in Kyiv” of not only escalating the ongoing conflict but also starting it as well as “increasing (the) number of victims”. According to the United Nations Office for Human Rights (OHCHR), over 8,000 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the conflict while over 13,000 have been wounded. Additionally, nearly 18 million are in “dire” need of humanitarian assistance and 14 million are said to have been displaced in Ukraine, as per the UN report. However, the data has been called “only the tip of the iceberg” by the UN human rights chief, Volker Turk. He added, “The toll on civilians is unbearable. Amid electricity and water shortages during the cold winter months”. ALSO WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war | Putin: Not a war with people of Ukraine Addressing Russia’s lawmakers and military elite, Putin went on to allege that the West was threatening Moscow’s very existence with the Ukraine conflict. “The Western elites do not conceal their goals…It is a direct quote – to bring Russia a strategic defeat. What does it mean? What is it for us? It means to end us, once and for all. It means they plan to turn a local conflict into a global confrontation. We understand it exactly like that. And we will react to it accordingly,” said Putin, as per Reuters. Russian economy The Russian president also spoke about how the West has not succeeded in defeating the country’s economy since “those who initiated the sanctions (against Russia) have punished themselves, caused price increases, job losses, business closures and an energy crisis in their countries.” ALSO READ | Russian President Vladimir Putin announces suspension of nuke arms control treaty with US He added, “And they tell their own citizens, and we hear that: that the Russians are to blame for everything. Which means did they use against us in this aggression of sanctions?” As per a report by Statista published on Tuesday, territories and organisations across the world have imposed 10,608 restrictions on Russian individuals, 3,431 list-based sanctions, and 492 sanctions against institutions. The data was calculated starting from February 22, 2022, which is two days prior to the beginning of the invasion to February 10, 2023. During his address, the Russian president also went on to say that the “anti-Russian sanctions are only a tool, but the goal - as they themselves declare…is to make our citizens suffer.” In 2022, the Russian economy contracted by 2.1 per cent, reported the government-run statistics agency Rosstat, on Monday (February 20). While many have questioned the authenticity of the figures which were published a day before Putin was due to deliver the state-of-the-nation address, Moscow's economy was also called resilient in the face of Western sanctions and prior estimates which projected bigger contractions. ALSO READ | Italian PM Giorgia Meloni arrives in Kyiv by train from Poland Putin announced suspension of New START treaty During his speech, on Tuesday, the Russian president announced the suspension of the New START treaty with the US which limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads that Washington and Moscow can deploy. The treaty in question also caps the delivery of the deployment of land and submarine-based missiles and bombers by the two countries. “In the beginning of February this year there was a statement from the North Atlantic alliance demanding that Russia ‘returns to the Strategic Arms Treaty’ as they call it, including allowing inspections of our nuclear defence facilities. I don’t even know what to call it (the request for inspections). It’s a theatre of the absurd,” said Putin, as per Reuters. However, hours later, Moscow on Tuesday clarified that it will continue observing restrictions on nuclear warheads under the New START treaty. "Russia intends to adhere to a responsible approach and will continue to strictly comply with the quantitative restrictions on strategic offensive arms stipulated by it (New START) within the life cycle of the treaty," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement. ALSO READ | China's top diplomat to visit Russia amid Beijing's call to end Ukraine war Putin said, their repeated requests to inspect some US objects have been declined on “formal grounds. We can't properly inspect anything on that side,” he added. Furthermore, the Russian president also acknowledged that Russia-US relations have “deteriorated” and that Washington is fully responsible for this. He also accused the West of wanting to “inflict a strategic defeat on us and sneak into our nuclear facilities.” “In this regard, I am forced to announce today that Russia is suspending its participation in the strategic offensive arms treaty,” said Putin towards the end of his speech to the lawmakers present at the joint session of the parliament. ALSO WATCH | Russian president Putin blames the West for escalation in Ukraine Furthermore, he said that in the current situation, Russia’s ministry of defence and State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (ROSATOM) should make sure that Moscow is “ready to test its nuclear weapons”. However, he said that they will not do it first but if the US conducts its test then Moscow will too, adding that “no one should be under dangerous illusions that global strategic parity can be destroyed.” On the other hand, the US has previously accused Russia of violating the treaty by not allowing inspections on its territory. This has sparked fears of a nuclear conflict as Moscow has supposedly made veiled threats since the beginning of the conflict. Notably, the two nuclear-armed nations account for about 90 per cent of the world’s nuclear heads, as per Reuters. What is the New START treaty? As mentioned earlier, the treaty limits Russia and the US’ nuclear arsenal while the countries have also committed to deploying no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and a maximum of 700 long-range missiles and bombers. Additionally, every year, each side is allowed to conduct up to 18 inspections of strategic nuclear weapons sites, in order to ensure that the other side has not breached the terms of the treaty. ALSO WATCH | Russia to halt participation in New Start nuclear arms treaty The treaty was signed in 2010 by former US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev and came into effect a year later. In 2021, it was extended for five more years when incumbent President Joe Biden took office. Notably, the aforementioned inspections had been halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and while the talks of resuming them were to take place in Egypt last year Moscow postponed them. Since then neither side has decided on a new date. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Putin accuses West of stoking Ukraine war

Russian parliament's lower house is preparing a law to impose higher tax rate on those who left the country after the start of Ukraine war, said Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Duma.&nbsp;"It is right to cancel preferences for those who have left the Russian Federation and to introduce an increased tax rate for them," Volodin wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

"We are working on appropriate changes to the legislation."

It is not fully clear how many Russians have left the country since the start of the war.

By early October, some local media had reported that as many as 700,000 had fled following the September announcement of a mobilisation drive to call up as many as 300,000 to fight. The government had strongly refuted that figure at the time.

Russia's 13% personal income tax is deducted automatically by domestic employers. Russians working abroad who are Russian tax residents must pay the tax independently, according to the Federal Tax Service of Russia.

"It's completely understandable why they fled," Volodin said. "Those who realised that they had made a mistake have already returned. The rest should understand: the vast majority of society does not support their act and believes that they betrayed their country, relatives and friends."

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Russian parliament's lower house is preparing a law to impose higher tax rate on those who left the country after the start of Ukraine war, said Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Duma.

Russian parliament's lower house is preparing a law to impose higher tax rate on those who left the country after the start of Ukraine war, said Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Duma. "It is right to cancel preferences for those who have left the Russian Federation and to introduce an increased tax rate for them," Volodin wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "We are working on appropriate changes to the legislation." It is not fully clear how many Russians have left the country since the start of the war. By early October, some local media had reported that as many as 700,000 had fled following the September announcement of a mobilisation drive to call up as many as 300,000 to fight. The government had strongly refuted that figure at the time. Russia's 13% personal income tax is deducted automatically by domestic employers. Russians working abroad who are Russian tax residents must pay the tax independently, according to the Federal Tax Service of Russia. "It's completely understandable why they fled," Volodin said. "Those who realised that they had made a mistake have already returned. The rest should understand: the vast majority of society does not support their act and believes that they betrayed their country, relatives and friends." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia plans to impose higher tax on those who left nation after Ukraine war started

The Russian parliament has passed legislation regarding increased punishments for “LGBT propaganda” among all adults. According to AFP, the bill means that the “propaganda” will be completely banned and the people found guilty of breaching the rules will be fined up to $6,554. &nbsp;

When it comes to companies or organisations accused of “propagandising nontraditional sexual relations”, the fine will grow up to $83,131. These terms are applicable only to Russian citizens and a foreigner found in breach of the rules can also face a prison sentence of 15 days and deportation.&nbsp;

The legislation is an addition to the existing 2013 Russian law that banned “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” among minors. Under the new rules, it bans any attempt by adults to promote or encourage the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” in society.&nbsp;

The law was infamous for how the government misused it due to the vague language of the provisions. In many cases, the government interpreted various messages as propaganda and that was used as an effective tool to identify and arrest various LGBTQ+ activists all around the country.&nbsp;

The bill will be made official in the next few days after it is signed by President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

The legislation is completely in line with Russia’s conservative stance under the Putin-led government and comes just days after the President accused the western countries of “moving towards open satanism”. He cited the rise of same-sex and transgender-friendly laws in various countries in Europe and said that they are slowly destroying the heritage and tradition of these nations.&nbsp;

The Russian parliament has passed legislation regarding increased punishments for “LGBT propaganda” among all adults. According to AFP, the bill means that the “propaganda” will be completely banned and the people found guilty of breaching the rules will be fined up to $6,554.

The Russian parliament has passed legislation regarding increased punishments for “LGBT propaganda” among all adults. According to AFP, the bill means that the “propaganda” will be completely banned and the people found guilty of breaching the rules will be fined up to $6,554. When it comes to companies or organisations accused of “propagandising nontraditional sexual relations”, the fine will grow up to $83,131. These terms are applicable only to Russian citizens and a foreigner found in breach of the rules can also face a prison sentence of 15 days and deportation. The legislation is an addition to the existing 2013 Russian law that banned “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” among minors. Under the new rules, it bans any attempt by adults to promote or encourage the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” in society. The law was infamous for how the government misused it due to the vague language of the provisions. In many cases, the government interpreted various messages as propaganda and that was used as an effective tool to identify and arrest various LGBTQ+ activists all around the country. The bill will be made official in the next few days after it is signed by President Vladimir Putin. The legislation is completely in line with Russia’s conservative stance under the Putin-led government and comes just days after the President accused the western countries of “moving towards open satanism”. He cited the rise of same-sex and transgender-friendly laws in various countries in Europe and said that they are slowly destroying the heritage and tradition of these nations.

Russian parliament passes law banning 'LGBT propaganda' among adults

Russian lawmakers have passed bills that could grant authorities the power to block access to YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Watch this video to know more.

Russian Parliament backs bills enabling censoring of US media

President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Tuesday allowing Russia's national legislation precedence over international treaties and rulings from international bodies in cases when they conflict with the Russian constitution.

The Kremlin has said that all Russia's obligations under international treaties remain in force and that Moscow remains fully committed to international law.

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According to the law, the country’s legislation would come with a provision “stating that the decisions of interstate bodies ... contradicting the constitution of the Russian Federation are not subject to execution in Russia”.

But the legislation has caused concern among some rights advocates in Russia, where hundreds of people appeal to the European Court of Human Rights every year seeking justice that they say they have been denied at home.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-submits-bill-to-grant-ex-presidents-immunity-from-prosecution-340857">Russia submits bill to grant ex-presidents immunity from prosecution</a>

Russia has had a very delicate relationship with rights groups, and this bill is expected to receive flak from activists and activist groups alike. In fact, every year, hundreds of Russians flock to the European Court of Human Rights in a bid to seek justice, which according to them, is unattainable at home.

Putin first toyed with the idea in January, during his state-of-the-nation address. It is one of an array of legal and constitutional amendments adopted this year including one allowing Putin to run again for president two more times when his current term comes to an end in 2024.

Another bill has been submitted&nbsp;to the Russian parliament that can grant ex-presidents immunity from criminal prosecution could be extended to any offences committed in their lifetimes, not merely while in office.

The draft legislation is being carefully parsed for clues as to what Putin, who has dominated Russian politics for more than two decades, plans to do in 2024.

Former presidents already enjoy lifetime immunity for crimes committed in the office under legislation adopted after Russia's first post-Soviet president, Boris Yeltsin, handed the reins of power to Putin at the turn of the century.

The new bill would also make it harder to revoke ex-presidents' expanded immunity.

It would require the upper house of parliament to vote overwhelmingly to revoke it on the strength of accusations by the lower house that the president had committed treason or another serious crime.

The bill will become law if the lower house votes to approve it in three readings, the upper house backs it, and Putin then signs it.

President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Tuesday allowing Russia's national legislation precedence over international treaties and rulings from international bodies in cases when they conflict with the Russian constitution.

President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Tuesday allowing Russia's national legislation precedence over international treaties and rulings from international bodies in cases when they conflict with the Russian constitution. The Kremlin has said that all Russia's obligations under international treaties remain in force and that Moscow remains fully committed to international law. According to the law, the country’s legislation would come with a provision “stating that the decisions of interstate bodies ... contradicting the constitution of the Russian Federation are not subject to execution in Russia”. But the legislation has caused concern among some rights advocates in Russia, where hundreds of people appeal to the European Court of Human Rights every year seeking justice that they say they have been denied at home. Also read: Russia submits bill to grant ex-presidents immunity from prosecution Russia has had a very delicate relationship with rights groups, and this bill is expected to receive flak from activists and activist groups alike. In fact, every year, hundreds of Russians flock to the European Court of Human Rights in a bid to seek justice, which according to them, is unattainable at home. Putin first toyed with the idea in January, during his state-of-the-nation address. It is one of an array of legal and constitutional amendments adopted this year including one allowing Putin to run again for president two more times when his current term comes to an end in 2024. Another bill has been submitted to the Russian parliament that can grant ex-presidents immunity from criminal prosecution could be extended to any offences committed in their lifetimes, not merely while in office. The draft legislation is being carefully parsed for clues as to what Putin, who has dominated Russian politics for more than two decades, plans to do in 2024. Former presidents already enjoy lifetime immunity for crimes committed in the office under legislation adopted after Russia's first post-Soviet president, Boris Yeltsin, handed the reins of power to Putin at the turn of the century. The new bill would also make it harder to revoke ex-presidents' expanded immunity. It would require the upper house of parliament to vote overwhelmingly to revoke it on the strength of accusations by the lower house that the president had committed treason or another serious crime. The bill will become law if the lower house votes to approve it in three readings, the upper house backs it, and Putin then signs it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signs legislation to Trump international treaties

Russian President Vladimir Putin is edging closer to lifetime immunity. The lower house of the Russian Parliament has supported a bill providing immunity to Russian presidents and their families from criminal prosecution after stepping down.

Today Tonight: Russia moves to protect President from prosecution

Russian lawmakers have pushed forward a bill which will give Vladimir Putin lifetime immunity from prosecution once he leaves office. The lower house of the Russian Parliament has passed first reading of the bill.

Putin edges closer to Lifetime immunity | Bill passes 1st reading in Parliament

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed the package of constitutional reforms he had proposed, including a clause giving him an option to run for two more terms.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-wishes-to-reconsider-awarding-jedi-contract-to-microsoft-286084"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-wishes-to-reconsider-awarding-jedi-contract-to-microsoft-286084">Pentagon 'wishes to reconsider' awarding JEDI contract to Microsoft</a>

The Kremlin has published the 68-page law spelling out the constitutional reforms on the official website. Putin's signature triggers a special procedure for the package, which differs from the way laws usually go into effect.

The reforms will be sent to the Russian Constitutional Court which has a week to rule on whether to approve the law, which would reset Putin's constitutional limit on terms in power.

Also read: 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-vladimir-putin-may-remain-president-for-life-285897">WION Edit: Vladimir Putin may remain President for life</a>

The law will then be voted on by the Russian public.

The Kremlin has named April 22 as the day of the vote, and Russia's Senate Speaker Valentina Matvienko on Saturday told journalists that the voting "must take place despite various worries about coronavirus."

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Some speculated in recent weeks that the Kremlin will initiate voting over the internet, which the opposition has slammed as a sure way to falsify the result.

Putin, 67, stunned the country on Tuesday when he backed a last-minute proposal to add a condition to the reform package for his possible return to the Kremlin after 2024 when he is constitutionally required to step down.

The measure, added on the day when the State Duma lower house was voting for the reforms, was swiftly passed and the bill subsequently sailed through the upper house and regional parliaments.

The Russian leader had proposed to change the constitution in January, but until this week denied that he is seeking to extend his rule. His spokesman said Putin changed his mind due to global instability.

The amendments also change the balance of power, increasing the role of the State Council advisory body, and giving both parliament and the president additional instruments of authority.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed the package of constitutional reforms he had proposed, including a clause giving him an option to run for two more terms.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed the package of constitutional reforms he had proposed, including a clause giving him an option to run for two more terms. Also read: Pentagon 'wishes to reconsider' awarding JEDI contract to Microsoft The Kremlin has published the 68-page law spelling out the constitutional reforms on the official website. Putin's signature triggers a special procedure for the package, which differs from the way laws usually go into effect. The reforms will be sent to the Russian Constitutional Court which has a week to rule on whether to approve the law, which would reset Putin's constitutional limit on terms in power. Also read: WION Edit: Vladimir Putin may remain President for life The law will then be voted on by the Russian public. The Kremlin has named April 22 as the day of the vote, and Russia's Senate Speaker Valentina Matvienko on Saturday told journalists that the voting "must take place despite various worries about coronavirus." × Some speculated in recent weeks that the Kremlin will initiate voting over the internet, which the opposition has slammed as a sure way to falsify the result. Putin, 67, stunned the country on Tuesday when he backed a last-minute proposal to add a condition to the reform package for his possible return to the Kremlin after 2024 when he is constitutionally required to step down. The measure, added on the day when the State Duma lower house was voting for the reforms, was swiftly passed and the bill subsequently sailed through the upper house and regional parliaments. The Russian leader had proposed to change the constitution in January, but until this week denied that he is seeking to extend his rule. His spokesman said Putin changed his mind due to global instability. The amendments also change the balance of power, increasing the role of the State Council advisory body, and giving both parliament and the president additional instruments of authority.

Vladimir Putin signs Russia's constitutional reform law

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

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

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday submitted a package of constitutional amendments to parliament less than a week after announcing a surprise plan to reform the political system.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-replaces-powerful-top-prosecutor-275496">Also Read: Vladimir Putin replaces powerful top prosecutor</a>

The bill on the amendments, available on the website of the lower house State Duma, proposed changes including the transfer of some power away from the presidency.

The reforms include giving parliament the power to name the prime minister and limiting the president to only two terms in total, instead of two successive terms.&nbsp;

Putin announced the changes in his state of the nation address last Wednesday, prompting the government to quickly resign.&nbsp;

There has been speculation that the reforms are aimed at allowing Putin to hold on to power when his fourth Kremlin term expires in 2024.

A group of experts and popular figures has been formed to study the proposals and Putin has promised a public vote on the amendments.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday submitted a package of constitutional amendments to parliament less than a week after announcing a surprise plan to reform the political system.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday submitted a package of constitutional amendments to parliament less than a week after announcing a surprise plan to reform the political system. Also Read: Vladimir Putin replaces powerful top prosecutor The bill on the amendments, available on the website of the lower house State Duma, proposed changes including the transfer of some power away from the presidency. The reforms include giving parliament the power to name the prime minister and limiting the president to only two terms in total, instead of two successive terms. Putin announced the changes in his state of the nation address last Wednesday, prompting the government to quickly resign. There has been speculation that the reforms are aimed at allowing Putin to hold on to power when his fourth Kremlin term expires in 2024. A group of experts and popular figures has been formed to study the proposals and Putin has promised a public vote on the amendments.

Putin submits constitutional amendment package to Parliament

Mikhail Mishustin, the man likely to be Russia's next prime minister after President Vladimir Putin proposed him on Wednesday, is a little-known figure to the wider public who has headed the country's tax service for a decade.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-putin-proposes-referendum-to-boost-russian-parliaments-powers-274453">Also Read: Now, Putin proposes referendum to boost Russian parliament's powers</a>

The 53-year-old Muscovite trained as an engineer and has a PhD in economics, according to his official biography.

He was appointed head of the tax service in 2010 after being proposed by then-finance minister Alexei Kudrin, known for his outspoken liberal stance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-pm-medvedev-resigns-after-putin-proposes-to-boost-parliaments-powers-274458">Also read: PM Medvedev's Russian government resigns after Putin proposes to boost Parliament's powers</a> 
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He has been in the post ever since and is praised for streamlining the service formerly notorious for red tape, mountains of paperwork and long queues.

After Putin proposed Mishustin, Rossiya-24 state television reported that he "created the best tax collection system in the world."

He was picked as premier to create a "more competent leadership," Dmitri Trenin, head of the Carnegie Moscow Centre, wrote on Twitter.

Mishustin is a "neutral figure" and his candidacy cannot be linked to any "ideological platform," political analyst Ekaterina Schulmann told AFP, adding she doubted he is being groomed as a successor to President Vladimir Putin.

While Putin has criticised the internet and is rarely shown using technology, Mishustin has said Russia needs to adapt its economy, making him closer to predecessor Dmitry Medvedev, a keen user of Apple products.

Mishustin told the Kommersant newspaper last year that Russia needs to adapt to the era of digital technology and artificial intelligence or fall behind.&nbsp;

"We are entering a fourth industrial revolution, this is already a digital world," he said.

"If we don't understand how this world is developing and what its rules are, if we insist our country is part of the old order, this new world will make us its victim."

'Avid hockey player'

Mishustin shares a sporting interest with Putin, as he "regularly plays ice hockey," said state news agency RIA Novosti.

He is a member of the supervisory council of CSKA hockey club, along with Rosneft chief Igor Sechin and other powerful figures.

The RBK business newspaper reported in 2010 that Mishustin has "good contacts in the law enforcement structures. He has often been seen at hockey matches with senior officials from the FSB (security service) and the interior ministry."

While much of his career has been at the tax service, he started out in the 1990s heading an organisation set up to promote international cooperation in computing.

He became deputy head of the tax service in 1998 and shortly afterwards was appointed deputy tax minister, a position he held until 2004. After that, he headed federal agencies that worked on the property and special economic zones.

From 2008 for two years he was president of UFG Asset Management, an international group that has been investing in Russia and other ex-Soviet states since 1996. Deutsche Bank set up a joint venture with the company in 2008.

He reportedly speaks several foreign languages.

Forbes Russia listed him as the 54th best-paid state official in 2015 with earnings of 183.31 million rubles (around $3 million at the current exchange rate).

Mikhail Mishustin, the man likely to be Russia's next prime minister after President Vladimir Putin proposed him on Wednesday, is a little-known figure to the wider public who has headed the country's tax service for a decade.

Mikhail Mishustin, the man likely to be Russia's next prime minister after President Vladimir Putin proposed him on Wednesday, is a little-known figure to the wider public who has headed the country's tax service for a decade. Also Read: Now, Putin proposes referendum to boost Russian parliament's powers The 53-year-old Muscovite trained as an engineer and has a PhD in economics, according to his official biography. He was appointed head of the tax service in 2010 after being proposed by then-finance minister Alexei Kudrin, known for his outspoken liberal stance. Also read: PM Medvedev's Russian government resigns after Putin proposes to boost Parliament's powers He has been in the post ever since and is praised for streamlining the service formerly notorious for red tape, mountains of paperwork and long queues. After Putin proposed Mishustin, Rossiya-24 state television reported that he "created the best tax collection system in the world." He was picked as premier to create a "more competent leadership," Dmitri Trenin, head of the Carnegie Moscow Centre, wrote on Twitter. Mishustin is a "neutral figure" and his candidacy cannot be linked to any "ideological platform," political analyst Ekaterina Schulmann told AFP, adding she doubted he is being groomed as a successor to President Vladimir Putin. While Putin has criticised the internet and is rarely shown using technology, Mishustin has said Russia needs to adapt its economy, making him closer to predecessor Dmitry Medvedev, a keen user of Apple products. Mishustin told the Kommersant newspaper last year that Russia needs to adapt to the era of digital technology and artificial intelligence or fall behind. "We are entering a fourth industrial revolution, this is already a digital world," he said. "If we don't understand how this world is developing and what its rules are, if we insist our country is part of the old order, this new world will make us its victim." 'Avid hockey player' Mishustin shares a sporting interest with Putin, as he "regularly plays ice hockey," said state news agency RIA Novosti. He is a member of the supervisory council of CSKA hockey club, along with Rosneft chief Igor Sechin and other powerful figures. The RBK business newspaper reported in 2010 that Mishustin has "good contacts in the law enforcement structures. He has often been seen at hockey matches with senior officials from the FSB (security service) and the interior ministry." While much of his career has been at the tax service, he started out in the 1990s heading an organisation set up to promote international cooperation in computing. He became deputy head of the tax service in 1998 and shortly afterwards was appointed deputy tax minister, a position he held until 2004. After that, he headed federal agencies that worked on the property and special economic zones. From 2008 for two years he was president of UFG Asset Management, an international group that has been investing in Russia and other ex-Soviet states since 1996. Deutsche Bank set up a joint venture with the company in 2008. He reportedly speaks several foreign languages. Forbes Russia listed him as the 54th best-paid state official in 2015 with earnings of 183.31 million rubles (around $3 million at the current exchange rate).

Mikhail Mishustin: Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM

A day after President Putin named Mikhail Mishustin as the new prime minister of the country, the Parliament members approved his candidacy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mikhail-mishustin-tax-service-head-and-hockey-player-picked-by-putin-as-russian-pm-274590">Also Read:&nbsp;Mikhail Mishustin: Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM</a>

All MPs voted in Mishustin's favour with Communist MPs abstaining.

Mishusti, 53, who is the head of the tax service had said, "People should already now be feeling real changes for the better, so far this is happening far from everywhere."

Watch Video:

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"To develop further and ensure further growth of GDP we need primarily to stimulate the growth of investment... to restore trust that has perhaps been lost between the authorities and business," he said, adding that he was open "constructive criticism".

Putin had shocked the nation on Wednesday after abruptly proposing new powers were&nbsp;needed for the Russian Parliament leading to the resignation of now caretaker PM Medvedev, who is one of Putin's oldest allies and served as president from 2008 to 2012.

In a speech, Putin said constitutional changes were needed which would give more powers to the country's Parliament allowing the lawmakers to choose the prime minister and cabinet.

Putin is due to step down as president in 2024, according to Russian law, a president cannot serve more than two terms. Putin returned to the presidency in 2012 after a stint as prime minister.

Russia goes to the polls in 2021 with all eyes on Putin's next move.

A day after President Putin named Mikhail Mishustin as the new prime minister of the country, the Parliament members approved his candidacy. Also Read: Mikhail Mishustin: Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM All MPs voted in Mishustin's favour with Communist MPs abstaining.

A day after President Putin named Mikhail Mishustin as the new prime minister of the country, the Parliament members approved his candidacy. Also Read: Mikhail Mishustin: Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM All MPs voted in Mishustin's favour with Communist MPs abstaining. Mishusti, 53, who is the head of the tax service had said, "People should already now be feeling real changes for the better, so far this is happening far from everywhere." Watch Video: "To develop further and ensure further growth of GDP we need primarily to stimulate the growth of investment... to restore trust that has perhaps been lost between the authorities and business," he said, adding that he was open "constructive criticism". Putin had shocked the nation on Wednesday after abruptly proposing new powers were needed for the Russian Parliament leading to the resignation of now caretaker PM Medvedev, who is one of Putin's oldest allies and served as president from 2008 to 2012. In a speech, Putin said constitutional changes were needed which would give more powers to the country's Parliament allowing the lawmakers to choose the prime minister and cabinet. Putin is due to step down as president in 2024, according to Russian law, a president cannot serve more than two terms. Putin returned to the presidency in 2012 after a stint as prime minister. Russia goes to the polls in 2021 with all eyes on Putin's next move.

Russian lawmakers overwhelmingly approve Mikhail Mishustin as PM

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned today shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a referendum to give the Parliament more powers to choose the prime minister in a speech.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-putin-proposes-referendum-to-boost-russian-parliaments-powers-274453">Also Read: Now, Putin proposes referendum to boost Russian parliament's powers</a>

Medvedev said the proposals would make significant changes to the country's balance of power and so "the government in its current form has resigned."

Medvedev made the surprise announcement on Russia's state TV while sitting next to Putin who thanked him for his work.

The Russian prime minister submitted his resignation to President Putin, reports said.&nbsp;"All further decisions will be taken by the president," Medvedev stated.

Putin named Mikhail Mishustin, Russia's head of tax service as a replacement for Medvedev.

In a speech, the Russian president had said, "It was necessary to conduct a vote by the country's citizens on an entire package of proposed amendments to the country's constitution."

Putin, 67, is set to step down as president in 2024 with Russia set for parliamentary elections in 2021. Under the Russian constitution, a person cannot serve more than two successive presidential terms.

In December, during a marathon press conference, the Russian president had dropped broad hints that he might not seek another term in 2024.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned today shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a referendum to give the Parliament more powers to choose the prime minister in a speech.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned today shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a referendum to give the Parliament more powers to choose the prime minister in a speech. Also Read: Now, Putin proposes referendum to boost Russian parliament's powers Medvedev said the proposals would make significant changes to the country's balance of power and so "the government in its current form has resigned." Medvedev made the surprise announcement on Russia's state TV while sitting next to Putin who thanked him for his work. The Russian prime minister submitted his resignation to President Putin, reports said. "All further decisions will be taken by the president," Medvedev stated. Putin named Mikhail Mishustin, Russia's head of tax service as a replacement for Medvedev. In a speech, the Russian president had said, "It was necessary to conduct a vote by the country's citizens on an entire package of proposed amendments to the country's constitution." Putin, 67, is set to step down as president in 2024 with Russia set for parliamentary elections in 2021. Under the Russian constitution, a person cannot serve more than two successive presidential terms. In December, during a marathon press conference, the Russian president had dropped broad hints that he might not seek another term in 2024.

PM Medvedev's Russian government resigns after Putin proposes to boost Parliament's powers

Russian lawmakers are to discuss a ban on American journalists from covering the lower house of Russian parliament.

Olga Savastyanova, head of the Duma&#39;s lower chamber&#39;s committee on regulations and control, said her committee would consider a resolution containing the proposal next Monday. It would be put forward for approval of the chamber, known as the State Duma, on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The parliament will be considering the resolution next week.

&quot;It will need to go through several steps, including being passed by the committee, the upper house and the lower house before the resolution becomes official,&quot; She added.

Government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the plan has the Kremlin&#39;s full understanding.

Russian international television network, Russia Today (RT) has been designated as a foreign agent by US authorities after intelligence officials alleged that it tried to meddle in the US presidential election last year.

RT has denied the reports.

Russia has been escalating restrictions on American media in response to the United States scrutiny on Russian state-funded outlets RT and Sputnik.

According to a report by Reuters, RT published a letter from the executive committee of the Congressional Radio and Television Correspondents Gallery saying that the channel&#39;s congressional press credential has been withdrawn due to its registration as a foreign agent in the United States.

(With inputs from news agency)

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It will need to go through several steps, including being passed by the committee, the upper house and the lower house before the resolution becomes official

Russian lawmakers are to discuss a ban on American journalists from covering the lower house of Russian parliament. Olga Savastyanova, head of the Duma's lower chamber's committee on regulations and control, said her committee would consider a resolution containing the proposal next Monday. It would be put forward for approval of the chamber, known as the State Duma, on Tuesday or Wednesday. The parliament will be considering the resolution next week. "It will need to go through several steps, including being passed by the committee, the upper house and the lower house before the resolution becomes official," She added. Government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the plan has the Kremlin's full understanding. Russian international television network, Russia Today (RT) has been designated as a foreign agent by US authorities after intelligence officials alleged that it tried to meddle in the US presidential election last year. RT has denied the reports. Russia has been escalating restrictions on American media in response to the United States scrutiny on Russian state-funded outlets RT and Sputnik. According to a report by Reuters, RT published a letter from the executive committee of the Congressional Radio and Television Correspondents Gallery saying that the channel's congressional press credential has been withdrawn due to its registration as a foreign agent in the United States. (With inputs from news agency)

Russia to ban American journalists from covering parliament

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