<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Dec 15) promised harsh punishment for any foreign interference in the 2024 presidential election. During a meeting with party leaders in the Duma, parliament's lower house, President Putin said, "Any interference in Russia's internal affairs will be punished, and punished harshly, according to Russian laws."</p>

<p>"We are defending the freedom of our people, their sovereignty, their right to choose their future. It's the people and only the people of Russia who are the source of power in our country," he added.</p>

<p>Last week, Putin announced he would run for a fifth presidential term in the election, with little doubt surrounding his victory after almost 25 years in power and with the opposition virtually non-existent.</p>

<h2><strong>Election on March 17 next year</strong></h2>

<p>The presidential election in Russia will be held on March 17 next year. Last week, &nbsp;Valentina Matviyenko, head of the Federation Council, said that for the first time, residents of the parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson regions of Ukraine annexed by Russia during the ongoing war would take part in the vote.</p>

<p>"By choosing a head of state together, we fully share the common responsibility and common destiny of our fatherland," Matviyenko said.</p>

<p>Vladimir Putin, 71, who was handed over the presidency by Boris Yeltsin on the last day of 1999, has already served as president for longer than any other ruler of Russia since Josef Stalin.</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the presidential election is just a formality for Putin due to the support of the state, the state-run media and almost no mainstream public dissent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most leading Russian opposition figures have been jailed or exiled.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Dec 15) promised harsh punishment for any foreign interference in the 2024 presidential election. During a meeting with party leaders in the Duma, parliament's lower house, President Putin said, "Any interference in Russia's internal affairs will be punished, and punished harshly, according to Russian laws.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Dec 15) promised harsh punishment for any foreign interference in the 2024 presidential election. During a meeting with party leaders in the Duma, parliament's lower house, President Putin said, "Any interference in Russia's internal affairs will be punished, and punished harshly, according to Russian laws." "We are defending the freedom of our people, their sovereignty, their right to choose their future. It's the people and only the people of Russia who are the source of power in our country," he added. Last week, Putin announced he would run for a fifth presidential term in the election, with little doubt surrounding his victory after almost 25 years in power and with the opposition virtually non-existent. Election on March 17 next year The presidential election in Russia will be held on March 17 next year. Last week, Valentina Matviyenko, head of the Federation Council, said that for the first time, residents of the parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson regions of Ukraine annexed by Russia during the ongoing war would take part in the vote. "By choosing a head of state together, we fully share the common responsibility and common destiny of our fatherland," Matviyenko said. Vladimir Putin, 71, who was handed over the presidency by Boris Yeltsin on the last day of 1999, has already served as president for longer than any other ruler of Russia since Josef Stalin. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the presidential election is just a formality for Putin due to the support of the state, the state-run media and almost no mainstream public dissent. Most leading Russian opposition figures have been jailed or exiled. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Putin promises harsh punishment for foreign meddling in 2024 election

<p>Russian leader Vladimir Putin has finally broken his silence over&nbsp;the apparent death of Wagner chief&nbsp;Yevgeny Prigozhin. While expressing condolences over the plane crash, Putin said the Wagner boss was a talented man "who made mistakes."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | Russian President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VladimirPutin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VladimirPutin</a> expresses 'condolences' over Wagner chief's plane crash, says <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YevgenyPrigozhin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YevgenyPrigozhin</a> was a talented man who made 'mistakes'<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WagnerGroup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WagnerGroup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a><br />
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For more videos, visit: <a href="https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J">https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J</a> <a href="https://t.co/c6MIWrmK2S">pic.twitter.com/c6MIWrmK2S</a></p>
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<p>Putin said that he had known Prigozhin for a very long time, "since the early 90s."</p>

<p>He also said an investigation has&nbsp;been initiated which will attempt to find the causes of the plane crash.</p>

<p>Remembering Wagner's contribution to Russia's offensive in Ukraine, Putin said Prigozhin achieved&nbsp;the necessary results both for himself and for the common cause.</p>

<p>"As for this plane crash, first of all I want to express the words of sincere condolence to the families of all who died. It is always a tragedy. And indeed, if there were the workers of the Wagner company as the primary data says, I’d like to mention that it is people who made the significant contribution to our common cause of fighting with the neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine. We remember that, know that and will not forget," Putin said in a video message.</p>

<h2><strong>Prigozhin supporters pay tribute to Wagner chief</strong></h2>

<p>Supporters of Yevgeny Prigozhin continued arriving at the Wagner headquarters in Saint Petersburg on Thursday to pay tribute to the Russian mercenary chief who is presumed to have died in a plane crash.</p>

<p>They built a makeshift memorial, piling red and white flowers outside the building, along with company flags and candles.</p>

<p>One of them called Prigozhin a symbol of truth and resistance “to global capital and the enemies of Russia.”</p>

<h2><strong>Who all were aboard the plane that crashed late Wednesday?</strong></h2>

<p>The crashed private jet carried seven passengers and three crew members. Those were high-ranking officials of the Wagner group, including the number 2. According to Russian media, these were the people allegedly present on the plane when it crashed.</p>

<p>Propustin Sergey<br />
Makaryan Evgeniy<br />
Totmin Alexander<br />
Chekalov Valeriy<br />
Utkin Dmitry<br />
Matuseev Nikolay<br />
Prigozhin Evgeniy</p>

<p><strong>Crew members:</strong><br />
Levshin Aleksei, commander;<br />
Karimov Rustam, co-pilot;<br />
Raspopova Kristina, flight attendant.</p>

<h2><strong>Wagner men vow to avenge Prigozhin's death</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, some masked men have warned the Kremlin of an imminent retaliation after the death of their leader Yevgeny Prigozhin.</p>

<p>"There’s a lot of talk right now about what the Wagner Group will do. We can tell you one thing, we are getting started, get ready for us," the masked men warned.</p>

<p>Earlier it was reported that at least two regions in Russia were put on high alert after Wagner men vowed to avenge Prigozhin's death.</p>

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Russian leader Vladimir Putin has finally broken his silence over the apparent death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. While expressing condolences over the plane crash, Putin said the Wagner boss was a talented man "who made mistakes.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has finally broken his silence over the apparent death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. While expressing condolences over the plane crash, Putin said the Wagner boss was a talented man "who made mistakes." #BREAKING | Russian President #VladimirPutin expresses 'condolences' over Wagner chief's plane crash, says #YevgenyPrigozhin was a talented man who made 'mistakes'#WagnerGroup #Russia For more videos, visit: https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J pic.twitter.com/c6MIWrmK2S — WION (@WIONews) August 24, 2023 × Putin said that he had known Prigozhin for a very long time, "since the early 90s." He also said an investigation has been initiated which will attempt to find the causes of the plane crash. Remembering Wagner's contribution to Russia's offensive in Ukraine, Putin said Prigozhin achieved the necessary results both for himself and for the common cause. "As for this plane crash, first of all I want to express the words of sincere condolence to the families of all who died. It is always a tragedy. And indeed, if there were the workers of the Wagner company as the primary data says, I’d like to mention that it is people who made the significant contribution to our common cause of fighting with the neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine. We remember that, know that and will not forget," Putin said in a video message. Prigozhin supporters pay tribute to Wagner chief Supporters of Yevgeny Prigozhin continued arriving at the Wagner headquarters in Saint Petersburg on Thursday to pay tribute to the Russian mercenary chief who is presumed to have died in a plane crash. They built a makeshift memorial, piling red and white flowers outside the building, along with company flags and candles. One of them called Prigozhin a symbol of truth and resistance “to global capital and the enemies of Russia.” Who all were aboard the plane that crashed late Wednesday? The crashed private jet carried seven passengers and three crew members. Those were high-ranking officials of the Wagner group, including the number 2. According to Russian media, these were the people allegedly present on the plane when it crashed. Propustin Sergey Makaryan Evgeniy Totmin Alexander Chekalov Valeriy Utkin Dmitry Matuseev Nikolay Prigozhin Evgeniy Crew members: Levshin Aleksei, commander; Karimov Rustam, co-pilot; Raspopova Kristina, flight attendant. Wagner men vow to avenge Prigozhin's death Meanwhile, some masked men have warned the Kremlin of an imminent retaliation after the death of their leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. "There’s a lot of talk right now about what the Wagner Group will do. We can tell you one thing, we are getting started, get ready for us," the masked men warned. Earlier it was reported that at least two regions in Russia were put on high alert after Wagner men vowed to avenge Prigozhin's death. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian President Putin condoles Wagner chief's death, says 'he made some mistakes'

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (July 28) said Moscow is "carefully" examining proposals made by some African leaders to end the conflict in Ukraine amid reports of an intensive counteroffensive by Kyiv. On the second day of the&nbsp;Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg, Putin said: "We respect your initiatives and we are examining them carefully."</p>

<p>"Previous mediation initiatives were monopolised by so-called advanced democracies. Now, Africa too is ready to help resolve problems that appear to be outside of its area of priorities," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The African continent is indeed becoming a new centre of power. Its political and economic role is growing exponentially. Everyone will have to take this reality into account. For example, let's look at the initiative by a number of African states on solving the Ukraine crisis, which is an acute problem, we are not shying away from reviewing it," Putin added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before Russia, an African group travelled to Ukraine and offered crisis mediation. They called for military de-escalation, security assurances for both parties and mutual acknowledgement of sovereignty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The offer to mediate was rejected by Ukraine, saying it would freeze the conflict without ensuring that Russian troops leave Ukrainian soil. The Kremlin had also said earlier that the African proposals would be "very difficult to implement".</p>

<h2><strong>Russia's grain offer to African nations</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Russia recently pulled out of an agreement that would have allowed Ukrainian grain exports over the Black Sea, causing worry among African nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Putin stated at a Russia-Africa meeting that Russia was increasing food supplies to Africa, including free grain shipments announced the day before. The Russian president said that he was interested in developing military relations with the continent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin also said Russia was prepared to supply some weapons to Africa for free to enhance security on the continent, and to work more closely with African law enforcement and intelligence services.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (July 28) said Moscow is "carefully" examining proposals made by some African leaders to end the conflict in Ukraine amid reports of an intensive counteroffensive by Kyiv.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (July 28) said Moscow is "carefully" examining proposals made by some African leaders to end the conflict in Ukraine amid reports of an intensive counteroffensive by Kyiv. On the second day of the Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg, Putin said: "We respect your initiatives and we are examining them carefully." "Previous mediation initiatives were monopolised by so-called advanced democracies. Now, Africa too is ready to help resolve problems that appear to be outside of its area of priorities," he said. "The African continent is indeed becoming a new centre of power. Its political and economic role is growing exponentially. Everyone will have to take this reality into account. For example, let's look at the initiative by a number of African states on solving the Ukraine crisis, which is an acute problem, we are not shying away from reviewing it," Putin added. Before Russia, an African group travelled to Ukraine and offered crisis mediation. They called for military de-escalation, security assurances for both parties and mutual acknowledgement of sovereignty. The offer to mediate was rejected by Ukraine, saying it would freeze the conflict without ensuring that Russian troops leave Ukrainian soil. The Kremlin had also said earlier that the African proposals would be "very difficult to implement". Russia's grain offer to African nations Russia recently pulled out of an agreement that would have allowed Ukrainian grain exports over the Black Sea, causing worry among African nations. But Putin stated at a Russia-Africa meeting that Russia was increasing food supplies to Africa, including free grain shipments announced the day before. The Russian president said that he was interested in developing military relations with the continent. Putin also said Russia was prepared to supply some weapons to Africa for free to enhance security on the continent, and to work more closely with African law enforcement and intelligence services. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin says Russia 'carefully' examining African proposals to end Ukraine conflict

Pakistan is in a looming crisis again. The nation is facing a fresh set of challenges. The all-important oil deal between Pakistan and Russia has hit a roadblock. Pakistan’s plan to import oil from Russia may delay further.

Why did Pakistan's plan to import Russian crude oil hit a roadblock?

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky few days ahead in Paris, rebuked Russia at the Munich Security Conference, for its ongoing onslaught on Ukraine. In a strong statement, Macron said "it is not the time for dialogue because Russia has chosen war."&nbsp;</p>

<p>While pledging his staunch support for Ukraine in its fight, Macron said that Ukrainian allies "absolutely need" to intensify the support for the Ukrainian people and its army to help them to launch a counter-offensive.</p>

<p>He added that counter-offensive will be the only way to "allow credible negotiations."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-japan-aborts-launch-of-flagship-h3-rocket-moments-before-lift-off-563173">Japan aborts launch of flagship H3 rocket moments before lift off</a></p>

<p>Macron at his address at the conference said, "No one in this room has an answer to this: There is not complete and long-term peace in our continent as long as the Russian matter goes unresolved."</p>

<p>He went on to say that the western allies stands in solidarity with Ukraine and is "ready for a prolonged conflict." The French president said that Russia is "further intensify this war, and has chosen to go as far as committing war crimes and attacking civilian infrastructures."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-ukraine-is-set-to-mark-one-year-war-anniversary-dutch-pm-visits-kyiv-563143">As Ukraine is set to mark one-year war anniversary, Dutch PM meets Zelensky in Kyiv</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in his address said that the western allies should send tanks to Ukraine now. "We need to hurry up. We need speed – speed of our agreements, speed of our delivery, speed of decisions to limit Russian potential. There is no alternative to speed because it is the speed that life depends on," he said.</p>

<p>Zelensky, who opened the Munich Security Conference on Friday urged allies to "hurry up" and support Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tom-blundell-leads-new-zealand-fightback-in-england-first-test-563185">Tom Blundell leads New Zealand fightback in England first Test</a></p>

<p>World leaders have gathered in Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference, scheduled from 17 February to 19 February. The annual conference which deals with the contemporary global security policy challenges is being held days ahead of one-year anniversary of Russia's war on Ukraine, which started last year on 24 February.&nbsp;</p>

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French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky few days ahead in Paris, rebuked Russia at the Munich Security Conference, for its ongoing onslaught on Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky few days ahead in Paris, rebuked Russia at the Munich Security Conference, for its ongoing onslaught on Ukraine. In a strong statement, Macron said "it is not the time for dialogue because Russia has chosen war." While pledging his staunch support for Ukraine in its fight, Macron said that Ukrainian allies "absolutely need" to intensify the support for the Ukrainian people and its army to help them to launch a counter-offensive. He added that counter-offensive will be the only way to "allow credible negotiations." Also Read | Japan aborts launch of flagship H3 rocket moments before lift off Macron at his address at the conference said, "No one in this room has an answer to this: There is not complete and long-term peace in our continent as long as the Russian matter goes unresolved." He went on to say that the western allies stands in solidarity with Ukraine and is "ready for a prolonged conflict." The French president said that Russia is "further intensify this war, and has chosen to go as far as committing war crimes and attacking civilian infrastructures." Also Read | As Ukraine is set to mark one-year war anniversary, Dutch PM meets Zelensky in Kyiv Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in his address said that the western allies should send tanks to Ukraine now. "We need to hurry up. We need speed – speed of our agreements, speed of our delivery, speed of decisions to limit Russian potential. There is no alternative to speed because it is the speed that life depends on," he said. Zelensky, who opened the Munich Security Conference on Friday urged allies to "hurry up" and support Kyiv. Watch | Tom Blundell leads New Zealand fightback in England first Test World leaders have gathered in Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference, scheduled from 17 February to 19 February. The annual conference which deals with the contemporary global security policy challenges is being held days ahead of one-year anniversary of Russia's war on Ukraine, which started last year on 24 February. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Munich Security Conference: French President Macron bashes Putin in a hard-hitting address

<p><strong>Here's what you need to know about the Ukraine crisis right now:</strong></p>

<ol>
	<li>Moscow faced increasing isolation on Tuesday as President Vladimir Putin showed no sign of stopping an invasion of Ukraine, where fierce fighting and Russian bombardment have killed dozens and sparked a refugee crisis.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The 193-member U.N. General Assembly began meeting on the crisis ahead of a vote this week to isolate Russia.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Talks on a ceasefire ended without a breakthrough.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Russian President Putin told France's President Emmanuel Macron a Ukraine settlement was only possible if Kyiv was neutral, "denazified" and "demilitarised" and Russian control over annexed Crimea was formally recognised, the Kremlin said.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ukraine`s Western allies increased weapons transfers in support, and Britain called for such transfers to be expanded. Finland agreed to ship 2,500 assault rifles and 1,500 anti-tank weapons. Canada will supply anti-tank weapons and upgraded ammunition, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Russia`s foreign ministry said those supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine will bear responsibility should they be used during Russia`s military campaign.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The United Nations said more than 500,000 people had fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries since the start of Russia`s invasion.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The United States expelled 12 Russian diplomats at the United Nations over national security concerns, U.S. and Russian diplomats said.</li>
</ol>

<p><br />
<strong>Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion</strong></p>

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<p><br />
<strong>MARKETS, SANCTIONS AND OTHER REACTIONS</strong><br />
<br />
* The United States imposed sanctions on Russia`s central bank and other sources of wealth, dealing a crushing blow to the country`s economy and further punishing Moscow.<br />
<br />
* Europe's financial market began severing Russia`s ties to its critical plumbing for trading, clearing and settling securities as sanctions on Moscow started to bite.<br />
<br />
* Markets paused for breath following days of volatility with Asian shares edging up and gold slipping slightly a day after the Russian rouble fell to a record low.<br />
<br />
* Russia`s central bank more than doubled its key policy rate.<br />
<br />
* Airlines braced for potentially lengthy blockages of key east-west flight corridors after the European Union and Moscow issued tit-for-tat airspace bans.<br />
<br />
* Energy giant BP, global bank HSBC and aircraft leasing firm AerCap joined a growing list of companies looking to exit Russia, as Western sanctions tightened the screws on Moscow.<br />
<br />
<strong>QUOTES</strong></p>

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<h5>"I took a train from Kyiv to Lviv to a point where the taxi put us. I walked the last 50 kilometres," a Ukrainian woman said on arrival at a border crossing with Poland in snowy, freezing weather.</h5>
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<h5>"There are bombings, sirens, we have to go (downstairs). We also receive treatment here, medications we have, but we need more food ... basic stuff," said a tearful Maryna, a mother at a Kyiv children`s hospital where her nine-year-old son was suffering from blood cancer.</h5>
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<p><strong>COMING UP</strong><br />
<br />
Ukraine among the issues U.S. President Joe Biden will address in his State of the Union speech to Congress.</p>


Here's what you need to know about the Ukraine crisis right now: Moscow faced increasing isolation on Tuesday as President Vladimir Putin showed no sign of stopping an invasion of Ukraine, where fierce fighting and Russian bombardment have killed dozens and sparked a refugee crisis.

Here's what you need to know about the Ukraine crisis right now: Moscow faced increasing isolation on Tuesday as President Vladimir Putin showed no sign of stopping an invasion of Ukraine, where fierce fighting and Russian bombardment have killed dozens and sparked a refugee crisis. The 193-member U.N. General Assembly began meeting on the crisis ahead of a vote this week to isolate Russia. Talks on a ceasefire ended without a breakthrough. Russian President Putin told France's President Emmanuel Macron a Ukraine settlement was only possible if Kyiv was neutral, "denazified" and "demilitarised" and Russian control over annexed Crimea was formally recognised, the Kremlin said. Ukraine`s Western allies increased weapons transfers in support, and Britain called for such transfers to be expanded. Finland agreed to ship 2,500 assault rifles and 1,500 anti-tank weapons. Canada will supply anti-tank weapons and upgraded ammunition, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. Russia`s foreign ministry said those supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine will bear responsibility should they be used during Russia`s military campaign. The United Nations said more than 500,000 people had fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries since the start of Russia`s invasion. The United States expelled 12 Russian diplomats at the United Nations over national security concerns, U.S. and Russian diplomats said. Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion MARKETS, SANCTIONS AND OTHER REACTIONS * The United States imposed sanctions on Russia`s central bank and other sources of wealth, dealing a crushing blow to the country`s economy and further punishing Moscow. * Europe's financial market began severing Russia`s ties to its critical plumbing for trading, clearing and settling securities as sanctions on Moscow started to bite. * Markets paused for breath following days of volatility with Asian shares edging up and gold slipping slightly a day after the Russian rouble fell to a record low. * Russia`s central bank more than doubled its key policy rate. * Airlines braced for potentially lengthy blockages of key east-west flight corridors after the European Union and Moscow issued tit-for-tat airspace bans. * Energy giant BP, global bank HSBC and aircraft leasing firm AerCap joined a growing list of companies looking to exit Russia, as Western sanctions tightened the screws on Moscow. QUOTES "I took a train from Kyiv to Lviv to a point where the taxi put us. I walked the last 50 kilometres," a Ukrainian woman said on arrival at a border crossing with Poland in snowy, freezing weather. × "There are bombings, sirens, we have to go (downstairs). We also receive treatment here, medications we have, but we need more food ... basic stuff," said a tearful Maryna, a mother at a Kyiv children`s hospital where her nine-year-old son was suffering from blood cancer. × COMING UP Ukraine among the issues U.S. President Joe Biden will address in his State of the Union speech to Congress.

Ukraine and Russia: What you need to know right now

Who is the real Mr Putin? Meet the judo fighter who worked for the KGB

<p>Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-activists-take-aim-at-president-putin-in-march-against-repression-275307">Putin </a>was taken by surprise after a woman candidly told him whether he could live on her income of $170 a month.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-speeds-up-russian-political-shake-up-details-new-power-centre-275623">Also Read: Putin speeds up Russian political shake-up, details new power centre&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Putin who was visiting Saint Petersburg was approached by the woman amid several people surrounding the president and asked: "Please tell me, is it possible to live on 10,800 rubles ($170)?"</p>

<p>"I think it's very hard," Putin said, to which the woman said: "Your pay is probably about 800,000 rubles, I imagine."</p>

<p>"Well yes," Putin replied and added that he does not have the highest salary. The woman continued to corner the president asserting that grocery store costs at least 1,000 rubles in Russia and utility bills were a flat 4,000 rubles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Of course you are right, we still have a lot of social problems that the government has to solve," the president told the woman.</p>

<p>"Why don't you solve them then?" the woman asked, to which the Russian president said: "We are solving them."</p>

<p>Russia has been hit by high food inflation in recent years, however, it has shown signs of levelling off but it has hit the common man on the street.</p>

<p>Food inflation which had fallen in 2018 rose five per cent at the end of the same year to recover at 3 per cent last year due to a good harvest but has fluctuated in the last several years leading to increased hardships for ordinary Russians.</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin was taken by surprise after a woman candidly told him whether he could live on her income of $170 a month. Also Read: Putin speeds up Russian political shake-up, details new power centre Putin who was visiting Saint Petersburg was approached by the woman amid several people surrounding the president and asked: "Please tell me, is it possible to live on 10,800 rubles ($170)?

Russian President Vladimir Putin was taken by surprise after a woman candidly told him whether he could live on her income of $170 a month. Also Read: Putin speeds up Russian political shake-up, details new power centre Putin who was visiting Saint Petersburg was approached by the woman amid several people surrounding the president and asked: "Please tell me, is it possible to live on 10,800 rubles ($170)?" "I think it's very hard," Putin said, to which the woman said: "Your pay is probably about 800,000 rubles, I imagine." "Well yes," Putin replied and added that he does not have the highest salary. The woman continued to corner the president asserting that grocery store costs at least 1,000 rubles in Russia and utility bills were a flat 4,000 rubles. "Of course you are right, we still have a lot of social problems that the government has to solve," the president told the woman. "Why don't you solve them then?" the woman asked, to which the Russian president said: "We are solving them." Russia has been hit by high food inflation in recent years, however, it has shown signs of levelling off but it has hit the common man on the street. Food inflation which had fallen in 2018 rose five per cent at the end of the same year to recover at 3 per cent last year due to a good harvest but has fluctuated in the last several years leading to increased hardships for ordinary Russians.

Tell me, is it possible to live on $170? Russian woman asks Putin

<p>Opponents of Donald Trump made up allegations of Russian interference in last year&#39;s US elections to discredit him, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at his annual press conference Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;All this was made up by people who are opposed to Trump so as to delegitimise his work,&quot; the president said in response to a question about allegations of Russian influence.</p>

<p>Putin said representatives of the Russian government had met with Trump&#39;s team but said this was normal diplomatic practice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Our ambassador was accused of meeting with someone, but this is normal practice worldwide,&quot; the president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;What is so transgressive in this case and why should it take on this spy-thriller tone?&quot;</p>

<p>Putin said he hoped relations between the two countries would improve but suggested it would not be possible in the current US political climate. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked to assess Trump&#39;s work so far as president, Putin said it was up to US voters rather than him to judge.</p>

<p>&quot;We can see several quite significant achievements in the short time he has been at work,&quot; Putin said, citing the markets and consumer confidence in particular.</p>


Opponents of Donald Trump made up allegations of Russian interference in last year's US elections to discredit him, Russian President Vladimir Putin said

Opponents of Donald Trump made up allegations of Russian interference in last year's US elections to discredit him, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at his annual press conference Thursday. "All this was made up by people who are opposed to Trump so as to delegitimise his work," the president said in response to a question about allegations of Russian influence. Putin said representatives of the Russian government had met with Trump's team but said this was normal diplomatic practice. "Our ambassador was accused of meeting with someone, but this is normal practice worldwide," the president said. "What is so transgressive in this case and why should it take on this spy-thriller tone?" Putin said he hoped relations between the two countries would improve but suggested it would not be possible in the current US political climate. Asked to assess Trump's work so far as president, Putin said it was up to US voters rather than him to judge. "We can see several quite significant achievements in the short time he has been at work," Putin said, citing the markets and consumer confidence in particular.

Putin says Trump opponents 'made up' Russia vote interference

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