Russian President Vladimir Putin might stay in power for the foreseeable future. But Russia is staring at several challenges.

Gravitas: Vladimir Putin could remain President for life

WION Edit: Putin may remain President, but Russia faces multiple challenges

Russian President Vladimir Putin is pushing major changes to Russia's constitution. Is this an attempt by the Russian President to secure his grip on power? This report explores.

Gravitas: Putin plans radical overhaul to constitution

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has opened the door to constitutional changes that would allow him to remain in power until 2036.

'President for Life'; Putin to stay in power until 2036?

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

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

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

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed a proposed constitutional amendment that could allow him to seek re-election for a record fifth time. This report tells you more.

Gravitas: Is Putin paving the way for another Presidential term?

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday submitted new proposed amendments to the country's Constitution that includes banning same-sex marriage.

These amendments include a mention of God and describe marriage as a heterosexual union.

According to the lower house of parliament's vice speaker, Pyotr Tolstoy, the draft amendment enshrines the mention of Russians' "faith in God" and states that marriage is between "a man and a woman".

Putin had introduced a law in 2013 that considers the "public promotion of homosexuality" as a crime. Not only that a gay couple cannot adopt a child in Russia, but only heterosexual couples can adopt children.

Putin has said he is not prejudiced against gay people but has asserted that homosexuality and gender fluidity are out of step with traditional Russian values.

Homosexuality was officially criminalized until 1993 in Russia and considered a mental illness until 1999.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday submitted new proposed amendments to the country's Constitution that includes banning same-sex marriage. These amendments include a mention of God and describe marriage as a heterosexual union.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday submitted new proposed amendments to the country's Constitution that includes banning same-sex marriage. These amendments include a mention of God and describe marriage as a heterosexual union. According to the lower house of parliament's vice speaker, Pyotr Tolstoy, the draft amendment enshrines the mention of Russians' "faith in God" and states that marriage is between "a man and a woman". Putin had introduced a law in 2013 that considers the "public promotion of homosexuality" as a crime. Not only that a gay couple cannot adopt a child in Russia, but only heterosexual couples can adopt children. Putin has said he is not prejudiced against gay people but has asserted that homosexuality and gender fluidity are out of step with traditional Russian values. Homosexuality was officially criminalized until 1993 in Russia and considered a mental illness until 1999.

Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks ban on gay marriage

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted during an interview that he was offered to use a body double to make appearances in public for security reasons but said he declined the offer and never used one.&nbsp;

Putin said this during an interview with which aired on TASS news agency. &nbsp;

The President was shown a list of&nbsp;searches about Putin himself and one of which was entitled “Putin body double evidence”.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin has ruled Russia for more than 20 years. He is 67 years old and has been a KGB agent.&nbsp;

Putin also reaffirmed that he has continued to shun a personal mobile phone and feels "more comfortable" relying on protected communications means and may occasionally use an aide's phone.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted during an interview that he was offered to use a body double to make appearances in public for security reasons but said he declined the offer and never used one.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted during an interview that he was offered to use a body double to make appearances in public for security reasons but said he declined the offer and never used one. Putin said this during an interview with which aired on TASS news agency. The President was shown a list of searches about Putin himself and one of which was entitled “Putin body double evidence”. President Vladimir Putin has ruled Russia for more than 20 years. He is 67 years old and has been a KGB agent. Putin also reaffirmed that he has continued to shun a personal mobile phone and feels "more comfortable" relying on protected communications means and may occasionally use an aide's phone.

Never used a body double, says Russian President Vladimir Putin

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.

<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>

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.&nbsp;

"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.

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

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. was awarded a $13 million contract from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its "Glide Beaker" program. The contract is for the research, development, and demonstration of technology that is critical for enabling an advanced interceptor capable of engaging and manoeuvring "hypersonic" threats in the upper atmosphere.

Ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced successfully developing an 'invincible' hypersonic missile, the United States has been bolstering its investment in hypersonic weapons. But, one of the major concerns remains the protection from these "Avangard" hypersonic missiles.

President Putin earlier claimed that the "Avangard" hypersonic missiles, believed to be located in the Urals mountain range in Western Russia, can deliver warheads at 27 times the speed of sound. Russian President went on saying, "not a single country possesses hypersonic weapons, let alone continental-range hypersonic weapons," as reported by news agency AFP. &nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-constructing-many-hypersonic-missiles-us-president-donald-trump-273112">We're constructing many hypersonic missiles - US President Donald Trump</a>

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<h5>"The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defence means of the potential adversary, " Putin had said.</h5>
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"The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defence means of the potential adversary, " he added.

Glide Breaker should be tested in 2020 and the reason behind this is that the US is in a bit of rush. Hypersonic weapons may be able to penetrate US missile defences. Recent "drone" attacks on key Saudi oil facility Aramco on 14 September 2019, revealed the limits of US-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles. The Aramco facility under attack had a fleet of six Patriot surface-to-air missiles and associated radars. The Patriots didn’t stop the recent attack.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-first-avangard-hypersonic-missiles-enter-service-270620">Russia says first Avangard hypersonic missiles enter service</a>

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First artist’s concept for Glide Breaker, a Darpa-funded technology to defeat hypersonic weapons, revealed at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/darpa60?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#darpa60</a>. More coverage to follow in <a href="https://twitter.com/AviationWeek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AviationWeek</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Ep6HmBVHzu">pic.twitter.com/Ep6HmBVHzu</a>
— Steve Trimble (@TheDEWLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDEWLine/status/1037649207501488133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The race for "hypersonic weapons" is not just limited to the US and Russia. China - which is estimated to be the world's second-largest armament maker after the US according to a recent report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI ) - is also close on the heels. China recently demonstrated the DF-17 hypersonic missile. China claims that the DF-17 hypersonic missile can travel faster than five times the speed of sound and is believed to "transform" Beijing's might in advance weaponry. The DF-17 first appeared in public in Beijing during a military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China.

Whether it is Russia, China or the US, they initiated the pursuit of "hypersonic weapons" for unique strategy purposes but the recent accelerated rush reflects on their efforts to overtake their rivals in a classic race called "arms race". 
&nbsp;

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. was awarded a $13 million contract from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its "Glide Beaker" program. The contract is for the research, development, and demonstration of technology that is critical for enabling an advanced interceptor capable of engaging and manoeuvring "hypersonic" threats in the upper atmosphere.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. was awarded a $13 million contract from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its "Glide Beaker" program. The contract is for the research, development, and demonstration of technology that is critical for enabling an advanced interceptor capable of engaging and manoeuvring "hypersonic" threats in the upper atmosphere. Ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced successfully developing an 'invincible' hypersonic missile, the United States has been bolstering its investment in hypersonic weapons. But, one of the major concerns remains the protection from these "Avangard" hypersonic missiles. President Putin earlier claimed that the "Avangard" hypersonic missiles, believed to be located in the Urals mountain range in Western Russia, can deliver warheads at 27 times the speed of sound. Russian President went on saying, "not a single country possesses hypersonic weapons, let alone continental-range hypersonic weapons," as reported by news agency AFP. Also read: We're constructing many hypersonic missiles - US President Donald Trump "The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defence means of the potential adversary, " Putin had said. × "The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defence means of the potential adversary, " he added. Glide Breaker should be tested in 2020 and the reason behind this is that the US is in a bit of rush. Hypersonic weapons may be able to penetrate US missile defences. Recent "drone" attacks on key Saudi oil facility Aramco on 14 September 2019, revealed the limits of US-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles. The Aramco facility under attack had a fleet of six Patriot surface-to-air missiles and associated radars. The Patriots didn’t stop the recent attack. Also read: Russia says first Avangard hypersonic missiles enter service First artist’s concept for Glide Breaker, a Darpa-funded technology to defeat hypersonic weapons, revealed at #darpa60. More coverage to follow in @AviationWeek. pic.twitter.com/Ep6HmBVHzu — Steve Trimble (@TheDEWLine) September 6, 2018 × The race for "hypersonic weapons" is not just limited to the US and Russia. China - which is estimated to be the world's second-largest armament maker after the US according to a recent report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI ) - is also close on the heels. China recently demonstrated the DF-17 hypersonic missile. China claims that the DF-17 hypersonic missile can travel faster than five times the speed of sound and is believed to "transform" Beijing's might in advance weaponry. The DF-17 first appeared in public in Beijing during a military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China. Whether it is Russia, China or the US, they initiated the pursuit of "hypersonic weapons" for unique strategy purposes but the recent accelerated rush reflects on their efforts to overtake their rivals in a classic race called "arms race".

Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed sweeping changes to the country's political system that would shift powers away from the presidency in favour of parliament and the prime minister.

Putin's shake-up of Russian politics

Russian President Vladimir Putin nominated Mikhail Mishustin, a 53-year-old chief of the Russian Federal Tax Service for the position of Russian prime minister after Dmitry Medvedev resigned on January 15. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Putin appoints Mikhail Mishustin as PM of Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on January 9 oversaw military exercises from a naval vessel in the Black Sea near Crimea, including the test launch of a hypersonic air-launched Kinzhal missile. A pair of MiG-31K interceptor jets test fired the Kinzhal (Dagger) missile at a target on a military test site. The exercise involved several navy vessels. #WION #Russia #Putin #BlackSea #Crimea

Your Story: Russia's Putin oversees hypersonic missile test in Crimea

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Syria on Tuesday and met with officials including President Bashar Assad.

Putin's West Asia tour; Meets Syrian Prez, Iran's key ally Assad

Russia deployed its first regiment of hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles on Friday, the Defence Ministry said, a move which President Vladimir Putin has boasted puts his country in a class of its own. #Russia #VladimirPutin #HypersonicNuclearMissiles #WION

Russia claims to deploy first hypersonic nuclear missiles system called Avangard

Russian President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-against-trump-absolutely-on-made-up-grounds-putin-269164"> Vladimir Putin, 67</a>, in his year-end press conference dropped broad hints that he might not seek another term in 2024.

"Your humble servant served two successive terms and then stepped down and had the constitutional right to return to the post of president," he said, adding, "but some of our political scientists and activists do not like this and maybe this could be removed, possibly."

The press conference attended by 1,800 journalists especially accredited for the event were taken by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobody-knows-origins-of-global-climate-change-putin-in-annual-press-conference-269149">surprise as Putin </a>made the remark which proved to be the biggest talking point of the marathon event.

“One thing that could be changed about these (presidential) terms is removing the clause about 'successive' (terms)," Putin said.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-putin-holds-annual-news-conference-269191/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The Russian presidency was handed to Putin by Boris Yeltsin in 1999, the Russian leader served as president from 2000 to 2008 and then as premier from 2000 to 2012 and then returned as president in 2019.

Putin is due to step down in 2024 which will be the end of his fourth presidential term. Putin is barred from immediately running again under the Russian constitution.

The four hours and twenty-five minutes press conference saw the Russian president answer several questions specifically on Trump impeachment and the WADA ban on Russian sports.

Putin looked to back Trump, declaring that the impeachment was based on "made-up grounds".

"It still needs to go through the Senate, where the Republicans have a majority," Putin said.

"And it is hardly likely that they are going to push out of office a representative of their own party, on grounds that are absolutely made-up," he added.

On the WADA ban, he said: "If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag."

WADA had banned Russia for four years from major global events, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar over doping manuplation.

"Any punishment should be individual," he added.

"If a majority of our athletes are clean how is it possible to slap sanctions against them for someone else's actions?"

"The WADA decision contradicts the Olympic Charter," Putin added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, 67, in his year-end press conference dropped broad hints that he might not seek another term in 2024. "Your humble servant served two successive terms and then stepped down and had the constitutional right to return to the post of president," he said, adding, "but some of our political scientists and activists do not like this and maybe this could be removed, possibly.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, 67, in his year-end press conference dropped broad hints that he might not seek another term in 2024. "Your humble servant served two successive terms and then stepped down and had the constitutional right to return to the post of president," he said, adding, "but some of our political scientists and activists do not like this and maybe this could be removed, possibly." The press conference attended by 1,800 journalists especially accredited for the event were taken by surprise as Putin made the remark which proved to be the biggest talking point of the marathon event. “One thing that could be changed about these (presidential) terms is removing the clause about 'successive' (terms)," Putin said. Watch Video: The Russian presidency was handed to Putin by Boris Yeltsin in 1999, the Russian leader served as president from 2000 to 2008 and then as premier from 2000 to 2012 and then returned as president in 2019. Putin is due to step down in 2024 which will be the end of his fourth presidential term. Putin is barred from immediately running again under the Russian constitution. The four hours and twenty-five minutes press conference saw the Russian president answer several questions specifically on Trump impeachment and the WADA ban on Russian sports. Putin looked to back Trump, declaring that the impeachment was based on "made-up grounds". "It still needs to go through the Senate, where the Republicans have a majority," Putin said. "And it is hardly likely that they are going to push out of office a representative of their own party, on grounds that are absolutely made-up," he added. On the WADA ban, he said: "If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag." WADA had banned Russia for four years from major global events, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar over doping manuplation. "Any punishment should be individual," he added. "If a majority of our athletes are clean how is it possible to slap sanctions against them for someone else's actions?" "The WADA decision contradicts the Olympic Charter," Putin added.

Putin hints at presidential term limit in marathon press conference

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds his annual hours-long news conference attended by journalists from across the country. #Russia #PresidentPutin #Putin #RussianPresident

Russian President Putin holds annual news conference

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (October 2) dismissed environmental activist Greta Thunberg as a kind but poorly informed teenager manipulated into making unrealistic demands in her United Nations speech last month. Watch this video to know more.

Russian President Vladimir Putin criticises Greta Thunberg's UN speech

The chairman of the US&nbsp;House Intelligence Committee said on Sunday Congress is determined to get access to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-rejects-trump-policy-of-expanded-deportation-252639">President Donald Trump</a>'s calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders, citing concerns he may have jeopardized national security.

"I think the paramount need here is to protect the national security of the United States and see whether in the conversations with other world leaders and in particular with Putin that the president was also undermining our security in a way that he thought would personally benefit his campaign," Democrat Adam Schiff said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Following a whistleblower complaint that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-country-is-at-stake-like-never-before-trump-to-supporters-252638">Trump</a>, a Republican, solicited a political favor from Ukraine's president that could help him get re-elected, the lawmakers are investigating concerns that Trump's actions have jeopardized national security and the integrity of US&nbsp;elections.

The intelligence committee has reached an agreement with the whistleblower to appear before the panel, Schiff told ABC's "This Week"

Lawmakers were working out logistics to protect the person's identity and also get security clearance for lawyers who will be representing the whistleblower. He hopes the whistleblower can appear very soon, Schiff said.

The whistleblower's complaint cited a telephone call in which Trump asked President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to launch an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Hunter Biden sat on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.

Joe Biden is a leading candidate in the race to challenge Trump in the November 2020 presidential election.

The complaint said White House lawyers directed that an electronic summary of the call, which was released to the public on Wednesday, be moved from the place where such things are usually kept to a secret server reserved for covert matters.

"If those conversations with Putin or with other world leaders are sequestered in that same electronic file that is meant for covert action, not meant for this, if there's an effort to hide those and cover those up, yes we're determined to find out," Schiff said on NBC.

The chairman of the US House Intelligence Committee said on Sunday Congress is determined to get access to President Donald Trump's calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders, citing concerns he may have jeopardized national security.

The chairman of the US House Intelligence Committee said on Sunday Congress is determined to get access to President Donald Trump's calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders, citing concerns he may have jeopardized national security. "I think the paramount need here is to protect the national security of the United States and see whether in the conversations with other world leaders and in particular with Putin that the president was also undermining our security in a way that he thought would personally benefit his campaign," Democrat Adam Schiff said on NBC's "Meet the Press." Following a whistleblower complaint that Trump, a Republican, solicited a political favor from Ukraine's president that could help him get re-elected, the lawmakers are investigating concerns that Trump's actions have jeopardized national security and the integrity of US elections. The intelligence committee has reached an agreement with the whistleblower to appear before the panel, Schiff told ABC's "This Week" Lawmakers were working out logistics to protect the person's identity and also get security clearance for lawyers who will be representing the whistleblower. He hopes the whistleblower can appear very soon, Schiff said. The whistleblower's complaint cited a telephone call in which Trump asked President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to launch an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Hunter Biden sat on the board of a Ukrainian gas company. Joe Biden is a leading candidate in the race to challenge Trump in the November 2020 presidential election. The complaint said White House lawyers directed that an electronic summary of the call, which was released to the public on Wednesday, be moved from the place where such things are usually kept to a secret server reserved for covert matters. "If those conversations with Putin or with other world leaders are sequestered in that same electronic file that is meant for covert action, not meant for this, if there's an effort to hide those and cover those up, yes we're determined to find out," Schiff said on NBC.

Democrats want access to Trump's phone calls with Russian President Putin, others

When leaders around the world have condemned the drone attack on Saudi Arabia. Russian President Vladimir Putin chooses to troll U.S. President Trump for their arms which didn't save Saudi from this attack.

Gravitas: Leaders Condemn Saudi Attack, Putin Chose To Troll Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin vows response to US missile test. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Russian President Vladimir Putin vows response to US missile test

Russian opposition leaders led a rally in Moscow of about 2,000 people Sunday to protest the city election commission’s decision to keep several opposition candidates off the ballot in a local election. Watch full video to know more.

Protesters in Moscow demand inclusion of Opposition candidates on ballots

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated his 66th birthday Saturday alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, who surprised him with ice cream, the Kremlin said in a statement. The two leaders met in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, where they were attending the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Chinese President Xi Jinping Gets A Special Gift From Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin also meets PM Modi today. PM Modi will visit Vladivostok later this year. Watch this video to know more.

19th SCO Summit: PM Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin

PM Modi will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the margins of the regional Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting this week with the trade war between China and the US and the impact of US sanctions on Iran expected to figure in the discussions. Watch full video to know more.

Trade war to figure in talks between Modi, Xi and Putin at SCO meet in Bishkek

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, June 1st 2019

Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to a new meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at G20 in June. Watch full video to know more.

Russian President Putin open to meet US President at G20 in June

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Russian President Vladimir Putin Russia part of a renewed effort by the White House and Kremlin to improve relations following the publication of the Mueller report.Watch full video to know more.

President Vladimir Putin tells Pompeo US and Russia can improve relations after Mueller report

Russian president Vladimir Putin scored at least eight goals in an exhibition ice hockey game with former National Hockey League players at Sochi’s Bolshoy Ice Dome, then took a face-first spill while waving to the crowd during a post-game victory lap.

Vladimir Putin scores well in hockey exhibition, then falls on face

President Donald Trump said he briefly discussed special counsel Robert Mueller's report in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, but didn't warn his Russian counterpart to not meddle in the next US election.

Trump-Putin discusses nuclear weapon, Venezuela, North Korea & Mueller Report on phone call

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Gravitas: Vladimir Putin could remain President for life

WION Edit: Putin may remain President, but Russia faces multiple challenges

WION Edit: Putin may remain President, but Russia faces multiple challenges

Gravitas: Putin plans radical overhaul to constitution

'President for Life'; Putin to stay in power until 2036?

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

Gravitas: Is Putin paving the way for another Presidential term?

Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks ban on gay marriage

Never used a body double, says Russian President Vladimir Putin

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

Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles

Putin's shake-up of Russian politics

WION Dispatch: Putin appoints Mikhail Mishustin as PM of Russia

Your Story: Russia's Putin oversees hypersonic missile test in Crimea

Putin's West Asia tour; Meets Syrian Prez, Iran's key ally Assad

Russia claims to deploy first hypersonic nuclear missiles system called Avangard

Putin hints at presidential term limit in marathon press conference

Russian President Putin holds annual news conference

Russian President Vladimir Putin criticises Greta Thunberg's UN speech

Democrats want access to Trump's phone calls with Russian President Putin, others

Gravitas: Leaders Condemn Saudi Attack, Putin Chose To Troll Trump

WION Dispatch: Russian President Vladimir Putin vows response to US missile test

Protesters in Moscow demand inclusion of Opposition candidates on ballots

Chinese President Xi Jinping Gets A Special Gift From Putin

19th SCO Summit: PM Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin

Trade war to figure in talks between Modi, Xi and Putin at SCO meet in Bishkek