Even as tensions between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine crisis build, the longstanding collaboration between the two countries in operating the International Space Station (ISS) continues on solid footing.

NASA and Roscosmos, its Russian counterpart, are still in talks about a new "crew exchange" deal some seven weeks after the Biden administration pledged to keep the ISS operational through 2030. The US space agency said that under such an agreement, the two former rivals would routinely share flights to the station on their respective spacecraft.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-could-invade-any-day-now-says-ukraine-president-zelensky-455810">Russia could invade any day now, says Ukraine President Zelensky</a>

A total of six astronauts, including four Americans, two Russians, and a German, are currently working together in microgravity on the platform.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of Cold War rivalry that spurred the original US-Soviet space race, the ISS was born in part as a foreign policy initiative to improve relations between the two countries.

Despite this, US-Russian relations have soured since Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. As a result, Congress has banned any new government contracts with companies using Russian rocket engineers for national security launches after 2022, according to the website SpacePolicyOnline.com.

The sanctions Washington imposed in response to Russia's incursions into eastern Ukraine this week did not target Russia's space program.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-here-are-top-developments-that-you-should-know-455755">Russia-Ukraine crisis: Here are top developments that you should know</a>

In 2011, the United States ended its space shuttle program and began paying Roscosmos to ferry NASA astronauts to and from the space station aboard Soyuz capsules. The agency resumed launching its own astronauts from US soil in 2020, while still taking some rides on Soyuz.

With the new agreement, NASA astronauts will be able to fly aboard Soyuz for free in exchange for Russian cosmonauts sharing rides with US astronauts on SpaceX flights. In preparation for such a deal, NASA said three Russian cosmonauts are already training at NASA's Johnson Space Center near Houston.

In mid-November, before tensions escalated in Ukraine, US-Russian space cooperation was shaken by a missile test that destroyed one of Russia's own defunct surveillance satellites in an unannounced missile test, generating a debris field in low-Earth orbit that threatened the space station.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: China's lessons from the Ukraine crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-lessons-from-the-ukraine-crisis-455785/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

All seven members of the ISS crew, including two cosmonauts, had to take shelter in docked spaceships for two hours afterwards to prepare for a possible quick escape.

NASA chief Bill Nelson slammed the anti-satellite test as "reckless." He was quoted in the Washington Post as saying the Russian space agency was likely surprised by the test and "probably just as appalled as we are."

(With inputs from agencies)

Even as tensions between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine crisis build, the longstanding collaboration between the two countries in operating the International Space Station (ISS) continues on solid footing.

Even as tensions between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine crisis build, the longstanding collaboration between the two countries in operating the International Space Station (ISS) continues on solid footing. NASA and Roscosmos, its Russian counterpart, are still in talks about a new "crew exchange" deal some seven weeks after the Biden administration pledged to keep the ISS operational through 2030. The US space agency said that under such an agreement, the two former rivals would routinely share flights to the station on their respective spacecraft. Also read | Russia could invade any day now, says Ukraine President Zelensky A total of six astronauts, including four Americans, two Russians, and a German, are currently working together in microgravity on the platform. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of Cold War rivalry that spurred the original US-Soviet space race, the ISS was born in part as a foreign policy initiative to improve relations between the two countries. Despite this, US-Russian relations have soured since Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. As a result, Congress has banned any new government contracts with companies using Russian rocket engineers for national security launches after 2022, according to the website SpacePolicyOnline.com. The sanctions Washington imposed in response to Russia's incursions into eastern Ukraine this week did not target Russia's space program. Also read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Here are top developments that you should know In 2011, the United States ended its space shuttle program and began paying Roscosmos to ferry NASA astronauts to and from the space station aboard Soyuz capsules. The agency resumed launching its own astronauts from US soil in 2020, while still taking some rides on Soyuz. With the new agreement, NASA astronauts will be able to fly aboard Soyuz for free in exchange for Russian cosmonauts sharing rides with US astronauts on SpaceX flights. In preparation for such a deal, NASA said three Russian cosmonauts are already training at NASA's Johnson Space Center near Houston. In mid-November, before tensions escalated in Ukraine, US-Russian space cooperation was shaken by a missile test that destroyed one of Russia's own defunct surveillance satellites in an unannounced missile test, generating a debris field in low-Earth orbit that threatened the space station. Watch | Gravitas: China's lessons from the Ukraine crisis All seven members of the ISS crew, including two cosmonauts, had to take shelter in docked spaceships for two hours afterwards to prepare for a possible quick escape. NASA chief Bill Nelson slammed the anti-satellite test as "reckless." He was quoted in the Washington Post as saying the Russian space agency was likely surprised by the test and "probably just as appalled as we are." (With inputs from agencies)

Even as tensions over Ukraine rise, US-Russian space cooperation continues

Amid&nbsp;Russia continues to mass troops along Ukraine's border, US President in a statement at the UNSC said Putin's regime will "face swift and severe consequences" if it walked away from diplomacy and decided to invade Ukraine.

"If Russia is sincere about addressing our respective security concerns through dialogue, the United States and our allies and partners will continue to engage in good faith,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said, adding,"if instead Russia chooses to walk away from diplomacy and attack Ukraine, Russia will bear the responsibility, and it will face swift and severe consequences."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-who-says-we-have-100000-troops-at-border-russia-asks-in-unsc-449313">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine crisis: Who says we have 100,000 troops at border? Russia asks in UNSC</a>&nbsp;

Russia had tried to block the 15-member Security Council from holding the meeting, however,&nbsp;10 out of 15 members backed the Biden administration. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This is the largest&nbsp;mobilization of troops in Europe in decades,"&nbsp;UN envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield, adding,"and as we speak, Russia is sending even more forces and arms to join them."

Russian ambassador to the UN&nbsp;Vassily Nebenzia urged members at the UNSC to oppose opening the session declaring the US was engaging in "megaphone diplomacy" however,&nbsp;&nbsp;10 members supported keeping the meeting open even as China backed Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russian-navy-aircraft-track-down-notional-enemy-submarine-in-norwegian-sea-in-drill-449181">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russian navy, aircraft track down 'notional' enemy submarine in Norwegian Sea</a>

The US has said Russia has massed over 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border, however, Russia lashed out at the UNSC accusing the United States of trying to "whip up hysteria".

Tensions have been on at fewer pitch between the West and Russia since November as reports emerged of Russian troops massed at the border with Ukraine. &nbsp;

Putin's regime had earlier submitted a security document to the US and NATO urging them not to induct former Soviet countries into its military alliance referring to Ukraine. However, the demand was rejected by the United States.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid Russia continues to mass troops along Ukraine's border, US President in a statement at the UNSC said Putin's regime will "face swift and severe consequences" if it walked away from diplomacy and decided to invade Ukraine.

Amid Russia continues to mass troops along Ukraine's border, US President in a statement at the UNSC said Putin's regime will "face swift and severe consequences" if it walked away from diplomacy and decided to invade Ukraine. "If Russia is sincere about addressing our respective security concerns through dialogue, the United States and our allies and partners will continue to engage in good faith," Biden said, adding,"if instead Russia chooses to walk away from diplomacy and attack Ukraine, Russia will bear the responsibility, and it will face swift and severe consequences." Also Read: Ukraine crisis: Who says we have 100,000 troops at border? Russia asks in UNSC Russia had tried to block the 15-member Security Council from holding the meeting, however, 10 out of 15 members backed the Biden administration. This is the largest mobilization of troops in Europe in decades," UN envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield, adding,"and as we speak, Russia is sending even more forces and arms to join them." Russian ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia urged members at the UNSC to oppose opening the session declaring the US was engaging in "megaphone diplomacy" however, 10 members supported keeping the meeting open even as China backed Russia. Also Read in Pics: Russian navy, aircraft track down 'notional' enemy submarine in Norwegian Sea The US has said Russia has massed over 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border, however, Russia lashed out at the UNSC accusing the United States of trying to "whip up hysteria". Tensions have been on at fewer pitch between the West and Russia since November as reports emerged of Russian troops massed at the border with Ukraine. Putin's regime had earlier submitted a security document to the US and NATO urging them not to induct former Soviet countries into its military alliance referring to Ukraine. However, the demand was rejected by the United States. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia will 'face swift and severe consequences': Biden to Putin at UNSC over Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the West of escalating the Ukraine conflict.

"(Our) Western partners are escalating the situation by supplying Kiev with lethal modern weapons and conducting provocative manoeuvres in the Black Sea," he said in a wide-ranging speech to foreign policy officials in Moscow.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-russia-destroys-satellite-releases-big-cloud-of-space-junk-429873/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said that the West is taking Russia's warnings of not crossing its "red lines" too lightly.

Despite describing his relations with the United States as "unsatisfactory," Putin said he is willing to talk.

The longtime Russian leader said Moscow has been "constantly raising concerns about this" but "all our warnings and talk about red lines are treated superficially".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-happening-between-russia-and-ukraine-heres-a-cheat-sheet-377164">Also read |&nbsp;What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet</a>

Previously, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said that the United States was making ''aggressive moves'' in the Black Sea.

The Black Sea is a sensitive region for Russia, which controls the Crimea peninsula after annexing it from Ukraine in 2014.&nbsp;

Since then, Kiev has fought a conflict with pro-Russia rebels in the east of the country which has claimed more than 13,000 lives.&nbsp;

Russia-West ties have been at post-Cold War lows for years, but the tone has sharpened in recent weeks as Ukraine and NATO countries have raised fears over Russian troop movements near Ukraine's borders and tried to guess Moscow's real intentions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the West of escalating the Ukraine conflict. "(Our) Western partners are escalating the situation by supplying Kiev with lethal modern weapons and conducting provocative manoeuvres in the Black Sea," he said in a wide-ranging speech to foreign policy officials in Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the West of escalating the Ukraine conflict. "(Our) Western partners are escalating the situation by supplying Kiev with lethal modern weapons and conducting provocative manoeuvres in the Black Sea," he said in a wide-ranging speech to foreign policy officials in Moscow. He said that the West is taking Russia's warnings of not crossing its "red lines" too lightly. Despite describing his relations with the United States as "unsatisfactory," Putin said he is willing to talk. The longtime Russian leader said Moscow has been "constantly raising concerns about this" but "all our warnings and talk about red lines are treated superficially". Also read | What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet Previously, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said that the United States was making ''aggressive moves'' in the Black Sea. The Black Sea is a sensitive region for Russia, which controls the Crimea peninsula after annexing it from Ukraine in 2014. Since then, Kiev has fought a conflict with pro-Russia rebels in the east of the country which has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Russia-West ties have been at post-Cold War lows for years, but the tone has sharpened in recent weeks as Ukraine and NATO countries have raised fears over Russian troop movements near Ukraine's borders and tried to guess Moscow's real intentions. (With inputs from agencies)

Provocative manoeuvres of West escalating Ukraine conflict, says Vladimir Putin

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: A Russian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov sat for a working dinner with the US delegation led by US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in Geneva on Sunday.

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: A Russian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov sat for a working dinner with the US delegation led by US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in Geneva on Sunday. Read the latest here, ahead of their crucial talks over the Ukraine crisis on Monday. The announcement of Golden Globes 2022 winners happened without a red carpet ceremony this year. It was revealed on Twitter with no live coverage. Click on headlines to read the full report: Ukraine crisis: Russia says preliminary talks with US in Geneva 'complex but businesslike' Sergei Ryabkov told reporters that preliminary talks with a top US diplomat had been "complex but businesslike", Russian news agencies reported. Golden Globes 2022: Kate Winslet, Jeremy Strong, Rachel Zegler pick acting awards It’s a sullen night in Hollywood as far as Golden Globes is concerned as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced winners of this year’s Golden Globes without much fanfare. New York City apartment fire kills at least 19 people, including nine children At least 19 people have died in a major fire in high-rise apartment building in the Bronx in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams informed on Sunday (January 9). Stranded on floating chunk of ice, 34 people get rescued off Green Bay in US After getting stranded on a huge chunk of floating ice, around 34 people were rescued off the shore of Point Comfort on Green Bay on Saturday, as per Brown County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin state of the US. Watch: Poverty, lack of education hampers women's rights in Afghanistan ×

Morning news brief: US-Russia talks in Geneva, Golden Globes 2022 and more

Slew of disputes between former Cold War adversaries US and Russia

A former defence contractor from South Dakota was arrested Wednesday night on espionage-related charges after an undercover FBI operation in which he tried to provide classified national defence information to someone he believed to be a Russian agent, federal prosecutors said.

According to a criminal complaint, the man, John Murray Rowe Jr., 63, of Lead, South Dakota, told someone posing as a Russian agent that Moscow was “the place to be.”

Rowe was charged with attempting to communicate national defence information to aid a foreign government, the Department of Justice said in a statement Thursday. He is set to make his initial court appearance Friday in U.S. District Court in Rapid City, South Dakota. If convicted, Rowe could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Rowe worked for several defence contractors as a test engineer for nearly 40 years, according to the criminal complaint. His job allowed him to have multiple national security clearances, ranging from “secret” to “top secret,” and his work included matters relating to the U.S. Air Force’s aerospace technology, the Justice Department said.

After Rowe committed several security violations and revealed an interest in Russian affairs, he was identified in April 2017 as a possible insider threat, and his contract with a defence contractor ended in August 2017, according to the complaint.

The following month, Rowe began working for a different defence contractor, which gave him a “secret” national security clearance, according to the complaint.

On Feb. 20, 2018, one of Rowe’s colleagues saw him carry a thumb drive into a classified area, according to the complaint, and when questioned by the colleague, Rowe said he was trying to install software from the drive onto a computer in the classified area.

About a week later, Rowe asked an information security officer if it was possible to simultaneously hold U.S. and Russian security clearances, according to the complaint. Rowe was told holding both clearances was not allowed, and he was fired from his job the following month for security violations, according to court documents.

It was unclear Thursday whether Rowe had a lawyer. Rowe did not immediately respond to requests for comment by phone and email Thursday night.

Based on his actions, the FBI opened an undercover operation to see if Rowe was willing to share his knowledge of classified information with a foreign government.

In March 2020, Rowe met with an undercover FBI employee who was posing as a Russian government agent, according to the complaint. After that meeting, Rowe exchanged more than 300 emails with another undercover FBI employee posing as a Russian agent, the complaint said.

The coronavirus “is going be around for a very long time and politically something else is going to happen,” Rowe said in an email to the undercover FBI employee on April, 30, 2020. “Everyone here is talking about a new world order and I believe this so much that I even been asking my granddaughters to learn the Russian language.”

In the same email, Rowe said he was interested in a law President Vladimir Putin of Russia had signed that would allow foreigners to become Russian citizens without giving up their citizenship in their home countries.

“This is important to me because I can live on my Social Security that I received here while living in Moscow,” Rowe said. “I been seeing how much it cost to live there and that the place to be. Once this travel ban is over, I’m going to be heading to Moscow.”

In another email, according to the Justice Department statement, Rowe “disclosed national defence information classified as SECRET that concerned specific operating details of the electronic countermeasure systems used by US&nbsp;military fighter jets.”

On July 31, 2020, Rowe expressed concerns in an email about being detected by the U.S. government, saying he had to be careful whom he talked to.

“Get me in stink operation with the FBI, talking in a hotel room about trade secrets,” he wrote, seemingly referring to a sting operation. “Those people are real dirtbags.”

Finally, in an email to the undercover FBI employee on Nov. 11, 2020, Rowe said he had found some classified documents to share with the supposed Russian agent.

A former defence contractor from South Dakota was arrested Wednesday night on espionage-related charges after an undercover FBI operation in which he tried to provide classified national defence information to someone he believed to be a Russian agent, federal prosecutors said.

A former defence contractor from South Dakota was arrested Wednesday night on espionage-related charges after an undercover FBI operation in which he tried to provide classified national defence information to someone he believed to be a Russian agent, federal prosecutors said. According to a criminal complaint, the man, John Murray Rowe Jr., 63, of Lead, South Dakota, told someone posing as a Russian agent that Moscow was “the place to be.” Rowe was charged with attempting to communicate national defence information to aid a foreign government, the Department of Justice said in a statement Thursday. He is set to make his initial court appearance Friday in U.S. District Court in Rapid City, South Dakota. If convicted, Rowe could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Rowe worked for several defence contractors as a test engineer for nearly 40 years, according to the criminal complaint. His job allowed him to have multiple national security clearances, ranging from “secret” to “top secret,” and his work included matters relating to the U.S. Air Force’s aerospace technology, the Justice Department said. After Rowe committed several security violations and revealed an interest in Russian affairs, he was identified in April 2017 as a possible insider threat, and his contract with a defence contractor ended in August 2017, according to the complaint. The following month, Rowe began working for a different defence contractor, which gave him a “secret” national security clearance, according to the complaint. On Feb. 20, 2018, one of Rowe’s colleagues saw him carry a thumb drive into a classified area, according to the complaint, and when questioned by the colleague, Rowe said he was trying to install software from the drive onto a computer in the classified area. About a week later, Rowe asked an information security officer if it was possible to simultaneously hold U.S. and Russian security clearances, according to the complaint. Rowe was told holding both clearances was not allowed, and he was fired from his job the following month for security violations, according to court documents. It was unclear Thursday whether Rowe had a lawyer. Rowe did not immediately respond to requests for comment by phone and email Thursday night. Based on his actions, the FBI opened an undercover operation to see if Rowe was willing to share his knowledge of classified information with a foreign government. In March 2020, Rowe met with an undercover FBI employee who was posing as a Russian government agent, according to the complaint. After that meeting, Rowe exchanged more than 300 emails with another undercover FBI employee posing as a Russian agent, the complaint said. The coronavirus “is going be around for a very long time and politically something else is going to happen,” Rowe said in an email to the undercover FBI employee on April, 30, 2020. “Everyone here is talking about a new world order and I believe this so much that I even been asking my granddaughters to learn the Russian language.” In the same email, Rowe said he was interested in a law President Vladimir Putin of Russia had signed that would allow foreigners to become Russian citizens without giving up their citizenship in their home countries. “This is important to me because I can live on my Social Security that I received here while living in Moscow,” Rowe said. “I been seeing how much it cost to live there and that the place to be. Once this travel ban is over, I’m going to be heading to Moscow.” In another email, according to the Justice Department statement, Rowe “disclosed national defence information classified as SECRET that concerned specific operating details of the electronic countermeasure systems used by US military fighter jets.” On July 31, 2020, Rowe expressed concerns in an email about being detected by the U.S. government, saying he had to be careful whom he talked to. “Get me in stink operation with the FBI, talking in a hotel room about trade secrets,” he wrote, seemingly referring to a sting operation. “Those people are real dirtbags.” Finally, in an email to the undercover FBI employee on Nov. 11, 2020, Rowe said he had found some classified documents to share with the supposed Russian agent.

Defence contractor tried to give classified information to Russia, US says

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a cab to supplement his income.

According to a state-run Russian news agency, the Russian leader stated in a documentary film, "Sometimes I had to make extra money."

Putin, a former KGB security agent, has previously expressed regret for the demise of the Soviet Union, but this time he again claimed the breakup three decades ago was still a "tragedy" for "most citizens."

He also said, "I mean, earn extra money by car, as a private driver. It’s unpleasant to talk about, to be honest, but, unfortunately, that was the case. "

The remarks were taken from an upcoming documentary film by Channel One titled "Russia: Its Recent History". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-the-collapse-of-the-soviet-union-is-chinas-nightmare-303386">Also read | Why the collapse of the Soviet Union is China's nightmare?</a>

As newly independent Russia transitioned from communism to capitalism, the dissolution of the Soviet Union brought with it a period of acute economic instability that pushed millions into poverty.

Putin, a devout supporter of the Soviet Union, was shocked when it disintegrated, calling it as "the greatest geopolitical calamity of the twentieth century."

Taxis were uncommon in Russia at the time, therefore many private persons would provide rides to strangers to make ends meet. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What does Vladimir Putin want from Biden?

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Some people would even employ work vehicles as taxis, such as ambulances.

He did, however, work in the office of St Petersburg Mayor Anatoly Sobchak in the early 1990s.

He claims he resigned from the KGB during the August 1991 coup against Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, which resulted in the disintegration of the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

Putin's remarks came as detractors accuse him of plotting an invasion of Ukraine to resurrect the Soviet Union.

The Kremlin has dismissed the proposal as fearmongering by the West, claiming that Moscow would only strike its neighbour if Kyiv or another state provoked it.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a cab to supplement his income. According to a state-run Russian news agency, the Russian leader stated in a documentary film, "Sometimes I had to make extra money.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a cab to supplement his income. According to a state-run Russian news agency, the Russian leader stated in a documentary film, "Sometimes I had to make extra money." Putin, a former KGB security agent, has previously expressed regret for the demise of the Soviet Union, but this time he again claimed the breakup three decades ago was still a "tragedy" for "most citizens." He also said, "I mean, earn extra money by car, as a private driver. It’s unpleasant to talk about, to be honest, but, unfortunately, that was the case. " The remarks were taken from an upcoming documentary film by Channel One titled "Russia: Its Recent History". Also read | Why the collapse of the Soviet Union is China's nightmare? As newly independent Russia transitioned from communism to capitalism, the dissolution of the Soviet Union brought with it a period of acute economic instability that pushed millions into poverty. Putin, a devout supporter of the Soviet Union, was shocked when it disintegrated, calling it as "the greatest geopolitical calamity of the twentieth century." Taxis were uncommon in Russia at the time, therefore many private persons would provide rides to strangers to make ends meet. Watch | Gravitas: What does Vladimir Putin want from Biden? Some people would even employ work vehicles as taxis, such as ambulances. He did, however, work in the office of St Petersburg Mayor Anatoly Sobchak in the early 1990s. He claims he resigned from the KGB during the August 1991 coup against Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, which resulted in the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Putin's remarks came as detractors accuse him of plotting an invasion of Ukraine to resurrect the Soviet Union. The Kremlin has dismissed the proposal as fearmongering by the West, claiming that Moscow would only strike its neighbour if Kyiv or another state provoked it. (With inputs from agencies)

To make ends meet, Putin worked as a cab driver after the fall of USSR

Alaska is the 49th state of the United States. However, it was a part of Russia till 1867.

154 years ago, Russia had to sell Alaska to America at a meagre price of $7.2 million. But now, the estimated GDP of Alaska is estimated to be around $50 billion.&nbsp;

When the Alaska Purchase Treaty was signed Russia's expansion in the Pacific coast stopped in the North American continent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alaskas-famous-fish-salmon-getting-smaller-due-to-climate-change-study-417842">Also read |&nbsp;Alaska's famous fish, Salmon, getting smaller due to climate change: Study</a>

Even though the negotiation for the country went on for decades, the US emerged as the ''great power'' in Asia-Pacific.

US Secretary of State William Seward had played a crucial role in the treaty signed by US President Andrew Johnson.

But why did Russia need to sell Alaska which is filled which natural resources? Let's take a look:

History of Russia in Alaska

In the 16th century, Russia's total land area was just a fraction of what it is today.

However, its eastern land expansion plan led to the country owning Alaska. The tributaries located in the region helped in the growth of commerce.

In 1581, Russia captured the Khanate of Sibir, which marked the beginning of its conquest of Siberia.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-the-hottest-month-to-biggest-airlift-here-are-the-biggest-records-of-2021-434088" hreflang="en">From the hottest month to biggest airlift: Here are the biggest records of 2021</a>

Russian emperor Peter the Great was very curious about the Asian landmass. He started two explorations from the city of Okhotsk.

In 1741, Vitus Bering crossed the Bering Strait and reached Alaska. After this, he went to Mount Saint Elias and Yakutat.

However, he died in December 1741 due to scurvy during the second Kamchatka expedition itself.

His crew near the Aleutian Islands found hundreds of sea otters, foxes, and fur seals which acted as a silver lining of the otherwise tumultuous journey due to adverse weather.

Unlike today, back then Alaska had a fatal climate. Total only 800 Russian citizens inhabited the island and it was also located far off the Russian capital of St. Petersburg.

In 1812, Russians built a settlement at Fort Ross on the Western Coast of the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/melting-glaciers-are-contributing-to-earthquakes-in-alaska-research-finds-372046">Also read |&nbsp;Melting glaciers are contributing to earthquakes in Alaska, research finds</a>

After the Russian department of American exploration failed, Moscow became worried about the prospects of Russian settlements in Alaska.

The Crimean War fought from 1853 to 1856, acted as the final nail in the coffin as Russia lost to an alliance of the Ottoman Empire.

Due to the depleting coffers and 12,000 casualties in the war, Russia decided to sell Alaska.

Crimean War (1853-1856)

Russia wanted to control Balkan countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Crimea. They were a part of the Ottoman Empire in the 1850s.

Russia's desire to protect the Christians in the Muslim majority Ottoman Empire led to the Crimean War.

When it invaded Romania in July 1853, Turkey declared war in which was supported by Britain and France as they wanted to destroy Russian naval power in the Black Sea.

The Crimean War came to end in 1856 when the Treaty of Paris was signed due to Austria growing resistance.

Russia was America's ally

Due to shared dislike for the British Empire, Russia and the United States were allies in the 1800s.&nbsp;

This was one of the reasons why Russia approached the United States with the Alaska deal.

Negotiations on the Alaska deal started between Russia and the US soon after Washington stabilised post-Civil War.

Russia sent a team of surveyors to Alaska to estimate the value of natural resources. They estimated its cost be $10 million.

Despite being advised not to sell Alaska, Russia informed the US about the price it wanted for the country.

However, after negotiating the deal was fixed the price of $7.2 million.

US President Abraham Lincoln died on April 15, 1865, during the negotiations itself and Andrew Johnson took over the Alaska deal when he was elected as the new president.

Alaska treaty

Russia had offered to sell Alaska to the US in 1859. But it was busy with the Civil war.

Steward and Russian Minister to the United States Edouard de Stoeckl came to an agreement that the US would pay $7.2 million to Russia.

The US Senate approved the deal on April 9, 1867, and thereafter US President Andrew Johnson signed the Alaska Treaty on May 1867.

Russia formally transferred Alaska to the US on October 18, 1867. This ended Russia's presence in North America and handed the US the key to the Pacific northern rim.

For three decades, the US did not pay much attention to the region and it was governed through military, naval, and treasury rules.

In 1884, the US established a civil government in the region and also imposed mining laws.

The Alaska deal was initially considered a loss for the US and was famously called ''Seward's Folly.''

But in 1896, Yukon found major reserves of gold in Alaska, and then the successive exploration led to the discovery of massive mineral resources.

These gold deposits acted as a gateway to the Klondike Gold Fields. Alaska's strategic importance was highlighted in World War II. It got the status of a state on January 3, 1959.

Alaska is the 49th state of the United States. However, it was a part of Russia till 1867. 154 years ago, Russia had to sell Alaska to America at a meagre price of $7.

Alaska is the 49th state of the United States. However, it was a part of Russia till 1867. 154 years ago, Russia had to sell Alaska to America at a meagre price of $7.2 million. But now, the estimated GDP of Alaska is estimated to be around $50 billion. When the Alaska Purchase Treaty was signed Russia's expansion in the Pacific coast stopped in the North American continent. Also read | Alaska's famous fish, Salmon, getting smaller due to climate change: Study Even though the negotiation for the country went on for decades, the US emerged as the ''great power'' in Asia-Pacific. US Secretary of State William Seward had played a crucial role in the treaty signed by US President Andrew Johnson. But why did Russia need to sell Alaska which is filled which natural resources? Let's take a look: History of Russia in Alaska In the 16th century, Russia's total land area was just a fraction of what it is today. However, its eastern land expansion plan led to the country owning Alaska. The tributaries located in the region helped in the growth of commerce. In 1581, Russia captured the Khanate of Sibir, which marked the beginning of its conquest of Siberia. Also see | From the hottest month to biggest airlift: Here are the biggest records of 2021 Russian emperor Peter the Great was very curious about the Asian landmass. He started two explorations from the city of Okhotsk. In 1741, Vitus Bering crossed the Bering Strait and reached Alaska. After this, he went to Mount Saint Elias and Yakutat. However, he died in December 1741 due to scurvy during the second Kamchatka expedition itself. His crew near the Aleutian Islands found hundreds of sea otters, foxes, and fur seals which acted as a silver lining of the otherwise tumultuous journey due to adverse weather. Unlike today, back then Alaska had a fatal climate. Total only 800 Russian citizens inhabited the island and it was also located far off the Russian capital of St. Petersburg. In 1812, Russians built a settlement at Fort Ross on the Western Coast of the US. Also read | Melting glaciers are contributing to earthquakes in Alaska, research finds After the Russian department of American exploration failed, Moscow became worried about the prospects of Russian settlements in Alaska. The Crimean War fought from 1853 to 1856, acted as the final nail in the coffin as Russia lost to an alliance of the Ottoman Empire. Due to the depleting coffers and 12,000 casualties in the war, Russia decided to sell Alaska. Crimean War (1853-1856) Russia wanted to control Balkan countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Crimea. They were a part of the Ottoman Empire in the 1850s. Russia's desire to protect the Christians in the Muslim majority Ottoman Empire led to the Crimean War. When it invaded Romania in July 1853, Turkey declared war in which was supported by Britain and France as they wanted to destroy Russian naval power in the Black Sea. The Crimean War came to end in 1856 when the Treaty of Paris was signed due to Austria growing resistance. Russia was America's ally Due to shared dislike for the British Empire, Russia and the United States were allies in the 1800s. This was one of the reasons why Russia approached the United States with the Alaska deal. Negotiations on the Alaska deal started between Russia and the US soon after Washington stabilised post-Civil War. Russia sent a team of surveyors to Alaska to estimate the value of natural resources. They estimated its cost be $10 million. Despite being advised not to sell Alaska, Russia informed the US about the price it wanted for the country. However, after negotiating the deal was fixed the price of $7.2 million. US President Abraham Lincoln died on April 15, 1865, during the negotiations itself and Andrew Johnson took over the Alaska deal when he was elected as the new president. Alaska treaty Russia had offered to sell Alaska to the US in 1859. But it was busy with the Civil war. Steward and Russian Minister to the United States Edouard de Stoeckl came to an agreement that the US would pay $7.2 million to Russia. The US Senate approved the deal on April 9, 1867, and thereafter US President Andrew Johnson signed the Alaska Treaty on May 1867. Russia formally transferred Alaska to the US on October 18, 1867. This ended Russia's presence in North America and handed the US the key to the Pacific northern rim. For three decades, the US did not pay much attention to the region and it was governed through military, naval, and treasury rules. In 1884, the US established a civil government in the region and also imposed mining laws. The Alaska deal was initially considered a loss for the US and was famously called ''Seward's Folly.'' But in 1896, Yukon found major reserves of gold in Alaska, and then the successive exploration led to the discovery of massive mineral resources. These gold deposits acted as a gateway to the Klondike Gold Fields. Alaska's strategic importance was highlighted in World War II. It got the status of a state on January 3, 1959.

Why did Russia sell Alaska to the United States?

Russia on Friday accused the United States of making ''aggressive moves'' in the Black Sea.

Calling the activity by the US military ''aggressive,'' the Russian defence ministry said it ''posed a threat to regional and strategic stability.''

The Black Sea is a sensitive security zone for Moscow as it is near the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed as inflammatory a media report suggesting Moscow might be weighing an attack on Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-advances-bill-to-aid-ukraine-in-its-struggle-with-russia-pressure-nord-stream-2-379142">Also read |&nbsp;US advances bill to aid Ukraine in its struggle with Russia, pressure Nord Stream 2</a>

''Such headlines do nothing more than pointlessly and groundlessly fuel tensions. Russia does not pose a threat to anyone,'' said Peskov.

''We have repeatedly said that the movement of our armed forces on our territory should not be a cause for concern,'' he added.

Previously, a US naval command ship entered the Black Sea as part of NATO manoeuvres. The move was warmly received by Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-happening-between-russia-and-ukraine-heres-a-cheat-sheet-377164">Also read |&nbsp;What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet</a>

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby had said the US is monitoring the Ukraine region closely amid reports of a new buildup of Russian troops on the country's border.

"We're going to continue to consult with allies and partners on this issue... As we've said before, any escalatory or aggressive actions would be of great concern to the United States," Kirby said.

"We continue to support de-escalation in the region and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine," he added.

Washington has refused to accept Russia's claim on Crimea and has delivered lethal military aid to Kiev for use in fighting the separatists.

Russian-backed separatists took control of Ukraine's eastern Donbass region in 2014. Soldiers on both sides continue to be regularly killed in the conflict there.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Friday accused the United States of making ''aggressive moves'' in the Black Sea. Calling the activity by the US military ''aggressive,'' the Russian defence ministry said it ''posed a threat to regional and strategic stability.

Russia on Friday accused the United States of making ''aggressive moves'' in the Black Sea. Calling the activity by the US military ''aggressive,'' the Russian defence ministry said it ''posed a threat to regional and strategic stability.'' The Black Sea is a sensitive security zone for Moscow as it is near the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed as inflammatory a media report suggesting Moscow might be weighing an attack on Ukraine. Also read | US advances bill to aid Ukraine in its struggle with Russia, pressure Nord Stream 2 ''Such headlines do nothing more than pointlessly and groundlessly fuel tensions. Russia does not pose a threat to anyone,'' said Peskov. ''We have repeatedly said that the movement of our armed forces on our territory should not be a cause for concern,'' he added. Previously, a US naval command ship entered the Black Sea as part of NATO manoeuvres. The move was warmly received by Ukraine. Also read | What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet Pentagon spokesman John Kirby had said the US is monitoring the Ukraine region closely amid reports of a new buildup of Russian troops on the country's border. "We're going to continue to consult with allies and partners on this issue... As we've said before, any escalatory or aggressive actions would be of great concern to the United States," Kirby said. "We continue to support de-escalation in the region and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine," he added. Washington has refused to accept Russia's claim on Crimea and has delivered lethal military aid to Kiev for use in fighting the separatists. Russian-backed separatists took control of Ukraine's eastern Donbass region in 2014. Soldiers on both sides continue to be regularly killed in the conflict there. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia accuses US of making 'aggressive moves' in Black Sea

US President Joe Biden has criticised Russia and China for missing the crucial United States climate change conference, COP26.

He said that both the countries have ''walked away'' from the ''gigantic issue'' of global warming that is adversely affecting the entire world.

World leaders of over 120 nations have gathered in Glasgow to limit the rise in global temperature.

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Calling the step a ''big mistake,'' Biden asked in his address ''How do you do that and claim to have any leadership mantle?''

In response, China said that President Xi Jinping had to send a written response instead of delivering a public address due to a lack of opportunity.

China's chief climate negotiator Xie Zhenhua said &nbsp;"five years were wasted" because Biden's predecessor Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris Agreement and it was time to "work harder and catch up".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-at-cop26-vow-to-cut-methane-emissions-by-30-426203" hreflang="en">World leaders at COP26 vow to cut methane emissions by 30%</a>

China and the United States are the world's largest emitters of carbon dioxide. Russia occupies the fifth spot in this list.

Meanwhile, Kremlin also issued a statement saying that Russia takes the ''strongest and most vigorous measures to conserve woodlands.''

Earlier, Biden had said ''Tackling the climate crisis is an economic opportunity.''&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-for-fossil-fuels-created-geo-political-tensions-says-pm-modi-at-cop26-426201" hreflang="en">Race for fossil fuels created 'geo-political tensions, says PM Modi at COP26</a>

''At Biden’s press conference we saw the whiplash of his rhetoric on climate in action. First, he asks Opec to pump more oil, then describes his worry about the horrors of climate change,'' said Jean Su, energy justice director at the Center for Biological Diversity.

''To set his climate ambition straight, it would be profound and game-changing for him to return to Washington and declare a national climate emergency to halt crude oil exports. That’s just one of the tools Biden has to take transformative action on climate without Congress. Biden sounds just as worried as the rest of us, but he has a power unlike anyone else’s. For the sake of us and the planet, he has to use it.''

Leaders at the COP26 global climate conference aim to keep alive a receding target of capping temperatures at 1.5 degrees Celsius&nbsp;above pre-industrial levels to avert still greater damage than has already been caused by greenhouse gases.

They have promised to stop deforestation by the end of the decade and cut emissions of the potent greenhouse gas methane to help slow climate change. 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden has criticised Russia and China for missing the crucial United States climate change conference, COP26. He said that both the countries have ''walked away'' from the ''gigantic issue'' of global warming that is adversely affecting the entire world.

US President Joe Biden has criticised Russia and China for missing the crucial United States climate change conference, COP26. He said that both the countries have ''walked away'' from the ''gigantic issue'' of global warming that is adversely affecting the entire world. World leaders of over 120 nations have gathered in Glasgow to limit the rise in global temperature. Calling the step a ''big mistake,'' Biden asked in his address ''How do you do that and claim to have any leadership mantle?'' In response, China said that President Xi Jinping had to send a written response instead of delivering a public address due to a lack of opportunity. China's chief climate negotiator Xie Zhenhua said "five years were wasted" because Biden's predecessor Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris Agreement and it was time to "work harder and catch up". Also read | World leaders at COP26 vow to cut methane emissions by 30% China and the United States are the world's largest emitters of carbon dioxide. Russia occupies the fifth spot in this list. Meanwhile, Kremlin also issued a statement saying that Russia takes the ''strongest and most vigorous measures to conserve woodlands.'' Earlier, Biden had said ''Tackling the climate crisis is an economic opportunity.'' Also read | Race for fossil fuels created 'geo-political tensions, says PM Modi at COP26 ''At Biden’s press conference we saw the whiplash of his rhetoric on climate in action. First, he asks Opec to pump more oil, then describes his worry about the horrors of climate change,'' said Jean Su, energy justice director at the Center for Biological Diversity. ''To set his climate ambition straight, it would be profound and game-changing for him to return to Washington and declare a national climate emergency to halt crude oil exports. That’s just one of the tools Biden has to take transformative action on climate without Congress. Biden sounds just as worried as the rest of us, but he has a power unlike anyone else’s. For the sake of us and the planet, he has to use it.'' Leaders at the COP26 global climate conference aim to keep alive a receding target of capping temperatures at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels to avert still greater damage than has already been caused by greenhouse gases. They have promised to stop deforestation by the end of the decade and cut emissions of the potent greenhouse gas methane to help slow climate change.

US President Joe Biden slams Russia, China for missing COP26

Russian President Vladimir Putin has bragged that his country's new hypersonic nuclear missiles capable of annihilating US cities are "on alert," raising concerns of a World War 3 outbreak.&nbsp;

The Russian leader revealed his country has developed a weapon that flies more than five times faster than those being developed in the US. While addressing an energy forum, Putin said nowhere is directly under threat. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-tsunami-bomb-nuclear-missile-designed-to-hit-the-ocean-floor-376170">Also read | Russia's tsunami bomb: Nuclear missile designed to hit the ocean floor</a>

According to Vladimir Putin, Russia has intercontinental nuclear missiles that are capable of destroying American cities.

President Putin's boasting that Russia possesses hypersonic weapons that are also intercontinental has heightened worries of a military clash with the US and a future World War III with the West.

Simultaneously, speaking at an energy conference in Moscow, he dismissively denied that they intend to harm anyone and claimed that similar systems are being developed elsewhere. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Russia's new weapon can unleash 'Radioactive Tsunamis'

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"Weapons with a speed of Mach 3 or more are being developed in the United States. Our systems fly at a speed of over Mach 20. These are not just hypersonic but intercontinental missiles, and these are far more formidable weapons than those you have just mentioned, " Putin remarked.

Such weapon systems are already on combat alert in Russia and similar systems are being developed in other countries, he added.

"There is nothing unusual about that. Hi-tech armies of the world will possess such systems soon, " Putin said.

Last week, Russia said that it has successfully tested its new deadly Zircon hypersonic missile from a submarine for the first time.

The 6,670mph rocket was fired from the nuclear-powered submarine Severodvinsk before soaring into the night sky, according to video footage.

According to the defence ministry, the missile was launched from the surface of the White Sea and successfully hit a target in the Barents Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has bragged that his country's new hypersonic nuclear missiles capable of annihilating US cities are "on alert," raising concerns of a World War 3 outbreak.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has bragged that his country's new hypersonic nuclear missiles capable of annihilating US cities are "on alert," raising concerns of a World War 3 outbreak. The Russian leader revealed his country has developed a weapon that flies more than five times faster than those being developed in the US. While addressing an energy forum, Putin said nowhere is directly under threat. Also read | Russia's tsunami bomb: Nuclear missile designed to hit the ocean floor According to Vladimir Putin, Russia has intercontinental nuclear missiles that are capable of destroying American cities. President Putin's boasting that Russia possesses hypersonic weapons that are also intercontinental has heightened worries of a military clash with the US and a future World War III with the West. Simultaneously, speaking at an energy conference in Moscow, he dismissively denied that they intend to harm anyone and claimed that similar systems are being developed elsewhere. Watch | Gravitas: Russia's new weapon can unleash 'Radioactive Tsunamis' "Weapons with a speed of Mach 3 or more are being developed in the United States. Our systems fly at a speed of over Mach 20. These are not just hypersonic but intercontinental missiles, and these are far more formidable weapons than those you have just mentioned, " Putin remarked. Such weapon systems are already on combat alert in Russia and similar systems are being developed in other countries, he added. "There is nothing unusual about that. Hi-tech armies of the world will possess such systems soon, " Putin said. Last week, Russia said that it has successfully tested its new deadly Zircon hypersonic missile from a submarine for the first time. The 6,670mph rocket was fired from the nuclear-powered submarine Severodvinsk before soaring into the night sky, according to video footage. According to the defence ministry, the missile was launched from the surface of the White Sea and successfully hit a target in the Barents Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian hypersonic nukes capable of wiping out US cities 'on alert': Putin

The Russian hackers behind the massive SolarWinds cyberespionage campaign broke into the email accounts of some of the most prominent federal prosecutors' offices around the country last year, the Justice Department said Friday.

The department said 80 per cent of Microsoft email accounts used by employees in the four US attorney offices in New York were breached. All told, the Justice Department said 27 US Attorney offices had at least one employee's email account compromised during the hacking campaign.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/biden-budget-sets-aside-750-million-for-solarwinds-response-388143">Biden budget sets aside $750 million for SolarWinds response</a>

The Justice Department said in a statement that it believes the accounts were compromised from May 7 to December 27, 2020. Such a timeframe is notable because the SolarWinds campaign, which infiltrated dozens of private-sector companies and thinktanks as well as at least nine US government agencies, was first discovered and publicized in mid-December.

The Biden administration in April announced sanctions, including the expulsion of Russian diplomats, in response to the SolarWinds hack and Russian interference in the 2020 US presidential election. Russia has denied wrongdoing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-eyes-more-stable-profitable-ties-with-russia-blinken-tells-paper-394666">US eyes more stable, profitable ties with Russia, Blinken tells paper</a>

Jennifer Rodgers, a lecturer at Columbia Law School, said office emails frequently contained all sorts of sensitive information, including case strategy discussions and names of confidential informants, when she was a federal prosecutor in New York.

"I don't remember ever having someone bring me a document instead of emailing it to me because of security concerns,"&nbsp;she said, noting exceptions for classified materials.

The Administrative Office of US Courts confirmed in January that it was also breached, giving the SolarWinds hackers another entry point to steal confidential information like trade secrets, espionage targets, whistleblower reports and arrest warrants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/biden-if-us-has-real-shooting-war-it-could-be-result-of-cyber-attacks-401055">Biden: If US has 'real shooting war' it could be result of cyber attacks</a>

The list of affected offices includes several large and high-profile ones like those in Los Angeles, Miami, Washington and the Eastern District of Virginia.

The Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, where large numbers of staff were hit, handle some of the most prominent prosecutors in the country.

"New York is the financial centre of the world and those districts are particularly well known for investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes and other cases, including investigating people close to the former president,"&nbsp;said Bruce Green, a professor at Fordham Law School and a former prosecutor in the Southern District.

The department said all victims had been notified and it is working to mitigate "operational, security and privacy risks"&nbsp;caused by the hack. The Justice Department said in January that it had no indication that any classified systems were impacted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-says-solarwinds-hackers-again-targetting-government-agencies-with-phishing-388020">Microsoft says SolarWinds hackers again targetting government agencies with phishing</a>

The Justice Department did not provide additional detail about what kind of information was taken and what impact such a hack may have on ongoing cases. Members of Congress have expressed frustration with the Biden administration for not sharing more information about the impact of the SolarWinds campaign.

The Associated Press previously reported that SolarWinds hackers had gained access to email accounts belonging to the then-acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf and members of the department's cybersecurity staff whose jobs included hunting threats from foreign countries.

The Russian hackers behind the massive SolarWinds cyberespionage campaign broke into the email accounts of some of the most prominent federal prosecutors' offices around the country last year, the Justice Department said Friday.

The Russian hackers behind the massive SolarWinds cyberespionage campaign broke into the email accounts of some of the most prominent federal prosecutors' offices around the country last year, the Justice Department said Friday. The department said 80 per cent of Microsoft email accounts used by employees in the four US attorney offices in New York were breached. All told, the Justice Department said 27 US Attorney offices had at least one employee's email account compromised during the hacking campaign. Also read | Biden budget sets aside $750 million for SolarWinds response The Justice Department said in a statement that it believes the accounts were compromised from May 7 to December 27, 2020. Such a timeframe is notable because the SolarWinds campaign, which infiltrated dozens of private-sector companies and thinktanks as well as at least nine US government agencies, was first discovered and publicized in mid-December. The Biden administration in April announced sanctions, including the expulsion of Russian diplomats, in response to the SolarWinds hack and Russian interference in the 2020 US presidential election. Russia has denied wrongdoing. Also read | US eyes more stable, profitable ties with Russia, Blinken tells paper Jennifer Rodgers, a lecturer at Columbia Law School, said office emails frequently contained all sorts of sensitive information, including case strategy discussions and names of confidential informants, when she was a federal prosecutor in New York. "I don't remember ever having someone bring me a document instead of emailing it to me because of security concerns," she said, noting exceptions for classified materials. The Administrative Office of US Courts confirmed in January that it was also breached, giving the SolarWinds hackers another entry point to steal confidential information like trade secrets, espionage targets, whistleblower reports and arrest warrants. Also read | Biden: If US has 'real shooting war' it could be result of cyber attacks The list of affected offices includes several large and high-profile ones like those in Los Angeles, Miami, Washington and the Eastern District of Virginia. The Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, where large numbers of staff were hit, handle some of the most prominent prosecutors in the country. "New York is the financial centre of the world and those districts are particularly well known for investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes and other cases, including investigating people close to the former president," said Bruce Green, a professor at Fordham Law School and a former prosecutor in the Southern District. The department said all victims had been notified and it is working to mitigate "operational, security and privacy risks" caused by the hack. The Justice Department said in January that it had no indication that any classified systems were impacted. Also read | Microsoft says SolarWinds hackers again targetting government agencies with phishing The Justice Department did not provide additional detail about what kind of information was taken and what impact such a hack may have on ongoing cases. Members of Congress have expressed frustration with the Biden administration for not sharing more information about the impact of the SolarWinds campaign. The Associated Press previously reported that SolarWinds hackers had gained access to email accounts belonging to the then-acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf and members of the department's cybersecurity staff whose jobs included hunting threats from foreign countries.

US Justice Department: Federal prosecutors also targeted by Russian SolarWinds cyber espionage

Russia's&nbsp;defence ministry said two Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets escorted a US Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft over the Black Sea.

Russian agencies said it was a US Navy aircraft. The ministry added&nbsp;it did not violate Russia's border.

Russian fighters had earlier practised bombing enemy planes during an exercise in the Black Sea amid NATO drills in the area.&nbsp;

Watch:

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The exercise was undertaken against "simulated enemy ships" with Sukhoi Su-30SM, &nbsp;Sukhoi Su-24M bombers, Sukhoi Su-34 and Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jets taking part in the operation.

NATO, Ukraine and other countries had jointly conducted large scale drills in the Black Sea named Sea Breeze with 30 ships and 40 aircraft taking part in the operation.

US missile destroyer USS Ross and the US Marine Corps also took part in the sea drills. Russia hit out against "the scale and aggressiveness" of the drill, asserting that it "hardly contribute to security in the Black Sea region".

Russia's relations with the West have been tense with the navy engaging&nbsp;Britain's HMS Defender&nbsp;as it fired&nbsp;a warning shot at it in June.

Britain said the ship was passing through Ukrainian territorial waters. Later, British and Dutch warships passed through the Bosphorus Strait amid tensions with Russia.

Netherlands' defence minister had earlier accused Russian jets of harassing a Dutch navy frigate in the Black Sea. 
&nbsp; 
Tensions between Russia and Western nations have been boiling ever since Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

Russia claims waters around the Crimean peninsula as its own, however, it is not recognised by most countries.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia's defence ministry said two Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets escorted a US Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft over the Black Sea. Russian agencies said it was a US Navy aircraft.

Russia's defence ministry said two Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets escorted a US Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft over the Black Sea. Russian agencies said it was a US Navy aircraft. The ministry added it did not violate Russia's border. Russian fighters had earlier practised bombing enemy planes during an exercise in the Black Sea amid NATO drills in the area. Watch: The exercise was undertaken against "simulated enemy ships" with Sukhoi Su-30SM, Sukhoi Su-24M bombers, Sukhoi Su-34 and Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jets taking part in the operation. NATO, Ukraine and other countries had jointly conducted large scale drills in the Black Sea named Sea Breeze with 30 ships and 40 aircraft taking part in the operation. US missile destroyer USS Ross and the US Marine Corps also took part in the sea drills. Russia hit out against "the scale and aggressiveness" of the drill, asserting that it "hardly contribute to security in the Black Sea region". Russia's relations with the West have been tense with the navy engaging Britain's HMS Defender as it fired a warning shot at it in June. Britain said the ship was passing through Ukrainian territorial waters. Later, British and Dutch warships passed through the Bosphorus Strait amid tensions with Russia. Netherlands' defence minister had earlier accused Russian jets of harassing a Dutch navy frigate in the Black Sea. Tensions between Russia and Western nations have been boiling ever since Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Russia claims waters around the Crimean peninsula as its own, however, it is not recognised by most countries. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian fighter jets escort US Naval aircraft over Black Sea

The US Navy pulled the plug, for now, on a futuristic weapon that fires projectiles at up to seven times the speed of sound using electricity.

The Navy spent more than a decade developing the electromagnetic railgun and once considered putting them on the stealthy new Zumwalt-class destroyers built at Maine's Bath Iron Works.

However, the Defense Department is now turning its attention to hypersonic missiles to keep up with China and Russia, and the Navy cut funding for railgun research from its latest budget proposal.

"The railgun is, for the moment, dead," said Matthew Caris, a defence analyst at Avascent Group, a consulting firm.

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The removal of funding suggests the Navy saw both challenges in implementing the technology as well as shortcomings in the projectiles' range compared to hypersonic missiles, he said.

The Navy's decision to pause research at year's end frees up resources for hypersonic missiles, directed-energy systems like lasers and electronic warfare systems, said Lt. Courtney Callaghan, a Navy spokesperson.

Information gleaned during testing will be retained in the event the Office of Naval Research wants to pick up where it left off in the future, she said.

All told, the Navy spent about $500 million on research and development, according to Bryan Clark, an analyst at the Hudson Institute.

The technology was close to making the leap from science fiction to reality in the 21st century with the testing of prototypes.

The concept held the possibility of providing an effective weapon at pennies on the dollars compared to smart bombs and missiles. That's because railguns use electricity instead of gunpowder, or jet or rocket engines, to accelerate a projectile at six or seven times the speed of sound. That creates enough kinetic energy to destroy targets.

But there were a number of problems. Those included the range of about 110 miles in testing. A Navy vessel could not employ the gun without putting itself within range of a barrage of enemy missiles, and its usefulness for missile defence was also limited by range and rate of fire, Clark said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-sonar-may-be-causing-whale-beachings-in-pacific-study-357056">US Navy Sonar may be causing whale beachings in Pacific: Study</a>

The idea dates back to the 1940s. But there have always been major hurdles because the parallel rails, or conductors, are subjected to massive electric current and magnetic forces that can cause damage after a few shots, said defence analyst Norman Friedman.

A big question was always whether the gun could stay together during continuous firing, Friedman said.

A normal gun can be fired about 600 times before the barrel has to be refurbished, but the barrel on the railgun prototype had to be replaced after about a dozen or two dozen shots were fired, Clark said.

A few years ago, the Navy was talking about putting the gun on the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson, the last of three stealthy destroyers. It's nearing completion and builder trials at Bath Iron Works.

The 600-foot-long (180-meter-long) warship uses marine turbines similar to those that propel the Boeing 777 to help produce up to 78 megawatts of electricity for use in propulsion, weapons and sensors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-navys-gamechanger-mq-25-stingray-unmanned-drone-aircraft-refuels-super-hornet-jet-390607">US Navy's gamechanger: MQ-25 Stingray unmanned 'drone' aircraft refuels Super Hornet jet</a>

That's more than enough electricity for the railgun, and the ship has space following the cancellation of the advanced gun system, leaving the ship with no conventional cannon-based weapon. Instead, the Navy is pursuing an offshoot of the railgun, a hypervelocity projectile, that can be fired from existing gun systems.

The US Navy pulled the plug, for now, on a futuristic weapon that fires projectiles at up to seven times the speed of sound using electricity. The Navy spent more than a decade developing the electromagnetic railgun and once considered putting them on the stealthy new Zumwalt-class destroyers built at Maine's Bath Iron Works.

The US Navy pulled the plug, for now, on a futuristic weapon that fires projectiles at up to seven times the speed of sound using electricity. The Navy spent more than a decade developing the electromagnetic railgun and once considered putting them on the stealthy new Zumwalt-class destroyers built at Maine's Bath Iron Works. However, the Defense Department is now turning its attention to hypersonic missiles to keep up with China and Russia, and the Navy cut funding for railgun research from its latest budget proposal. "The railgun is, for the moment, dead," said Matthew Caris, a defence analyst at Avascent Group, a consulting firm. Also read | Watch: US Navy tests warship with 20 tonnes of explosive, triggers 3.9-magnitude earthquake The removal of funding suggests the Navy saw both challenges in implementing the technology as well as shortcomings in the projectiles' range compared to hypersonic missiles, he said. The Navy's decision to pause research at year's end frees up resources for hypersonic missiles, directed-energy systems like lasers and electronic warfare systems, said Lt. Courtney Callaghan, a Navy spokesperson. Information gleaned during testing will be retained in the event the Office of Naval Research wants to pick up where it left off in the future, she said. All told, the Navy spent about $500 million on research and development, according to Bryan Clark, an analyst at the Hudson Institute. The technology was close to making the leap from science fiction to reality in the 21st century with the testing of prototypes. The concept held the possibility of providing an effective weapon at pennies on the dollars compared to smart bombs and missiles. That's because railguns use electricity instead of gunpowder, or jet or rocket engines, to accelerate a projectile at six or seven times the speed of sound. That creates enough kinetic energy to destroy targets. But there were a number of problems. Those included the range of about 110 miles in testing. A Navy vessel could not employ the gun without putting itself within range of a barrage of enemy missiles, and its usefulness for missile defence was also limited by range and rate of fire, Clark said. Also read | US Navy Sonar may be causing whale beachings in Pacific: Study The idea dates back to the 1940s. But there have always been major hurdles because the parallel rails, or conductors, are subjected to massive electric current and magnetic forces that can cause damage after a few shots, said defence analyst Norman Friedman. A big question was always whether the gun could stay together during continuous firing, Friedman said. A normal gun can be fired about 600 times before the barrel has to be refurbished, but the barrel on the railgun prototype had to be replaced after about a dozen or two dozen shots were fired, Clark said. A few years ago, the Navy was talking about putting the gun on the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson, the last of three stealthy destroyers. It's nearing completion and builder trials at Bath Iron Works. The 600-foot-long (180-meter-long) warship uses marine turbines similar to those that propel the Boeing 777 to help produce up to 78 megawatts of electricity for use in propulsion, weapons and sensors. Also read | US Navy's gamechanger: MQ-25 Stingray unmanned 'drone' aircraft refuels Super Hornet jet That's more than enough electricity for the railgun, and the ship has space following the cancellation of the advanced gun system, leaving the ship with no conventional cannon-based weapon. Instead, the Navy is pursuing an offshoot of the railgun, a hypervelocity projectile, that can be fired from existing gun systems.

US Navy ditches futuristic railgun, eyes hypersonic missiles

A friendship starts with a meaningful gift. The US President Joe Biden appears to have&nbsp;taken the adage seriously. He had gifted his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a pair of American-made sunglasses in his favourite aviator style.

The aviators have been a symbol in the US Army for ages and the company, Randolph Engineering, has had a contract with the US armed forces since 1978 for supplying nearly 25,000 pairs of the sunglasses to the army every month.

Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/highlights-stone-face-rare-eye-contact-biden-and-putins-historic-summit-391948">Highlights: 'Stone face, rare eye contact'- Biden and Putin's historic summit</a>

Biden gave the aviators as a diplomatic gift to Putin during their historic summit which took place on June 16 in Geneva, Switzerland — a few months after Biden labelled Putin as a 'killer'.

Peter Waszkiewicz, the owner the company, saw the sunglasses produced by his company being offered as a diplomatic token at the historic summit.

"It was a normal business day until about after 12:00, when the phones started ringing and the social media went abuzz,&nbsp;then we realised what was going on," he said. "It's pretty amazing, isn't it?&nbsp;I mean how often does an opportunity like this happen?"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-highlights-of-the-geneva-summit-392269">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-highlights-of-the-geneva-summit-392269/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These aviator-styled sunglasses were made famous by the US Army and Tom Cruise, who wore it in a famous 1980s movie, Top Gun.

The "Concorde" sunglasses take nearly 200 steps and six weeks to be created to perfection and the company revealed that the ones gifted to Putin are named after the 20th-century supersonic aircraft and cost nearly $279.

"President Biden, I'm sure, gave those glasses to President Putin as a symbol of our national heritage," Waszkiewicz said.&nbsp;"And let's hope it's the symbol of peace."

A friendship starts with a meaningful gift. The US President Joe Biden appears to have taken the adage seriously. He had gifted his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a pair of American-made sunglasses in his favourite aviator style.

A friendship starts with a meaningful gift. The US President Joe Biden appears to have taken the adage seriously. He had gifted his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a pair of American-made sunglasses in his favourite aviator style. The aviators have been a symbol in the US Army for ages and the company, Randolph Engineering, has had a contract with the US armed forces since 1978 for supplying nearly 25,000 pairs of the sunglasses to the army every month. Have a look | Highlights: 'Stone face, rare eye contact'- Biden and Putin's historic summit Biden gave the aviators as a diplomatic gift to Putin during their historic summit which took place on June 16 in Geneva, Switzerland — a few months after Biden labelled Putin as a 'killer'. Peter Waszkiewicz, the owner the company, saw the sunglasses produced by his company being offered as a diplomatic token at the historic summit. "It was a normal business day until about after 12:00, when the phones started ringing and the social media went abuzz, then we realised what was going on," he said. "It's pretty amazing, isn't it? I mean how often does an opportunity like this happen?" WATCH | These aviator-styled sunglasses were made famous by the US Army and Tom Cruise, who wore it in a famous 1980s movie, Top Gun. The "Concorde" sunglasses take nearly 200 steps and six weeks to be created to perfection and the company revealed that the ones gifted to Putin are named after the 20th-century supersonic aircraft and cost nearly $279. "President Biden, I'm sure, gave those glasses to President Putin as a symbol of our national heritage," Waszkiewicz said. "And let's hope it's the symbol of peace."

Diplomatic token: Biden gifted aviator-style sunglasses to Putin during historic summit

For a while, it wasn’t clear that this week’s meeting in Geneva between President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Biden would go ahead.

Mr. Biden, seeking his first encounter as president with Mr. Putin, made the invitation in&nbsp;mid-April; but it took until the&nbsp;end of May&nbsp;for the summit to be confirmed. Despite Mr. Putin’s experience with American presidents, he’s dealt with four, across two decades, the Kremlin, Russian officials said, was considering the risk that Mr. Biden would use the meeting to publicly lecture his Russian counterpart on democracy and human rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-will-not-tolerate-violence-of-democratic-sovereignty-biden-tells-putin-391919">Live blog: Will not tolerate violence of democratic sovereignty, Biden tells Putin</a>

The caution seemed reasonable. After all, the new American administration, especially by comparison with its predecessor, devotes considerable attention to promoting human rights across the globe. And Mr. Biden set out his stall when he agreed in an interview in March that Mr. Putin is a “killer.”

Yet the Kremlin eventually accepted the invitation. Why? Besides the chance to de-escalate tensions, there’s one very good reason: Mr. Putin has nothing to fear from Mr. Biden. Enduringly popular and freshly buoyed by the quashing of the opposition, Russia’s president has ample cause to feel secure. Whatever the American president might say in Geneva — or his administration do, by way of sanctions — will not affect Mr. Putin’s rule in Russia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-joint-press-conference-after-biden-putin-meet-says-white-house-391043">No joint press conference after Biden-Putin meet, says White House</a>

The first impediment for Mr. Biden is straightforward: His message will not get a good airing. Television, dominated by channels run or controlled by the state, remains the main source of news for&nbsp;three-quarters of Russians, so most people in Russia will see the American president through the Kremlin’s eyes. Independent media, recently curtailed by the authorities declaring several prominent outlets to be “foreign agents,” won’t be able to redress the imbalance.

Yet even without this media filter, Mr. Putin has no reason to fear any aspersions Mr. Biden might cast his way. Though the president’s popularity has waned a touch since its peak in 2014, he retains the trust and approval of over 60 per cent of Russians, according to&nbsp;Levada Center, an independent and highly respected polling organization. This might be more inertia and apathy than a conscious political affiliation, but the result is the same. The opposition can only dream about such ratings: Support for the most prominent opposition leader, Aleksei Navalny, doesn’t rise above&nbsp;20 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/excessive-expectations-over-biden-putin-summit-kremlin-387559">Excessive expectations over Biden-Putin summit: Kremlin</a>

The blame for that can’t be placed squarely on the Kremlin. Though the opposition is hampered by a range of state restrictions, the fact remains that opposition rallies do not attract significant numbers of participants. The last big protest in support of Mr. Navalny — one of the largest&nbsp;displays of dissent&nbsp;in the past decade, brought between&nbsp;51,000 and 120,000&nbsp;people to 109 cities across the country on April 21, according to opposition outlets. But even if you take the higher number, that amounts to less than 0.1 per cent of the country’s population. Protesting is a minority interest.

And that’s not just because Russian authorities have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness&nbsp;to brutally suppress gatherings. Many people unhappy with life in Russia stay away from protests because they don’t associate themselves with the organizers and don’t believe they can bring about change from the street. In a&nbsp;recent survey&nbsp;by the Levada Center, only 21 per cent of respondents said they would consider going to a rally in support of economic demands, and even fewer, 16 per cent, said they’d go in support of political demands. There are demographic divides, young people are generally more eager to protest, but that doesn’t really change the picture.

What’s more, those ready to actively challenge Mr. Putin’s rule have been repressed. Mr. Navalny, who returned to the country in January in the hope of setting off a substantive movement to oppose Mr. Putin,&nbsp;was imprisoned&nbsp;with a two-and-a-half-year sentence. Many of his allies were jailed, while others fled the country. And last week, his organization, the Anti-Corruption Foundation, whose activities were already suspended, was officially&nbsp;labeled “extremist”&nbsp;— effectively preventing its activists from running in future elections and further intimidating supporters.

It’s not just Mr. Navalny. Another opposition network;&nbsp;Open Russia, founded by a former oil tycoon and now exiled Kremlin critic, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, recently&nbsp;announced its closure, hoping to protect its coordinators. That didn’t stop the arrest on May 31 of one of the group’s executives,&nbsp;Andrey Pivovarov, who now faces up to&nbsp;six years in prison. Fearing the same fate, another prominent opposition figure,&nbsp;Dmitry Gudkov, fled to Ukraine in early June.

Ahead of September’s legislative elections, the authorities have disbanded the opposition and docked the media, closing down the space for dissent. But a majority of Russians, consumed by the concerns of everyday life and long inured to Mr. Putin’s rule, don’t seem to care much. With them, Mr. Biden’s message about the inviolability of human rights and the sanctity of democracy, both of which are slipping away in Russia, to no general uproar, is likely to ring hollow.

Even among Russians who actively support democracy, the rule of law and human rights, Mr. Biden won’t find much support. Over the past decades, many Russian liberals have become&nbsp;disillusioned with the West, especially the United States. For some, America’s image started to crack with the bombing of Yugoslavia and the war in Iraq. For others, it was the revelations of WikiLeaks and Edward Snowden, which brought to light a host of America’s covert operations and dirty dealings, that soured feelings of admiration.

And for many, the presidency of Donald Trump, during which Washington abandoned international agreements, treated allies as clients, badly mismanaged the pandemic and, most important, exacerbated political polarisation and social dysfunction, definitively&nbsp;stripped America of its authority. With this legacy, no American president would have a substantial audience in Russia.

Secure internally and with little to lose, Vladimir Putin is ready for President Biden. As for his image in the United States and the rest of the West, it’s fair to assume, after years as their arch-villain and evil mastermind, that Mr. Putin couldn’t care less.

For a while, it wasn’t clear that this week’s meeting in Geneva between President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Biden would go ahead. Mr. Biden, seeking his first encounter as president with Mr.

For a while, it wasn’t clear that this week’s meeting in Geneva between President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Biden would go ahead. Mr. Biden, seeking his first encounter as president with Mr. Putin, made the invitation in mid-April; but it took until the end of May for the summit to be confirmed. Despite Mr. Putin’s experience with American presidents, he’s dealt with four, across two decades, the Kremlin, Russian officials said, was considering the risk that Mr. Biden would use the meeting to publicly lecture his Russian counterpart on democracy and human rights. Also read | Live blog: Will not tolerate violence of democratic sovereignty, Biden tells Putin The caution seemed reasonable. After all, the new American administration, especially by comparison with its predecessor, devotes considerable attention to promoting human rights across the globe. And Mr. Biden set out his stall when he agreed in an interview in March that Mr. Putin is a “killer.” Yet the Kremlin eventually accepted the invitation. Why? Besides the chance to de-escalate tensions, there’s one very good reason: Mr. Putin has nothing to fear from Mr. Biden. Enduringly popular and freshly buoyed by the quashing of the opposition, Russia’s president has ample cause to feel secure. Whatever the American president might say in Geneva — or his administration do, by way of sanctions — will not affect Mr. Putin’s rule in Russia. Also read | No joint press conference after Biden-Putin meet, says White House The first impediment for Mr. Biden is straightforward: His message will not get a good airing. Television, dominated by channels run or controlled by the state, remains the main source of news for three-quarters of Russians, so most people in Russia will see the American president through the Kremlin’s eyes. Independent media, recently curtailed by the authorities declaring several prominent outlets to be “foreign agents,” won’t be able to redress the imbalance. Yet even without this media filter, Mr. Putin has no reason to fear any aspersions Mr. Biden might cast his way. Though the president’s popularity has waned a touch since its peak in 2014, he retains the trust and approval of over 60 per cent of Russians, according to Levada Center, an independent and highly respected polling organization. This might be more inertia and apathy than a conscious political affiliation, but the result is the same. The opposition can only dream about such ratings: Support for the most prominent opposition leader, Aleksei Navalny, doesn’t rise above 20 per cent. Also read | Excessive expectations over Biden-Putin summit: Kremlin The blame for that can’t be placed squarely on the Kremlin. Though the opposition is hampered by a range of state restrictions, the fact remains that opposition rallies do not attract significant numbers of participants. The last big protest in support of Mr. Navalny — one of the largest displays of dissent in the past decade, brought between 51,000 and 120,000 people to 109 cities across the country on April 21, according to opposition outlets. But even if you take the higher number, that amounts to less than 0.1 per cent of the country’s population. Protesting is a minority interest. And that’s not just because Russian authorities have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to brutally suppress gatherings. Many people unhappy with life in Russia stay away from protests because they don’t associate themselves with the organizers and don’t believe they can bring about change from the street. In a recent survey by the Levada Center, only 21 per cent of respondents said they would consider going to a rally in support of economic demands, and even fewer, 16 per cent, said they’d go in support of political demands. There are demographic divides, young people are generally more eager to protest, but that doesn’t really change the picture. What’s more, those ready to actively challenge Mr. Putin’s rule have been repressed. Mr. Navalny, who returned to the country in January in the hope of setting off a substantive movement to oppose Mr. Putin, was imprisoned with a two-and-a-half-year sentence. Many of his allies were jailed, while others fled the country. And last week, his organization, the Anti-Corruption Foundation, whose activities were already suspended, was officially labeled “extremist” — effectively preventing its activists from running in future elections and further intimidating supporters. It’s not just Mr. Navalny. Another opposition network; Open Russia, founded by a former oil tycoon and now exiled Kremlin critic, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, recently announced its closure, hoping to protect its coordinators. That didn’t stop the arrest on May 31 of one of the group’s executives, Andrey Pivovarov, who now faces up to six years in prison. Fearing the same fate, another prominent opposition figure, Dmitry Gudkov, fled to Ukraine in early June. Ahead of September’s legislative elections, the authorities have disbanded the opposition and docked the media, closing down the space for dissent. But a majority of Russians, consumed by the concerns of everyday life and long inured to Mr. Putin’s rule, don’t seem to care much. With them, Mr. Biden’s message about the inviolability of human rights and the sanctity of democracy, both of which are slipping away in Russia, to no general uproar, is likely to ring hollow. Even among Russians who actively support democracy, the rule of law and human rights, Mr. Biden won’t find much support. Over the past decades, many Russian liberals have become disillusioned with the West, especially the United States. For some, America’s image started to crack with the bombing of Yugoslavia and the war in Iraq. For others, it was the revelations of WikiLeaks and Edward Snowden, which brought to light a host of America’s covert operations and dirty dealings, that soured feelings of admiration. And for many, the presidency of Donald Trump, during which Washington abandoned international agreements, treated allies as clients, badly mismanaged the pandemic and, most important, exacerbated political polarisation and social dysfunction, definitively stripped America of its authority. With this legacy, no American president would have a substantial audience in Russia. Secure internally and with little to lose, Vladimir Putin is ready for President Biden. As for his image in the United States and the rest of the West, it’s fair to assume, after years as their arch-villain and evil mastermind, that Mr. Putin couldn’t care less.

Sorry, Biden. Putin honestly could not care less.

Highlights: 'Stone face, rare eye contact'- Biden and Putin's historic summit

At a low point in US-Russian relations, President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin appear to agree broadly on at least one thing,&nbsp;their first face-to-face meeting Wednesday is a chance to set the stage for a new era in arms control.

Whether that leads to actual arms negotiations is another matter, complicated by the soured relationship and accusations by each country that the other has cheated on past arms treaties.

The fabric of arms control has been fraying, notably with the abandonment in 2019;&nbsp;first by Washington, then by Moscow,&nbsp;of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which had governed a whole class of missiles for more than three decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-formally-exits-from-open-skies-pact-with-us-after-putins-approval-389947">Russia formally exits from Open Skies pact with US after Putin's approval</a>

The Trump administration also pulled the United States out of the Open Skies Treaty, which had allowed surveillance flights over military facilities in both countries. Last month the Biden administration informed the Russians that it would not reenter the treaty, and last week Putin confirmed Russia's exit.

Biden and Putin now face choices about how and when to restart a dialogue over arms control priorities, even as Biden faces pressure from Congress on China's growing military might and North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

Despite its importance, the arms control issue may get overshadowed at the Biden-Putin summit, given heightened US focus on ransomware attacks, alleged Russian interference in US elections, Russia's military buildup on Ukraine's border and allegations that the Kremlin was behind the SolarWinds hacking campaign.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-slap-new-sanctions-on-russia-for-election-interference-cyber-attack-sources-377685">US to slap new sanctions on Russia for election interference, cyber attack: Sources</a>

International arms control groups are pressing the Russian and American leaders to start a push for new arms control by holding "strategic stability" talks,&nbsp;a series of government-to-government discussions meant to sort through the many areas of disagreement and tension on the national security front.

There also are calls for such consultations to include Europe because the talks could cover a wide range of issues including cyberthreats, space operations and missile defences, in addition to nuclear weapons.

Officials in Moscow and Washington have indicated they see value in strategic stability talks, which probably would not be an arms control negotiation but rather a series of discussions at lower levels aimed at deciding how to organize and prioritize an eventual arms control agenda.

"What we are looking to do is for the two presidents to be able to send a clear signal to their teams on questions of strategic stability so that we can make progress on arms control and other nuclear areas to reduce tension and instability in that aspect of the relationship,"&nbsp;Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said last week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-us-russia-fight-it-out-or-resolve-issues-377626">Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues?</a>

Washington broke off strategic stability talks with Moscow in 2014 in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea and its military intervention in support of separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Talks resumed in 2017 but gained little traction and failed during the Trump administration's final weeks to produce an agreement on extending the New START treaty limiting nuclear weapons. Shortly after Biden took office in January, the two sides agreed to a five-year extension but with no road map for future talks.

Biden wrote in The Washington Post, previewing his trip to Europe, that he already has made clear to Putin that the United States wants to avoid conflict. Biden will attend a NATO summit meeting and consult with European Union officials before the Geneva session with Putin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-relations-with-us-at-lowest-point-in-years-praises-trump-390976">Putin says relations with US at lowest point in years, praises Trump</a>

"We want a stable and predictable relationship where we can work with Russia on issues like strategic stability and arms control," Biden wrote.

Putin said he, too, is ready for such talks.

"Strategic stability is extremely important,"&nbsp;Putin said June 3 in remarks to heads of international news agencies.

"We don't want to scare anyone with our new weapons systems. Yes, we are developing them, and we have achieved certain results and successes. But all leading countries and leading military powers are doing this, and we are just one step ahead."&nbsp;

"We realize that other high-tech powers, such as the United States and other countries, will achieve similar results sooner or later,"&nbsp;Putin added. "Therefore, I believe that it is better to reach an agreement in advance on how we will live together in a changing world. We are ready for this."

Putin appeared to be alluding to what some call Russia's exotic strategic weapons such as the Poseidon nuclear-armed, nuclear-powered torpedo and the experimental Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile.

Putin has said these can be discussed as part of a strategic stability dialogue. But the Americans must be prepared to include for discussion their work on strategic missile defences, which Moscow has long called an impediment to arms control.

International arms control experts want to ensure that Europe has a place at the table. Some favour a restart of direct consultations between NATO and Russia, which were cut off after Russia seized Crimea, not as an arms control forum but as a means of discussing tensions and reducing risks of war.

In the past, the US, Europe and Russia shared a mutual understanding of the ways to avoid accidents and miscalculations leading to conflict.

"Today, however, clashing national interests, insufficient dialogue, eroding arms control agreements, advanced missile systems, and new cyber and hypersonic weapons have destabilised the old equilibrium and are increasing the risk of nuclear conflict,"&nbsp;US, European and Russian members of the Euro-Atlantic Security Leadership Group wrote in a statement last Monday urging more attention to arms control.

In a separate appeal to Putin and Biden, a group of Russian and American organisations, nuclear policy experts and former senior government officials called for resuming a strategic dialogue "that is regular, frequent, comprehensive and result-oriented leading to further reduction of the nuclear risk hanging over the world and to the rediscovery of the road to a world free of nuclear weapons."

At a low point in US-Russian relations, President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin appear to agree broadly on at least one thing, their first face-to-face meeting Wednesday is a chance to set the stage for a new era in arms control.

At a low point in US-Russian relations, President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin appear to agree broadly on at least one thing, their first face-to-face meeting Wednesday is a chance to set the stage for a new era in arms control. Whether that leads to actual arms negotiations is another matter, complicated by the soured relationship and accusations by each country that the other has cheated on past arms treaties. The fabric of arms control has been fraying, notably with the abandonment in 2019; first by Washington, then by Moscow, of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which had governed a whole class of missiles for more than three decades. Also read | Russia formally exits from Open Skies pact with US after Putin's approval The Trump administration also pulled the United States out of the Open Skies Treaty, which had allowed surveillance flights over military facilities in both countries. Last month the Biden administration informed the Russians that it would not reenter the treaty, and last week Putin confirmed Russia's exit. Biden and Putin now face choices about how and when to restart a dialogue over arms control priorities, even as Biden faces pressure from Congress on China's growing military might and North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Despite its importance, the arms control issue may get overshadowed at the Biden-Putin summit, given heightened US focus on ransomware attacks, alleged Russian interference in US elections, Russia's military buildup on Ukraine's border and allegations that the Kremlin was behind the SolarWinds hacking campaign. Also read | US to slap new sanctions on Russia for election interference, cyber attack: Sources International arms control groups are pressing the Russian and American leaders to start a push for new arms control by holding "strategic stability" talks, a series of government-to-government discussions meant to sort through the many areas of disagreement and tension on the national security front. There also are calls for such consultations to include Europe because the talks could cover a wide range of issues including cyberthreats, space operations and missile defences, in addition to nuclear weapons. Officials in Moscow and Washington have indicated they see value in strategic stability talks, which probably would not be an arms control negotiation but rather a series of discussions at lower levels aimed at deciding how to organize and prioritize an eventual arms control agenda. "What we are looking to do is for the two presidents to be able to send a clear signal to their teams on questions of strategic stability so that we can make progress on arms control and other nuclear areas to reduce tension and instability in that aspect of the relationship," Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said last week. Also read | Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? Washington broke off strategic stability talks with Moscow in 2014 in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea and its military intervention in support of separatists in eastern Ukraine. Talks resumed in 2017 but gained little traction and failed during the Trump administration's final weeks to produce an agreement on extending the New START treaty limiting nuclear weapons. Shortly after Biden took office in January, the two sides agreed to a five-year extension but with no road map for future talks. Biden wrote in The Washington Post, previewing his trip to Europe, that he already has made clear to Putin that the United States wants to avoid conflict. Biden will attend a NATO summit meeting and consult with European Union officials before the Geneva session with Putin. Also read | Putin says relations with US at lowest point in years, praises Trump "We want a stable and predictable relationship where we can work with Russia on issues like strategic stability and arms control," Biden wrote. Putin said he, too, is ready for such talks. "Strategic stability is extremely important," Putin said June 3 in remarks to heads of international news agencies. "We don't want to scare anyone with our new weapons systems. Yes, we are developing them, and we have achieved certain results and successes. But all leading countries and leading military powers are doing this, and we are just one step ahead." "We realize that other high-tech powers, such as the United States and other countries, will achieve similar results sooner or later," Putin added. "Therefore, I believe that it is better to reach an agreement in advance on how we will live together in a changing world. We are ready for this." Putin appeared to be alluding to what some call Russia's exotic strategic weapons such as the Poseidon nuclear-armed, nuclear-powered torpedo and the experimental Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile. Putin has said these can be discussed as part of a strategic stability dialogue. But the Americans must be prepared to include for discussion their work on strategic missile defences, which Moscow has long called an impediment to arms control. International arms control experts want to ensure that Europe has a place at the table. Some favour a restart of direct consultations between NATO and Russia, which were cut off after Russia seized Crimea, not as an arms control forum but as a means of discussing tensions and reducing risks of war. In the past, the US, Europe and Russia shared a mutual understanding of the ways to avoid accidents and miscalculations leading to conflict. "Today, however, clashing national interests, insufficient dialogue, eroding arms control agreements, advanced missile systems, and new cyber and hypersonic weapons have destabilised the old equilibrium and are increasing the risk of nuclear conflict," US, European and Russian members of the Euro-Atlantic Security Leadership Group wrote in a statement last Monday urging more attention to arms control. In a separate appeal to Putin and Biden, a group of Russian and American organisations, nuclear policy experts and former senior government officials called for resuming a strategic dialogue "that is regular, frequent, comprehensive and result-oriented leading to further reduction of the nuclear risk hanging over the world and to the rediscovery of the road to a world free of nuclear weapons."

At an arms control crossroads, Biden and Putin face choices

In a landmark move, President &nbsp;Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-us-threats-smack-of-soviet-unions-fatal-mistakes-389662">Putin</a> on Monday signed a legislation which signalled the formal exit of Russia from the 1992 Open Skies arms control treaty.

Watch:

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The development came after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-out-at-biden-for-bowing-down-to-china-urges-him-to-put-america-first-389769">Biden</a> administration last month had informed the Russian government that it wouldn't reenter the pact after the former Trump administration pulled out of it last year.

President Putin and Biden as set to meet at a summit in Geneva on June 16 this month, however, the US decision was communicated to Russian officials earlier.&nbsp;

The Open Skies treaty which had come into effect on January 1, 2002, allowed both countries to conduct unarmed surveillance flights over military installations in a bid to ensure friendly terms between the two world powers.

There were 34 other countries who had signed the deal and was put forward by George H. W. Bush's administration in 1992 and was signed in Helsinki by former US secretary of state James Baker along with 23 countries.

The Biden administration had earlier extended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-rejects-russian-proposal-for-one-year-extension-of-new-start-treaty-335941">New START treaty </a>by five years after the Trump did not extend it.&nbsp;

The US in a statement earlier had said: “The United States regrets that the Treaty on Open Skies has been undermined by Russia’s violations. In concluding its review of the treaty, the United States, therefore, does not intend to seek to rejoin it, given Russia’s failure to take any actions to return to compliance."

"Further, Russia’s behaviour, including its recent actions with respect to Ukraine, is not that of a partner committed to confidence-building,” the US statement added.

The Open Skies treaty was meant to allow militaries of both nations to monitor each other's activities in a transparent and friendly manner. However, the Trump administration had pulled out of the Open Skies treaty citing violations from the Russian side.

Russia's lower house earlier voted to exit from the treaty and the upper house reached the same verdict allowing Putin to put his stamp on Russia's exit from the post-cold war treaty.

Russian news agency TAAS had said it was "another political mistake, inflicting a new blow to the European security system" after the US government led by President Bident had decided not to reenter the deal.

The Kremlin said the US decision was a "threat to Russia’s national security" which upset the "balance of interests" leading the Russian government to also pull out of it.

In a landmark move, President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed a legislation which signalled the formal exit of Russia from the 1992 Open Skies arms control treaty.

In a landmark move, President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed a legislation which signalled the formal exit of Russia from the 1992 Open Skies arms control treaty. Watch: The development came after the Biden administration last month had informed the Russian government that it wouldn't reenter the pact after the former Trump administration pulled out of it last year. President Putin and Biden as set to meet at a summit in Geneva on June 16 this month, however, the US decision was communicated to Russian officials earlier. The Open Skies treaty which had come into effect on January 1, 2002, allowed both countries to conduct unarmed surveillance flights over military installations in a bid to ensure friendly terms between the two world powers. There were 34 other countries who had signed the deal and was put forward by George H. W. Bush's administration in 1992 and was signed in Helsinki by former US secretary of state James Baker along with 23 countries. The Biden administration had earlier extended New START treaty by five years after the Trump did not extend it. The US in a statement earlier had said: “The United States regrets that the Treaty on Open Skies has been undermined by Russia’s violations. In concluding its review of the treaty, the United States, therefore, does not intend to seek to rejoin it, given Russia’s failure to take any actions to return to compliance." "Further, Russia’s behaviour, including its recent actions with respect to Ukraine, is not that of a partner committed to confidence-building,” the US statement added. The Open Skies treaty was meant to allow militaries of both nations to monitor each other's activities in a transparent and friendly manner. However, the Trump administration had pulled out of the Open Skies treaty citing violations from the Russian side. Russia's lower house earlier voted to exit from the treaty and the upper house reached the same verdict allowing Putin to put his stamp on Russia's exit from the post-cold war treaty. Russian news agency TAAS had said it was "another political mistake, inflicting a new blow to the European security system" after the US government led by President Bident had decided not to reenter the deal. The Kremlin said the US decision was a "threat to Russia’s national security" which upset the "balance of interests" leading the Russian government to also pull out of it.

Russia formally exits from Open Skies pact with US after Putin's approval

According to reports, Russia on Friday scrambled a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-scrambles-jets-as-chinese-russian-aircraft-enter-airspace-351595">MiG-31</a> fighter jet to trail a US military plane over the Barents sea.

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The Russian military said the US military plane was P-8A Poseidon aircraft, reports claimed. The US plane reportedly flew back from the Russian border.&nbsp;

The incident comes barely days after the Russian defence ministry had said that a Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to escort a US B-52H bomber over the Baltic Sea. The Russian defence ministry said it had identified an "air target and prevented the violation of the Russian state border".

In April, Russia had said it had intercepted an RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft which was accompanied by a MiG-31 aircraft.

Amid tension with the West over Belarus, the Russian defence ministry had announced a joint military drill with Belarusian forces in the summer named Zapad-2021. Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu said "massive use of aviation is planned" during the exercise.

With tensions escalating with NATO, the Russian defence minister said Russian forces will deploy around 20 new military formations and units near its border with the West by the end of the year.

Russian officials earlier had asked for closer monitoring of NATO's sea Breeze 2021 exercise involving Ukraine. The Sea Breeze 2021 exercise is scheduled to take place between June 28 to July 10.

Russian Permanent Representative to the OSCE Alexander Lukashevich at a meeting in Vienna had said attempts to militarise Ukraine and flood the country with weapons would "encourage hotheads in Kiev to step up military activities in the country’s east." 
&nbsp;

According to reports, Russia on Friday scrambled a MiG-31 fighter jet to trail a US military plane over the Barents sea. Watch: The Russian military said the US military plane was P-8A Poseidon aircraft, reports claimed.

According to reports, Russia on Friday scrambled a MiG-31 fighter jet to trail a US military plane over the Barents sea. Watch: The Russian military said the US military plane was P-8A Poseidon aircraft, reports claimed. The US plane reportedly flew back from the Russian border. The incident comes barely days after the Russian defence ministry had said that a Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to escort a US B-52H bomber over the Baltic Sea. The Russian defence ministry said it had identified an "air target and prevented the violation of the Russian state border". In April, Russia had said it had intercepted an RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft which was accompanied by a MiG-31 aircraft. Amid tension with the West over Belarus, the Russian defence ministry had announced a joint military drill with Belarusian forces in the summer named Zapad-2021. Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu said "massive use of aviation is planned" during the exercise. With tensions escalating with NATO, the Russian defence minister said Russian forces will deploy around 20 new military formations and units near its border with the West by the end of the year. Russian officials earlier had asked for closer monitoring of NATO's sea Breeze 2021 exercise involving Ukraine. The Sea Breeze 2021 exercise is scheduled to take place between June 28 to July 10. Russian Permanent Representative to the OSCE Alexander Lukashevich at a meeting in Vienna had said attempts to militarise Ukraine and flood the country with weapons would "encourage hotheads in Kiev to step up military activities in the country’s east."

Russia scrambles MiG-31 interceptor jet to accompany US military plane over Barents sea

The United States told Russia on Thursday it will not rejoin the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, a US official said.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was confirming a report by the Associated Press.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pulls-out-of-open-skies-treaty-russia-says-it-will-affect-all-members-300258">US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members</a>

US&nbsp;Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman conveyed the decision to her Russian counterpart the official said, saying US&nbsp;allies in the NATO Western security alliance and other partners had been informed.

The United States left the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;arms control and verification treaty in November, accusing Russia of violating it, something Moscow denied.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-parliaments-lower-house-votes-to-exit-from-open-skies-treaty-386020">Russian parliament's lower house votes to exit from Open Skies Treaty</a>

The Russian government, which in January announced plans to leave the pact, on May 11 submitted legislation to parliament to formalize its departure. At that time, a Kremlin spokesman said one reason was that the United States was still able to receive information acquired via the treaty from its NATO allies.

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The treaty, which was signed in 1992 and entered into force in 2002, permits nations to carry out short-notice, unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of the other parties.

The purpose of the treaty, which allows nations to collect information on one another’s military forces, is to increase transparency and build confidence among countries.

The United States told Russia on Thursday it will not rejoin the Open Skies arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, a US official said.

The United States told Russia on Thursday it will not rejoin the Open Skies arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, a US official said. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was confirming a report by the Associated Press. Also Read | US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman conveyed the decision to her Russian counterpart the official said, saying US allies in the NATO Western security alliance and other partners had been informed. The United States left the Open Skies arms control and verification treaty in November, accusing Russia of violating it, something Moscow denied. Also Read | Russian parliament's lower house votes to exit from Open Skies Treaty The Russian government, which in January announced plans to leave the pact, on May 11 submitted legislation to parliament to formalize its departure. At that time, a Kremlin spokesman said one reason was that the United States was still able to receive information acquired via the treaty from its NATO allies. The treaty, which was signed in 1992 and entered into force in 2002, permits nations to carry out short-notice, unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of the other parties. The purpose of the treaty, which allows nations to collect information on one another’s military forces, is to increase transparency and build confidence among countries.

US tells Russia it will not rejoin Open Skies arms control pact

Russia said on Friday a US decision not to rejoin the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member states, is a "political mistake" ahead of a summit between the countries' presidents.

The original US decision to quit the pact was taken last year by the administration of US President Donald Trump, but Moscow had hoped his successor Joe Biden would reverse it.

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On Thursday, however, the Biden administration informed Moscow that it would not re-enter the pact, accusing Russia of violating it, something Moscow denied.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, said on Friday that Washington's move was a missed opportunity to bolster security in Europe.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pulls-out-of-open-skies-treaty-russia-says-it-will-affect-all-members-300258">US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members</a>

"The US has made another political mistake, inflicting a new blow to the European security system," TASS quoted him as saying. "We gave them a good chance, which they did not take. They continue circulating fabrications about Russia's violations of this agreement, which is completely absurd."

Separately, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow regretted the US decision, saying the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;accord would lose much of its utility without the participation of Russia and the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Biden are due to hold a summit in Geneva next month and Ryabkov was cited as saying that the US refusal to rejoin&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Skies&nbsp;did not create an atmosphere conducive to arms control discussions at the summit.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-parliaments-lower-house-votes-to-exit-from-open-skies-treaty-386020">Russian parliament's lower house votes to exit from Open Skies Treaty</a>

In January, Russia announced its own plans to leave the pact, and the government submitted legislation to parliament this month to formalise its departure.

At that time, a Kremlin spokesman said one reason was that the United States was still able to receive information acquired via the treaty from its NATO allies.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-to-discuss-open-skies-treaty-after-us-announces-withdrawal-300411">NATO to discuss Open Skies treaty after US announces withdrawal</a>

US officials have said Russia has violated the pact's terms by restricting US overflights of Russia's neighbour Georgia and the Russian enclave in Kaliningrad on the Baltic coast. Russia denies committing any violations.

The treaty, which was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002, allows countries to conduct short-notice, unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of other parties and collect information on one another's military forces.

Its objective is to increase transparency and build confidence among countries.

Russia said on Friday a US decision not to rejoin the Open Skies arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member states, is a "political mistake" ahead of a summit between the countries' presidents.

Russia said on Friday a US decision not to rejoin the Open Skies arms control pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member states, is a "political mistake" ahead of a summit between the countries' presidents. The original US decision to quit the pact was taken last year by the administration of US President Donald Trump, but Moscow had hoped his successor Joe Biden would reverse it. On Thursday, however, the Biden administration informed Moscow that it would not re-enter the pact, accusing Russia of violating it, something Moscow denied. Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, said on Friday that Washington's move was a missed opportunity to bolster security in Europe. Also Read | US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members "The US has made another political mistake, inflicting a new blow to the European security system," TASS quoted him as saying. "We gave them a good chance, which they did not take. They continue circulating fabrications about Russia's violations of this agreement, which is completely absurd." Separately, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow regretted the US decision, saying the Open Skies accord would lose much of its utility without the participation of Russia and the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Biden are due to hold a summit in Geneva next month and Ryabkov was cited as saying that the US refusal to rejoin Open Skies did not create an atmosphere conducive to arms control discussions at the summit. Also Read | Russian parliament's lower house votes to exit from Open Skies Treaty In January, Russia announced its own plans to leave the pact, and the government submitted legislation to parliament this month to formalise its departure. At that time, a Kremlin spokesman said one reason was that the United States was still able to receive information acquired via the treaty from its NATO allies. Also Read | NATO to discuss Open Skies treaty after US announces withdrawal US officials have said Russia has violated the pact's terms by restricting US overflights of Russia's neighbour Georgia and the Russian enclave in Kaliningrad on the Baltic coast. Russia denies committing any violations. The treaty, which was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002, allows countries to conduct short-notice, unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of other parties and collect information on one another's military forces. Its objective is to increase transparency and build confidence among countries.

Russia says US decision not to rejoin Open Skies arms pact is 'political mistake'

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it would soon make an announcement about a possible summit between President Vladimir Putin and US&nbsp;President Joe Biden. 
 
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that Moscow and Washington needed to cooperate on cybersecurity in order to stop hackers who ill-wishers say work for the Russian state. 
 
He also said that the two men needed to discuss strategic nuclear stability, something which affected the world. 
 
Biden, who in March said he thought Putin was a "killer", prompting Moscow to recall its ambassador to Washington for consultations, has said he would like to hold talks with Putin during a planned trip to Europe next month. 
 
Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, citing sources, reported on Monday that the summit will be held in Switzerland.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it would soon make an announcement about a possible summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that Moscow and Washington needed to cooperate on cybersecurity in order to stop hackers who ill-wishers say work for the Russian state.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it would soon make an announcement about a possible summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that Moscow and Washington needed to cooperate on cybersecurity in order to stop hackers who ill-wishers say work for the Russian state. He also said that the two men needed to discuss strategic nuclear stability, something which affected the world. Biden, who in March said he thought Putin was a "killer", prompting Moscow to recall its ambassador to Washington for consultations, has said he would like to hold talks with Putin during a planned trip to Europe next month. Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, citing sources, reported on Monday that the summit will be held in Switzerland.

Kremlin says it will soon make announcement on possible Putin-Biden summit

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia's&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Minister Sergei Lavrov are due to hold talks on Wednesday night ahead of a possible presidential summit in June in an attempt to improve the dire relations between the former Cold War foes.

The face-to-face talks on the sidelines of a gathering of eight&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;in Reykjavik will be the highest-level&nbsp;meeting since US&nbsp;President Joe&nbsp;Biden took office in January.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-us-russia-fight-it-out-or-resolve-issues-377626">Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues?</a>&nbsp;

Ties have been fraught since March when&nbsp;Biden,&nbsp;not long into his presidency,&nbsp;said he regarded President Vladimir Putin as a "killer", prompting Moscow to recall its&nbsp;US&nbsp;ambassador for consultations. The envoy still has not returned.

Washington then imposed sanctions and expelled Russian diplomats over "malign" activities denied by Moscow, pushing Russia to retaliate in kind. It later barred the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Embassy from hiring local staff.

Given the adversarial prelude, immediate gains from the&nbsp;meeting between Blinken and Lavrov are likely to be modest, though they could pave the way for a Putin-Biden summit next month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-address-bidens-climate-summit-despite-crisis-in-us-russia-ties-378679">Putin to address Biden's climate summit despite crisis in US-Russia ties</a>

The summit idea was floated by the White House last month, but it has still not been publicly confirmed. Russia's Kommersant newspaper on Monday cited government sources touting Switzerland as the likeliest venue.

US&nbsp;State Department spokesman Ned Price said Lavrov and Blinken would&nbsp;meet&nbsp;after a&nbsp;meeting of the Arctic Council, a regional grouping of eight nations. The talks are scheduled to start at 2115 GMT.

Washington's relations with Moscow have been at post-Cold War lows for years, strained over everything from election meddling allegations to Ukraine and the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

"We don't seek to escalate, we are simply looking for a more predictable, stable relationship," a senior State Department official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-poses-biggest-threat-to-us-intelligence-report-says-377501">China poses biggest threat to US, intelligence report says</a>

Besides the summit, the talks could broach the subject of their diplomatic missions that have been crimped by tit-for-tat expulsions as well as progress on nuclear arms control.

Russia's lower house of parliament voted on Wednesday to back Moscow's exit from the Open Skies treaty, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries and which Washington quit in November under Donald Trump.

Russia, which says it may complete the withdrawal process in December, has said it would consider staying in the treaty if&nbsp;Biden rejoins it, but that it has so far seen no sign that will happen.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday, that strategic stability should be high on the agenda of a possible Putin-Biden&nbsp;meeting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-russia-at-ukraine-door-us-and-eu-look-for-options-377610">With Russia at Ukraine door, US and EU look for options</a>

Lavrov, 71, has been the face of Kremlin&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;policy since 2004 as Moscow has asserted what it says is its rightful standing as a world power. Russia has beefed up its military presence in the Arctic and invested in northern infrastructure.

Blinken accused Moscow on Tuesday of making "unlawful maritime claims" on the regulation of&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;vessels transiting the shipping route over Russia's long northern coastline. He said Washington was worried about the region's increasing militarization.

Lavrov on Monday dismissed NATO concerns about increasing Russian military activity in the Arctic, saying Moscow was right to ensure the security of its northern coastline.

He said Moscow would wait to see what Washington meant by stable and predictable ties with Russia.

"If that means stable, predictable sanctions then that's not what's needed."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are due to hold talks on Wednesday night ahead of a possible presidential summit in June in an attempt to improve the dire relations between the former Cold War foes.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are due to hold talks on Wednesday night ahead of a possible presidential summit in June in an attempt to improve the dire relations between the former Cold War foes. The face-to-face talks on the sidelines of a gathering of eight foreign ministers in Reykjavik will be the highest-level meeting since US President Joe Biden took office in January. Also read | Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? Ties have been fraught since March when Biden, not long into his presidency, said he regarded President Vladimir Putin as a "killer", prompting Moscow to recall its US ambassador for consultations. The envoy still has not returned. Washington then imposed sanctions and expelled Russian diplomats over "malign" activities denied by Moscow, pushing Russia to retaliate in kind. It later barred the US Embassy from hiring local staff. Given the adversarial prelude, immediate gains from the meeting between Blinken and Lavrov are likely to be modest, though they could pave the way for a Putin-Biden summit next month. Also read | Putin to address Biden's climate summit despite crisis in US-Russia ties The summit idea was floated by the White House last month, but it has still not been publicly confirmed. Russia's Kommersant newspaper on Monday cited government sources touting Switzerland as the likeliest venue. US State Department spokesman Ned Price said Lavrov and Blinken would meet after a meeting of the Arctic Council, a regional grouping of eight nations. The talks are scheduled to start at 2115 GMT. Washington's relations with Moscow have been at post-Cold War lows for years, strained over everything from election meddling allegations to Ukraine and the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. "We don't seek to escalate, we are simply looking for a more predictable, stable relationship," a senior State Department official said. Also read | China poses biggest threat to US, intelligence report says Besides the summit, the talks could broach the subject of their diplomatic missions that have been crimped by tit-for-tat expulsions as well as progress on nuclear arms control. Russia's lower house of parliament voted on Wednesday to back Moscow's exit from the Open Skies treaty, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries and which Washington quit in November under Donald Trump. Russia, which says it may complete the withdrawal process in December, has said it would consider staying in the treaty if Biden rejoins it, but that it has so far seen no sign that will happen. The Kremlin said on Wednesday, that strategic stability should be high on the agenda of a possible Putin-Biden meeting. Also read | With Russia at Ukraine door, US and EU look for options Lavrov, 71, has been the face of Kremlin foreign policy since 2004 as Moscow has asserted what it says is its rightful standing as a world power. Russia has beefed up its military presence in the Arctic and invested in northern infrastructure. Blinken accused Moscow on Tuesday of making "unlawful maritime claims" on the regulation of foreign vessels transiting the shipping route over Russia's long northern coastline. He said Washington was worried about the region's increasing militarization. Lavrov on Monday dismissed NATO concerns about increasing Russian military activity in the Arctic, saying Moscow was right to ensure the security of its northern coastline. He said Moscow would wait to see what Washington meant by stable and predictable ties with Russia. "If that means stable, predictable sanctions then that's not what's needed."

US and Russian foreign ministers to meet in Iceland in bid to ease friction

The US&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;said on Friday (April 30) it was reducing consular services after Russia restricted the hiring of local staff at foreign missions, the latest setback to strained US-Russia relations.

"We regret that the actions of the Russian government have forced&nbsp;us&nbsp;to reduce our consular work force by 75 per cent," the US&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;said in a statement published on its website.

"Effective May 12, US&nbsp;Embassy&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;will reduce consular services offered to include only emergency US&nbsp;citizen services and a very limited number of age-out and life or death emergency immigrant visas," it said.

President Vladimir Putin signed a law last week limiting the number of local staff working at foreign diplomatic missions and ordered the government to draw up a list of "unfriendly" states that will be subject to the restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-unfriendly-embassies-may-face-russian-hiring-bans-379912">Putin: 'Unfriendly' embassies may face Russian hiring bans</a>&nbsp;

Moscow's ties with Washington have sunk to a post-Cold War low after President Joe Biden said he believed Putin was "a killer."

The United States imposed new sanctions on Russia this month for an alleged malign activity, including interfering in last year's US&nbsp;election, cyber hacking and "bullying" neighbouring Ukraine.

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It also warned Russia of unspecified consequences if Alexei Navalny, an opposition politician who was on hunger strike in prison for more than three weeks, were to die.

Moscow&nbsp;retaliated with sanctions against the United States and has rejected what it sees as foreign interference in the Navalny case.

The US embassy in Moscow said on Friday (April 30) it was reducing consular services after Russia restricted the hiring of local staff at foreign missions, the latest setback to strained US-Russia relations.

The US embassy in Moscow said on Friday (April 30) it was reducing consular services after Russia restricted the hiring of local staff at foreign missions, the latest setback to strained US-Russia relations. "We regret that the actions of the Russian government have forced us to reduce our consular work force by 75 per cent," the US embassy said in a statement published on its website. "Effective May 12, US Embassy Moscow will reduce consular services offered to include only emergency US citizen services and a very limited number of age-out and life or death emergency immigrant visas," it said. President Vladimir Putin signed a law last week limiting the number of local staff working at foreign diplomatic missions and ordered the government to draw up a list of "unfriendly" states that will be subject to the restrictions. Also read | Putin: 'Unfriendly' embassies may face Russian hiring bans Moscow's ties with Washington have sunk to a post-Cold War low after President Joe Biden said he believed Putin was "a killer." The United States imposed new sanctions on Russia this month for an alleged malign activity, including interfering in last year's US election, cyber hacking and "bullying" neighbouring Ukraine. × It also warned Russia of unspecified consequences if Alexei Navalny, an opposition politician who was on hunger strike in prison for more than three weeks, were to die. Moscow retaliated with sanctions against the United States and has rejected what it sees as foreign interference in the Navalny case.

US embassy says it is forced to reduce consular services in Moscow

Weeks after the US President Joe Biden labelled his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as a “killer”, a top Putin aide has said there is a possibility of a summit between the two leaders in June.

This news came from Putin’s top foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov who said “June is being named, there are even concrete dates”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-unfriendly-embassies-may-face-russian-hiring-bans-379912" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-unfriendly-embassies-may-face-russian-hiring-bans-379912&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi3wL3Av5nwAhUKzDgGHdifCukQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Xicua1p5R45fYs0FJCv7X" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-unfriendly-embassies-may-face-russian-hiring-bans-379912" target="_blank">Putin: 'Unfriendly' embassies may face Russian hiring bans</a>

This has come almost a month after Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, on the same show, had claimed that the summit idea was “received positively and is currently under consideration".

Meanwhile, Joe Biden is scheduled to attend the G7 summit in Britain and the NATO and EU summits in Brussel in the month of June, as per the White House announcement made on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-says-russia-will-study-us-proposal-for-putin-biden-summit-377788">Watch |</a>

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However, it has not yet been made clear if the US President will be meeting his Russian counterpart or not in a potential summit.

Austria and Finland, in the meantime, have expressed interest in hosting a meeting between the two leaders to act as a mediator.

Weeks after the US President Joe Biden labelled his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as a “killer”, a top Putin aide has said there is a possibility of a summit between the two leaders in June.

Weeks after the US President Joe Biden labelled his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as a “killer”, a top Putin aide has said there is a possibility of a summit between the two leaders in June. This news came from Putin’s top foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov who said “June is being named, there are even concrete dates”. Also read | Putin: 'Unfriendly' embassies may face Russian hiring bans This has come almost a month after Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, on the same show, had claimed that the summit idea was “received positively and is currently under consideration". Meanwhile, Joe Biden is scheduled to attend the G7 summit in Britain and the NATO and EU summits in Brussel in the month of June, as per the White House announcement made on Friday. Watch | However, it has not yet been made clear if the US President will be meeting his Russian counterpart or not in a potential summit. Austria and Finland, in the meantime, have expressed interest in hosting a meeting between the two leaders to act as a mediator.

Putin-Biden may meet in June for a summit: Top Kremlin aide

The US State Department on Monday branded as an "unprovoked escalation" the reported Russian plans to block parts of the Black Sea, which could ultimately impact access to Ukrainian ports.

Russian state media have reported that Moscow intends to close parts of the Black Sea to foreign military and official ships for six months.&nbsp;

Such a move could affect access to Ukrainian ports in the Sea of Azov, which is connected to the Black Sea through the Kerch Strait, on the eastern tip of the Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014.

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"This represents yet another unprovoked escalation in Moscow's ongoing campaign to undermine and destabilise Ukraine," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

"This development is particularly troubling amid credible reports of the Russian troop buildup in occupied Crimea and around Ukraine's borders, now at levels not seen since Russia’s invasion in 2014," he added.

Moscow's military build-up on the border with Ukraine is even bigger than in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea, a Pentagon spokesman said Monday, describing the deployment as "very seriously concerning."&nbsp;

While the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell cited a figure of 150,000 Russian soldiers on the Ukrainian border, before his own services scaled that figure back without explanation to 100,000, US Defense Department spokesman John Kirby declined to name a specific figure.

Tensions between Russia and the West have been escalating in recent weeks following an uptick in fighting between Ukraine's army and pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Moscow has amassed tens of thousands of troops along Ukraine's northern and eastern borders, as well as in annexed Crimea, sparking warnings from NATO.

(With input from agencies)

The US State Department on Monday branded as an "unprovoked escalation" the reported Russian plans to block parts of the Black Sea, which could ultimately impact access to Ukrainian ports.

The US State Department on Monday branded as an "unprovoked escalation" the reported Russian plans to block parts of the Black Sea, which could ultimately impact access to Ukrainian ports. Russian state media have reported that Moscow intends to close parts of the Black Sea to foreign military and official ships for six months. Such a move could affect access to Ukrainian ports in the Sea of Azov, which is connected to the Black Sea through the Kerch Strait, on the eastern tip of the Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. "This represents yet another unprovoked escalation in Moscow's ongoing campaign to undermine and destabilise Ukraine," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. "This development is particularly troubling amid credible reports of the Russian troop buildup in occupied Crimea and around Ukraine's borders, now at levels not seen since Russia’s invasion in 2014," he added. Moscow's military build-up on the border with Ukraine is even bigger than in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea, a Pentagon spokesman said Monday, describing the deployment as "very seriously concerning." While the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell cited a figure of 150,000 Russian soldiers on the Ukrainian border, before his own services scaled that figure back without explanation to 100,000, US Defense Department spokesman John Kirby declined to name a specific figure. Tensions between Russia and the West have been escalating in recent weeks following an uptick in fighting between Ukraine's army and pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has amassed tens of thousands of troops along Ukraine's northern and eastern borders, as well as in annexed Crimea, sparking warnings from NATO. (With input from agencies)

'Unprovoked escalation': US says Russia's plans to block Black Sea to impact access to Ukrainian ports

Washington's envoy to Moscow will return to the United States for consultations, the US embassy said on Tuesday, after Moscow "recommended" that ambassador John Sullivan temporarily leave amid soaring tensions.

"Ambassador Sullivan is returning to the United States for consultations this week," the US diplomatic mission in Moscow said in a statement sent to AFP.

"I believe it is important for me to speak directly with my new colleagues in the Biden administration in Washington about the current state of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia," the statement quoted Sullivan as saying.

The announcement came amid a new spike in tensions between Moscow and Washington over a litany of disputes, including alleged meddling in US elections, Russia's troop build-up along Ukraine's borders and the deteriorating health of President Vladimir Putin's imprisoned critic Alexei Navalny.

US President Joe Biden is pursuing a tougher line against Putin but has also proposed that the two leaders meet for a summit in a third country later this year.

Sullivan said he would return to Moscow "in the coming weeks", before any meeting between Biden and Putin. Moscow has said it is still studying the summit proposal.

Sullivan's announcement came after Moscow recalled its own envoy from Washington for consultations in March and last week the former Cold War foes announced a wave of tit-for-tat sanctions and expulsions of diplomats.

On Friday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Putin's top foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, had recommended that Sullivan leave for Washington to conduct "serious consultations".

The US last week announced sanctions and the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats in retaliation for what the White House says is the&nbsp;Kremlin's&nbsp;US election interference, a massive cyber attack and other hostile activity.&nbsp;

Russia said it would expel US diplomats and sanction US officials in response.

&nbsp;

Washington's envoy to Moscow will return to the United States for consultations, the US embassy said on Tuesday, after Moscow "recommended" that ambassador John Sullivan temporarily leave amid soaring tensions.

Washington's envoy to Moscow will return to the United States for consultations, the US embassy said on Tuesday, after Moscow "recommended" that ambassador John Sullivan temporarily leave amid soaring tensions. "Ambassador Sullivan is returning to the United States for consultations this week," the US diplomatic mission in Moscow said in a statement sent to AFP. "I believe it is important for me to speak directly with my new colleagues in the Biden administration in Washington about the current state of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia," the statement quoted Sullivan as saying. The announcement came amid a new spike in tensions between Moscow and Washington over a litany of disputes, including alleged meddling in US elections, Russia's troop build-up along Ukraine's borders and the deteriorating health of President Vladimir Putin's imprisoned critic Alexei Navalny. US President Joe Biden is pursuing a tougher line against Putin but has also proposed that the two leaders meet for a summit in a third country later this year. Sullivan said he would return to Moscow "in the coming weeks", before any meeting between Biden and Putin. Moscow has said it is still studying the summit proposal. Sullivan's announcement came after Moscow recalled its own envoy from Washington for consultations in March and last week the former Cold War foes announced a wave of tit-for-tat sanctions and expulsions of diplomats. On Friday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Putin's top foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, had recommended that Sullivan leave for Washington to conduct "serious consultations". The US last week announced sanctions and the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats in retaliation for what the White House says is the Kremlin's US election interference, a massive cyber attack and other hostile activity. Russia said it would expel US diplomats and sanction US officials in response.

US envoy to Moscow returning to US for consultations

The United States will announce sanctions on&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;as soon as Thursday for alleged election interference and malicious cyber activity, targeting several individuals and entities, people familiar with the matter said.

The sanctions, in which 30 entities are expected to be blacklisted, will be tied with orders expelling about 10&nbsp;Russian officials from the United States, one of the people said.

The United States is also expected to announce aggressive new measures targeting the country's sovereign debt through restrictions on US&nbsp;financial institutions' ability to trade such debt, according to another source.

The White House, the US&nbsp;State Department, and the US&nbsp;Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The action will add a new chill to the already frosty relations between Washington and Moscow, which has tested the West's patience with a military build-up near Ukraine.

The wide-ranging sanctions would come partly in response to a cybersecurity breach affecting software made by SolarWinds Corp that the US&nbsp;government has said was likely orchestrated by&nbsp;Russia. The breach gave hackers access to thousands of companies and government offices that used the company's products.

Microsoft President Brad Smith described the attack, which was identified in December, as "the largest and most sophisticated attack the world has ever seen."

The United States also intends to punish Moscow for alleged interference in the 2020 US&nbsp;presidential election. In a report last month, US&nbsp;intelligence agencies said&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin likely directed efforts to try to swing the election to then-President Donald Trump and away from now-President Joe Biden.

Biden has also vowed to take action on reports that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;offered bounties to Taliban militants to kill US&nbsp;troops in Afghanistan.

The expected moves by the Biden administration are likely to exacerbate tensions in a relationship that slumped to a new post-Cold War low last month after Biden said he thought Putin was a "killer."

In a call on Tuesday, Biden told Putin that the United States would act "firmly" to defend its interests in response to those actions, according to U.S. officials' account of the call.

Biden also proposed a meeting with Putin "in a third country" that could allow the leaders to find areas to work together.

In the past few weeks, Washington and its NATO allies have been alarmed by a large build-up of&nbsp;Russian troops near Ukraine and in Crimea, the peninsula that Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

"The hostility and unpredictability of America's actions force us, in general, to be prepared for the worst scenarios," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters last week, anticipating the new sanctions.

The United States will announce sanctions on Russia as soon as Thursday for alleged election interference and malicious cyber activity, targeting several individuals and entities, people familiar with the matter said.

The United States will announce sanctions on Russia as soon as Thursday for alleged election interference and malicious cyber activity, targeting several individuals and entities, people familiar with the matter said. The sanctions, in which 30 entities are expected to be blacklisted, will be tied with orders expelling about 10 Russian officials from the United States, one of the people said. The United States is also expected to announce aggressive new measures targeting the country's sovereign debt through restrictions on US financial institutions' ability to trade such debt, according to another source. The White House, the US State Department, and the US Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The action will add a new chill to the already frosty relations between Washington and Moscow, which has tested the West's patience with a military build-up near Ukraine. The wide-ranging sanctions would come partly in response to a cybersecurity breach affecting software made by SolarWinds Corp that the US government has said was likely orchestrated by Russia. The breach gave hackers access to thousands of companies and government offices that used the company's products. Microsoft President Brad Smith described the attack, which was identified in December, as "the largest and most sophisticated attack the world has ever seen." The United States also intends to punish Moscow for alleged interference in the 2020 US presidential election. In a report last month, US intelligence agencies said Russian President Vladimir Putin likely directed efforts to try to swing the election to then-President Donald Trump and away from now-President Joe Biden. Biden has also vowed to take action on reports that Russia offered bounties to Taliban militants to kill US troops in Afghanistan. The expected moves by the Biden administration are likely to exacerbate tensions in a relationship that slumped to a new post-Cold War low last month after Biden said he thought Putin was a "killer." In a call on Tuesday, Biden told Putin that the United States would act "firmly" to defend its interests in response to those actions, according to U.S. officials' account of the call. Biden also proposed a meeting with Putin "in a third country" that could allow the leaders to find areas to work together. In the past few weeks, Washington and its NATO allies have been alarmed by a large build-up of Russian troops near Ukraine and in Crimea, the peninsula that Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014. "The hostility and unpredictability of America's actions force us, in general, to be prepared for the worst scenarios," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters last week, anticipating the new sanctions.

US to slap new sanctions on Russia for election interference, cyber attack: Sources

The Kremlin said Wednesday it will consider US President Joe Biden's proposal to hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 
 
In a phone call on Tuesday, Biden proposed that the two leaders hold a summit "in the near future" that would come at a time of heightened tensions between the former Cold War rivals.&nbsp; 
 
"It is early to talk about this meeting in terms of specifics. This is a new proposal and it will be studied," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. 
 
He added that there is still no set agenda for the summit, but said that "without a doubt bilateral ties are important" in areas of mutual interest. 
 
Tensions between Moscow and Washington have escalated in recent weeks, with Russia building up its troops on the border with Ukraine, where government forces have been fighting pro-Russian separatists since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.&nbsp; 
 
The United States and its allies have called on Moscow to withdraw its forces. 
 
"We consider the concerns of anyone -- including the United States -- regarding the movement of our armed forces on Russian territory to be unfounded," Peskov said.&nbsp; 
 
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied its involvement in the long-simmering conflict and rejected claims that it props up the separatist forces. 
 
Ties were already strained after Washington demanded the release of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and slapped sanctions on Moscow over his poisoning in August last year.&nbsp; 
 
Peskov, however, said that Navalny was not discussed in the Putin-Biden call.&nbsp; 
 
A Kremlin statement on Tuesday said that the two leaders discussed Ukraine as well as the Iranian nuclear programme, Afghanistan peace talks and climate change.

The Kremlin said Wednesday it will consider US President Joe Biden's proposal to hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a phone call on Tuesday, Biden proposed that the two leaders hold a summit "in the near future" that would come at a time of heightened tensions between the former Cold War rivals.

The Kremlin said Wednesday it will consider US President Joe Biden's proposal to hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a phone call on Tuesday, Biden proposed that the two leaders hold a summit "in the near future" that would come at a time of heightened tensions between the former Cold War rivals. "It is early to talk about this meeting in terms of specifics. This is a new proposal and it will be studied," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. He added that there is still no set agenda for the summit, but said that "without a doubt bilateral ties are important" in areas of mutual interest. Tensions between Moscow and Washington have escalated in recent weeks, with Russia building up its troops on the border with Ukraine, where government forces have been fighting pro-Russian separatists since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The United States and its allies have called on Moscow to withdraw its forces. "We consider the concerns of anyone -- including the United States -- regarding the movement of our armed forces on Russian territory to be unfounded," Peskov said. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied its involvement in the long-simmering conflict and rejected claims that it props up the separatist forces. Ties were already strained after Washington demanded the release of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and slapped sanctions on Moscow over his poisoning in August last year. Peskov, however, said that Navalny was not discussed in the Putin-Biden call. A Kremlin statement on Tuesday said that the two leaders discussed Ukraine as well as the Iranian nuclear programme, Afghanistan peace talks and climate change.

Russia says will 'study' US proposal for Putin-Biden summit

Russia on Tuesday accused the United States and other NATO countries of turning Ukraine into a “powder keg” after military buildup in the region.

"The United States and other NATO countries are deliberately turning Ukraine into a powder keg," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was cited as saying by local media

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Russia recently stationed soldiers along the Ukraine border and also accused Western countries of supplying arms to Ukraine.

A Ukrainian&nbsp;soldier was killed on Sunday and another seriously wounded in artillery fire from Russia-backed separatist rebels, as hostilities rise sharply in the country’s east. As of Monday, Ukraine claimed 27 soldiers had been killed in the east this year, more than half the number who died in all of 2020. Attacks have intensified in recent weeks and Russia has built up troops along the Ukraine border.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/whats-happening-between-russia-and-ukraine-heres-a-cheat-sheet-377164" hreflang="en">What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet</a>

The troops' buildup has raised sharp concerns in the West. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned in an interview Sunday of "consequences" if&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;acts "aggressively" towards Ukraine, amid rising alarm over a Russian troop build-up on the border of the former Soviet republic.

"President Biden's been very clear about this. If&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;acts recklessly, or aggressively, there will be costs, there will be consequences," Blinken said.

In recent weeks fighting has intensified between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists in the country's east, with signs of a Russian troop build-up in the region raising concerns of major escalation in the long-running conflict.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russian-military-spotted-near-ukraine-border-after-us-warning-376922" hreflang="en">Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning</a>

Ukraine has accused&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;of amassing thousands of military personnel on its northern and eastern borders as well as on the annexed Crimean peninsula.

The Kremlin, which has not denied the troop movements, said Sunday it was not moving towards war with Ukraine - but also that it "will not remain indifferent" to the fate of Russian speakers in the conflict-torn region.

The White House this week said the number of Russian troops at the border with Ukraine was now greater than at any time since 2014, when the conflict erupted after&nbsp;Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Tuesday accused the United States and other NATO countries of turning Ukraine into a “powder keg” after military buildup in the region. "The United States and other NATO countries are deliberately turning Ukraine into a powder keg," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was cited as saying by local media Russia recently stationed soldiers along the Ukraine border and also accused Western countries of supplying arms to Ukraine.

Russia on Tuesday accused the United States and other NATO countries of turning Ukraine into a “powder keg” after military buildup in the region. "The United States and other NATO countries are deliberately turning Ukraine into a powder keg," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was cited as saying by local media Russia recently stationed soldiers along the Ukraine border and also accused Western countries of supplying arms to Ukraine. A Ukrainian soldier was killed on Sunday and another seriously wounded in artillery fire from Russia-backed separatist rebels, as hostilities rise sharply in the country’s east. As of Monday, Ukraine claimed 27 soldiers had been killed in the east this year, more than half the number who died in all of 2020. Attacks have intensified in recent weeks and Russia has built up troops along the Ukraine border. Also read: What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet The troops' buildup has raised sharp concerns in the West. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned in an interview Sunday of "consequences" if Russia acts "aggressively" towards Ukraine, amid rising alarm over a Russian troop build-up on the border of the former Soviet republic. "President Biden's been very clear about this. If Russia acts recklessly, or aggressively, there will be costs, there will be consequences," Blinken said. In recent weeks fighting has intensified between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists in the country's east, with signs of a Russian troop build-up in the region raising concerns of major escalation in the long-running conflict. Also read: Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning Ukraine has accused Russia of amassing thousands of military personnel on its northern and eastern borders as well as on the annexed Crimean peninsula. The Kremlin, which has not denied the troop movements, said Sunday it was not moving towards war with Ukraine - but also that it "will not remain indifferent" to the fate of Russian speakers in the conflict-torn region. The White House this week said the number of Russian troops at the border with Ukraine was now greater than at any time since 2014, when the conflict erupted after Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia accuses US, other NATO countries of turning Ukraine into 'powder keg'

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