Chinese President Xi Jinping appears Friday as a guest of honour at Russia's showcase economic forum, as the two neighbours present a united front in the face of shared troubles with the US.

Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day visit with Vladimir Putin and described the Russian leader as his "best friend" during a cosy meeting at the Kremlin.

To end the trip, Xi and his host will appear at a plenary session of the annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, which Moscow hopes will woo foreign investors despite an uncertain business climate.

Xi is set to present China's ideas on sustainable development and multilateral cooperation, Beijing said ahead of his appearance.&nbsp;

The 2019 forum "will illustrate very clearly just how bi-polar the world has become," said Chris Weafer, a senior partner at the Macro Advisory consulting firm.

"In the same week that President Trump will be having tea with the Queen in London, President Putin will be hosting President Xi in Saint Petersburg."&nbsp;

The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with the West and a move towards Russia's neighbour to the east.

China meanwhile is locked in a trade war with the United States that has seen Washington impose sweeping duties and move to blacklist companies like tech giant Huawei.&nbsp;

Moscow and Beijing's economic ties have grown in recent years, though they remain heavily weighted in favour of China, which dwarfs Russia in economic and demographic terms.

Dozens of deals signed

Xi's visit has already seen the signing of dozens of commercial contracts in e-commerce, telecoms, gas and other areas.

Other deals have been signed at the forum, including one on Friday between Russian and Chinese shipping companies to work together to develop Arctic sea routes.&nbsp;

While this is the Chinese leader's first appearance at the economic forum, where he heads a 1,000-strong delegation, he and Putin have met regularly in recent years.&nbsp;

Ahead of Xi's visit, Kremlin advisor Yury Ushakov described China as "Russia's most important economic partner".&nbsp;

The partnership is yielding increasing trade, which grew by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion, he said.

At a panel Friday on Russia-China business ties, Russian tycoon Viktor Vekselberg, a target of US sanctions, called for the two countries to carry out more trade in their national currencies, bypassing the US dollar.&nbsp;

But despite political tensions and repeated rounds of sanctions over Moscow's actions in Ukraine, the European Union remains by far the biggest foreign investor in Russia -- well ahead of China and the US.

"China is taking time to ramp up investments in Russia," said Charles Robertson, chief economist at Renaissance Capital. "It wants to feel secure about the long term, it doesn't want to rush into it."

He predicted China would make big investments over the next three to five years, possibly even sooner, as Russia plays an important role in projects along Beijing's New Silk Road.&nbsp;

Worry over investor arrest

The first day of the forum on Thursday saw Putin make a pitch for increased foreign investment as Russia looks to revive an economy hit by Western sanctions over Ukraine and the drop in oil prices.&nbsp;

After emerging from recession in 2017, the Russian economy ticked up by only 0.5 percent in the first quarter of this year.&nbsp;

Putin, whose approval ratings have dropped to record lows, has vowed to boost growth through a series of "national projects" -- ranging from healthcare to infrastructure -- that will cost Russia $388 billion.

But foreign investors, already wary of Russia' volatile business climate, were further spooked by the arrest on fraud charges in February of US businessman Michael Calvey, the founder of one of the oldest private equity firms focusing on Russia.&nbsp;

He denies the charges, saying the arrest was the result of a shareholder dispute.

Speculation swirled at the forum over whether Calvey, who is under house arrest, would attend. On Friday his lawyer said authorities had not yet replied to a request from the businessman to travel to Saint Petersburg.

Chinese President Xi Jinping appears Friday as a guest of honour at Russia's showcase economic forum, as the two neighbours present a united front in the face of shared troubles with the US.

Chinese President Xi Jinping appears Friday as a guest of honour at Russia's showcase economic forum, as the two neighbours present a united front in the face of shared troubles with the US. Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day visit with Vladimir Putin and described the Russian leader as his "best friend" during a cosy meeting at the Kremlin. To end the trip, Xi and his host will appear at a plenary session of the annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, which Moscow hopes will woo foreign investors despite an uncertain business climate. Xi is set to present China's ideas on sustainable development and multilateral cooperation, Beijing said ahead of his appearance. The 2019 forum "will illustrate very clearly just how bi-polar the world has become," said Chris Weafer, a senior partner at the Macro Advisory consulting firm. "In the same week that President Trump will be having tea with the Queen in London, President Putin will be hosting President Xi in Saint Petersburg." The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with the West and a move towards Russia's neighbour to the east. China meanwhile is locked in a trade war with the United States that has seen Washington impose sweeping duties and move to blacklist companies like tech giant Huawei. Moscow and Beijing's economic ties have grown in recent years, though they remain heavily weighted in favour of China, which dwarfs Russia in economic and demographic terms. Dozens of deals signed Xi's visit has already seen the signing of dozens of commercial contracts in e-commerce, telecoms, gas and other areas. Other deals have been signed at the forum, including one on Friday between Russian and Chinese shipping companies to work together to develop Arctic sea routes. While this is the Chinese leader's first appearance at the economic forum, where he heads a 1,000-strong delegation, he and Putin have met regularly in recent years. Ahead of Xi's visit, Kremlin advisor Yury Ushakov described China as "Russia's most important economic partner". The partnership is yielding increasing trade, which grew by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion, he said. At a panel Friday on Russia-China business ties, Russian tycoon Viktor Vekselberg, a target of US sanctions, called for the two countries to carry out more trade in their national currencies, bypassing the US dollar. But despite political tensions and repeated rounds of sanctions over Moscow's actions in Ukraine, the European Union remains by far the biggest foreign investor in Russia -- well ahead of China and the US. "China is taking time to ramp up investments in Russia," said Charles Robertson, chief economist at Renaissance Capital. "It wants to feel secure about the long term, it doesn't want to rush into it." He predicted China would make big investments over the next three to five years, possibly even sooner, as Russia plays an important role in projects along Beijing's New Silk Road. Worry over investor arrest The first day of the forum on Thursday saw Putin make a pitch for increased foreign investment as Russia looks to revive an economy hit by Western sanctions over Ukraine and the drop in oil prices. After emerging from recession in 2017, the Russian economy ticked up by only 0.5 percent in the first quarter of this year. Putin, whose approval ratings have dropped to record lows, has vowed to boost growth through a series of "national projects" -- ranging from healthcare to infrastructure -- that will cost Russia $388 billion. But foreign investors, already wary of Russia' volatile business climate, were further spooked by the arrest on fraud charges in February of US businessman Michael Calvey, the founder of one of the oldest private equity firms focusing on Russia. He denies the charges, saying the arrest was the result of a shareholder dispute. Speculation swirled at the forum over whether Calvey, who is under house arrest, would attend. On Friday his lawyer said authorities had not yet replied to a request from the businessman to travel to Saint Petersburg.

Russia and China show united front at economic forum

Britain said Thursday that resetting ties with Russia depended on Moscow changing behaviour, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was time to "turn the page" on the difficult relationship.

"We can only have a different relationship if Russia changes its behaviour," a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Theresa May said, noting that the 2018 poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain, blamed on Moscow, was a "despicable act".

"We have been clear that Russia's pattern of aggression and destabilising behaviour undermines its claim to be a responsible international partner," the spokeswoman added.&nbsp;

"We will continue to engage with Russia on matters of international security as this is in the UK's national interest."

Britain has accused Russia of orchestrating the March 2018 nerve agent attack against former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English cathedral city of Salisbury, which Moscow has furiously denied.

The incident sparked dozens of tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions by Western allies and Russia, plunging relations to a new post-Cold War low.

However, Putin told heads of global news agencies at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg on Thursday that there was now "a need to finally turn this page -- linked to spies and assassination attempts".

The British government said in its response that it continued to have "ongoing engagement with Russia on official channels across a number of areas".

But May's spokesman added: "I think their behaviour undermines their claims to be a responsible international partner."

Britain said Thursday that resetting ties with Russia depended on Moscow changing behaviour, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was time to "turn the page" on the difficult relationship.

Britain said Thursday that resetting ties with Russia depended on Moscow changing behaviour, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was time to "turn the page" on the difficult relationship. "We can only have a different relationship if Russia changes its behaviour," a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Theresa May said, noting that the 2018 poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain, blamed on Moscow, was a "despicable act". "We have been clear that Russia's pattern of aggression and destabilising behaviour undermines its claim to be a responsible international partner," the spokeswoman added. "We will continue to engage with Russia on matters of international security as this is in the UK's national interest." Britain has accused Russia of orchestrating the March 2018 nerve agent attack against former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English cathedral city of Salisbury, which Moscow has furiously denied. The incident sparked dozens of tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions by Western allies and Russia, plunging relations to a new post-Cold War low. However, Putin told heads of global news agencies at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg on Thursday that there was now "a need to finally turn this page -- linked to spies and assassination attempts". The British government said in its response that it continued to have "ongoing engagement with Russia on official channels across a number of areas". But May's spokesman added: "I think their behaviour undermines their claims to be a responsible international partner."

UK says new ties possible only if Russia 'changes behaviour'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-gifts-putin-chinas-friendship-medal-143236">Chinese President Xi Jinping presented</a> two&nbsp;pandas to Moscow's zoo at a ceremony with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, in a gesture the Russian president described as a sign of deepening trust and respect between the two powers.

Xi unveiled the&nbsp;pandas - Ru Yi and Ding Ding - after talks with Putin whom he called his "best friend" at the start of a three-day visit that will see him attend Russia's flagship economic forum in St Petersburg later this week.

The&nbsp;pandas, who could be seen chomping bamboo as Xi and Putin arrived, will be living in a specially built enclosure. Beijing has loaned them to Moscow for 15 years as part of a joint research project.

Xi's visit to Russia comes with Moscow's ties with the West at post-Cold War lows and with Beijing's relations with the United States strained over a trade war. Both powers are eager to show they are strengthening ties.

The leaders promised to deepen military-technical cooperation at talks in Moscow, while Russian and Chinese businesses signed an array of deals.

"Over the past six years, we have met almost 30 times ... Putin is my best friend and a good colleague," Xi said in comments published on the Kremlin's website.

Standing alongside Xi after the talks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-in-russia-to-boost-cooperation-amid-us-tensions-224674">Putin</a> thanked China for entrusting the&nbsp;pandas to Moscow.

"This is a gesture of particular respect and trust in Russia. When we talk about&nbsp;pandas, we always end up with a smile on our faces. We accept this gift with great respect and gratitude," Putin said.

"These animals are a national symbol for China, and we greatly value this gesture of friendship," he said.

The&nbsp;pandas were given to Russia at the end of April after Putin visited Beijing but were only unveiled to the public on Wednesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping presented two pandas to Moscow's zoo at a ceremony with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, in a gesture the Russian president described as a sign of deepening trust and respect between the two powers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping presented two pandas to Moscow's zoo at a ceremony with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, in a gesture the Russian president described as a sign of deepening trust and respect between the two powers. Xi unveiled the pandas - Ru Yi and Ding Ding - after talks with Putin whom he called his "best friend" at the start of a three-day visit that will see him attend Russia's flagship economic forum in St Petersburg later this week. The pandas, who could be seen chomping bamboo as Xi and Putin arrived, will be living in a specially built enclosure. Beijing has loaned them to Moscow for 15 years as part of a joint research project. Xi's visit to Russia comes with Moscow's ties with the West at post-Cold War lows and with Beijing's relations with the United States strained over a trade war. Both powers are eager to show they are strengthening ties. The leaders promised to deepen military-technical cooperation at talks in Moscow, while Russian and Chinese businesses signed an array of deals. "Over the past six years, we have met almost 30 times ... Putin is my best friend and a good colleague," Xi said in comments published on the Kremlin's website. Standing alongside Xi after the talks, Putin thanked China for entrusting the pandas to Moscow. "This is a gesture of particular respect and trust in Russia. When we talk about pandas, we always end up with a smile on our faces. We accept this gift with great respect and gratitude," Putin said. "These animals are a national symbol for China, and we greatly value this gesture of friendship," he said. The pandas were given to Russia at the end of April after Putin visited Beijing but were only unveiled to the public on Wednesday.

China's panda diplomacy puts a smile on best friend Putin's face

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin praised their countries' ties during a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Beijing and Moscow seek to shore up cooperation amid tensions with the US.&nbsp;

Putin said the visit was a "key event" in relations between the two neighbours.

"Our relationship will be better and better," said Xi, who was received with full honours when he arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport in the afternoon.

The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with its Western partners and subsequent turn toward its neighbour to the east.

"In recent years, thanks to your direct participation, the relationship between Russia and China has reached an unprecedentedly high level," the Russian president said.

Following the talks and a visit to the Bolshoi Theatre late Wednesday, Xi is set to travel to Russia's former imperial capital Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;

There he will attend an economic forum hosted by Putin on Thursday and Friday.

China and Russia "have strong political mutual trust, and support each other firmly on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns," Xi said during an interview with Russian media ahead of the visit.

Putin's foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, earlier said Xi and Putin would sign a new declaration on their "global partnership and strategic cooperation, which are entering a new era".

The Chinese delegation brought two pandas as gifts, bound for the Moscow Zoo. "The animal is a symbol of China and the gesture is very important to our partners," Ushakov said. 
T 
he partnership is yielding increasing trade, which has increased by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion (96 billion euros), he added, calling China "Russia's most important economic partner".

Russia's 'pivot' paying off&nbsp;

Russia may have had unrealistic expectations from its pivot to the east following Western sanctions over Ukraine, said Alexander Gabuev, who heads the Asia programme at the Carnegie Moscow Center.

Nevertheless, China's share in Russian foreign trade has nearly doubled since then, he added.

"The pivot really is happening," he said.

"Despite all the difficulties, China became a significant creditor and rather significant investor" in Russia at a time when many other investors preferred to pack their bags.

Cooperation with China is seen by Moscow as "the lesser of two evils" to stimulate economic growth, Gabuev said -- the alternative being deep internal reforms and reconciliation with the West.

Politically, the two countries seem consistently aligned and often vote in unison as permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Presidential advisor Ushakov said "the positions of Russia and China are very close or coincide completely on most international issues," including the North Korean nuclear programme, the Venezuelan crisis and the Iran nuclear deal.

All these issues would be discussed during the leaders' meeting, he added.&nbsp;

The countries would also discuss their relationship with the "great Western powers, including the United States", he said.

Moscow's relations with Washington have been at a post-Cold War low for some time, and Beijing is locked in a trade war with the US.

After Washington criticised its rights record, Beijing issued a travel warning to Chinese nationals Tuesday about crime and police harassment in the United States.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin praised their countries' ties during a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Beijing and Moscow seek to shore up cooperation amid tensions with the US.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin praised their countries' ties during a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Beijing and Moscow seek to shore up cooperation amid tensions with the US. Putin said the visit was a "key event" in relations between the two neighbours. "Our relationship will be better and better," said Xi, who was received with full honours when he arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport in the afternoon. The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with its Western partners and subsequent turn toward its neighbour to the east. "In recent years, thanks to your direct participation, the relationship between Russia and China has reached an unprecedentedly high level," the Russian president said. Following the talks and a visit to the Bolshoi Theatre late Wednesday, Xi is set to travel to Russia's former imperial capital Saint Petersburg. There he will attend an economic forum hosted by Putin on Thursday and Friday. China and Russia "have strong political mutual trust, and support each other firmly on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns," Xi said during an interview with Russian media ahead of the visit. Putin's foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, earlier said Xi and Putin would sign a new declaration on their "global partnership and strategic cooperation, which are entering a new era". The Chinese delegation brought two pandas as gifts, bound for the Moscow Zoo. "The animal is a symbol of China and the gesture is very important to our partners," Ushakov said. T he partnership is yielding increasing trade, which has increased by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion (96 billion euros), he added, calling China "Russia's most important economic partner". Russia's 'pivot' paying off Russia may have had unrealistic expectations from its pivot to the east following Western sanctions over Ukraine, said Alexander Gabuev, who heads the Asia programme at the Carnegie Moscow Center. Nevertheless, China's share in Russian foreign trade has nearly doubled since then, he added. "The pivot really is happening," he said. "Despite all the difficulties, China became a significant creditor and rather significant investor" in Russia at a time when many other investors preferred to pack their bags. Cooperation with China is seen by Moscow as "the lesser of two evils" to stimulate economic growth, Gabuev said -- the alternative being deep internal reforms and reconciliation with the West. Politically, the two countries seem consistently aligned and often vote in unison as permanent members of the UN Security Council. Presidential advisor Ushakov said "the positions of Russia and China are very close or coincide completely on most international issues," including the North Korean nuclear programme, the Venezuelan crisis and the Iran nuclear deal. All these issues would be discussed during the leaders' meeting, he added. The countries would also discuss their relationship with the "great Western powers, including the United States", he said. Moscow's relations with Washington have been at a post-Cold War low for some time, and Beijing is locked in a trade war with the US. After Washington criticised its rights record, Beijing issued a travel warning to Chinese nationals Tuesday about crime and police harassment in the United States.

China's Xi in Russia to boost cooperation amid US tensions

How does the U.S. and the world see PM Modi's thumping win in the Indian Elections? We ask the man who steered U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign in 2014. Listen to this exclusive conversation between Steve Bannon and WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary.

Gravitas: How Does The World See Modi's Win? An Exclusive Interview With Steve Bannon

In this exclusive interview with WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary; Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist, and media moghul speaks on India-US future relations after Indian PM Narendra Modi's landslide victory.

Steve Bannon to WION: On India-US ties after PM Modi's Victory for second term

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pulled off an electoral victory this year which resonated across the world. Many global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, congratulated him for the massive mandate in India's general elections. Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist, and media moghul has said that the western media is absolutely stunned by PM Modi's victory. In an exclusive interview with WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary, Bannon, the former executive chairman of Breitbart News, said he has been incredibly impressed with Modi.

Impressed with Modi, his victory bodes well for India-US ties: Steve Bannon to WION

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-accuses-syria-regime-of-undermining-turkey-russia-deal-218670">Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan</a> told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin late on Thursday that a ceasefire in Syria`s Idlib must be implemented to prevent more civilian deaths and a refugee influx to Turkey, Erdogan`s office said in a statement.

Erdogan told Putin over the phone that Syria needed a political solution, the statement said.

The Kremlin, in its own statement on the Putin-Erdogan phone call, which was published on its official website, struck a different tone, however, making it clear it believed some fighting had to continue, underlining tensions between Moscow and Ankara over the issue.&nbsp;

"The importance of intensifying our joint work to stabilise Idlib province was noted, including the taking of effective measures to neutralise terrorist groups," the Kremlin said in the statement.

A Russian-backed Syrian government offensive in the rebel-held northwest, the most serious escalation of the war between President Bashar al-Assad and his enemies since last summer, has uprooted around 250,000 people in the territory, the last significant rebel stronghold.

That has strained relations between Russia and Turkey, which borders Idlib and is keen to retain a degree of influence there.&nbsp;

Moscow, one of the Syrian government’s staunchest allies, and Turkey brokered a deal in September to create a demilitarised zone in Idlib that would be free of all heavy weapons and jihadist fighters.

But Moscow, which is keen to help Assad retake Idlib province, has since complained about escalating violence in the area and said that militants who used to belong to the Nusra Front group are in control of large swaths of territory.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin late on Thursday that a ceasefire in Syria`s Idlib must be implemented to prevent more civilian deaths and a refugee influx to Turkey, Erdogan`s office said in a statement.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin late on Thursday that a ceasefire in Syria`s Idlib must be implemented to prevent more civilian deaths and a refugee influx to Turkey, Erdogan`s office said in a statement. Erdogan told Putin over the phone that Syria needed a political solution, the statement said. The Kremlin, in its own statement on the Putin-Erdogan phone call, which was published on its official website, struck a different tone, however, making it clear it believed some fighting had to continue, underlining tensions between Moscow and Ankara over the issue. "The importance of intensifying our joint work to stabilise Idlib province was noted, including the taking of effective measures to neutralise terrorist groups," the Kremlin said in the statement. A Russian-backed Syrian government offensive in the rebel-held northwest, the most serious escalation of the war between President Bashar al-Assad and his enemies since last summer, has uprooted around 250,000 people in the territory, the last significant rebel stronghold. That has strained relations between Russia and Turkey, which borders Idlib and is keen to retain a degree of influence there. Moscow, one of the Syrian government’s staunchest allies, and Turkey brokered a deal in September to create a demilitarised zone in Idlib that would be free of all heavy weapons and jihadist fighters. But Moscow, which is keen to help Assad retake Idlib province, has since complained about escalating violence in the area and said that militants who used to belong to the Nusra Front group are in control of large swaths of territory.

We need a ceasefire in Syria's Idlib: Turkey's Erdogan to Putin

US President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the intelligence community to cooperate with Attorney General William Barr's review of the events that prompted an investigation into links between the Trump campaign and Russia.

The directive comes as the White House spars with congressional Democrats over the work of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who led a two-year investigation into whether Russia meddled in the 2016 US election and if there were any ties between the Trump campaign and Russia.

"Today, at the request and recommendation of the attorney general of the United States, President Donald J. Trump directed the intelligence community to quickly and fully cooperate with the attorney general's investigation into surveillance activities during the 2016 presidential election," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said after Trump issued the directive.

The order also allows Barr to declassify any information he sees fit during his review.

A redacted version of Mueller's report was released publicly in April. The probe found no evidence that the Trump campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia and did not draw a conclusion on whether Trump obstructed justice, but outlined some incidents that Democrats have said may be obstruction.

Republican House member Mark Meadows tweeted on Thursday that "Americans are going to learn the truth about what occurred at their Justice Department."

Adam Schiff, a Democrat member and Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized Trump's directive.

"While Trump stonewalls the public from learning the truth about his obstruction of justice, Trump and Barr conspire to weaponize law enforcement and classified information against their political enemies," Schiff said on Twitter.

"The coverup has entered a new and dangerous phase. This is un-American," he added.

In separate comments late Thursday on MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show", House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said Mueller had told him that he is willing to testify to lawmakers in private, but is willing to make a public statement.

Nadler, a Democrat, told Maddow that if Mueller did testify behind closed doors then the public would get a written transcript of the testimony.

But Trump railed on Twitter early Friday against the investigation and said that the investigation was politically motivated.

He wrote: “Intelligence Agencies were used against an American President.” @DevinNunes @ShannonBream @FoxNews This should NEVER happen to a President again! Dems are furious at Robert Mueller for his findings - NO COLLUSION, NO OBSTRUCTION. Now they should go back to work and legislate!"

'Drawing the swamp'

Trump, a Republican, harbours suspicions that the Democratic Obama administration ordered him investigated during the 2016 campaign to try to undermine his candidacy, and he wants payback against those he believes were responsible.

"Comey, Brennan, Clapper, we're draining the swamp, folks," Trump told a rally on Monday in Pennsylvania, referring to former FBI Director James Comey, former CIA Director John Brennan, and James Clapper, a former director of national intelligence, all of whom have been critical of Trump.

Of specific interest to Trump are the warrants that emanated from a secretive court that authorizes surveillance on foreign powers and their agents. Trump supporters believe the warrants will identify those responsible for the Russia probe that is still roiling Washington.

Last month, Barr said at a Senate hearing that "spying" on Trump's campaign was carried out by US intelligence agencies, though he later referred to his concerns as focused on "unauthorized surveillance."

Barr has assigned a top federal prosecutor in Connecticut to probe the origins of the Russia investigation in what is the third known inquiry into the opening of the FBI probe.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the intelligence community to cooperate with Attorney General William Barr's review of the events that prompted an investigation into links between the Trump campaign and Russia.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the intelligence community to cooperate with Attorney General William Barr's review of the events that prompted an investigation into links between the Trump campaign and Russia. The directive comes as the White House spars with congressional Democrats over the work of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who led a two-year investigation into whether Russia meddled in the 2016 US election and if there were any ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. "Today, at the request and recommendation of the attorney general of the United States, President Donald J. Trump directed the intelligence community to quickly and fully cooperate with the attorney general's investigation into surveillance activities during the 2016 presidential election," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said after Trump issued the directive. The order also allows Barr to declassify any information he sees fit during his review. A redacted version of Mueller's report was released publicly in April. The probe found no evidence that the Trump campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia and did not draw a conclusion on whether Trump obstructed justice, but outlined some incidents that Democrats have said may be obstruction. Republican House member Mark Meadows tweeted on Thursday that "Americans are going to learn the truth about what occurred at their Justice Department." Adam Schiff, a Democrat member and Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized Trump's directive. "While Trump stonewalls the public from learning the truth about his obstruction of justice, Trump and Barr conspire to weaponize law enforcement and classified information against their political enemies," Schiff said on Twitter. "The coverup has entered a new and dangerous phase. This is un-American," he added. In separate comments late Thursday on MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show", House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said Mueller had told him that he is willing to testify to lawmakers in private, but is willing to make a public statement. Nadler, a Democrat, told Maddow that if Mueller did testify behind closed doors then the public would get a written transcript of the testimony. But Trump railed on Twitter early Friday against the investigation and said that the investigation was politically motivated. He wrote: “Intelligence Agencies were used against an American President.” @DevinNunes @ShannonBream @FoxNews This should NEVER happen to a President again! Dems are furious at Robert Mueller for his findings - NO COLLUSION, NO OBSTRUCTION. Now they should go back to work and legislate!" 'Drawing the swamp' Trump, a Republican, harbours suspicions that the Democratic Obama administration ordered him investigated during the 2016 campaign to try to undermine his candidacy, and he wants payback against those he believes were responsible. "Comey, Brennan, Clapper, we're draining the swamp, folks," Trump told a rally on Monday in Pennsylvania, referring to former FBI Director James Comey, former CIA Director John Brennan, and James Clapper, a former director of national intelligence, all of whom have been critical of Trump. Of specific interest to Trump are the warrants that emanated from a secretive court that authorizes surveillance on foreign powers and their agents. Trump supporters believe the warrants will identify those responsible for the Russia probe that is still roiling Washington. Last month, Barr said at a Senate hearing that "spying" on Trump's campaign was carried out by US intelligence agencies, though he later referred to his concerns as focused on "unauthorized surveillance." Barr has assigned a top federal prosecutor in Connecticut to probe the origins of the Russia investigation in what is the third known inquiry into the opening of the FBI probe.

Trump orders intelligence community to cooperate with review on Russia probe origins

After taking over as the prime minister in his second term, Narendra Modi's first visit will be a country in the neighbourhood but it will not be in Bhutan. The visit will take place in early June.

During Modi's first tenure as the prime minister, his first visit was to Bhutan in June 2014.&nbsp;

PM Modi will have seven foreign visits scheduled in the next seven months, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, France, Russia, Thailand, Brazil and a country in the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

The visits will see him interact with global leaders and see a consolidation of his foreign policy actions and gains from his first term.

June: Kyrgyzstan, Japan

Other than a visit to a South Asian country, June will see two more major visits. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO summit from June 13 to 15 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan which will begin from June 28 to 29.

The SCO includes Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan as well as India and Pakistan. The SCO summit will be the first time PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart &nbsp;Imran Khan will be under the same roof and the big question will be if they will meet.&nbsp;

There hasn't been any formal dialogue between India and Pakistan since years now. The last time India took initiative was on December 25 in 2015 when PM Modi landed in Lahore. But, days after India's initiative, Pathankot attack happened which resulted in the breakdown of Indo-Pak ties.&nbsp;

The SCO summit could also see the first meet between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping since the listing of Masood Azhar, chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist organisation.

In 2018, Modi-Xi met four times, starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan, China. The Chinese president will be visiting India this year for the second informal summit.&nbsp;

G20 summit in Japan will also serve as the first major platform for PM Modi to meet global leaders including a likely meet with US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

In 2018, during the G20 meet in Argentina, PM Modi met Donald Trump as part of a trilateral, Japan, America and India (JAI), in which Japanese PM Shinzo Abe was also present.&nbsp;

Another trilateral, Russia, India, China (RIC) saw the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping along with PM Modi.&nbsp;

Both the trilaterals&nbsp;are expected to meet this time as well.

August: France

This will be followed by participation of Indian PM at the G7 summit in Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France from August 25 to 27.&nbsp;

India has been invited by France, which is the chair this time, to participate at the G7 summit. During his congratulatory call to PM Modi on Thursday, French President Macron reiterated his invitation to visit France in August for a bilateral meeting and also to attend the G7 Summit at Biarritz.

In 2005, India was present at the G7 summit with participation of the then Indian PM Manmohan Singh. &nbsp;The G7 group consists of US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan &amp; Italy.

September: Russia

In September, PM Modi is going to Russia to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the far eastern city of Vladivostok from September 4 to 6.&nbsp;

PM Modi has spoken to Putin three times in 2019, the first time on January 1 and the second time on January 28 during which the latter extended the invitation for the EEF. On Thursday Putin called Modi third time to congratulate him for his landslide victory in country's 17 Lok Sabha polls. 
&nbsp; 
On January 1, a Russian government official readout the first phone conversation between Putin and Modi in which it was stated, "The President of Russia invited the Prime Minister of India to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest."

During PM Modi's second term he might also go for the United Nations General Assembly in New York that starts on September 17 and ends on September 30.&nbsp;

November: Thailand, Brazil

November will see PM Modi going to Bangkok for the East Asia Summit which takes place on third of that month followed by BRICS summit in Brazil from 11-13 November.

Four leaders, Japan's PM Shinzo Abe, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel, Putin and &nbsp;Xi Jinping are scheduled to visit India.

After taking over as the prime minister in his second term, Narendra Modi's first visit will be a country in the neighbourhood but it will not be in Bhutan. The visit will take place in early June.

After taking over as the prime minister in his second term, Narendra Modi's first visit will be a country in the neighbourhood but it will not be in Bhutan. The visit will take place in early June. During Modi's first tenure as the prime minister, his first visit was to Bhutan in June 2014. PM Modi will have seven foreign visits scheduled in the next seven months, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, France, Russia, Thailand, Brazil and a country in the neighbourhood. The visits will see him interact with global leaders and see a consolidation of his foreign policy actions and gains from his first term. June: Kyrgyzstan, Japan Other than a visit to a South Asian country, June will see two more major visits. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO summit from June 13 to 15 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan which will begin from June 28 to 29. The SCO includes Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan as well as India and Pakistan. The SCO summit will be the first time PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan will be under the same roof and the big question will be if they will meet. There hasn't been any formal dialogue between India and Pakistan since years now. The last time India took initiative was on December 25 in 2015 when PM Modi landed in Lahore. But, days after India's initiative, Pathankot attack happened which resulted in the breakdown of Indo-Pak ties. The SCO summit could also see the first meet between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping since the listing of Masood Azhar, chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist organisation. In 2018, Modi-Xi met four times, starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan, China. The Chinese president will be visiting India this year for the second informal summit. G20 summit in Japan will also serve as the first major platform for PM Modi to meet global leaders including a likely meet with US President Donald Trump. In 2018, during the G20 meet in Argentina, PM Modi met Donald Trump as part of a trilateral, Japan, America and India (JAI), in which Japanese PM Shinzo Abe was also present. Another trilateral, Russia, India, China (RIC) saw the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping along with PM Modi. Both the trilaterals are expected to meet this time as well. August: France This will be followed by participation of Indian PM at the G7 summit in Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France from August 25 to 27. India has been invited by France, which is the chair this time, to participate at the G7 summit. During his congratulatory call to PM Modi on Thursday, French President Macron reiterated his invitation to visit France in August for a bilateral meeting and also to attend the G7 Summit at Biarritz. In 2005, India was present at the G7 summit with participation of the then Indian PM Manmohan Singh. The G7 group consists of US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan & Italy. September: Russia In September, PM Modi is going to Russia to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the far eastern city of Vladivostok from September 4 to 6. PM Modi has spoken to Putin three times in 2019, the first time on January 1 and the second time on January 28 during which the latter extended the invitation for the EEF. On Thursday Putin called Modi third time to congratulate him for his landslide victory in country's 17 Lok Sabha polls. On January 1, a Russian government official readout the first phone conversation between Putin and Modi in which it was stated, "The President of Russia invited the Prime Minister of India to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest." During PM Modi's second term he might also go for the United Nations General Assembly in New York that starts on September 17 and ends on September 30. November: Thailand, Brazil November will see PM Modi going to Bangkok for the East Asia Summit which takes place on third of that month followed by BRICS summit in Brazil from 11-13 November. Four leaders, Japan's PM Shinzo Abe, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel, Putin and Xi Jinping are scheduled to visit India.

Narendra Modi to visit a South Asian country in his first foreign tour in second term

A Russian senator on Sunday said the hidden-camera recordings that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-president-calls-for-september-snap-elections-219898">toppled the Austrian government </a>did not prove any link to Russia and Moscow did not want to spoil its relations with Vienna.

Far-right Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resigned in disgrace on Saturday following explosive revelations in a hidden camera sting.

Media reports emerged Friday alleging that Strache promised public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer he met on the Spanish island of Ibiza a few months before 2017's parliamentary elections in Austria.

"You cannot draw a Russian link to this clearly ugly incident based on the existing recording," Oleg Morozov, a member of the foreign affairs committee of Russia's upper house and a ruling party lawmaker, told RIA Novosti state news agency.

"This could be a staged provocation. Or some incident to do with corruption that no state may be behind at all," he suggested.&nbsp;

"Good relations with Austria are too dear to Russia to squander them on such movie-style thrillers," he added.

An expert at the Institute of Europe of Russia's Academy of Sciences, Alexander Kamkin, told RIA Novosti that the situation could be described as "an information terror attack".

"Once again there is the same hysteria about the hand of Moscow -- a standard scare story," Kamkin said. "We are dealing with a well-staged provocation, a trap, that Strache, a fairly experienced politician, fell into."

Russian state television broadcast the video footage and showed street protests against Strache in Vienna.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen at his residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Wednesday.

The Russian leader met Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz for talks in Saint Petersburg in October last year.

Strache's Freedom Party (FPOe) is seen as close to Russia and has a cooperation agreement with the ruling United Russia party that backs Putin.

Putin attending the wedding of Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl -- nominated by the FPOe -- last summer. 
&nbsp;

A Russian senator on Sunday said the hidden-camera recordings that toppled the Austrian government did not prove any link to Russia and Moscow did not want to spoil its relations with Vienna.

A Russian senator on Sunday said the hidden-camera recordings that toppled the Austrian government did not prove any link to Russia and Moscow did not want to spoil its relations with Vienna. Far-right Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resigned in disgrace on Saturday following explosive revelations in a hidden camera sting. Media reports emerged Friday alleging that Strache promised public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer he met on the Spanish island of Ibiza a few months before 2017's parliamentary elections in Austria. "You cannot draw a Russian link to this clearly ugly incident based on the existing recording," Oleg Morozov, a member of the foreign affairs committee of Russia's upper house and a ruling party lawmaker, told RIA Novosti state news agency. "This could be a staged provocation. Or some incident to do with corruption that no state may be behind at all," he suggested. "Good relations with Austria are too dear to Russia to squander them on such movie-style thrillers," he added. An expert at the Institute of Europe of Russia's Academy of Sciences, Alexander Kamkin, told RIA Novosti that the situation could be described as "an information terror attack". "Once again there is the same hysteria about the hand of Moscow -- a standard scare story," Kamkin said. "We are dealing with a well-staged provocation, a trap, that Strache, a fairly experienced politician, fell into." Russian state television broadcast the video footage and showed street protests against Strache in Vienna. Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen at his residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Wednesday. The Russian leader met Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz for talks in Saint Petersburg in October last year. Strache's Freedom Party (FPOe) is seen as close to Russia and has a cooperation agreement with the ruling United Russia party that backs Putin. Putin attending the wedding of Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl -- nominated by the FPOe -- last summer.

'You can't draw Russia link' to Austria sting: Russian senator

The Kremlin said on Sunday it hopes a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump takes place, but that it has not received a definitive decision from Washington on the matter, Interfax news agency reported.

"We know that Trump has spoken of his desire for a meeting, but unfortunately we also know that (US Secretary of State Mike) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-meets-pompeo-as-us-seeks-a-way-forward-in-ties-218663">Pompeo did not bring any concrete proposals</a> about organising such a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Osaka," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was cited as saying.

Meanwhile, a Kremlin aide said on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to a new meeting with US President Donald Trump if Moscow receives a formal proposal for such an encounter. The remark came after Putin held talks with US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo.

Trump on Monday said he planned to meet Putin on the sidelines of a meeting of G20 nations in Japan next month, but the Kremlin said it had not yet received any formal request from Washington for such a meeting.

Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin aide, said Putin's meeting with Pompeo at the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi had not yielded any breakthrough but had been held in a business-like atmosphere.

The Kremlin said on Sunday it hopes a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump takes place, but that it has not received a definitive decision from Washington on the matter, Interfax news agency reported.

The Kremlin said on Sunday it hopes a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump takes place, but that it has not received a definitive decision from Washington on the matter, Interfax news agency reported. "We know that Trump has spoken of his desire for a meeting, but unfortunately we also know that (US Secretary of State Mike) Pompeo did not bring any concrete proposals about organising such a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Osaka," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was cited as saying. Meanwhile, a Kremlin aide said on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to a new meeting with US President Donald Trump if Moscow receives a formal proposal for such an encounter. The remark came after Putin held talks with US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo. Trump on Monday said he planned to meet Putin on the sidelines of a meeting of G20 nations in Japan next month, but the Kremlin said it had not yet received any formal request from Washington for such a meeting. Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin aide, said Putin's meeting with Pompeo at the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi had not yielded any breakthrough but had been held in a business-like atmosphere.

Kremlin waiting for US decision on Putin-Trump meeting: Report

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday urged China and Russia to take "concrete action" to safeguard the 2015 nuclear deal as he warned of a "dangerous" situation amid rising tensions with the US.

Tensions have ratcheted up with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sending-carrier-bombers-to-mideast-is-psychological-warfare-iran-216721">US deploying an aircraft carrier group</a> and B-52 bombers to the Gulf last week over alleged threats from Iran.

On a visit to Beijing, Zarif said he would talk with Chinese officials about "bilateral ties and the very dangerous issues that are ongoing in our region today", according to a video published on the Iranian foreign ministry website.

Washington has deployed more troops in the Gulf, one of the world's most strategic waterways, in what US officials said was a reaction to photographs showing Iran had loaded missiles onto small traditional boats.

On Wednesday the US State Department ordered the evacuation of most personnel from the US embassy and consulate in Iraq, fearing an attack by Iranian-directed Shiite militias.

Iran on Thursday rejected negotiations with the US, but said it was showing "maximum restraint".

Amid escalating tensions in the region, Zarif has called on the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-supports-iran-nuclear-deal-may-talk-to-uss-pompeo-mogherini-218310"> international community to save the nuclear deal</a>, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

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Iran signed the deal with China, Russia, Germany, Britain, France and the United States. International sanctions were eased in return for curbs on Tehran's nuclear programme.

But last year President Donald Trump walked away from the accord. The US has since then slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

"So far the international community has mostly released statements rather than taking action," Zarif said.

"If the international community and other JCPOA member countries and our friends in the JCPOA like China and Russia want to keep this achievement, it is required that they make sure the Iranian people enjoy the benefits of the JCPOA with concrete actions," he added.

'Maximum pressure'

Zarif said last week that only Russia and China had supported Iran and helped it keep the nuclear deal going, and accused other parties to the agreement of letting Tehran down.

China was one of the eight global buyers -- India, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Italy and Greece -- that was allowed to import Iranian crude oil before the US ended waivers in early May.

Zarif's China trip comes after visits to Turkmenistan, India and Japan in the past week.

Despite Washington's campaign of "maximum pressure" against Iran, the Islamic Republic has vowed to keep selling oil to its main customers, especially China, even if it requires using indirect means.

On May 8, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would stop observing restrictions on stocks of enriched uranium and heavy water agreed under the nuclear deal in retaliation for the US withdrawal and the reimposition of sanctions.

In his announcement, Rouhani threatened to go further if the European members of the deal failed to start delivering on their promises to help Iran circumvent US sanctions within 60 days.

China in response called on all parties to uphold the nuclear deal in what it called a "shared responsibility".

European nations have also called on all partners to the deal to help salvage it while expressing frustration at Iran's demands for help in circumventing US sanctions.

One European diplomat called on China to buy Iranian oil as it is less exposed to the United States.

"They are now very exposed to the dollar but it is also a question of political choice," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"The reality for the Chinese is that they are in a global trade war with the Americans, they are in the middle of negotiations and they are not quite so sure if they want to load the boat," the diplomat added.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday urged China and Russia to take "concrete action" to safeguard the 2015 nuclear deal as he warned of a "dangerous" situation amid rising tensions with the US.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday urged China and Russia to take "concrete action" to safeguard the 2015 nuclear deal as he warned of a "dangerous" situation amid rising tensions with the US. Tensions have ratcheted up with the US deploying an aircraft carrier group and B-52 bombers to the Gulf last week over alleged threats from Iran. On a visit to Beijing, Zarif said he would talk with Chinese officials about "bilateral ties and the very dangerous issues that are ongoing in our region today", according to a video published on the Iranian foreign ministry website. Washington has deployed more troops in the Gulf, one of the world's most strategic waterways, in what US officials said was a reaction to photographs showing Iran had loaded missiles onto small traditional boats. On Wednesday the US State Department ordered the evacuation of most personnel from the US embassy and consulate in Iraq, fearing an attack by Iranian-directed Shiite militias. Iran on Thursday rejected negotiations with the US, but said it was showing "maximum restraint". Amid escalating tensions in the region, Zarif has called on the international community to save the nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. × Iran signed the deal with China, Russia, Germany, Britain, France and the United States. International sanctions were eased in return for curbs on Tehran's nuclear programme. But last year President Donald Trump walked away from the accord. The US has since then slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran. "So far the international community has mostly released statements rather than taking action," Zarif said. "If the international community and other JCPOA member countries and our friends in the JCPOA like China and Russia want to keep this achievement, it is required that they make sure the Iranian people enjoy the benefits of the JCPOA with concrete actions," he added. 'Maximum pressure' Zarif said last week that only Russia and China had supported Iran and helped it keep the nuclear deal going, and accused other parties to the agreement of letting Tehran down. China was one of the eight global buyers -- India, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Italy and Greece -- that was allowed to import Iranian crude oil before the US ended waivers in early May. Zarif's China trip comes after visits to Turkmenistan, India and Japan in the past week. Despite Washington's campaign of "maximum pressure" against Iran, the Islamic Republic has vowed to keep selling oil to its main customers, especially China, even if it requires using indirect means. On May 8, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would stop observing restrictions on stocks of enriched uranium and heavy water agreed under the nuclear deal in retaliation for the US withdrawal and the reimposition of sanctions. In his announcement, Rouhani threatened to go further if the European members of the deal failed to start delivering on their promises to help Iran circumvent US sanctions within 60 days. China in response called on all parties to uphold the nuclear deal in what it called a "shared responsibility". European nations have also called on all partners to the deal to help salvage it while expressing frustration at Iran's demands for help in circumventing US sanctions. One European diplomat called on China to buy Iranian oil as it is less exposed to the United States. "They are now very exposed to the dollar but it is also a question of political choice," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "The reality for the Chinese is that they are in a global trade war with the Americans, they are in the middle of negotiations and they are not quite so sure if they want to load the boat," the diplomat added.

Iran urges China, Russia 'concrete action' to save nuclear deal

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on five Russians over abuses including the killing of a prominent opposition leader, days after top-level talks seemed to ease tensions between the two powers.

The State Department highlighted the actions against the five people, plus one legal entity, as it submitted an annual report required by Congress on actions taken under a law on human rights in Russia.

The law, which blocks any US assets of blacklisted people and bars them from travelling to the United States, is named after Sergei Magnitsky, an anti-corruption accountant who died in Russian custody in 2009.

Among the five newly blacklisted figures are Ruslan Geremeyev, an interior ministry official in the restive North Caucasus region of Chechnya who is close to its leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

On his Telegram account, Kadyrov said the sanctions, were "clear proof that the United States is afraid of us."

Geremeyev has faced accusations of involvement in the 2015 killing in central Moscow of Boris Nemtsov, a former deputy prime minister who became a leading critic of President Vladimir Putin.

The US Treasury Department said Russian investigators twice tried but were blocked from bringing charges against Geremeyev as the possible organizer of the killing of Nemtsov -- the most high-profile assassination of a dissident since Putin rose to power two decades ago.

The United States also slapped sanctions on two Russian investigators, Elena Anatolievna Trikulya and Gennady Vyacheslavovich Karlov, for allegedly concealing facts over the detention and death of Magnitsky.

"Nearly 10 years after his death, we remain concerned by the impunity for this and other violent crimes against activists, journalists, whistleblowers and political opposition," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

She also voiced concern about "the intense atmosphere of intimidation for those who work to uncover corruption or human rights violations in the Russian Federation."

The Kremlin on Friday promised reciprocal measures "in one way or another".

"Everything will be done in the national interest," President Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

The Russian embassy in Washington earlier said the "unconstructive" US decisions "run counter to a positive outlook of the recent Russia-US talks in Sochi".

The sanctions came just two days after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Putin in the Russian resort of Sochi, with both sides voicing optimism at finding areas on which to work together.

Pompeo said he still had deep disagreements with Putin but believed the two powers could cooperate on issues including finding a political settlement in war-ravaged Syria and seeking a denuclearization deal with North Korea.

Also, hit with sanctions were the Terek Special Rapid Response Team in Chechnya and its commander, Abuzayed Vismuradov.

The Treasury Department said that the force had engaged in extrajudicial killings and torture, including a crackdown on gay men that has drawn international condemnation.

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on five Russians over abuses including the killing of a prominent opposition leader, days after top-level talks seemed to ease tensions between the two powers.

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on five Russians over abuses including the killing of a prominent opposition leader, days after top-level talks seemed to ease tensions between the two powers. The State Department highlighted the actions against the five people, plus one legal entity, as it submitted an annual report required by Congress on actions taken under a law on human rights in Russia. The law, which blocks any US assets of blacklisted people and bars them from travelling to the United States, is named after Sergei Magnitsky, an anti-corruption accountant who died in Russian custody in 2009. Among the five newly blacklisted figures are Ruslan Geremeyev, an interior ministry official in the restive North Caucasus region of Chechnya who is close to its leader Ramzan Kadyrov. On his Telegram account, Kadyrov said the sanctions, were "clear proof that the United States is afraid of us." Geremeyev has faced accusations of involvement in the 2015 killing in central Moscow of Boris Nemtsov, a former deputy prime minister who became a leading critic of President Vladimir Putin. The US Treasury Department said Russian investigators twice tried but were blocked from bringing charges against Geremeyev as the possible organizer of the killing of Nemtsov -- the most high-profile assassination of a dissident since Putin rose to power two decades ago. The United States also slapped sanctions on two Russian investigators, Elena Anatolievna Trikulya and Gennady Vyacheslavovich Karlov, for allegedly concealing facts over the detention and death of Magnitsky. "Nearly 10 years after his death, we remain concerned by the impunity for this and other violent crimes against activists, journalists, whistleblowers and political opposition," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. She also voiced concern about "the intense atmosphere of intimidation for those who work to uncover corruption or human rights violations in the Russian Federation." The Kremlin on Friday promised reciprocal measures "in one way or another". "Everything will be done in the national interest," President Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. The Russian embassy in Washington earlier said the "unconstructive" US decisions "run counter to a positive outlook of the recent Russia-US talks in Sochi". The sanctions came just two days after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Putin in the Russian resort of Sochi, with both sides voicing optimism at finding areas on which to work together. Pompeo said he still had deep disagreements with Putin but believed the two powers could cooperate on issues including finding a political settlement in war-ravaged Syria and seeking a denuclearization deal with North Korea. Also, hit with sanctions were the Terek Special Rapid Response Team in Chechnya and its commander, Abuzayed Vismuradov. The Treasury Department said that the force had engaged in extrajudicial killings and torture, including a crackdown on gay men that has drawn international condemnation.

Kremlin pledges response after US imposes sanctions on its five Russians

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/democrats-demand-full-mueller-report-217148&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi5hJ2ijqDiAhWMMo8KHV1lAVM4ChAWMAR6BAgCEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1rWMGp5PbyLEGzI1RxvWcl">Democrats in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives</a> will read aloud on Thursday the redacted version of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's 448-page assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Representative Mary Gay Scanlon, one of the top Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, will, along with nearly two dozen of her colleagues, begin reading the Mueller report at 12 p.m. (1700 GMT) in a Capitol hearing room.

"We have a Constitutional duty to share that truth with the American people," Scanlon said in a release, adding the report's conclusions could not be adequately "summarized in a tweet."

Mueller's report, which contained redactions, described numerous links between <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-national-emergency-bars-huawei-from-us-telecommunications-networks-219053&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj7qqy7jqDiAhVEQo8KHRzCCdQQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zlTqFrcR7JIVGeILAveXX">President Donald Trump's</a> 2016 campaign and various Russians but did not find sufficient evidence to establish there was a criminal conspiracy with Moscow.

The report also described numerous attempts by Trump to impede Mueller's probe but stopped short of declaring that the president committed a crime.

Democrats, who control the House, are sparring with the White House over numerous probes into Trump and his campaign's ties to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-is-not-a-fire-brigade-to-rescue-iran-deal-putin-219039&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdi43IjqDiAhWH6nMBHe5sD6gQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1TaKvN879AvjXb0ir7--ks">Russia</a>, the president's business dealings and administration policies.

Democrats have requested a full, unredacted version of Muller's report, six years of Trump's individual and business tax returns and background on decisions made by the administration on security clearances and the separation of migrant families along the US-Mexico border.

The deadline for the administration to respond to a subpoena for the unredacted report passed without being met.

Trump has sued to block a congressional subpoena for financial records from his accounting firm.

The White House has directed key staff not to cooperate with various House probes.

Democrats are now considering contempt resolutions against top administration officials, with votes expected as early as June. 
&nbsp;

Democrats in the US House of Representatives will read aloud on Thursday the redacted version of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's 448-page assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Democrats in the US House of Representatives will read aloud on Thursday the redacted version of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's 448-page assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon, one of the top Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, will, along with nearly two dozen of her colleagues, begin reading the Mueller report at 12 p.m. (1700 GMT) in a Capitol hearing room. "We have a Constitutional duty to share that truth with the American people," Scanlon said in a release, adding the report's conclusions could not be adequately "summarized in a tweet." Mueller's report, which contained redactions, described numerous links between President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and various Russians but did not find sufficient evidence to establish there was a criminal conspiracy with Moscow. The report also described numerous attempts by Trump to impede Mueller's probe but stopped short of declaring that the president committed a crime. Democrats, who control the House, are sparring with the White House over numerous probes into Trump and his campaign's ties to Russia, the president's business dealings and administration policies. Democrats have requested a full, unredacted version of Muller's report, six years of Trump's individual and business tax returns and background on decisions made by the administration on security clearances and the separation of migrant families along the US-Mexico border. The deadline for the administration to respond to a subpoena for the unredacted report passed without being met. Trump has sued to block a congressional subpoena for financial records from his accounting firm. The White House has directed key staff not to cooperate with various House probes. Democrats are now considering contempt resolutions against top administration officials, with votes expected as early as June.

US House Democrats to read Mueller report aloud in Capitol hearing room

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday favoured the restoration of "full-scope relations" with the United States during a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-meets-pompeo-as-us-seeks-a-way-forward-in-ties-218663">meeting with the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo </a>in Russia.

The Russian leader`s comments come as the United States announced its intent to withdraw from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, citing breaches by Russia as the reason behind the decision.

The US is slated to withdraw from the accord by August this year, warning that the treaty will terminate if "Russia does not return to full and verifiable compliance" with it, according to an official statement.

During the meeting with Pompeo, Putin outlined his recent phone conversation with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, left the impression that the US wanted to restore relations as well.

"As you know, a few days ago I had the pleasure to talk to the US president over the phone, I had an impression that the president was in favor of restoring the Russia-US ties, contacts, jointly resolving the issues of common interest," Sputnik quoted Putin as saying.

"On our part, we have repeatedly said that we would also like to restore the full-scope relations," he added.

Pompeo, on the other hand, said that the two countries would hold more extensive conversations on arms control in the "weeks ahead."

"We`ll have a more extensive set of conversations both on arms control and an opportunity to discuss all broad strategic security issues between our two countries in the weeks ahead," Pompeo said.

"As for its extension, what we agreed to do is gather teams that will begin to work not only on New START... and its potential extension but on a broader range of arms control issues," the US official also said.

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This comes as US suspended its obligations under the INF treaty, which aimed to curb the arms race between the US and Russia. Moscow, in retaliation, mirrored Washington`s move immediately.

The Russian leader also welcomed the probe undertaken by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian collusion in the 2016 Presidential elections in the United States. He said that Mueller conducted an "objective" investigation, which proved no Russian interference in Trump`s 2016 Presidential campaign.

"We should give (Mueller) credit. In general, he conducted an objective probe and confirmed the absence of any traces and collusion between Russia and the current administration, which we initially characterised as complete nonsense: there was no interference on our part in the elections in the United States at the state level, and could not be," Putin stated.

Before meeting with Putin, Pompeo held talks with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Lavrov welcomed talks between the Presidents of the two nations during the upcoming G20 summit, the idea of which was floated by Trump.

"We heard statements by president Trump that he expects to hold a meeting with President Putin, including during the G20 Summit in Osaka. If we receive an official invitation we will respond positively. We talked about that today with Mike Pompeo," he said.

The Russian minister also said that he handed Pompeo an "unofficial memorandum of sorts" which lists "factual proof" of US interference in Russia`s domestic affairs.

The two sides also spoke on other issues, like North Korea and Venezuela during the meeting.

The two officials also held a joint presser, during which Lavrov said that Russia-US tensions have a negative impact on the "global situation."

"Russia is interested in normalizing bilateral dialogue with the US and we are convinced that it is quite possible to conduct this dialogue on the basis of mutual respect and consideration of each other`s interests," Lavrov said.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday favoured the restoration of "full-scope relations" with the United States during a meeting with the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday favoured the restoration of "full-scope relations" with the United States during a meeting with the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in Russia. The Russian leader`s comments come as the United States announced its intent to withdraw from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, citing breaches by Russia as the reason behind the decision. The US is slated to withdraw from the accord by August this year, warning that the treaty will terminate if "Russia does not return to full and verifiable compliance" with it, according to an official statement. During the meeting with Pompeo, Putin outlined his recent phone conversation with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, left the impression that the US wanted to restore relations as well. "As you know, a few days ago I had the pleasure to talk to the US president over the phone, I had an impression that the president was in favor of restoring the Russia-US ties, contacts, jointly resolving the issues of common interest," Sputnik quoted Putin as saying. "On our part, we have repeatedly said that we would also like to restore the full-scope relations," he added. Pompeo, on the other hand, said that the two countries would hold more extensive conversations on arms control in the "weeks ahead." "We`ll have a more extensive set of conversations both on arms control and an opportunity to discuss all broad strategic security issues between our two countries in the weeks ahead," Pompeo said. "As for its extension, what we agreed to do is gather teams that will begin to work not only on New START... and its potential extension but on a broader range of arms control issues," the US official also said. × This comes as US suspended its obligations under the INF treaty, which aimed to curb the arms race between the US and Russia. Moscow, in retaliation, mirrored Washington`s move immediately. The Russian leader also welcomed the probe undertaken by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian collusion in the 2016 Presidential elections in the United States. He said that Mueller conducted an "objective" investigation, which proved no Russian interference in Trump`s 2016 Presidential campaign. "We should give (Mueller) credit. In general, he conducted an objective probe and confirmed the absence of any traces and collusion between Russia and the current administration, which we initially characterised as complete nonsense: there was no interference on our part in the elections in the United States at the state level, and could not be," Putin stated. Before meeting with Putin, Pompeo held talks with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Lavrov welcomed talks between the Presidents of the two nations during the upcoming G20 summit, the idea of which was floated by Trump. "We heard statements by president Trump that he expects to hold a meeting with President Putin, including during the G20 Summit in Osaka. If we receive an official invitation we will respond positively. We talked about that today with Mike Pompeo," he said. The Russian minister also said that he handed Pompeo an "unofficial memorandum of sorts" which lists "factual proof" of US interference in Russia`s domestic affairs. The two sides also spoke on other issues, like North Korea and Venezuela during the meeting. The two officials also held a joint presser, during which Lavrov said that Russia-US tensions have a negative impact on the "global situation." "Russia is interested in normalizing bilateral dialogue with the US and we are convinced that it is quite possible to conduct this dialogue on the basis of mutual respect and consideration of each other`s interests," Lavrov said.

Putin lauds Mueller probe, favours restoration of full-scope relations with US

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

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

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

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

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 gathering in Japan next month. Trump said he expects his discussion with Xi to be "very fruitful", as the trade war between China and the United States intensified this week.

Donald Trump says he will meet China's Xi Jinping at G20 next month

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the highest-level talks between the rival powers in nearly a year as they see if they can make headway on a raft of disagreements from Venezuela to Iran to arms control.

Pompeo will visit Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi less than two weeks after President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-will-meet-putin-xi-at-g20-summit-in-japan-says-well-be-very-fruitfull-meeting-218514">Donald Trump voiced optimism</a> about improving relations with Moscow during a more than one-hour telephone conversation with the Russian leader.

The renewed diplomacy followed the long-awaited report in the United States by investigator Robert Mueller which found that Russia interfered in the 2016 election but that the Trump campaign did not collude with Moscow, partially lifting a cloud that had hung over the mogul-turned-president for two years.

Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to see Putin since July when Trump met him in Helsinki and stunned the US political class by appearing to accept the Russian leader's statement at face value that he did not meddle in the US election.

Trump on Monday announced that he expected a "very fruitful meeting" with Putin and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Japan, only for Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to deny Washington had requested such a meeting and say there were "no agreements so far."

Trump's enthusiasm for courting Putin has little support in Washington, even within his own administration, which has kept up a campaign of pressure including sanctions on Russia over alleged election meddling and Moscow's support for armed separatists in Ukraine.

Pompeo, despite his close relationship with Trump, left little doubt on where he stood in remarks Saturday in California.

Addressing the conservative Claremont Institute, Pompeo said that US policymakers in recent decades had "drifted from realism" and chastised them for believing that "enfolding the likes of China and Russia into a so-called rules-based international order would hasten their domestic evolution towards democracy."

"But we can see now 30 years on, after the end of the Cold War, that the Putin regime slays dissidents in cold blood and invades its neighbours," Pompeo said, three days before he sees the Russian president.

'Frank' talks on Iran

Pompeo cancelled a stop in Moscow scheduled Monday to meet with European foreign ministers in Brussels, who have been uncomfortable with the hawkish direction of the United States, especially on Iran.

The United States has pulled out of a nuclear deal backed by the Europeans, Russia and China and instead has slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran in an all-out effort to curb Tehran's regional clout.

In recent days the United States has ramped up the pressure by deploying to the region an aircraft carrier strike group and nuclear-capable bombers, warning vaguely of imminent threats from Iran, which UN inspectors say is complying with the 2015 accord.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he would have a "frank conversation" with Pompeo on Iran on Tuesday, saying he expected the top US diplomat was pressuring the Europeans to reject Iranian overtures for relief from US sanctions.

"We will try to clarify with Pompeo how the Americans plan to get out of this crisis, which was created by their unilateral decisions," Lavrov told reporters as he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Sochi on Monday.

Both the United States and Russia hope to make some progress on arms control, with Moscow seeking a five-year extension of the New START treaty, which caps the number of nuclear warheads well below Cold War limits and is set to expire in 2021.

"As before, we are ready to discuss this topic with the Americans," Lavrov said.

But negotiations could be tough, with Trump calling for the treaty to be expanded to include a rising China.

The Trump administration earlier this year pulled out of another key arms control agreement, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, with NATO allies saying a new Russian missile system was in violation.

Seeking stability

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov voiced hope that Pompeo's visit would build on the telephone call with Trump and "somewhat stabilise" the relationship.

But he acknowledged that talks could be "very difficult" on Venezuela.

"The positions of the two sides are diametrically opposed, but we should still use the opportunity to let our position be known to the US administration," the Interfax news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying.

The United States has been trying for more than three months to topple President Nicolas Maduro, a leftist firebrand whose re-election was widely criticised for irregularities, and Pompeo has repeatedly blamed Russia for giving him a lifeline.

Trump, however, contradicted Pompeo after his phone call with Putin, saying the Russian president assured him that Moscow is not involved in Venezuela.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the highest-level talks between the rival powers in nearly a year as they see if they can make headway on a raft of disagreements from Venezuela to Iran to arms control.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the highest-level talks between the rival powers in nearly a year as they see if they can make headway on a raft of disagreements from Venezuela to Iran to arms control. Pompeo will visit Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi less than two weeks after President Donald Trump voiced optimism about improving relations with Moscow during a more than one-hour telephone conversation with the Russian leader. The renewed diplomacy followed the long-awaited report in the United States by investigator Robert Mueller which found that Russia interfered in the 2016 election but that the Trump campaign did not collude with Moscow, partially lifting a cloud that had hung over the mogul-turned-president for two years. Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to see Putin since July when Trump met him in Helsinki and stunned the US political class by appearing to accept the Russian leader's statement at face value that he did not meddle in the US election. Trump on Monday announced that he expected a "very fruitful meeting" with Putin and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Japan, only for Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to deny Washington had requested such a meeting and say there were "no agreements so far." Trump's enthusiasm for courting Putin has little support in Washington, even within his own administration, which has kept up a campaign of pressure including sanctions on Russia over alleged election meddling and Moscow's support for armed separatists in Ukraine. Pompeo, despite his close relationship with Trump, left little doubt on where he stood in remarks Saturday in California. Addressing the conservative Claremont Institute, Pompeo said that US policymakers in recent decades had "drifted from realism" and chastised them for believing that "enfolding the likes of China and Russia into a so-called rules-based international order would hasten their domestic evolution towards democracy." "But we can see now 30 years on, after the end of the Cold War, that the Putin regime slays dissidents in cold blood and invades its neighbours," Pompeo said, three days before he sees the Russian president. 'Frank' talks on Iran Pompeo cancelled a stop in Moscow scheduled Monday to meet with European foreign ministers in Brussels, who have been uncomfortable with the hawkish direction of the United States, especially on Iran. The United States has pulled out of a nuclear deal backed by the Europeans, Russia and China and instead has slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran in an all-out effort to curb Tehran's regional clout. In recent days the United States has ramped up the pressure by deploying to the region an aircraft carrier strike group and nuclear-capable bombers, warning vaguely of imminent threats from Iran, which UN inspectors say is complying with the 2015 accord. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he would have a "frank conversation" with Pompeo on Iran on Tuesday, saying he expected the top US diplomat was pressuring the Europeans to reject Iranian overtures for relief from US sanctions. "We will try to clarify with Pompeo how the Americans plan to get out of this crisis, which was created by their unilateral decisions," Lavrov told reporters as he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Sochi on Monday. Both the United States and Russia hope to make some progress on arms control, with Moscow seeking a five-year extension of the New START treaty, which caps the number of nuclear warheads well below Cold War limits and is set to expire in 2021. "As before, we are ready to discuss this topic with the Americans," Lavrov said. But negotiations could be tough, with Trump calling for the treaty to be expanded to include a rising China. The Trump administration earlier this year pulled out of another key arms control agreement, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, with NATO allies saying a new Russian missile system was in violation. Seeking stability Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov voiced hope that Pompeo's visit would build on the telephone call with Trump and "somewhat stabilise" the relationship. But he acknowledged that talks could be "very difficult" on Venezuela. "The positions of the two sides are diametrically opposed, but we should still use the opportunity to let our position be known to the US administration," the Interfax news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying. The United States has been trying for more than three months to topple President Nicolas Maduro, a leftist firebrand whose re-election was widely criticised for irregularities, and Pompeo has repeatedly blamed Russia for giving him a lifeline. Trump, however, contradicted Pompeo after his phone call with Putin, saying the Russian president assured him that Moscow is not involved in Venezuela.

US, Russia test tense ties as Mike Pompeo visits Russian President Vladimir Putin

President Donald Trump said Monday he expects to meet with the presidents of Russia and China next month at the Group of 20 summit in Japan.

As the trade conflict with China escalates, Trump said of the expected encounter with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, "we'll be meeting at the G20 in Japan. And that will be I think probably a very fruitful meeting."

Speaking to reporters at the White House as he met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Trump also said he expected to meet with Russia's Vladimir Putin.

However, the Kremlin responded immediately saying there was no agreement on a meeting.

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-secretary-pompeo-to-visit-brussels-monday-to-discuss-iran-official-218245">Mike Pompeo made a last-minute change of plan</a>, scrapping a trip to Moscow that had been planned for Tuesday, meeting instead with counterparts from European allies who have been critical of US policy on Iran.

Despite Trump's conciliatory attitude toward Putin, Washington and Moscow are at loggerheads on an array of urgent strategic questions, including the Venezuelan crisis, the Syrian civil war and the conflict in Ukraine.

US officials have demanded for weeks that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-plotting-coup-in-venezuela-205616">Moscow cease its support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a>, whom Washington opposes, accusing him of running a corrupt and incompetent leftist regime.

Trump said early this month that Putin had assured him that Russia was not involved in Venezuela.

President Donald Trump said Monday he expects to meet with the presidents of Russia and China next month at the Group of 20 summit in Japan. As the trade conflict with China escalates, Trump said of the expected encounter with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, "we'll be meeting at the G20 in Japan.

President Donald Trump said Monday he expects to meet with the presidents of Russia and China next month at the Group of 20 summit in Japan. As the trade conflict with China escalates, Trump said of the expected encounter with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, "we'll be meeting at the G20 in Japan. And that will be I think probably a very fruitful meeting." Speaking to reporters at the White House as he met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Trump also said he expected to meet with Russia's Vladimir Putin. However, the Kremlin responded immediately saying there was no agreement on a meeting. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a last-minute change of plan, scrapping a trip to Moscow that had been planned for Tuesday, meeting instead with counterparts from European allies who have been critical of US policy on Iran. Despite Trump's conciliatory attitude toward Putin, Washington and Moscow are at loggerheads on an array of urgent strategic questions, including the Venezuelan crisis, the Syrian civil war and the conflict in Ukraine. US officials have demanded for weeks that Moscow cease its support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington opposes, accusing him of running a corrupt and incompetent leftist regime. Trump said early this month that Putin had assured him that Russia was not involved in Venezuela.

Trump will meet Putin, Xi at G20 summit in Japan; says, we'll be very fruitful meeting

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the Syrian regime of "seeking to sabotage" Ankara's relationship with Russia through its latest offensive in the northwest of the war-torn country.

Clashes in Idlib province in northwestern Syria have killed at least 42 fighters in 24 hours, a monitor said Monday, and the regime bombardment on the region has devastated health services.

Idlib's three million inhabitants are supposed to be protected by a buffer zone deal signed last September by Russia and Turkey.

Erdogan told his Russian counterpart,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-will-meet-vladimir-putin-on-thursday-in-russias-far-east-confirms-russia-212962"> Vladimir Putin</a>, during a phone call late on Monday that the offensive by President Bashar al-Assad's forces "sought to sabotage Turkish-Russian cooperation," according to Fahrettin Altun, communications director at the Turkish presidency, on Twitter.

The readout of the phone call made no mention of the fact that Russian forces are involved in the Syrian offensive.&nbsp;

Russia and Turkey are on opposing sides of the conflict, with Moscow strongly supporting Assad, while Ankara has called for his ouster and supported Syrian rebels in the civil war since it began in 2011.

However, Turkey and Russia have worked closely, along with Iran, to find a political solution to the conflict.&nbsp;

Erdogan lamented that "the regime's ceasefire violations targeting the Idlib de-escalation zone over the last two weeks have reached an alarming dimension."

He said it was impossible to explain it as a counter-terror effort given the number of casualties and damage to health services.

The Turkish leader also warned that the attacks risked undermining the fate of the political process in Syria.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, controls most of Idlib province as well as parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 16 loyalists and 19 jihadists died between Sunday and Monday in clashes in the area of Jabal al-Akrad in Latakia province, which lies on the bastion's northwestern edge.

Russian and regime aircraft bombarded the area on Monday, while they also hit southern parts of the jihadist stronghold, said the Britain-based war monitor.

HTS and its allies launched a counter-attack late Monday, bombing areas in the north of the province and sparking fierce clashes on the ground, according to the Observatory.

The civil war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the Syrian regime of "seeking to sabotage" Ankara's relationship with Russia through its latest offensive in the northwest of the war-torn country.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the Syrian regime of "seeking to sabotage" Ankara's relationship with Russia through its latest offensive in the northwest of the war-torn country. Clashes in Idlib province in northwestern Syria have killed at least 42 fighters in 24 hours, a monitor said Monday, and the regime bombardment on the region has devastated health services. Idlib's three million inhabitants are supposed to be protected by a buffer zone deal signed last September by Russia and Turkey. Erdogan told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, during a phone call late on Monday that the offensive by President Bashar al-Assad's forces "sought to sabotage Turkish-Russian cooperation," according to Fahrettin Altun, communications director at the Turkish presidency, on Twitter. The readout of the phone call made no mention of the fact that Russian forces are involved in the Syrian offensive. Russia and Turkey are on opposing sides of the conflict, with Moscow strongly supporting Assad, while Ankara has called for his ouster and supported Syrian rebels in the civil war since it began in 2011. However, Turkey and Russia have worked closely, along with Iran, to find a political solution to the conflict. Erdogan lamented that "the regime's ceasefire violations targeting the Idlib de-escalation zone over the last two weeks have reached an alarming dimension." He said it was impossible to explain it as a counter-terror effort given the number of casualties and damage to health services. The Turkish leader also warned that the attacks risked undermining the fate of the political process in Syria. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, controls most of Idlib province as well as parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 16 loyalists and 19 jihadists died between Sunday and Monday in clashes in the area of Jabal al-Akrad in Latakia province, which lies on the bastion's northwestern edge. Russian and regime aircraft bombarded the area on Monday, while they also hit southern parts of the jihadist stronghold, said the Britain-based war monitor. HTS and its allies launched a counter-attack late Monday, bombing areas in the north of the province and sparking fierce clashes on the ground, according to the Observatory. The civil war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

Erdogan accuses Syria regime of undermining Turkey-Russia deal

Russian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-president-vladimir-putin-scores-eight-goals-in-all-star-hockey-game-217675">President Vladimir Putin</a> on Tuesday meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the highest-level talks between the rival powers in nearly a year as they see if they can make headway on a raft of disagreements from Venezuela to Iran to arms control.

Pompeo will visit Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi less than two weeks after US President Donald Trump voiced optimism about improving relations with Moscow during a more than one-hour telephone conversation with the Russian leader.

The new diplomatic push followed the long-awaited report in the United States by investigator Robert Mueller which found that Russia interfered in the 2016 election but that the Trump campaign did not collude with Moscow, partially lifting a cloud that had hung over the mogul-turned-president for two years.

Putin is expected to receive Pompeo Tuesday evening after the US secretary of state holds talks with Moscow's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov.

"My meetings in Russia will highlight a number of important topics," Pompeo tweeted on Tuesday.

"On some issues, we may agree, on others we may disagree, but when it’s in our national interests, it is our responsibility to find a way forward."

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Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to see Putin since July when Trump met him in Helsinki and stunned the US political class by appearing to accept the Russian leader's statement at face value that he did not meddle in the US election.

Despite Trump's conciliatory attitude toward Putin, Washington and Moscow are at loggerheads on an array of urgent strategic questions, including the Venezuelan crisis, Iran, the Syrian civil war and the conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;

&nbsp;'Hypersonic weapons'&nbsp;

Hours before he meets Pompeo, Putin is expected to visit a top military flight test centre and inspect new weaponry on Tuesday.

At a meeting Monday evening, Putin stressed that Russia was developing hypersonic weapons and tasked his top brass with also developing defences against such weapons.

"We understand full well that leading countries of the world will sooner or later get such weapons," Putin said.&nbsp;

"This means that we should get hold of defences against such types of weapons before" Western countries put such weapons into combat service.

Both the United States and Russia hope to make some progress on arms control, with Moscow seeking a five-year extension of the New START treaty, which caps the number of nuclear warheads well below Cold War limits and is set to expire in 2021.

The Trump administration earlier this year pulled out of another key arms control agreement, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, with NATO allies saying a Russian missile system was in violation. Moscow has denied the claims.

Last year Putin revealed a new generation of "invincible" nuclear weapons and warned of a new arms race if America pulled out of weapons treaties.

The Venezuela crisis is expected to be another key point of contention.

The United States has been trying for more than three months to topple Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a leftist firebrand whose re-election was widely criticised for irregularities, and Pompeo has repeatedly blamed Russia for giving him a lifeline.

Trump has, however, contradicted Pompeo, saying the Russian president assured him that Moscow is not involved in Venezuela.

&nbsp;'Regime slays dissidents'&nbsp;

The US president's enthusiasm for courting Putin has little support in Washington, even within his own administration, which has kept up a campaign of pressure including sanctions on Russia over alleged election meddling and Moscow's support for armed separatists in Ukraine.

Pompeo, despite his close relationship with Trump, left little doubt on where he stood in remarks Saturday in California.

Addressing the conservative Claremont Institute, Pompeo said that US policymakers in recent decades had "drifted from realism" and chastised them for believing that "enfolding the likes of China and Russia into a so-called rules-based international order would hasten their domestic evolution towards democracy."

"But we can see now 30 years on, after the end of the Cold War, that the Putin regime slays dissidents in cold blood and invades its neighbours," Pompeo said.

Pompeo cancelled a stop in Moscow scheduled for Monday to meet with European foreign ministers in Brussels, who have been uncomfortable with the hawkish direction of the United States, especially on Iran.

The United States has pulled out of a nuclear deal backed by the Europeans, Russia and China and instead has slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran in an all-out effort to curb Tehran's regional clout.

The United States has recently ramped up the pressure by deploying to the region an aircraft carrier strike group and nuclear-capable bombers, warning vaguely of imminent threats from Iran, which UN inspectors say is complying with the 2015 accord.

Russia's Lavrov said he would have a "frank conversation" with Pompeo on Iran.

"We will try to clarify with Pompeo how the Americans plan to get out of this crisis, which was created by their unilateral decisions," Lavrov told reporters as he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Sochi on Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the highest-level talks between the rival powers in nearly a year as they see if they can make headway on a raft of disagreements from Venezuela to Iran to arms control. Pompeo will visit Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi less than two weeks after US President Donald Trump voiced optimism about improving relations with Moscow during a more than one-hour telephone conversation with the Russian leader. The new diplomatic push followed the long-awaited report in the United States by investigator Robert Mueller which found that Russia interfered in the 2016 election but that the Trump campaign did not collude with Moscow, partially lifting a cloud that had hung over the mogul-turned-president for two years. Putin is expected to receive Pompeo Tuesday evening after the US secretary of state holds talks with Moscow's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov. "My meetings in Russia will highlight a number of important topics," Pompeo tweeted on Tuesday. "On some issues, we may agree, on others we may disagree, but when it’s in our national interests, it is our responsibility to find a way forward." × Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to see Putin since July when Trump met him in Helsinki and stunned the US political class by appearing to accept the Russian leader's statement at face value that he did not meddle in the US election. Despite Trump's conciliatory attitude toward Putin, Washington and Moscow are at loggerheads on an array of urgent strategic questions, including the Venezuelan crisis, Iran, the Syrian civil war and the conflict in Ukraine. 'Hypersonic weapons' Hours before he meets Pompeo, Putin is expected to visit a top military flight test centre and inspect new weaponry on Tuesday. At a meeting Monday evening, Putin stressed that Russia was developing hypersonic weapons and tasked his top brass with also developing defences against such weapons. "We understand full well that leading countries of the world will sooner or later get such weapons," Putin said. "This means that we should get hold of defences against such types of weapons before" Western countries put such weapons into combat service. Both the United States and Russia hope to make some progress on arms control, with Moscow seeking a five-year extension of the New START treaty, which caps the number of nuclear warheads well below Cold War limits and is set to expire in 2021. The Trump administration earlier this year pulled out of another key arms control agreement, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, with NATO allies saying a Russian missile system was in violation. Moscow has denied the claims. Last year Putin revealed a new generation of "invincible" nuclear weapons and warned of a new arms race if America pulled out of weapons treaties. The Venezuela crisis is expected to be another key point of contention. The United States has been trying for more than three months to topple Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a leftist firebrand whose re-election was widely criticised for irregularities, and Pompeo has repeatedly blamed Russia for giving him a lifeline. Trump has, however, contradicted Pompeo, saying the Russian president assured him that Moscow is not involved in Venezuela. 'Regime slays dissidents' The US president's enthusiasm for courting Putin has little support in Washington, even within his own administration, which has kept up a campaign of pressure including sanctions on Russia over alleged election meddling and Moscow's support for armed separatists in Ukraine. Pompeo, despite his close relationship with Trump, left little doubt on where he stood in remarks Saturday in California. Addressing the conservative Claremont Institute, Pompeo said that US policymakers in recent decades had "drifted from realism" and chastised them for believing that "enfolding the likes of China and Russia into a so-called rules-based international order would hasten their domestic evolution towards democracy." "But we can see now 30 years on, after the end of the Cold War, that the Putin regime slays dissidents in cold blood and invades its neighbours," Pompeo said. Pompeo cancelled a stop in Moscow scheduled for Monday to meet with European foreign ministers in Brussels, who have been uncomfortable with the hawkish direction of the United States, especially on Iran. The United States has pulled out of a nuclear deal backed by the Europeans, Russia and China and instead has slapped sweeping sanctions on Iran in an all-out effort to curb Tehran's regional clout. The United States has recently ramped up the pressure by deploying to the region an aircraft carrier strike group and nuclear-capable bombers, warning vaguely of imminent threats from Iran, which UN inspectors say is complying with the 2015 accord. Russia's Lavrov said he would have a "frank conversation" with Pompeo on Iran. "We will try to clarify with Pompeo how the Americans plan to get out of this crisis, which was created by their unilateral decisions," Lavrov told reporters as he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Sochi on Monday.

Putin meets Pompeo as US seeks 'a way forward' in ties

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will have plenty to talk about with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov when the pair meet in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Tuesday.

As relations between Moscow and Washington plunge to depths not seen since the Cold War, here are topics the top diplomats could address:

&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;

Pompeo and Lavrov have in the past weeks called on the other's country to get out of crisis-wracked Venezuela.

Moscow is a key ally of President Nicolas Maduro whereas Washington backs opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-seeks-us-pentagon-cooperation-to-solve-political-crisis-217960">Juan Guaido.</a>&nbsp;

Russia slammed the US's "irresponsible" support for a failed uprising against Maduro. Pompeo said Maduro had been ready to leave the country but that his Russian backers talked him out of it.

North Korea&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month met Russia's Vladimir Putin for their first face-to-face talks.

The meeting in Vladivostok aimed to counter US influence and boost Moscow's role on the Korean peninsula after earlier negotiations between Kim and US President Donald Trump broke down.&nbsp;

Pyongyang has angrily insisted "foolish and dangerous" Pompeo be kept away from further talks.&nbsp;

Election meddling&nbsp;

The report by US special counsel Robert Mueller did not find Trump's campaign team colluded with Moscow but did document widespread Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election.&nbsp;

Pompeo, who has promised "tough actions" on meddling, last month warned Russia would attempt to influence the next US presidential election in 2020.

"And we should expect in 2050, the Russians will be at it still," he said.&nbsp;

Moscow has long rejected reports it sought to swing the 2016 vote in Trump's favour. &nbsp;

Prisoners&nbsp;

Moscow has denounced the case against Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics.&nbsp;

Butina, who remains incarcerated in the US, faced "arbitrary" charges, Putin has said.

Meanwhile, US citizen Paul Whelan is in detention in Russia.

The security expert was accused of espionage and arrested in Moscow late last year.

Moscow has rejected the idea Whelan could be exchanged for any prisoner in the United States, saying it does not treat people as "pawns" in diplomatic games.

&nbsp;Iran nuclear deal&nbsp;

Russia has criticised Washington's exit from the 2015 nuclear deal, an agreement which curbed Iran's nuclear ambitions in return for sanctions relief.&nbsp;

European counterparts urged Pompeo Monday to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf after Washington sent an aircraft carrier and bombers to protect its interests and President Donald Trump said Tehran would "suffer greatly".

UN inspectors have said Iran is complying with the deal, and Moscow last week denounced new US sanctions on the country's mining industry, calling for new talks to save the nuclear accord.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will have plenty to talk about with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov when the pair meet in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will have plenty to talk about with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov when the pair meet in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Tuesday. As relations between Moscow and Washington plunge to depths not seen since the Cold War, here are topics the top diplomats could address: Venezuela Pompeo and Lavrov have in the past weeks called on the other's country to get out of crisis-wracked Venezuela. Moscow is a key ally of President Nicolas Maduro whereas Washington backs opposition leader Juan Guaido. Russia slammed the US's "irresponsible" support for a failed uprising against Maduro. Pompeo said Maduro had been ready to leave the country but that his Russian backers talked him out of it. North Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month met Russia's Vladimir Putin for their first face-to-face talks. The meeting in Vladivostok aimed to counter US influence and boost Moscow's role on the Korean peninsula after earlier negotiations between Kim and US President Donald Trump broke down. Pyongyang has angrily insisted "foolish and dangerous" Pompeo be kept away from further talks. Election meddling The report by US special counsel Robert Mueller did not find Trump's campaign team colluded with Moscow but did document widespread Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election. Pompeo, who has promised "tough actions" on meddling, last month warned Russia would attempt to influence the next US presidential election in 2020. "And we should expect in 2050, the Russians will be at it still," he said. Moscow has long rejected reports it sought to swing the 2016 vote in Trump's favour. Prisoners Moscow has denounced the case against Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics. Butina, who remains incarcerated in the US, faced "arbitrary" charges, Putin has said. Meanwhile, US citizen Paul Whelan is in detention in Russia. The security expert was accused of espionage and arrested in Moscow late last year. Moscow has rejected the idea Whelan could be exchanged for any prisoner in the United States, saying it does not treat people as "pawns" in diplomatic games. Iran nuclear deal Russia has criticised Washington's exit from the 2015 nuclear deal, an agreement which curbed Iran's nuclear ambitions in return for sanctions relief. European counterparts urged Pompeo Monday to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf after Washington sent an aircraft carrier and bombers to protect its interests and President Donald Trump said Tehran would "suffer greatly". UN inspectors have said Iran is complying with the deal, and Moscow last week denounced new US sanctions on the country's mining industry, calling for new talks to save the nuclear accord.

Mike Pompeo-Vladimir Putin meeting: Five Talking Points

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