<p>The wife of Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Yulia Navalnaya, has accused President Vladimir Putin of disrespecting Christianity by attempting to force Navalny's mother into agreeing to a secret funeral after his death in a penal colony.</p>

<p>In a video released on Saturday (Feb 24), Navalnaya expressed that authorities are literally torturing Navalny's mother, who wishes to have her son's body returned to her. Authorities allegedly threatened to bury Navalny in the Arctic prison, claiming the body was decomposing, and urged his mother to make a quick decision.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/love-you-more-and-more-alexei-navalnys-last-message-for-his-wife-from-jail-691011" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/love-you-more-and-more-alexei-navalnys-last-message-for-his-wife-from-jail-691011&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw88nclcSEAxUqia8BHRShD0IQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ry0uGW4c6WZDWPMbJKBpY" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/love-you-more-and-more-alexei-navalnys-last-message-for-his-wife-from-jail-691011" target="_blank">'Love you more and more,'&nbsp;<b>Navalny's</b>&nbsp;last message for his wife Yulia</a></p>

<p>"Give us the body of my husband," pleaded Navalnaya. "You tortured him alive, and now you keep torturing him dead. You mock the remains of the dead."</p>

<p>Navalny, Russia's prominent Opposition figure, unexpectedly passed away on February 16 in the penal colony, leading to spontaneous memorials across the country. Authorities have detained numerous individuals to suppress potential sympathy for Navalny, a vocal critic of Putin.</p>

<p>Navalnaya accused Putin, an Orthodox Christian, of being responsible for Navalny's death, stating, "No true Christian could ever do what Putin is now doing with the body of Alexei." She questioned the treatment of Navalny's corpse, criticising Putin for mocking the man he allegedly murdered.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/world/europe/who-is-yulia-navalnaya-wife-of-putin-critic-alexei-navalny-1708106912721" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/world/europe/who-is-yulia-navalnaya-wife-of-putin-critic-alexei-navalny-1708106912721&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw88nclcSEAxUqia8BHRShD0IQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2336Z4EzokTBzHzc7gOEOk" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/world/europe/who-is-yulia-navalnaya-wife-of-putin-critic-alexei-navalny-1708106912721" target="_blank">Who is Yulia Navalnaya, wife of Putin critic&nbsp;<b>Alexei Navalny</b>?</a></p>

<p>Putin, known for his public displays of Orthodox Christianity, has faced allegations of hypocrisy. Musician Nadya Tolokonnikova, a former member of Pussy Riot, released a video accusing Putin of trampling on traditional values. She urged Putin to have a conscience and return Navalny's body to his mother.</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed accusations against Putin, labeling them "absolutely unfounded, insolent accusations about the head of the Russian state."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-body-found-with-bruises-as-west-holds-putin-responsible-691438" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-body-found-with-bruises-as-west-holds-putin-responsible-691438&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw88nclcSEAxUqia8BHRShD0IQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1y_o9_4TxrgHAq-CFksFz8" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-body-found-with-bruises-as-west-holds-putin-responsible-691438" target="_blank"><b>Alexei Navalny's</b>&nbsp;body found with 'bruises'</a></p>

<p>Cultural icons, including Tolokonnikova, released videos urging Russian authorities to return Navalny's body to his family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny's mother and lawyers have been striving to retrieve the body, with a closed-door hearing scheduled for March 4.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Alexei Navalny dead in prison, says Russia | Navalny's team says not informed about his death</strong></p>

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<p>Navalny's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, stated that Navalny's mother was shown a medical certificate attributing his death to natural causes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The wife of Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Yulia Navalnaya, has accused President Vladimir Putin of disrespecting Christianity by attempting to force Navalny's mother into agreeing to a secret funeral after his death in a penal colony.

The wife of Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Yulia Navalnaya, has accused President Vladimir Putin of disrespecting Christianity by attempting to force Navalny's mother into agreeing to a secret funeral after his death in a penal colony. In a video released on Saturday (Feb 24), Navalnaya expressed that authorities are literally torturing Navalny's mother, who wishes to have her son's body returned to her. Authorities allegedly threatened to bury Navalny in the Arctic prison, claiming the body was decomposing, and urged his mother to make a quick decision. Also read: 'Love you more and more,' Navalny's last message for his wife Yulia "Give us the body of my husband," pleaded Navalnaya. "You tortured him alive, and now you keep torturing him dead. You mock the remains of the dead." Navalny, Russia's prominent Opposition figure, unexpectedly passed away on February 16 in the penal colony, leading to spontaneous memorials across the country. Authorities have detained numerous individuals to suppress potential sympathy for Navalny, a vocal critic of Putin. Navalnaya accused Putin, an Orthodox Christian, of being responsible for Navalny's death, stating, "No true Christian could ever do what Putin is now doing with the body of Alexei." She questioned the treatment of Navalny's corpse, criticising Putin for mocking the man he allegedly murdered. Also read: Who is Yulia Navalnaya, wife of Putin critic Alexei Navalny? Putin, known for his public displays of Orthodox Christianity, has faced allegations of hypocrisy. Musician Nadya Tolokonnikova, a former member of Pussy Riot, released a video accusing Putin of trampling on traditional values. She urged Putin to have a conscience and return Navalny's body to his mother. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed accusations against Putin, labeling them "absolutely unfounded, insolent accusations about the head of the Russian state." Also read: Alexei Navalny's body found with 'bruises' Cultural icons, including Tolokonnikova, released videos urging Russian authorities to return Navalny's body to his family. Navalny's mother and lawyers have been striving to retrieve the body, with a closed-door hearing scheduled for March 4. Watch: Alexei Navalny dead in prison, says Russia | Navalny's team says not informed about his death × Navalny's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, stated that Navalny's mother was shown a medical certificate attributing his death to natural causes. (With inputs from agencies)

Wife of Alexei Navalny accuses Putin of disrespecting Christianity by withholding husband’s body

<p><strong>Russia Ukraine War News:</strong>Two years ago, on Feb 24, 2022,&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine citing "expansion of NATO to the east" as an existential threat to Russia and a violation of post-Cold War understanding between the then-leaders in Moscow and the Western capitals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, one more country&nbsp;— Finland&nbsp;— has become part of the US-led military alliance while another Russian neighbour,&nbsp;Sweden, is on course to enter NATO. But on the battlefield,&nbsp;two years of&nbsp;Russian advances, and Ukrainian counteroffensives have created a state of stalemate.</p>

<p>Russia controls just 18 per cent of Ukraine's internationally recognised territory. This is made up of 94 per cent of Luhansk Oblast, 73 per cent of Kherson Oblast, 72 per cent of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and 54 per cent of Donetsk Oblast and Crimea. Notably, some of these territorial gains were made before&nbsp;February 24, 2022.</p>

<p>Since Ukraine’s failed counteroffensive in the summer of 2023, Russian forces have slowly inched forward, capturing the town of Avdiivka earlier this month after a&nbsp;months-long battle..</p>

<p><img alt="Two years into its full-scale offensive, Russia has captured a little less than a fifth of Ukraine's internationally-recognised territories| AFO" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02100e2a-57ab-4405-8faa-d06dee4000ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-02-24T162349.649.png" /></p>

<p><em>Two years into its full-scale offensive, Russia has captured a little less than a fifth of Ukraine's internationally-recognised territories | AFP</em></p>

<p>In the weeks after February 24, 2022, the economic picture for Moscow looked challenging for Russia as the Rouble crashed and foreign investors fled. But the war-related demand-supply chain fuelled and fulfilled by the military-industry complex came in handy. Add oil exports to the mix, and the Russian economy continued to withstand hundreds of Western sanctions as war raged on in Ukraine that gave Moscow control of Ukraine's all Black Sea ports except the port of Odesa.</p>

<p>In the second half of this two-year war period so far, an insurrection by the Wagner mercenary group in June 2023 led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, stunned the corridors of power in Moscow.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-rebellion-when-putins-former-chef-served-a-dish-of-treason-ten-points-608452">Wagner rebellion: When Putin’s former favourite chef served a dish of ‘treason’ | 10 points</a></strong></p>

<p>The Wagner mercenaries, while following Prigozhin's orders, were halted just a few hours short of Moscow after a Belarus-brokered deal. The insurrection died as dramatically as it began, and so did Prigozhin — <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-dies-in-plane-crash-628895">two months later</a>, in a mysterious plane crash.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/25/362065-untitled-design-2023-06-25t115710522.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><em>File photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin with Yevgeny Prigozhin | Reuters</em></p>

<p>But Putin's hold on power continues to be stable. The Russian president is poised to win a fifth six-year&nbsp;presidential term in the upcoming March election.</p>

<p>The war, however, has displaced millions of Ukrainian nationals and has changed the geopolitical landscape of Eurocentric politics. The economies have been hit due to disrupted supply chains, triggering global economic uncertainty.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia-Ukraine war: Peace efforts continued as war raged</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of signing a peace treaty with Russia to end the&nbsp;war and throwing it into the 'garbage of history' in the spring of 2022. Putin's comments came during a meeting with the leaders of the African Union spearheaded by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in St. Petersberg on June 17, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey hosted a series of negotiations starting in the spring of 2022 to help develop "trust" between the two warring sides.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-boris-johnson-plays-spoilsport-to-derail-peace-deal-with-ukraine-680854">Putin says Boris Johnson played spoilsport as UK PM, derailed peace deal with Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Ahead of the second anniversary of the war,&nbsp;Switzerland told the United Nations on Friday (Feb 23) that it intends to organise a high-level Ukraine&nbsp;peace conference&nbsp;"by the summer". Similarly, a Ukrainian official visiting India this week <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-hopeful-that-pm-modi-will-attend-ukraine-peace-summit-says-ukrainian-minister-iryna-borovets-693299">confirmed</a> to WION that one such peace&nbsp;conference will be organised by Switzerland&nbsp;later this year.</p>

<p>India, too, has said&nbsp;that New Delhi is publicly committed to bringing the conflict to an end.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-india-act-as-mediator-to-end-russia-ukraine-war-jaishankar-responds-692012">Will India act as mediator to end Russia-Ukraine war? Jaishankar responds</a></strong></p>

<p>"Wherever we can help, we are happy to do so. We are open when we are approached. However, we do not believe that we should initiate anything in this direction on our own," India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-india-act-as-mediator-to-end-russia-ukraine-war-jaishankar-responds-692012">told</a> a German newspaper on Feb 20, 2024.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the current state of war?</strong></h2>

<p>The present-day momentum in the war rests with Russia due to control of Ukrainian ports as well as psychological blow to Ukraine's wartime morale due to the fall of the most aggressively defended Ukrainian town of Avdiivka earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian forces are also reportedly sensing an acute shortage of equipment and manpower amid dwindling support from Washington.</p>

<p>Russia, on the other hand, has been able to successfully re-adapt its wartime tactics&nbsp;with increased military conscription and support from its indigenous military-industry complex for the production of military equipment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But nearly 45,000 Russians have been killed in action since February 2022, the independent outlet MediaZona has reported. To put this in context, this&nbsp;is three times the Red Army’s losses during its decade-long invasion of Afghanistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Two years of Russia-Ukraine war, what is next?</strong></p>

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<p>On the front lines in Ukraine, nearly 45,000 Russians have been killed in action since February 2022, the independent outlet MediaZona has reported. That is three times the Soviet Army’s losses during its decade-long military operations in&nbsp;Afghanistan.</p>

<p>But with its&nbsp;greater resources in terms of human power, the tactical gains and strategic advantages&nbsp;continue to stay tilted on the Russian side as the war enters its third year.&nbsp;</p>


Russia Ukraine War News:Two years ago, on Feb 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine citing "expansion of NATO to the east" as an existential threat to Russia and a violation of post-Cold War understanding between the then-leaders in Moscow and the Western capitals.

Russia Ukraine War News:Two years ago, on Feb 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine citing "expansion of NATO to the east" as an existential threat to Russia and a violation of post-Cold War understanding between the then-leaders in Moscow and the Western capitals. Since then, one more country — Finland — has become part of the US-led military alliance while another Russian neighbour, Sweden, is on course to enter NATO. But on the battlefield, two years of Russian advances, and Ukrainian counteroffensives have created a state of stalemate. Russia controls just 18 per cent of Ukraine's internationally recognised territory. This is made up of 94 per cent of Luhansk Oblast, 73 per cent of Kherson Oblast, 72 per cent of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and 54 per cent of Donetsk Oblast and Crimea. Notably, some of these territorial gains were made before February 24, 2022. Since Ukraine’s failed counteroffensive in the summer of 2023, Russian forces have slowly inched forward, capturing the town of Avdiivka earlier this month after a months-long battle.. Two years into its full-scale offensive, Russia has captured a little less than a fifth of Ukraine's internationally-recognised territories | AFP In the weeks after February 24, 2022, the economic picture for Moscow looked challenging for Russia as the Rouble crashed and foreign investors fled. But the war-related demand-supply chain fuelled and fulfilled by the military-industry complex came in handy. Add oil exports to the mix, and the Russian economy continued to withstand hundreds of Western sanctions as war raged on in Ukraine that gave Moscow control of Ukraine's all Black Sea ports except the port of Odesa. In the second half of this two-year war period so far, an insurrection by the Wagner mercenary group in June 2023 led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, stunned the corridors of power in Moscow. Also read | Wagner rebellion: When Putin’s former favourite chef served a dish of ‘treason’ | 10 points The Wagner mercenaries, while following Prigozhin's orders, were halted just a few hours short of Moscow after a Belarus-brokered deal. The insurrection died as dramatically as it began, and so did Prigozhin — two months later, in a mysterious plane crash. File photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin with Yevgeny Prigozhin | Reuters But Putin's hold on power continues to be stable. The Russian president is poised to win a fifth six-year presidential term in the upcoming March election. The war, however, has displaced millions of Ukrainian nationals and has changed the geopolitical landscape of Eurocentric politics. The economies have been hit due to disrupted supply chains, triggering global economic uncertainty. Russia-Ukraine war: Peace efforts continued as war raged Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of signing a peace treaty with Russia to end the war and throwing it into the 'garbage of history' in the spring of 2022. Putin's comments came during a meeting with the leaders of the African Union spearheaded by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in St. Petersberg on June 17, 2023. Turkey hosted a series of negotiations starting in the spring of 2022 to help develop "trust" between the two warring sides. Also read | Putin says Boris Johnson played spoilsport as UK PM, derailed peace deal with Ukraine Ahead of the second anniversary of the war, Switzerland told the United Nations on Friday (Feb 23) that it intends to organise a high-level Ukraine peace conference "by the summer". Similarly, a Ukrainian official visiting India this week confirmed to WION that one such peace conference will be organised by Switzerland later this year. India, too, has said that New Delhi is publicly committed to bringing the conflict to an end. Also read | Will India act as mediator to end Russia-Ukraine war? Jaishankar responds "Wherever we can help, we are happy to do so. We are open when we are approached. However, we do not believe that we should initiate anything in this direction on our own," India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar told a German newspaper on Feb 20, 2024. What is the current state of war? The present-day momentum in the war rests with Russia due to control of Ukrainian ports as well as psychological blow to Ukraine's wartime morale due to the fall of the most aggressively defended Ukrainian town of Avdiivka earlier this month. The Ukrainian forces are also reportedly sensing an acute shortage of equipment and manpower amid dwindling support from Washington. Russia, on the other hand, has been able to successfully re-adapt its wartime tactics with increased military conscription and support from its indigenous military-industry complex for the production of military equipment. But nearly 45,000 Russians have been killed in action since February 2022, the independent outlet MediaZona has reported. To put this in context, this is three times the Red Army’s losses during its decade-long invasion of Afghanistan. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Two years of Russia-Ukraine war, what is next? × On the front lines in Ukraine, nearly 45,000 Russians have been killed in action since February 2022, the independent outlet MediaZona has reported. That is three times the Soviet Army’s losses during its decade-long military operations in Afghanistan. But with its greater resources in terms of human power, the tactical gains and strategic advantages continue to stay tilted on the Russian side as the war enters its third year.

Russia-Ukraine war enters third year as Putin defies West’s support for Zelensky

<p>The United States on Friday (Feb 23rd) announced a fresh wave of more than 500 sanctions against Russia. These sanctions announced on the second anniversary of the Ukrainian war, come after the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in prison.</p>

<p>Vowing sustained pressure to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin's "war machine," President Joe Biden said that the sanctions will target more than 100 "individuals connected to Navalny's imprisonment as well as Russia’s financial sector, defence industrial base, procurement networks and sanctions evaders across multiple continents."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What Biden said</strong></h2>

<p>Referring to the Ukraine war and Navalny's death, in a statement Biden said that the sanctions "will ensure Putin pays an even steeper price for his aggression abroad and repression at home."</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-to-impose-sanctions-on-over-500-targets-on-anniversary-of-ukraine-war-693074">US to impose sanctions on over 500 targets on anniversary of Ukraine war</a></strong></p>

<p>Biden announced that the US will implement additional export restrictions on nearly 100 entities for aiding Russia and will work towards reducing Russia's energy revenues.</p>

<p>"We are also imposing new export restrictions on nearly 100 entities for providing backdoor support for Russia's war machine," said Biden.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;France's defence minister Lecornu slams Moscow</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Russia and Sanctions</strong></h2>

<p>Since the start of the Ukraine war, the United States and its Western allies have imposed a slew of measures against Moscow. This includes blocking its financial assets, restricting high-tech exports and even setting an official cap on the sale price of Russian oil exports.</p>

<p>The latest sanctions come after Biden declared that he considers Russian President Putin responsible for the death of 47-year-old Navalny.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-daughter-offers-tribute-to-late-father-in-first-public-statement-693120">Alexei Navalny's daughter Dasha Navalnaya offers tribute to late father in first public statement</a></strong></p>

<p>Just a day earlier, on Thursday (Feb 22nd) he met with Navalny's wife Yulia Navalnay and their daughter Dasha in California.</p>

<p>After the meeting, he told reporters that the Putin opponent was a man of incredible courage."</p>

<p>Biden's announcement of the latest measures included a plea to Congress for new military aid to Ukraine.</p>

<p>"History is watching. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will not be forgotten," said Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States on Friday (Feb 23rd) announced a fresh wave of more than 500 sanctions against Russia. These sanctions announced on the second anniversary of the Ukrainian war, come after the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in prison.

The United States on Friday (Feb 23rd) announced a fresh wave of more than 500 sanctions against Russia. These sanctions announced on the second anniversary of the Ukrainian war, come after the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in prison. Vowing sustained pressure to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin's "war machine," President Joe Biden said that the sanctions will target more than 100 "individuals connected to Navalny's imprisonment as well as Russia’s financial sector, defence industrial base, procurement networks and sanctions evaders across multiple continents." What Biden said Referring to the Ukraine war and Navalny's death, in a statement Biden said that the sanctions "will ensure Putin pays an even steeper price for his aggression abroad and repression at home." Also read | US to impose sanctions on over 500 targets on anniversary of Ukraine war Biden announced that the US will implement additional export restrictions on nearly 100 entities for aiding Russia and will work towards reducing Russia's energy revenues. "We are also imposing new export restrictions on nearly 100 entities for providing backdoor support for Russia's war machine," said Biden. Watch | France's defence minister Lecornu slams Moscow × Russia and Sanctions Since the start of the Ukraine war, the United States and its Western allies have imposed a slew of measures against Moscow. This includes blocking its financial assets, restricting high-tech exports and even setting an official cap on the sale price of Russian oil exports. The latest sanctions come after Biden declared that he considers Russian President Putin responsible for the death of 47-year-old Navalny. Also read | Alexei Navalny's daughter Dasha Navalnaya offers tribute to late father in first public statement Just a day earlier, on Thursday (Feb 22nd) he met with Navalny's wife Yulia Navalnay and their daughter Dasha in California. After the meeting, he told reporters that the Putin opponent was a man of incredible courage." Biden's announcement of the latest measures included a plea to Congress for new military aid to Ukraine. "History is watching. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will not be forgotten," said Biden. (With inputs from agencies)

US announces over 500 sanctions against Russia to 'ensure Putin pays an even steeper price for his aggression'

<p>Russia on Friday (Feb 23rd) announced a significant expansion of the list of European Union officials and politicians banned from entering Russia. This comes in response to the latest round of sanctions by the bloc.</p>

<h2><strong>'Fruitless attempts'</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement the Russian foreign ministry called the European Union's latest sanctions "fruitless attempts to put pressure," and said that the prohibitions are a response to the "unfriendly actions."</p>

<p>"The European Union is continuing its fruitless attempts to put pressure on Russia through unilateral restrictive measures," it said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-announces-more-than-500-sanctions-targeting-russian-prez-vladimir-putins-war-machine-693182">US announces 500+ sanctions against Russia to 'ensure Putin pays an even steeper price for his aggression'</a></strong></p>

<p>"In response to these unfriendly actions, the Russian side has significantly expanded the list of representatives of European institutions and EU member states, who…are prohibited from entering the territory of our state."</p>

<p>As per a Reuters report quoting the Russian foreign ministry, the latest stop list includes representatives of law enforcement agencies and commercial organisations who provided military assistance to its neighbour, Ukraine. Additionally, representatives of European institutions involved in the prosecution of Russian officials, and those who gathered material to support the idea of confiscating Russian state assets feature on the said list.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Putin touts Russia's new nuclear bomber, Zelensky pleads for ammo | Has NATO lost Ukraine war?</strong></p>

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<p>"The Russian retaliatory 'stop list' also includes representatives of the Council of Europe, members of the legislative assemblies of European Union countries, members of the OSCE PA (Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) and the PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe), who systematically make aggressive statements against Russia," said the statement.</p>

<h2><strong>EU's sanctions on Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday (Feb 21st), EU member states approved the 13th package of Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia. These sanctions ban nearly 200 entities and individuals accused of helping Moscow procure weapons or of involvement in kidnapping Ukrainian children, a charge vehemently denied by Moscow.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-launches-probe-into-over-122000-suspected-war-crimes-since-start-of-russian-invasion-693241">Ukraine launches probe into over 122,000 suspected war crimes since start of Russian invasion</a></strong></p>

<p>The restrictions which as per Belgium are "one of the broadest approved by the EU" will see 193 entities and individuals added to the list of those banned from travelling to the EU or doing business there. However, no fresh measures were announced against specific economic sectors, reports Reuters citing unnamed EU diplomatic sources.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia on Friday (Feb 23rd) announced a significant expansion of the list of European Union officials and politicians banned from entering Russia. This comes in response to the latest round of sanctions by the bloc.

Russia on Friday (Feb 23rd) announced a significant expansion of the list of European Union officials and politicians banned from entering Russia. This comes in response to the latest round of sanctions by the bloc. 'Fruitless attempts' In a statement the Russian foreign ministry called the European Union's latest sanctions "fruitless attempts to put pressure," and said that the prohibitions are a response to the "unfriendly actions." "The European Union is continuing its fruitless attempts to put pressure on Russia through unilateral restrictive measures," it said. Also read | US announces 500+ sanctions against Russia to 'ensure Putin pays an even steeper price for his aggression' "In response to these unfriendly actions, the Russian side has significantly expanded the list of representatives of European institutions and EU member states, who…are prohibited from entering the territory of our state." As per a Reuters report quoting the Russian foreign ministry, the latest stop list includes representatives of law enforcement agencies and commercial organisations who provided military assistance to its neighbour, Ukraine. Additionally, representatives of European institutions involved in the prosecution of Russian officials, and those who gathered material to support the idea of confiscating Russian state assets feature on the said list. Watch | Putin touts Russia's new nuclear bomber, Zelensky pleads for ammo | Has NATO lost Ukraine war? × "The Russian retaliatory 'stop list' also includes representatives of the Council of Europe, members of the legislative assemblies of European Union countries, members of the OSCE PA (Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) and the PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe), who systematically make aggressive statements against Russia," said the statement. EU's sanctions on Ukraine On Wednesday (Feb 21st), EU member states approved the 13th package of Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia. These sanctions ban nearly 200 entities and individuals accused of helping Moscow procure weapons or of involvement in kidnapping Ukrainian children, a charge vehemently denied by Moscow. Also read | Ukraine launches probe into over 122,000 suspected war crimes since start of Russian invasion The restrictions which as per Belgium are "one of the broadest approved by the EU" will see 193 entities and individuals added to the list of those banned from travelling to the EU or doing business there. However, no fresh measures were announced against specific economic sectors, reports Reuters citing unnamed EU diplomatic sources. (With inputs from agencies)

Moscow responds to EU's 'unfriendly actions,' bans bloc members from entering Russia

US President Joe Biden attacked former President Donald Trump's remarks equating himself with the Russian opposition leader who passed away last week in an Arctic prison during a fundraiser for his reelection campaign on Wednesday night. Biden also referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “crazy SOB”.

In a verbal spat, Biden calls Putin a "crazy SOB," while Kremlin denounces him as "Hollywood cowboy"

<p>Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of Alexei Navalny, has seen the body of the Russian opposition figure who died in prison, and accused officials of pressuring her into having a "secret" burial for her son. Navalny died last week in an Arctic prison.</p>

<p>In a video published by Navalny's team on Thursday (Feb 22) , her mother said, "They are blackmailing me, they put conditions for where, when and how Alexei should be buried. This is illegal. They want it to be done in secret."&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, the Russian investigators have not responded.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-president-putin-takes-flight-on-nuclear-capable-tu-160m-strategic-bomber-692838">WATCH | Russian President Putin takes flight on nuclear-capable Tu-160M strategic bomber</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Russia's state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday that Lyudmila filed a lawsuit in the Arctic city of Salekhard, challenging the refusal to release her son's body. Citing court officials, it reported that a closed-door hearing is scheduled for March 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, she had urged Putin to hand over her son's body. Her message to Putin came after she travelled to the remote IK-3 prison where her son had died, but she was prevented from seeing his body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 47-year-old Putin critic died suddenly in an Arctic penal colony, and the West accused Putin of direct involvement. His aides and family have alleged that the Kremlin murdered him, an allegation the Kremlin has rejected.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-uk-announces-new-sanctions-against-russia-to-mark-conflicts-anniversary-692835">Ukraine war: UK announces new sanctions against Russia to mark conflict's anniversary</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Lyudmila saw her body and death certificate</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>According to Lyudmila, she has been shown a death certificate and his body. She was taken to a morgue on Wednesday evening to see his body. Navalny's aides said the death certificate stated that the opposition politician had died of natural causes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The investigators claim that they know the cause of death, they have all the medical and legal documents ready, which I saw, and I signed the medical death certificate," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"According to the law, they should have given me Alexei’s body right away, but they have not done so until now. Instead, they are blackmailing me, setting conditions on where, when and how Alexei should be buried. This is illegal."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;In focus: Russia-Iran arms trade&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Navalny's mother said: "I'm recording this video because they started threatening me. Looking into my eyes, they say that if I don't agree to a secret funeral, they will do something with my son's body."</p>

<p>She quoted one of the investigators as saying: "Time is not on your side, corpses decompose."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, "I don't want special conditions. I just want everything to be done according to the law. I demand that my son's body be returned to me immediately."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of Alexei Navalny, has seen the body of the Russian opposition figure who died in prison, and accused officials of pressuring her into having a "secret" burial for her son.

Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of Alexei Navalny, has seen the body of the Russian opposition figure who died in prison, and accused officials of pressuring her into having a "secret" burial for her son. Navalny died last week in an Arctic prison. In a video published by Navalny's team on Thursday (Feb 22) , her mother said, "They are blackmailing me, they put conditions for where, when and how Alexei should be buried. This is illegal. They want it to be done in secret." So far, the Russian investigators have not responded. Also read: WATCH | Russian President Putin takes flight on nuclear-capable Tu-160M strategic bomber Russia's state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday that Lyudmila filed a lawsuit in the Arctic city of Salekhard, challenging the refusal to release her son's body. Citing court officials, it reported that a closed-door hearing is scheduled for March 4. Previously, she had urged Putin to hand over her son's body. Her message to Putin came after she travelled to the remote IK-3 prison where her son had died, but she was prevented from seeing his body. The 47-year-old Putin critic died suddenly in an Arctic penal colony, and the West accused Putin of direct involvement. His aides and family have alleged that the Kremlin murdered him, an allegation the Kremlin has rejected. Also read: Ukraine war: UK announces new sanctions against Russia to mark conflict's anniversary Lyudmila saw her body and death certificate According to Lyudmila, she has been shown a death certificate and his body. She was taken to a morgue on Wednesday evening to see his body. Navalny's aides said the death certificate stated that the opposition politician had died of natural causes. "The investigators claim that they know the cause of death, they have all the medical and legal documents ready, which I saw, and I signed the medical death certificate," she said. "According to the law, they should have given me Alexei’s body right away, but they have not done so until now. Instead, they are blackmailing me, setting conditions on where, when and how Alexei should be buried. This is illegal." Watch: In focus: Russia-Iran arms trade × Navalny's mother said: "I'm recording this video because they started threatening me. Looking into my eyes, they say that if I don't agree to a secret funeral, they will do something with my son's body." She quoted one of the investigators as saying: "Time is not on your side, corpses decompose." She added, "I don't want special conditions. I just want everything to be done according to the law. I demand that my son's body be returned to me immediately." (With inputs from agencies)

Navalny's mother sees his body, accuses Russian officials of pressuring her into 'secret burial'

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Thursday (Feb 22) flew on a modernised Tu-160M nuclear-capable strategic bomber, in a move which is seen as a reminder to the West of Moscow’s nuclear capabilities amid the ongoing war with Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin’s flight in nuclear-capable bomber</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian president took a 30-minute flight, as per Russian state news agency TASS, in the giant swing-wing plane, Tu-160M nuclear-capable strategic bomber, codenamed ‘Blackjack’ by NATO. The military aircraft is a modernised version of a Cold War-era bomber which was deployed by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear war to deliver weapons over long distances.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President Vladimir Putin takes to the skies in Russia's TU-160M strategic bomber<br />
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(Video: The Kremlin)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VladimirPutin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VladimirPutin</a> <a href="https://t.co/bCD6QxgR1A">pic.twitter.com/bCD6QxgR1A</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1760693590643089482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Russian state TV showed Putin climbing down a ladder from the plane after the flight and praised the upgraded version of the Tu-160 bomber and called it a reliable aircraft which could be used by the Air Force.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s a new machine, a lot about it is new. It’s easier to control. It’s reliable,” said Putin. As per Russian media reports he flew in an aircraft, named Ilya Muromets which took off from the Gorbunov Kazan Aviation Plant located in Kazan, 720 kilometres from the capital city of Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bomber’s route was not disclosed, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov ahead of the flight. The flight also came a day after Putin climbed into the aircraft’s cockpit and toured the plant in Kazan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin’s flight in the nuclear-capable bomber comes amid its ongoing war with Ukraine where Russia recently took over the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka marking Moscow's&nbsp;biggest battlefield gain since its forces captured Bakhmut last May.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-have-taken-over-village-of-pobieda-in-ukraines-donetsk-region-692733">Russia claims to have taken over village of Pobieda in Ukraine's Donetsk region</a></strong></p>

<p>The Russian president, who is expected to easily win another six-year term in next month’s election, made the flight at a time when Moscow and the West are at odds due to the war in Ukraine and the recent death of opposition politician Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the Tu-160M strategic bomber</strong></h2>

<p>The Tu-160M which can carry a crew of four is also capable of carrying 12 cruise missiles or 12 short-range nuclear missiles. The aircraft can fly around 12,000 kilometres without refuelling. It is also said to be the world’s largest supersonic military aircraft and the heaviest warplane.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><em><strong>Image shows a&nbsp;modernized Tu-160M nuclear-capable strategic bomber taking off in Kazan, Russia February 22, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)</strong></em></p>

<p>Notably, this is not the first time that the 71-year-old Russian leader has flown on a Tu-160 aircraft. In 2005, Putin took an older version of the Tu-160 aircraft to an area where Russia's Northern Fleet was conducting training exercises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid the ongoing war, the Russian president has repeatedly made veiled threats to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Additionally, in a warning to the West over its continued support for Kyiv Russia suspended its participation in a landmark nuclear arms control agreement, the New START treaty.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Thursday (Feb 22) flew on a modernised Tu-160M nuclear-capable strategic bomber, in a move which is seen as a reminder to the West of Moscow’s nuclear capabilities amid the ongoing war with Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Thursday (Feb 22) flew on a modernised Tu-160M nuclear-capable strategic bomber, in a move which is seen as a reminder to the West of Moscow’s nuclear capabilities amid the ongoing war with Ukraine. Putin’s flight in nuclear-capable bomber The Russian president took a 30-minute flight, as per Russian state news agency TASS, in the giant swing-wing plane, Tu-160M nuclear-capable strategic bomber, codenamed ‘Blackjack’ by NATO. The military aircraft is a modernised version of a Cold War-era bomber which was deployed by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear war to deliver weapons over long distances. President Vladimir Putin takes to the skies in Russia's TU-160M strategic bomber (Video: The Kremlin)#VladimirPutin pic.twitter.com/bCD6QxgR1A — WION (@WIONews) February 22, 2024 × The Russian state TV showed Putin climbing down a ladder from the plane after the flight and praised the upgraded version of the Tu-160 bomber and called it a reliable aircraft which could be used by the Air Force. “It’s a new machine, a lot about it is new. It’s easier to control. It’s reliable,” said Putin. As per Russian media reports he flew in an aircraft, named Ilya Muromets which took off from the Gorbunov Kazan Aviation Plant located in Kazan, 720 kilometres from the capital city of Moscow. The bomber’s route was not disclosed, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov ahead of the flight. The flight also came a day after Putin climbed into the aircraft’s cockpit and toured the plant in Kazan. Putin’s flight in the nuclear-capable bomber comes amid its ongoing war with Ukraine where Russia recently took over the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka marking Moscow's biggest battlefield gain since its forces captured Bakhmut last May. Also Read | Russia claims to have taken over village of Pobieda in Ukraine's Donetsk region The Russian president, who is expected to easily win another six-year term in next month’s election, made the flight at a time when Moscow and the West are at odds due to the war in Ukraine and the recent death of opposition politician Alexei Navalny. About the Tu-160M strategic bomber The Tu-160M which can carry a crew of four is also capable of carrying 12 cruise missiles or 12 short-range nuclear missiles. The aircraft can fly around 12,000 kilometres without refuelling. It is also said to be the world’s largest supersonic military aircraft and the heaviest warplane. Image shows a modernized Tu-160M nuclear-capable strategic bomber taking off in Kazan, Russia February 22, 2024. (Photo: Reuters) Notably, this is not the first time that the 71-year-old Russian leader has flown on a Tu-160 aircraft. In 2005, Putin took an older version of the Tu-160 aircraft to an area where Russia's Northern Fleet was conducting training exercises. Amid the ongoing war, the Russian president has repeatedly made veiled threats to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Additionally, in a warning to the West over its continued support for Kyiv Russia suspended its participation in a landmark nuclear arms control agreement, the New START treaty. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Russian President Putin takes flight on nuclear-capable Tu-160M strategic bomber

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Tuesday that Moscow has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space, claiming that the country has only developed space capabilities similar to those of the US.

Russian President Putin denies plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space

<p>Former US president Donald Trump has said Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was a "brave"&nbsp;man who probably should not have returned to his country. Navalny was pronounced dead last week in rather mysterious circumstances, prompting accusations from the Western bloc that President Vladimir Putin had engineered the entire plot to silence an influential voice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump, who has been an admirer of Putin for a long time, commented on Navalny's death without assigning blame to anyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Navalny is a very sad situation, and he is a very brave, he was a very brave guy because he went back. He could have stayed away," Trump said during a town hall interview with <em>Fox News</em> in South Carolina.</p>

<p>"And, frankly, he probably would have been a lot better off staying away and talking from outside of the country as opposed to having to go back in, because people thought that could happen and it did happen. And it's a horrible thing," he added.</p>

<p>The Republican leader compared himself to Navalny, implying that both had faced politically motivated prosecutions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But it's happening in our country too.&nbsp;We are turning into a communist country in many ways. And if you look at it - I'm the leading candidate. I get indicted."</p>

<p>Trump's fresh statement comes after he took to his Truth Social network on Sunday (Feb 18) and said Navalny's death made&nbsp;him "more aware of what is happening" in the United States.</p>

<p>“It is a slow, steady progression, with CROOKED, Radical Left Politicians, Prosecutors, and Judges leading us down a path to destruction," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-death-navalnys-body-found-with-bruises-as-west-holds-putin-responsible-691608"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s body found with ‘bruises’ as West holds Putin responsible</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Biden criticises Trump</strong></h2>

<p>Trump's statements appeared to have rubbed&nbsp;President Joe Biden the wrong way as the Democrat issued a scathing assessment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Why does Trump always blame America? Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Why can't Trump just say that?" said Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden, alongside other Western leaders, has said Putin was behind Navalny's death and that he used his powers to&nbsp;cull freedom in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality no one should be fooled not in Russia not at home not anywhere in the world," said US President Joe Biden last week.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1WPNNH7fjwh_C3Ktq11u7O" data-ved="2ahUKEwjao7KD8LSEAxVryDgGHUCDBjkQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-mother-was-told-he-died-by-sudden-death-syndrome-says-leaders-team-691308" jsname="YKoRaf">Authorities told Alexei Navalny’s mother that he died due to ‘sudden death syndrome’</a></strong></p>

<p>On Monday, Biden added he was "considering&nbsp;additional sanctions"&nbsp;on Moscow over Navalny's death.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny&nbsp;once led street protests against the Russian president, building a potent opposition that constantly targeted Moscow's corrupt officials. However, akin to several other opposition voices, he was promptly sent behind the bars, eventually leading to his death.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former US president Donald Trump has said Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was a "brave" man who probably should not have returned to his country. Navalny was pronounced dead last week in rather mysterious circumstances, prompting accusations from the Western bloc that President Vladimir Putin had engineered the entire plot to silence an influential voice.

Former US president Donald Trump has said Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was a "brave" man who probably should not have returned to his country. Navalny was pronounced dead last week in rather mysterious circumstances, prompting accusations from the Western bloc that President Vladimir Putin had engineered the entire plot to silence an influential voice. Trump, who has been an admirer of Putin for a long time, commented on Navalny's death without assigning blame to anyone. "Navalny is a very sad situation, and he is a very brave, he was a very brave guy because he went back. He could have stayed away," Trump said during a town hall interview with Fox News in South Carolina. "And, frankly, he probably would have been a lot better off staying away and talking from outside of the country as opposed to having to go back in, because people thought that could happen and it did happen. And it's a horrible thing," he added. The Republican leader compared himself to Navalny, implying that both had faced politically motivated prosecutions. "But it's happening in our country too. We are turning into a communist country in many ways. And if you look at it - I'm the leading candidate. I get indicted." Trump's fresh statement comes after he took to his Truth Social network on Sunday (Feb 18) and said Navalny's death made him "more aware of what is happening" in the United States. “It is a slow, steady progression, with CROOKED, Radical Left Politicians, Prosecutors, and Judges leading us down a path to destruction," he added. Watch | Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s body found with ‘bruises’ as West holds Putin responsible Biden criticises Trump Trump's statements appeared to have rubbed President Joe Biden the wrong way as the Democrat issued a scathing assessment. "Why does Trump always blame America? Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Why can't Trump just say that?" said Biden. Biden, alongside other Western leaders, has said Putin was behind Navalny's death and that he used his powers to cull freedom in Russia. "What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality no one should be fooled not in Russia not at home not anywhere in the world," said US President Joe Biden last week. Also read: Authorities told Alexei Navalny’s mother that he died due to ‘sudden death syndrome’ On Monday, Biden added he was "considering additional sanctions" on Moscow over Navalny's death. Navalny once led street protests against the Russian president, building a potent opposition that constantly targeted Moscow's corrupt officials. However, akin to several other opposition voices, he was promptly sent behind the bars, eventually leading to his death. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says 'brave' Navalny should not have returned to Russia

<p>Lyudmila Navalnaya, Alexei Navalny's mother, on Tuesday (Feb 20) urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hand over her son's body after his death five days ago in an Arctic jail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I appeal to you, Vladimir Putin, the solution to the issue depends only on you. Let me finally see my son. I demand that Alexei's body be released immediately so that I can bury him in a humane way," she said as quoted by news agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lyudmila and her son's lawyer visited the "Polar Wolf" IK-3 penal colony in Russia's Arctic north, where Navalny had been held since last year. They travelled over the weekend to take Navalny's body, but they failed as they received contradicting information about its location. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-wife-yulias-x-social-media-account-suspended-692033">Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia's X social media account suspended</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Yulia Navalnaya's response to Kremlin's remarks</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Yulia said on Tuesday that she did not care about the Kremlin's reaction after she accused Putin's administration of being involved in her husband's death.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I do not give a damn how the press secretary of a murderer comments on my words," Yulia Navalnaya, who has vowed to continue her husband's work, wrote on social media platform X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The West has accused Russia of having involvement in the death of Navalny, the Russian opposition leader and staunch critic of Putin. Some have even held Putin directly responsible.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ru">Я буду продолжать дело Алексея Навального. Продолжать бороться за нашу с вами страну. И я призываю вас встать рядом со мной. <a href="https://t.co/aBOIvcYHHk">pic.twitter.com/aBOIvcYHHk</a></p>
— Yulia Navalnaya (@yulia_navalnaya) <a href="https://twitter.com/yulia_navalnaya/status/1759528536858087508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fsb-arrests-us-russian-woman-for-alleged-treason-funding-ukrainian-army-691989">Russia's FSB arrests US-Russian woman for alleged treason, funding Ukrainian Army</a></strong></p>

<p>While reacting to the claims, the Kremlin said the accusations were "unfounded and vulgar".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Of course, these are absolutely unfounded and vulgar accusations against the head of the Russian state. But taking into account that Yulia Navalnaya was widowed just days ago, I will not comment," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.</p>

<p>Yulia had also shared a video which was viewed by millions online, vowing to continue her husband's fight "for the freedom of our country".</p>

<p>A day after she created the account and shared the video message, the X social media site suspended her account. A message on the @Yulia_Navalnaya account page read: "Account suspended. X suspends accounts which violate the X rules." It included a link to the site's rules of use but did not provide a specific reason for the account being suspended.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war | Russia takes control of Avdiivka plant</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>France calls for 'independent' probe&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, France called for an "independent" probe into the death of Navalny after summoning Moscow's envoy.</p>

<p>"France holds the Russian authorities fully responsible for the death of Alexei Navalny," the foreign ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>France "calls for an independent and in-depth investigation," the ministry said, adding that Russia's ambassador had been summoned on Monday.</p>

<p>"France calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Russia and expresses in particular its deep concern over the critical state of health of opponent Vladimir Kara-Murza," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Lyudmila Navalnaya, Alexei Navalny's mother, on Tuesday (Feb 20) urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hand over her son's body after his death five days ago in an Arctic jail.

Lyudmila Navalnaya, Alexei Navalny's mother, on Tuesday (Feb 20) urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hand over her son's body after his death five days ago in an Arctic jail. "I appeal to you, Vladimir Putin, the solution to the issue depends only on you. Let me finally see my son. I demand that Alexei's body be released immediately so that I can bury him in a humane way," she said as quoted by news agencies. Lyudmila and her son's lawyer visited the "Polar Wolf" IK-3 penal colony in Russia's Arctic north, where Navalny had been held since last year. They travelled over the weekend to take Navalny's body, but they failed as they received contradicting information about its location. Also read: Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia's X social media account suspended Yulia Navalnaya's response to Kremlin's remarks Yulia said on Tuesday that she did not care about the Kremlin's reaction after she accused Putin's administration of being involved in her husband's death. "I do not give a damn how the press secretary of a murderer comments on my words," Yulia Navalnaya, who has vowed to continue her husband's work, wrote on social media platform X. The West has accused Russia of having involvement in the death of Navalny, the Russian opposition leader and staunch critic of Putin. Some have even held Putin directly responsible. Я буду продолжать дело Алексея Навального. Продолжать бороться за нашу с вами страну. И я призываю вас встать рядом со мной. pic.twitter.com/aBOIvcYHHk — Yulia Navalnaya (@yulia_navalnaya) February 19, 2024 × Also read: Russia's FSB arrests US-Russian woman for alleged treason, funding Ukrainian Army While reacting to the claims, the Kremlin said the accusations were "unfounded and vulgar". "Of course, these are absolutely unfounded and vulgar accusations against the head of the Russian state. But taking into account that Yulia Navalnaya was widowed just days ago, I will not comment," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Yulia had also shared a video which was viewed by millions online, vowing to continue her husband's fight "for the freedom of our country". A day after she created the account and shared the video message, the X social media site suspended her account. A message on the @Yulia_Navalnaya account page read: "Account suspended. X suspends accounts which violate the X rules." It included a link to the site's rules of use but did not provide a specific reason for the account being suspended. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war | Russia takes control of Avdiivka plant × France calls for 'independent' probe On Tuesday, France called for an "independent" probe into the death of Navalny after summoning Moscow's envoy. "France holds the Russian authorities fully responsible for the death of Alexei Navalny," the foreign ministry said in a statement. France "calls for an independent and in-depth investigation," the ministry said, adding that Russia's ambassador had been summoned on Monday. "France calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Russia and expresses in particular its deep concern over the critical state of health of opponent Vladimir Kara-Murza," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

Navalny’s mother urges Putin to release body ‘immediately’ for proper burial

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted a Russian-made car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said Pyongyang's state media on Tuesday (Feb 20), as the two countries bolster ties in areas of defence, tourism and others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The gift has violated the multiple UN sanctions on North Korea over the nuclear and other weapons programmes of Kim Jong Un. The sanctions, passed in the past with approval also from Russia, bans the the import of any luxury goods or vehicles into the country.</p>

<p>Kim was "presented with a car made in Russia for his personal use by Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation,"&nbsp;reported Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-hold-alexei-navalnys-body-for-two-weeks-carry-out-chemical-analysis-claims-family-691827">Russia to hold Alexei Navalny’s body for two weeks, will carry out 'chemical analysis’, family told</a></p>

<p>Speaking about the car, Kim's sister Yo Jong said the "gift serves as a clear demonstration of the special personal relations between the top leaders" of the two countries, added KCNA.</p>

<h2><strong>Kim Jong Un's love for cars</strong></h2>

<p>Kim is known for his affinity for lavish automobiles.</p>

<p>He has been seen using luxury cars, which include Lexus SUVs and Mercedes-Benz S-Class models.</p>

<p>According to a 2021 UN report, there was an attempted shipment of luxury vehicles, worth more than $1 million, to North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The list of luxury vehicles included models allegedly sent from the United Arab Emirates to Ningbo, China.</p>

<p>South Korea's unification ministry said that the gift from Putin, which they had classed as a luxury vehicle and was given as a gift to Kim, was a violation of UN sanctions.</p>

<p>"We condemn North Korea for its brazen attitude of publicly disclosing violations of the UN sanctions," said a ministry official, while speaking to the reporters.</p>

<p>"Russia should also be aware of its responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and stop an act that undermines international norms," the official said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s widow accuses Putin of killing him and vows to continue his work</strong></p>

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<p>When Kim visited Russia last year, Putin had offered him the back seat of his presidential Aurus Senat limousine.</p>

<p>Kim had reached Moscow with his Maybach limousine, which had travelled on a special train from North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seoul-based specialist site NK News reported that there was a possibility the vehicle was an Aurus Senat armoured sedan or limousine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted a Russian-made car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said Pyongyang's state media on Tuesday (Feb 20), as the two countries bolster ties in areas of defence, tourism and others.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted a Russian-made car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said Pyongyang's state media on Tuesday (Feb 20), as the two countries bolster ties in areas of defence, tourism and others. The gift has violated the multiple UN sanctions on North Korea over the nuclear and other weapons programmes of Kim Jong Un. The sanctions, passed in the past with approval also from Russia, bans the the import of any luxury goods or vehicles into the country. Kim was "presented with a car made in Russia for his personal use by Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation," reported Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency. Also Read: Russia to hold Alexei Navalny’s body for two weeks, will carry out 'chemical analysis’, family told Speaking about the car, Kim's sister Yo Jong said the "gift serves as a clear demonstration of the special personal relations between the top leaders" of the two countries, added KCNA. Kim Jong Un's love for cars Kim is known for his affinity for lavish automobiles. He has been seen using luxury cars, which include Lexus SUVs and Mercedes-Benz S-Class models. According to a 2021 UN report, there was an attempted shipment of luxury vehicles, worth more than $1 million, to North Korea. The list of luxury vehicles included models allegedly sent from the United Arab Emirates to Ningbo, China. South Korea's unification ministry said that the gift from Putin, which they had classed as a luxury vehicle and was given as a gift to Kim, was a violation of UN sanctions. "We condemn North Korea for its brazen attitude of publicly disclosing violations of the UN sanctions," said a ministry official, while speaking to the reporters. "Russia should also be aware of its responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and stop an act that undermines international norms," the official said. Watch: Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s widow accuses Putin of killing him and vows to continue his work When Kim visited Russia last year, Putin had offered him the back seat of his presidential Aurus Senat limousine. Kim had reached Moscow with his Maybach limousine, which had travelled on a special train from North Korea. Seoul-based specialist site NK News reported that there was a possibility the vehicle was an Aurus Senat armoured sedan or limousine. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin gifts Russian-made car to North Korea's Kim Jong Un, violating UN sanctions

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<p>Putin critic Alexei Navalny's mother Lyudmila Navalnaya and his lawyer travelled over the weekend to the notorious “Polar Wolf” IK-3 penal colony in Russia to track down his body. Navalny had been held in the colony since 2023. According to a report by The Guardian on Sunday (Feb 18), Navalnaya received contradicting information from various institutions about her son's body and left the prison complex without recovering it.</p>

<p>The whereabouts of his body remain uncertain.</p>

<p>Navalnaya was first told that her son's body had been taken to a morgue at a hospital in Salekhard, a town near the complex. However, when she arrived at a morgue on Saturday, it was closed.</p>

<p>Ivan Zhdanov, director of&nbsp;Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, said that the Navalny's&nbsp;mother and lawyer were also told that the cause of his death was “sudden death syndrome.”</p>

<h2><strong>Navalny's body found with bruises</strong></h2>

<p>According to an independent news outlet, a paramedic at the Salekhard ambulance service said that colleagues who treated Navalny's body found signs of bruises&nbsp;consistent with seizure as well as traces of heart massage attempts. However, a morgue employee denied this claim.&nbsp; Meanwhile, Navalny's team said that his relatives were refused access to the body for a third day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-body-found-with-bruises-as-west-holds-putin-responsible-691438">Alexei Navalny’s body found with ‘bruises’ as West holds Putin responsible</a></strong></p>

<p>Navalny, a 47-year-old former lawyer, rose to prominence campaigning against corruption in Putin's Russia. He was known for his fiery rhetoric at public protests and in courtrooms, vocal presence on social media, and his team's elaborate video investigations into state graft.</p>

<p>According to the prison service, Navalny fell unconscious and died last Friday after he went for a walk at the prison complex. He was serving a 19-year sentence at the prison. The cause of his death is disputed.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia: Over 400 detained at events in memory of Navalny</strong></h2>

<p>More than 400 people have been detained at events across 32 Russian cities since Navalny's death. According to rights group OVD-Info, the largest number of arrests occurred in St Petersburg and Moscow, where Navalny's support had traditionally been strong.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Navalny's team confirms death, family demands body 'immediately'</strong></p>

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<p>This has been the largest wave of arrests at political events in Russia since Sept 2022, when over 1,300 people were arrested at demonstrations against a "partial mobilisation" of reservists for Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Putin critic Alexei Navalny's mother Lyudmila Navalnaya and his lawyer travelled over the weekend to the notorious “Polar Wolf” IK-3 penal colony in Russia to track down his body.

Putin critic Alexei Navalny's mother Lyudmila Navalnaya and his lawyer travelled over the weekend to the notorious “Polar Wolf” IK-3 penal colony in Russia to track down his body. Navalny had been held in the colony since 2023. According to a report by The Guardian on Sunday (Feb 18), Navalnaya received contradicting information from various institutions about her son's body and left the prison complex without recovering it. The whereabouts of his body remain uncertain. Navalnaya was first told that her son's body had been taken to a morgue at a hospital in Salekhard, a town near the complex. However, when she arrived at a morgue on Saturday, it was closed. Ivan Zhdanov, director of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, said that the Navalny's mother and lawyer were also told that the cause of his death was “sudden death syndrome.” Navalny's body found with bruises According to an independent news outlet, a paramedic at the Salekhard ambulance service said that colleagues who treated Navalny's body found signs of bruises consistent with seizure as well as traces of heart massage attempts. However, a morgue employee denied this claim. Meanwhile, Navalny's team said that his relatives were refused access to the body for a third day. Also read | Alexei Navalny’s body found with ‘bruises’ as West holds Putin responsible Navalny, a 47-year-old former lawyer, rose to prominence campaigning against corruption in Putin's Russia. He was known for his fiery rhetoric at public protests and in courtrooms, vocal presence on social media, and his team's elaborate video investigations into state graft. According to the prison service, Navalny fell unconscious and died last Friday after he went for a walk at the prison complex. He was serving a 19-year sentence at the prison. The cause of his death is disputed. Russia: Over 400 detained at events in memory of Navalny More than 400 people have been detained at events across 32 Russian cities since Navalny's death. According to rights group OVD-Info, the largest number of arrests occurred in St Petersburg and Moscow, where Navalny's support had traditionally been strong. Also watch | Navalny's team confirms death, family demands body 'immediately' × This has been the largest wave of arrests at political events in Russia since Sept 2022, when over 1,300 people were arrested at demonstrations against a "partial mobilisation" of reservists for Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Where's Navalny's body? Contrasting accounts as mother leaves from penal colony after failing to locate it

<p>Alexei Navalny's wife said in a video published on Monday (Feb 19) that President Vladimir Putin killed her husband and&nbsp;vowed to continue his work, while urging his supporters to support her.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kremlin said that the investigation into the circumstances around the Russian opposition leader's death is underway. It further slammed the "vulgar statements" over the Kremlin's responsibility for his death.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked about the probe, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "It's ongoing, all the necessary actions are being carried out. At the moment, the results of the investigation have not been released, they are unknown."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-400-detained-across-russia-at-gatherings-in-memory-of-alexei-navalny-691636">Over 400 detained across Russia at gatherings held for Alexei Navalny</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>West accuses Putin</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The West has accused Russia of having involvement in the death of Navalny, the Russian opposition leader and staunch critic of Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some have even held Putin directly responsible for Navalny's death, with US President Joe Biden calling it "yet more proof of Putin's brutality".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Peskov further said that Moscow considered a series of "blatantly vulgar statements" about Navalny's death to be "absolutely unacceptable".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-mother-travels-to-polar-wolf-penal-colony-where-putin-critic-was-jailed-691576">Where's Navalny's body? Contrasting accounts as mother leaves from penal colony after failing to locate it</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"In these conditions, when there is no information, it is absolutely unacceptable to make such blatantly vulgar remarks," Peskov said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny, Putin's most vocal critic, died Friday aged 47 in the Arctic prison colony where he was being held on charges widely seen as punishment for campaigning against Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, the Russian authorities have refused to hand over the opposition leader's body to his relatives.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Navalny's widow Yulia:<br />
"I will continue Alexei Navalny's work. Continue to fight for our country together with you...Against war and corruption...And I urge you to stand beside me."<br />
Yulia that she "knows why Putin killed Alexei" and "will soon tell about it" <a href="https://t.co/jBEM5M2faf">pic.twitter.com/jBEM5M2faf</a></p>
— Pjotr Sauer (@PjotrSauer) <a href="https://twitter.com/PjotrSauer/status/1759533035081380308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Navalny's wife says 'Putin killed my husband'</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny's wife said that Putin killed her husband. In a video address published Monday, a tear-eyed Yulia Navalnaya said, "Three days ago, Vladimir Putin killed my husband, Alexei Navalny."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also vowed to continue his work, calling on his supporters to support her. "I will continue the work for Alexei Navalny. I will continue to fight for the freedom of our country," Yulia said in the video. "And I call on you to stand by me."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Germany summons Russian ambassador&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Germany on Monday summoned the Russian ambassador over Navalny's death, a foreign ministry spokeswoman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The politically motivated proceedings against Alexei Navalny and against numerous other critics of the Russian government, and the inhumane prison conditions, show how brutally the Russian judiciary is cracking down on dissenters and the means President (Vladimir) Putin is using to suppress freedom of expression in Russia," the spokeswoman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Alexei Navalny's wife said in a video published on Monday (Feb 19) that President Vladimir Putin killed her husband and vowed to continue his work, while urging his supporters to support her.

Alexei Navalny's wife said in a video published on Monday (Feb 19) that President Vladimir Putin killed her husband and vowed to continue his work, while urging his supporters to support her. Meanwhile, Kremlin said that the investigation into the circumstances around the Russian opposition leader's death is underway. It further slammed the "vulgar statements" over the Kremlin's responsibility for his death. On being asked about the probe, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "It's ongoing, all the necessary actions are being carried out. At the moment, the results of the investigation have not been released, they are unknown." Also read: Over 400 detained across Russia at gatherings held for Alexei Navalny West accuses Putin The West has accused Russia of having involvement in the death of Navalny, the Russian opposition leader and staunch critic of Putin. Some have even held Putin directly responsible for Navalny's death, with US President Joe Biden calling it "yet more proof of Putin's brutality". Peskov further said that Moscow considered a series of "blatantly vulgar statements" about Navalny's death to be "absolutely unacceptable". Also read: Where's Navalny's body? Contrasting accounts as mother leaves from penal colony after failing to locate it "In these conditions, when there is no information, it is absolutely unacceptable to make such blatantly vulgar remarks," Peskov said. Navalny, Putin's most vocal critic, died Friday aged 47 in the Arctic prison colony where he was being held on charges widely seen as punishment for campaigning against Putin. So far, the Russian authorities have refused to hand over the opposition leader's body to his relatives. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Watch the video here: Navalny's widow Yulia: "I will continue Alexei Navalny's work. Continue to fight for our country together with you...Against war and corruption...And I urge you to stand beside me." Yulia that she "knows why Putin killed Alexei" and "will soon tell about it" pic.twitter.com/jBEM5M2faf — Pjotr Sauer (@PjotrSauer) February 19, 2024 × Navalny's wife says 'Putin killed my husband' Navalny's wife said that Putin killed her husband. In a video address published Monday, a tear-eyed Yulia Navalnaya said, "Three days ago, Vladimir Putin killed my husband, Alexei Navalny." She also vowed to continue his work, calling on his supporters to support her. "I will continue the work for Alexei Navalny. I will continue to fight for the freedom of our country," Yulia said in the video. "And I call on you to stand by me." Germany summons Russian ambassador Germany on Monday summoned the Russian ambassador over Navalny's death, a foreign ministry spokeswoman said. "The politically motivated proceedings against Alexei Navalny and against numerous other critics of the Russian government, and the inhumane prison conditions, show how brutally the Russian judiciary is cracking down on dissenters and the means President (Vladimir) Putin is using to suppress freedom of expression in Russia," the spokeswoman said. (With inputs from agencies)

Navalny’s wife says ‘Putin killed my husband’, Kremlin states investigation underway

<p>The biggest development of the day came from a prison just 100 km west of Moscow when reports emerged that Russian President Vladimir Putin's most vocal critic Alexei Navalny had died. Reactions poured in from across the world as leaders pointed fingers at Putin for alleged role in Navalny's death. In West Asia, the war continues to rage between Israel and Hamas while consequent tensions in the Red Sea also continue to persist in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click here to read more:</strong></p>

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<p>Jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has died in prison, Russian state media reported, citing the prison authority of Yamalo-Nenets region where Navalny was serving a 19-year sentence. Navalny, aged 47, became the biggest anti-establishment figure in Russia in recent years due to his staunch criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.</p>

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<p>A woman has accused French screen legend Gerard Depardieu of allegedly sexually assaulting her during a 2014 film shoot, according to the police complaint and a newspaper report.</p>


The biggest development of the day came from a prison just 100 km west of Moscow when reports emerged that Russian President Vladimir Putin's most vocal critic Alexei Navalny had died.

The biggest development of the day came from a prison just 100 km west of Moscow when reports emerged that Russian President Vladimir Putin's most vocal critic Alexei Navalny had died. Reactions poured in from across the world as leaders pointed fingers at Putin for alleged role in Navalny's death. In West Asia, the war continues to rage between Israel and Hamas while consequent tensions in the Red Sea also continue to persist in the region. Click here to read more: Alexei Navalny, most ardent Putin critic in recent years dies in prison, says Russian state media Jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has died in prison, Russian state media reported, citing the prison authority of Yamalo-Nenets region where Navalny was serving a 19-year sentence. Navalny, aged 47, became the biggest anti-establishment figure in Russia in recent years due to his staunch criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. India, Taiwan move forward with key pact on labour cooperation In a potential step forward toward the recognition of Taiwan's sovereignty, India and Taiwan on Friday (Feb 16) signed a significant agreement paving the way for the arrival of Indian migrant workers on the self-ruled island nation which China claims as its own. Five killed due to lack of medical hospital in Israel-raided Gaza hospital, says Hamas-run health ministry Five patients on Friday (Feb 16) died due to lack of medical oxygen at a Gaza hospital that was raided by Israeli authorities earlier this week, the Hamas-run health ministry in the blockaded Palestinian enclave said. Kansas City attack: Who is Sahil Omar, and why does his name trend after most US shootings, explosions? During the celebratory rally for the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl victory in the US, tragedy struck as one person was killed and 22 others injured in a shooting incident near Kansas City's Union Station on Thursday (Feb 15). Police swiftly took into custody three individuals in connection with the attack. Egypt builds wall, deploys tanks on Gaza border to prevent refugee influx if Israel enters Rafah: Report Amid fears of a ground invasion of Rafah by Israel, Egypt has reportedly started constructing a wall in the Sinai Desert near Gaza in an effort to prevent a significant influx of Palestinian refugees, Wall Street Journal reported on Friday (Feb 16). US conducts cyberattack against Iranian ‘spy ship' to deter Houthi attacks in Red Sea The US military recently conducted a cyberattack against an alleged 'Iranian spy ship' which had been operating near the Chinese military base in Djibouti. The ship, named the MV Behshad, had allegedly been collecting information on cargo vessels in the Red Sea and communicating the same to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Explained: Who is Stormy Daniels, the ex-porn star behind Trump hush money case trial? In another blow to Donald Trump, who is vying to reclaim the top government post in the world's biggest economy, a judge on Thursday (Feb 15) ruled that the New York 'hush money' trial will begin on March 25. Judge Juan Merchan denied the former US president's motion to dismiss the case related to 2016 hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. IND vs ENG: Anil Kumble full of praise for Ravi Ashwin after joining 500-wicket club, says 'very proud of you' It was a monumental day for India’s Ravichandran Ashwin after the veteran spinner scalped his 500th Test wicket against England on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test on Friday (Feb 16). Ashwin, playing in his 98th Test match achieved the feat when he got the better of Zak Crawley in the 14th over and became just the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to reach the 500-wicket mark. French actor Gerard Depardieu faces new sex assault complaint A woman has accused French screen legend Gerard Depardieu of allegedly sexually assaulting her during a 2014 film shoot, according to the police complaint and a newspaper report.

Top 10 world news: Putin critic Navalny reportedly dead; India-Taiwan move forward with key pact, and more

<p>Alexei Navalny death: In a poignant social media post on Sunday (Feb 18), Yulia Navalny, the wife of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, declared her love alongside a touching image of the couple enjoying a moment together. The post on Instagram came two days after Navalny's death was announced by the jail authorities at the "Polar Wolf" penal colony in Kharp, where he was serving a 19-year sentence.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3fWMtVNG5g/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Юлия Навальная (@yulia_navalnaya)</a></p>
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<p>According to the prison service, the 47-year-old former lawyer fell unconscious and succumbed to an undisclosed cause on Friday (Feb 16) after a walk at the remote penal facility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Feb 16, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Yulia expressed her lack of trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government.</p>

<p>"We cannot trust Putin and the Putin government. They always lie," a solemn and tearful Yulia said while calling for the accountability of individuals allegedly responsible for her husband's death.</p>

<p>Amid the Kremlin's silence on the matter, Western leaders, led by US President Joe Biden, paid tribute to Navalny's courage and accused President Vladimir Putin, without citing evidence,&nbsp;for his death. Britain has also pledged consequences for Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-body-found-with-bruises-as-west-holds-putin-responsible-691438">Alexei Navalny’s body found with ‘bruises’ as West holds Putin responsible</a></strong></p>

<p>Yulia Navalnaya also called upon the international community to unite against what she labelled Russia's "horrible regime."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her statement resonated with the leaders in Munich. She said: "Both this regime and Vladimir Putin must bear personal responsibility for all the terrible things they have been doing to my country, to our country, Russia, in recent years."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny death: Navalny's team confirms death, family demands body 'immediately'</strong></p>

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<p>Alexei Navalny’s mother was reportedly told by Russian authorities that her son died of 'sudden death syndrome'.</p>

<p>"When Alexei's lawyer and mother arrived at the colony this morning, they were told that the cause of Navalny's death was sudden death syndrome," Ivan Zhdanov, who directs Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, said on social media platform X.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alexei Navalny death: In a poignant social media post on Sunday (Feb 18), Yulia Navalny, the wife of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, declared her love alongside a touching image of the couple enjoying a moment together.

Alexei Navalny death: In a poignant social media post on Sunday (Feb 18), Yulia Navalny, the wife of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, declared her love alongside a touching image of the couple enjoying a moment together. The post on Instagram came two days after Navalny's death was announced by the jail authorities at the "Polar Wolf" penal colony in Kharp, where he was serving a 19-year sentence. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Юлия Навальная (@yulia_navalnaya) × According to the prison service, the 47-year-old former lawyer fell unconscious and succumbed to an undisclosed cause on Friday (Feb 16) after a walk at the remote penal facility. Earlier on Feb 16, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Yulia expressed her lack of trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government. "We cannot trust Putin and the Putin government. They always lie," a solemn and tearful Yulia said while calling for the accountability of individuals allegedly responsible for her husband's death. Amid the Kremlin's silence on the matter, Western leaders, led by US President Joe Biden, paid tribute to Navalny's courage and accused President Vladimir Putin, without citing evidence, for his death. Britain has also pledged consequences for Russia. Also read | Alexei Navalny’s body found with ‘bruises’ as West holds Putin responsible Yulia Navalnaya also called upon the international community to unite against what she labelled Russia's "horrible regime." Her statement resonated with the leaders in Munich. She said: "Both this regime and Vladimir Putin must bear personal responsibility for all the terrible things they have been doing to my country, to our country, Russia, in recent years." Also watch | Alexei Navalny death: Navalny's team confirms death, family demands body 'immediately' × Alexei Navalny’s mother was reportedly told by Russian authorities that her son died of 'sudden death syndrome'. "When Alexei's lawyer and mother arrived at the colony this morning, they were told that the cause of Navalny's death was sudden death syndrome," Ivan Zhdanov, who directs Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, said on social media platform X. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin critic Navalny’s wife posts photo on social media for the first time after husband’s death

<p>Alexei Navalny’s body has been found, which shows signs of bruises and use of force, reported several media outlets citing paramedics. On Friday (Feb 16), Russia’s prison service said the 47-year-old Putin critic died after a walk at the ‘Polar Wolf’ penal colony in Kharp – about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow.</p>

<p>Western leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have held Russia’s Vladimir Putin responsible for Navalny’s death.</p>

<p>"What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality no one should be fooled not in Russia not at home not anywhere in the world," said Biden.</p>

<p>Moscow has responded to these allegations by calling them “unacceptable and absolutely rabid.”</p>

<h2><strong>‘Cameras in the prison were not operating’</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Gulagu.net, a human rights group that focuses on the rights of prisoners in Russia, has claimed that cameras in the prison where Navalny was being held were not operating on the day of his death.</p>

<p>The rights group claims that the officials of the Federal Security Service (FSB) visited the prison two days before and dismantled listening devices and hidden cameras “that could have recorded what happened to Alexey Navalny on February 15-16.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Alexei Navalny death: Navalny's team confirms death, family demands body 'immediately'</strong></p>

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<p>The group further claimed that on the evening of February 16, the officials conducting the autopsy were directed to declare that bruises occurred only after Navalny’s death.</p>

<p>WION was not able to verify these claims independently.</p>

<h2><strong>The official version</strong></h2>

<p>Alexei Navalny’s mother was reportedly told by Russian authorities that her son died of ‘sudden death syndrome.’</p>

<p>"When Alexei's lawyer and mother arrived at the colony this morning, they were told that the cause of Navalny's death was sudden death syndrome," Ivan Zhdanov, who directs Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, said on social media platform X.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1WPNNH7fjwh_C3Ktq11u7O" data-ved="2ahUKEwjao7KD8LSEAxVryDgGHUCDBjkQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-mother-was-told-he-died-by-sudden-death-syndrome-says-leaders-team-691308" jsname="YKoRaf">Authorities told Alexei Navalny’s mother that he died due to ‘sudden death syndrome’</a></strong></p>

<p>According to details, 'sudden death syndrome" is a vague term for different cardiac syndromes that cause sudden cardiac arrest and death.</p>

<h2><strong>Brazil's Lula says should avoid accusations</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Brazilian&nbsp;President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday (Feb 18) said&nbsp;a thorough investigation should be conducted&nbsp;into the death of&nbsp;Navalny before making any accusations.</p>

<p>Speaking at a press conference after attending an African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Lula said refraining from taking a stance on the death at this moment was a matter of "common sense."</p>

<p>"A citizen died in prison, I don't know if he was ill or had any issues," Lula said. "To make an accusation is to trivialize. I hope that a coroner will provide an explanation for why the individual died, that's all," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alexei Navalny’s body has been found, which shows signs of bruises and use of force, reported several media outlets citing paramedics. On Friday (Feb 16), Russia’s prison service said the 47-year-old Putin critic died after a walk at the ‘Polar Wolf’ penal colony in Kharp – about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow.

Alexei Navalny’s body has been found, which shows signs of bruises and use of force, reported several media outlets citing paramedics. On Friday (Feb 16), Russia’s prison service said the 47-year-old Putin critic died after a walk at the ‘Polar Wolf’ penal colony in Kharp – about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow. Western leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have held Russia’s Vladimir Putin responsible for Navalny’s death. "What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality no one should be fooled not in Russia not at home not anywhere in the world," said Biden. Moscow has responded to these allegations by calling them “unacceptable and absolutely rabid.” ‘Cameras in the prison were not operating’ Meanwhile, Gulagu.net, a human rights group that focuses on the rights of prisoners in Russia, has claimed that cameras in the prison where Navalny was being held were not operating on the day of his death. The rights group claims that the officials of the Federal Security Service (FSB) visited the prison two days before and dismantled listening devices and hidden cameras “that could have recorded what happened to Alexey Navalny on February 15-16.” Watch: Alexei Navalny death: Navalny's team confirms death, family demands body 'immediately' × The group further claimed that on the evening of February 16, the officials conducting the autopsy were directed to declare that bruises occurred only after Navalny’s death. WION was not able to verify these claims independently. The official version Alexei Navalny’s mother was reportedly told by Russian authorities that her son died of ‘sudden death syndrome.’ "When Alexei's lawyer and mother arrived at the colony this morning, they were told that the cause of Navalny's death was sudden death syndrome," Ivan Zhdanov, who directs Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, said on social media platform X. Also read: Authorities told Alexei Navalny’s mother that he died due to ‘sudden death syndrome’ According to details, 'sudden death syndrome" is a vague term for different cardiac syndromes that cause sudden cardiac arrest and death. Brazil's Lula says should avoid accusations Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday (Feb 18) said a thorough investigation should be conducted into the death of Navalny before making any accusations. Speaking at a press conference after attending an African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Lula said refraining from taking a stance on the death at this moment was a matter of "common sense." "A citizen died in prison, I don't know if he was ill or had any issues," Lula said. "To make an accusation is to trivialize. I hope that a coroner will provide an explanation for why the individual died, that's all," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny’s body found with ‘bruises’ as West holds Putin responsible

<p><strong>Joe Biden on Alexei Navalny Death:</strong> US President Joe Biden on Friday (Feb 16th) said he was "not surprised" by the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Addressing the press at the White House, the American President blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death, and said that it was proof of his (Putin's) "brutality".</p>

<h2><strong>A powerful voice for the truth (Joe Biden on&nbsp;Navalny's&nbsp;death)</strong></h2>

<p>Describing the&nbsp;Kremlin critic Navalny as a "powerful voice for the truth", Biden said "He bravely stood up to the corruption, the violence and all the bad things the (Vladimir) Putin government was doing."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saying that he was "outraged", but "not surprised" by the news, Biden said that they do not yet know exactly what happened to the Russian opposition leader. However, he said that it was the fault of Putin and his "thugs".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970">'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death</a></strong></p>

<p>"Russian authorities are going to tell their own story," he said, adding "But make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Putin is responsible."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality. No one should be fooled," said Biden in the televised remarks.</p>

<h2><strong>Will the US respond?</strong></h2>

<p>The US President said that he was "looking at options" on additional steps to punish Russia. However, he did not elaborate further.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-putin-critic-and-russian-opposition-leader-dies-in-jail-690985/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Hailing Alexei Navalny's achievements, Biden said "Even in prison he was a powerful voice for the truth."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"God bless Alexei Navalny, his courage will not be forgotten," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reason of Alexei Navalny's death</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement,&nbsp;Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the opposition leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results."</p>

<p>"Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added.</p>

<p>As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Taking to&nbsp;X, Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his demise&nbsp;within 24 hours, but&nbsp;no notifications have been made.&nbsp;His aide Leonid Volkov said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that Navalny's&nbsp;lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Joe Biden on Alexei Navalny Death: US President Joe Biden on Friday (Feb 16th) said he was "not surprised" by the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Joe Biden on Alexei Navalny Death: US President Joe Biden on Friday (Feb 16th) said he was "not surprised" by the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Addressing the press at the White House, the American President blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death, and said that it was proof of his (Putin's) "brutality". A powerful voice for the truth (Joe Biden on Navalny's death) Describing the Kremlin critic Navalny as a "powerful voice for the truth", Biden said "He bravely stood up to the corruption, the violence and all the bad things the (Vladimir) Putin government was doing." Saying that he was "outraged", but "not surprised" by the news, Biden said that they do not yet know exactly what happened to the Russian opposition leader. However, he said that it was the fault of Putin and his "thugs". Also read | 'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death "Russian authorities are going to tell their own story," he said, adding "But make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Putin is responsible." "What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality. No one should be fooled," said Biden in the televised remarks. Will the US respond? The US President said that he was "looking at options" on additional steps to punish Russia. However, he did not elaborate further. Watch | Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail Hailing Alexei Navalny's achievements, Biden said "Even in prison he was a powerful voice for the truth." "God bless Alexei Navalny, his courage will not be forgotten," he added. Reason of Alexei Navalny's death In a statement, Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the opposition leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results." "Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added. As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Taking to X, Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his demise within 24 hours, but no notifications have been made. His aide Leonid Volkov said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that Navalny's lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death 'proof of Putin's brutality,' says US President Joe Biden

<p>After&nbsp;reports of Alexei Navalny's death surfaced on state media, his wife on Friday (Feb 16) said that Russian&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin should know that he would be punished for all that he had done with the country, her family and her husband.</p>

<p>"We cannot trust Putin and the Putin government. They always lie," Yulia Navalnaya told the Munich Security Conference.</p>

<p>"But if this is true, I'd like Putin and all his staff... to know that they will be punished for what they have done with our country, with my family and with my husband," Navalnaya said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We should fight this horrific regime in Russia today. Vladimir Putin should be personally held for all the atrocities they have committed in our country in the last years," she added.</p>

<p>Navalnaya met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Munich who extended his condolences to her and reiterated&nbsp;that Russia was "responsible" for Navalny's death.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-life-of-defiance-and-mysterious-disappearance-690989">Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance</a></p>

<h2><strong>'He was healthy and happy', says Navalny's mother</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny's mother, Liumila Navalnaya, said that she did not want to hear any condolences and that her son was "alive, healthy and happy" the last time she saw him, which was on Feb 12.</p>

<p>"I don't want to hear any condolences. I saw my son on the 12th at the (prison) colony, we had a meeting. He was alive, healthy and cheerful," she wrote on Facebook, as per Novaya Gazeta newspaper.</p>

<h2><strong>Navalny was cracking jokes in court a day before&nbsp;death</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny jokingly passed remarks about his depleting funds and the judge's salary in the court a day before the reports of his death emerged.</p>

<p>The 47-year-old Kremlin critic, who gave his testimony via a video link on Thursday (Feb 15), appeared cheerful.</p>

<p>The other officials present in the court also seemed to enjoy the banter as they were captured grinning along with him as per news agency Reuters.</p>

<p>In his last appearance, Russia's most famous opposition leader said, "Your Honour, I will send you my personal account number so that you can use your huge salary as a federal judge to 'warm up' my personal account because I am running out of money."</p>

<p>Later on Thursday, after the court session&nbsp;reportedly convened, Navalny said that he had been handed 15 days in solitary confinement.</p>

<p>"The Yamal prison decided to break Vladimir's record of fawning and pleasing the Moscow authorities. They just gave me 15 days in solitary confinement," he wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ru">Ямальская колония решила побить владимирский рекорд холуйства и угождения московскому начальству. Только что дали 15 суток ШИЗО. То есть это 4-ое ШИЗО за менее чем 2 месяца, что я у них. Жестят.</p>
— Alexey Navalny (@navalny) <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny/status/1757771750958362690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is the fourth solitary confinement spell in less than 2 months that I have been with them," Navalny added.</p>

<p>This was his last message on the social media platform.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After reports of Alexei Navalny's death surfaced on state media, his wife on Friday (Feb 16) said that Russian President Vladimir Putin should know that he would be punished for all that he had done with the country, her family and her husband.

After reports of Alexei Navalny's death surfaced on state media, his wife on Friday (Feb 16) said that Russian President Vladimir Putin should know that he would be punished for all that he had done with the country, her family and her husband. "We cannot trust Putin and the Putin government. They always lie," Yulia Navalnaya told the Munich Security Conference. "But if this is true, I'd like Putin and all his staff... to know that they will be punished for what they have done with our country, with my family and with my husband," Navalnaya said. "We should fight this horrific regime in Russia today. Vladimir Putin should be personally held for all the atrocities they have committed in our country in the last years," she added. Navalnaya met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Munich who extended his condolences to her and reiterated that Russia was "responsible" for Navalny's death. Also read: Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance 'He was healthy and happy', says Navalny's mother Navalny's mother, Liumila Navalnaya, said that she did not want to hear any condolences and that her son was "alive, healthy and happy" the last time she saw him, which was on Feb 12. "I don't want to hear any condolences. I saw my son on the 12th at the (prison) colony, we had a meeting. He was alive, healthy and cheerful," she wrote on Facebook, as per Novaya Gazeta newspaper. Navalny was cracking jokes in court a day before death Navalny jokingly passed remarks about his depleting funds and the judge's salary in the court a day before the reports of his death emerged. The 47-year-old Kremlin critic, who gave his testimony via a video link on Thursday (Feb 15), appeared cheerful. The other officials present in the court also seemed to enjoy the banter as they were captured grinning along with him as per news agency Reuters. In his last appearance, Russia's most famous opposition leader said, "Your Honour, I will send you my personal account number so that you can use your huge salary as a federal judge to 'warm up' my personal account because I am running out of money." Later on Thursday, after the court session reportedly convened, Navalny said that he had been handed 15 days in solitary confinement. "The Yamal prison decided to break Vladimir's record of fawning and pleasing the Moscow authorities. They just gave me 15 days in solitary confinement," he wrote on X. Ямальская колония решила побить владимирский рекорд холуйства и угождения московскому начальству. Только что дали 15 суток ШИЗО. То есть это 4-ое ШИЗО за менее чем 2 месяца, что я у них. Жестят. — Alexey Navalny (@navalny) February 14, 2024 × "This is the fourth solitary confinement spell in less than 2 months that I have been with them," Navalny added. This was his last message on the social media platform. (With inputs from agencies)

'Putin will not go unpunished', says Alexei Navalny's wife after reports of his death surface

<p><strong>Alexei Navalny Death News:&nbsp;</strong>Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;has died in jail,&nbsp;as per reports by the state media.</p>

<p>Since December of last year, the 47-year-old Kremlin critic had&nbsp;been serving a 19-year term at a prison situated&nbsp;in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle.</p>

<p>Reports of Navalny's death comes almost&nbsp;a day after&nbsp;Michael Carpenter, the US&nbsp;Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe on X said that the Russian opposition leader has once again been "thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time".&nbsp;According to Carpenter, Navalny faced a 15-day stint in isolation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reports indicate Alexey Navalny has been thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time. Navalny faces a 15-day stint in solitary confinement, adding to the 293 days he's already endured. We condemn this ongoing assault on <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@navalny</a>'s rights and we call for… <a href="https://t.co/DB3dzT70RJ">pic.twitter.com/DB3dzT70RJ</a></p>
— Michael Carpenter, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE (@USAmbOSCE) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbOSCE/status/1758159512849039525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Reports of death yet to be confirmed</strong></h2>

<p>As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Even as the world awaits confirmation, the reports of his death have evoked shock and sorrow.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposition-politician-alexei-navalny-is-dead-reports-690945">Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dies in prison: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>On X, <em><strong>Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov</strong></em>, said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his death within 24 hours, but&nbsp;no notifications have been made.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ru">В течение суток родственников обязаны уведомить, если это правда. Уведомлений не было. Никаких комментариев у нас кроме этих нет. <a href="https://t.co/TWwUa53FH0">https://t.co/TWwUa53FH0</a></p>
— Ivan Zhdanov (@ioannZH) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioannZH/status/1758463748245790961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em><strong>Navalny's aide Leonid Volkov</strong></em> said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that the opposition leader's&nbsp;lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Russian authorities publish a confession that they killed Alexey Navalny in prison.<br />
<br />
We do not have any way to confirm it or to prove this isn’t true.<br />
<br />
Navalny’s lawyer is on the way to Harp.</p>
— Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) <a href="https://twitter.com/leonidvolkov/status/1758456557770101005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em><strong>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky</strong></em> during a press conference with&nbsp;German&nbsp;Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Navalny was "obviously killed by Putin".</p>

<p>"Obviously, he was killed by Putin, like thousands of others who have been tormented, tortured because of this one person. Putin doesn't care who dies, as long as he retains his position. And that is why he must not keep anything - Putin must lose everything, he must not retain anything and must be held accountable for what he has done," he said, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p><em><strong>United States Vice President Kamala Harris</strong></em> said her nation was&nbsp;working to confirm the reports of Alexei Navalny's death, adding that it would be a further sign of Russian President Vladimir Putin's brutality.</p>

<p><strong><em>Ukraine's presidential aide Andriy Yermak</em></strong> on X declared that Russian President Putin is "afraid of any competition," and that "the lives of Russians are nothing to him."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">putin is the ultimate evil who is afraid of any competition. The lives of russians are nothing to him.<br />
<br />
Everyone who calls for negotiations must realize that he cannot be trusted. The only language he understands is force.</p>
— Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndriyYermak/status/1758466812885217699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Calling it "terrible news," and a "huge tragedy," for the people of Russia, <em><strong>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak</strong></em>, in a post on X said, "As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is terrible news. As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life.<br />
<br />
My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy. <a href="https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh">https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh</a></p>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1758463245671690574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-life-of-defiance-and-mysterious-disappearance-690989">Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance</a></strong></p>

<p><em><strong>France's Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné </strong></em>taking&nbsp;to&nbsp;X&nbsp;to pay&nbsp;condolences on behalf of his country wrote, "Alexei Navalny paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Alexei Navalny a payé de sa vie sa résistance à un système d’oppression.<br />
<br />
Sa mort en colonie pénitentiaire nous rappelle la réalité du régime de Vladimir Poutine.<br />
<br />
À sa famille, ses proches et au peuple russe, la France présente ses condoléances.</p>
— Stéphane Séjourné (@steph_sejourne) <a href="https://twitter.com/steph_sejourne/status/1758459000817877102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Condemning the death, <em><strong>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz</strong>, </em>during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky<em>&nbsp;</em>said that the Russian opposition leader paid for his courage with his life, and said Russia "is no longer a democracy, and has not been for a long time now."</p>

<p>"Anyone who voices criticism, who stands up for democracy, must fear for their safety and their lives," he said.</p>

<p>"It has not yet been conclusively confirmed, but we must assume with a high degree of probability that it is true, namely that Mr Navalny has died in a Russian prison. And that is something that is very depressing. I met Mr Navalny here in Berlin when he was in Germany trying to recover from the poisoning attack and I also spoke to him about the great courage it took to go back to the country," he further said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail</strong></p>

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<p><strong><em>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni</em></strong>, as per an AFP report, said that Navalny's death in prison&nbsp;was a warning to the world.&nbsp;"The death of Alexei Navalny during his detention is another sad page that acts as a warning to the international community," she&nbsp;said in a statement. She also offered her condolences and expressed a hope that "this disturbing event will be fully clarified".</p>

<p><em><strong>Charles Michel, the&nbsp;President of the European Council,</strong></em> called the death an "ultimate sacrifice".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Alexei <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@navalny</a> fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice.<br />
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The EU holds the Russian regime for sole responsible for this tragic death.<br />
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I extend my deepest condolences to his family. And to those who fight for democracy around…</p>
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesMichel/status/1758461749747966150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em><strong>Edgars Rinkēvičs, the President of&nbsp;Latvia,</strong></em> labelled the reported death a "brutal murder" and said: "Whatever your thoughts about Alexey @Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Whatever your thoughts about Alexey <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Navalny</a> as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime. My condolences to the family and friends.</p>
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) <a href="https://twitter.com/edgarsrinkevics/status/1758456656730423305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reacting to the news,<em> <strong>former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi</strong>,</em> as she arrived for the Munich Security Conference, said, "I think we have to find out more, but in any case, it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy."</p>

<p>"It would be a horrible thing. Starvation, lack of care under prison conditions, is that what he died from or you think it was an affirmative act? I think we have to find out more, but in any case it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy. Period," she added, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Joshua Fenton-Glynn, Cabinet Member, Adult Services and Wellbeing, UK</strong></em> said that "Navalny's bravery will inspire others."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The bravery to speak out against a government completely comfortable with killing their opponents is truly unimaginable. Navalny’s bravery will inspire others. <a href="https://t.co/WP9Hl6onx0">https://t.co/WP9Hl6onx0</a></p>
— Josh Fenton-Glynn (@JoshFG) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshFG/status/1758456350458147298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>How did Navalny&nbsp;die? (Alexei Navalny Death Reason)</strong></h2>

<p><span style="font-size: 15px;">In a statement,&nbsp;Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the Russian leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results."</span></p>

<p>"Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alexei Navalny Death News: Alexei Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has died in jail, as per reports by the state media. Since December of last year, the 47-year-old Kremlin critic had been serving a 19-year term at a prison situated in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle.

Alexei Navalny Death News: Alexei Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has died in jail, as per reports by the state media. Since December of last year, the 47-year-old Kremlin critic had been serving a 19-year term at a prison situated in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle. Reports of Navalny's death comes almost a day after Michael Carpenter, the US Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe on X said that the Russian opposition leader has once again been "thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time". According to Carpenter, Navalny faced a 15-day stint in isolation. Reports indicate Alexey Navalny has been thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time. Navalny faces a 15-day stint in solitary confinement, adding to the 293 days he's already endured. We condemn this ongoing assault on @navalny's rights and we call for… pic.twitter.com/DB3dzT70RJ — Michael Carpenter, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE (@USAmbOSCE) February 15, 2024 × Reports of death yet to be confirmed As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Even as the world awaits confirmation, the reports of his death have evoked shock and sorrow. Also read | Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dies in prison: Reports On X, Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov, said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his death within 24 hours, but no notifications have been made. В течение суток родственников обязаны уведомить, если это правда. Уведомлений не было. Никаких комментариев у нас кроме этих нет. https://t.co/TWwUa53FH0 — Ivan Zhdanov (@ioannZH) February 16, 2024 × Navalny's aide Leonid Volkov said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that the opposition leader's lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence. Russian authorities publish a confession that they killed Alexey Navalny in prison. We do not have any way to confirm it or to prove this isn’t true. Navalny’s lawyer is on the way to Harp. — Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) February 16, 2024 × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Navalny was "obviously killed by Putin". "Obviously, he was killed by Putin, like thousands of others who have been tormented, tortured because of this one person. Putin doesn't care who dies, as long as he retains his position. And that is why he must not keep anything - Putin must lose everything, he must not retain anything and must be held accountable for what he has done," he said, as reported by Reuters. United States Vice President Kamala Harris said her nation was working to confirm the reports of Alexei Navalny's death, adding that it would be a further sign of Russian President Vladimir Putin's brutality. Ukraine's presidential aide Andriy Yermak on X declared that Russian President Putin is "afraid of any competition," and that "the lives of Russians are nothing to him." putin is the ultimate evil who is afraid of any competition. The lives of russians are nothing to him. Everyone who calls for negotiations must realize that he cannot be trusted. The only language he understands is force. — Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) February 16, 2024 × Calling it "terrible news," and a "huge tragedy," for the people of Russia, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a post on X said, "As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life." This is terrible news. As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy. https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 16, 2024 × Also read | Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance France's Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné taking to X to pay condolences on behalf of his country wrote, "Alexei Navalny paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression." Alexei Navalny a payé de sa vie sa résistance à un système d’oppression. Sa mort en colonie pénitentiaire nous rappelle la réalité du régime de Vladimir Poutine. À sa famille, ses proches et au peuple russe, la France présente ses condoléances. — Stéphane Séjourné (@steph_sejourne) February 16, 2024 × Condemning the death, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Russian opposition leader paid for his courage with his life, and said Russia "is no longer a democracy, and has not been for a long time now." "Anyone who voices criticism, who stands up for democracy, must fear for their safety and their lives," he said. "It has not yet been conclusively confirmed, but we must assume with a high degree of probability that it is true, namely that Mr Navalny has died in a Russian prison. And that is something that is very depressing. I met Mr Navalny here in Berlin when he was in Germany trying to recover from the poisoning attack and I also spoke to him about the great courage it took to go back to the country," he further said. Watch | Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail × Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as per an AFP report, said that Navalny's death in prison was a warning to the world. "The death of Alexei Navalny during his detention is another sad page that acts as a warning to the international community," she said in a statement. She also offered her condolences and expressed a hope that "this disturbing event will be fully clarified". Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, called the death an "ultimate sacrifice". Alexei @navalny fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice. The EU holds the Russian regime for sole responsible for this tragic death. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. And to those who fight for democracy around… — Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) February 16, 2024 × Edgars Rinkēvičs, the President of Latvia, labelled the reported death a "brutal murder" and said: "Whatever your thoughts about Alexey @Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime." Whatever your thoughts about Alexey @Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime. My condolences to the family and friends. — Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) February 16, 2024 × Reacting to the news, former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as she arrived for the Munich Security Conference, said, "I think we have to find out more, but in any case, it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy." "It would be a horrible thing. Starvation, lack of care under prison conditions, is that what he died from or you think it was an affirmative act? I think we have to find out more, but in any case it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy. Period," she added, as reported by Reuters. Joshua Fenton-Glynn, Cabinet Member, Adult Services and Wellbeing, UK said that "Navalny's bravery will inspire others." The bravery to speak out against a government completely comfortable with killing their opponents is truly unimaginable. Navalny’s bravery will inspire others. https://t.co/WP9Hl6onx0 — Josh Fenton-Glynn (@JoshFG) February 16, 2024 × How did Navalny die? (Alexei Navalny Death Reason) In a statement, Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the Russian leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results." "Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death

Alexei Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition leader and Putin's fiercest domestic critic has reportedly died in a Russian prison. How did the anti-corruption activist die?

Gravitas: Alexei Navalny, Putin's fiercest critic, mysteriously dies in Russian jail

<p lang="en-US">Russia's opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin's ardent critic Alexei Navalny had spent his last few weeks in a penal colony above the Arctic Circle before he reportedly died due to blood clotting.<br />
<br />
Various rights groups as well as Western nations had widely condemned his 19-year prison sentence, which was seen by many as a punishment for trying to cross President Vladimir Putin.<br />
<br />
While staying in prison, Navalny regularly sent messages through his lawyers and posted light-hearted messages on social media platforms.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Here's how Navalny described his final days in his own words</strong></h2>

<h3 lang="en-US">'I don't say ho-ho-ho, I say oh-oh-oh'</h3>

<p lang="en-US">Navalny shared his first message from the Arctic prison colony on December 26 as he reappeared after weeks of disappearance.<br />
<br />
Speaking from the icy IK-3 prison colony located in Yamal-Nenets' Siberian region, Navalny said, "I am your new grandfather Frost. I have a tulup, an ushanka and I will have valenki soon.”</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposition-politician-alexei-navalny-is-dead-reports-690945">Alexei Navalny, most ardent Putin critic in recent years dies in prison, says Russian state media</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">"I now live above the Arctic Circle ... But I don't say 'ho-ho-ho, I say 'oh-oh-oh' when I look out the window, where first there is night, then evening, then night again,” he added.<br />
<br />
He also spoke about getting tired from&nbsp;the 20-day journey he had to take to reach his new prison from his previous prison which was located in the central Vladimir region. "Don't worry about me, everything is well. I am so happy that I finally got here,” he said.<br />
<br />
Sharing more detail about the new Arctic prison, Navalny had said, "The idea that Putin was pleased (enough) that he had put me in a barracks in the Far North that they would stop throwing me in solitary confinement was ... naive.”<br />
<br />
He was allowed to go on a walk at 6:30 am when it was pitch black outside, speaking about which the 47-year-old said: "I promised myself I would go out in any weather."</p>

<h3 lang="en-US"><strong>'11 steps from wall to wall'</strong></h3>

<p lang="en-US">He described his prison in Arctic Circle as being "11 steps from wall to wall".<br />
<br />
In a January 9 post, Navalny said, "It has never been colder than minus 32 (Celsius). Even in such a temperature you can walk more than half an hour -- only if you have the time to grow back a nose, ears and fingers. Today I was walking, freezing and thinking about Leonardo DiCaprio and his trick with a dead horse in The Revenant."</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;EU says Russia 'sole responsible' for Navalny death</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-says-russia-sole-responsible-for-navalny-death-691002/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h3 lang="en-US"><strong>'Listening to I'm Russian'</strong></h3>

<p lang="en-US">The 47-year-old Putin critic also constantly ridiculed prison routines. On January 22, he wrote how the prison wardens would wake everyone up at IK-3 and play the Russian national anthem.<br />
<br />
"And right after that -- the second most important song in the country: Shaman's 'Ya Russky,'" Navalny said. The song, which means "I'm Russian" in English, has become President Vladimir Putin's unofficial anthem.<br />
<br />
"Imagine the scene. Yamal-Nenets region. Polar night. In a penal colony of convicts, prisoner Navalny serving 19 years -- who the Kremlin's propaganda for years has scolded for taking part in Russian marches -- is exercising to 'Ya Russky',” he said.</p>

<h3 lang="en-US"><strong>'I love you'</strong></h3>

<p lang="en-US">The last post was shared by Navalny on Valentine's Day and was dedicated to his wife Yulia.<br />
<br />
"Baby, you and I have everything, just like in the song: cities, airfield lights, blue snowstorms and thousands of kilometres between us. But I feel that you are near me every second, and I love you more and more,” he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia's opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin's ardent critic Alexei Navalny had spent his last few weeks in a penal colony above the Arctic Circle before he reportedly died due to blood clotting.

Russia's opposition leader and President Vladimir Putin's ardent critic Alexei Navalny had spent his last few weeks in a penal colony above the Arctic Circle before he reportedly died due to blood clotting. Various rights groups as well as Western nations had widely condemned his 19-year prison sentence, which was seen by many as a punishment for trying to cross President Vladimir Putin. While staying in prison, Navalny regularly sent messages through his lawyers and posted light-hearted messages on social media platforms. Here's how Navalny described his final days in his own words 'I don't say ho-ho-ho, I say oh-oh-oh' Navalny shared his first message from the Arctic prison colony on December 26 as he reappeared after weeks of disappearance. Speaking from the icy IK-3 prison colony located in Yamal-Nenets' Siberian region, Navalny said, "I am your new grandfather Frost. I have a tulup, an ushanka and I will have valenki soon.” Also Read: Alexei Navalny, most ardent Putin critic in recent years dies in prison, says Russian state media "I now live above the Arctic Circle ... But I don't say 'ho-ho-ho, I say 'oh-oh-oh' when I look out the window, where first there is night, then evening, then night again,” he added. He also spoke about getting tired from the 20-day journey he had to take to reach his new prison from his previous prison which was located in the central Vladimir region. "Don't worry about me, everything is well. I am so happy that I finally got here,” he said. Sharing more detail about the new Arctic prison, Navalny had said, "The idea that Putin was pleased (enough) that he had put me in a barracks in the Far North that they would stop throwing me in solitary confinement was ... naive.” He was allowed to go on a walk at 6:30 am when it was pitch black outside, speaking about which the 47-year-old said: "I promised myself I would go out in any weather." '11 steps from wall to wall' He described his prison in Arctic Circle as being "11 steps from wall to wall". In a January 9 post, Navalny said, "It has never been colder than minus 32 (Celsius). Even in such a temperature you can walk more than half an hour -- only if you have the time to grow back a nose, ears and fingers. Today I was walking, freezing and thinking about Leonardo DiCaprio and his trick with a dead horse in The Revenant." Watch: EU says Russia 'sole responsible' for Navalny death 'Listening to I'm Russian' The 47-year-old Putin critic also constantly ridiculed prison routines. On January 22, he wrote how the prison wardens would wake everyone up at IK-3 and play the Russian national anthem. "And right after that -- the second most important song in the country: Shaman's 'Ya Russky,'" Navalny said. The song, which means "I'm Russian" in English, has become President Vladimir Putin's unofficial anthem. "Imagine the scene. Yamal-Nenets region. Polar night. In a penal colony of convicts, prisoner Navalny serving 19 years -- who the Kremlin's propaganda for years has scolded for taking part in Russian marches -- is exercising to 'Ya Russky',” he said. 'I love you' The last post was shared by Navalny on Valentine's Day and was dedicated to his wife Yulia. "Baby, you and I have everything, just like in the song: cities, airfield lights, blue snowstorms and thousands of kilometres between us. But I feel that you are near me every second, and I love you more and more,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

'From ho-ho-ho to I love you': Here's how Putin critic Alexei Navalny described his last days in Arctic prison

Alexei Navalny, the prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has died in an Arctic Circle jail at the age of 47. Western leaders say Russia and Putin are to be blamed for Navalny's mysterious death. What really happened to Navalny?

Gravitas | Alexei Navalny Death: Western leaders point the finger at Putin

<p>President Vladimir Putin wants Russian families to have more children, at least two, for the nation's ethnic survival.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said on Thursday (Feb 15) that the families must have three or more children for the country to develop and thrive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports backed by the West indicate that ever since the Ukraine war began in February 2022, Russia has suffered significant losses. But Moscow hasn't unacknowledged such reposts yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several reports have claimed that hundreds of thousands of people have fled the country in protest of the conflict or for fear of being called up to fight.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-rocket-attack-on-russian-city-of-bolgorod-kills-at-least-six-690717">Rocket attack on Russian city of Bolgorod kills at least six</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Putin told employees at a tank factory in the Urals that two children per household were the minimum number required for Russians to maintain their identities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If we want to survive as an ethnic group - well, or as ethnic groups inhabiting Russia - there must be at least two children," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian president further said that if each family had just one child, the population would shrink and "in order to expand and develop, you need at least three children".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-20-per-cent-of-americans-believe-in-taylor-swift-joe-biden-election-conspiracy-theory-poll-finds-690644">Nearly 20 per cent of Americans believe in Taylor Swift-Joe Biden election conspiracy theory, poll finds</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Putin declared&nbsp;himself a supporter of "traditional values" based on family, nation and the Orthodox Christian faith.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the course of his 24 years in power, the country has severely restricted expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity and banned the "LGBT movement" as "extremist".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine battered on land, attacks on sea</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Population crisis in Russia</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Last year in November, Putin urged the women in the nation to give birth to as many as eight children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking at the World Russian People's Council in Moscow, he suggested that it should be a norm to create large families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In terms of population, Russia has suffered two decades of gradual decline following the collapse of the Soviet Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state statistics bureau estimated the population to be 146.4 million at the start of 2023, down from nearly 149 million 20 years earlier but up from a low of about 143 million between 2007 and 2012.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


President Vladimir Putin wants Russian families to have more children, at least two, for the nation's ethnic survival. He said on Thursday (Feb 15) that the families must have three or more children for the country to develop and thrive.

President Vladimir Putin wants Russian families to have more children, at least two, for the nation's ethnic survival. He said on Thursday (Feb 15) that the families must have three or more children for the country to develop and thrive. Reports backed by the West indicate that ever since the Ukraine war began in February 2022, Russia has suffered significant losses. But Moscow hasn't unacknowledged such reposts yet. Several reports have claimed that hundreds of thousands of people have fled the country in protest of the conflict or for fear of being called up to fight. Also read: Rocket attack on Russian city of Bolgorod kills at least six Meanwhile, Putin told employees at a tank factory in the Urals that two children per household were the minimum number required for Russians to maintain their identities. "If we want to survive as an ethnic group - well, or as ethnic groups inhabiting Russia - there must be at least two children," he said. The Russian president further said that if each family had just one child, the population would shrink and "in order to expand and develop, you need at least three children". Also read: Nearly 20 per cent of Americans believe in Taylor Swift-Joe Biden election conspiracy theory, poll finds Putin declared himself a supporter of "traditional values" based on family, nation and the Orthodox Christian faith. In the course of his 24 years in power, the country has severely restricted expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity and banned the "LGBT movement" as "extremist". Watch: Ukraine battered on land, attacks on sea × Population crisis in Russia Last year in November, Putin urged the women in the nation to give birth to as many as eight children. While speaking at the World Russian People's Council in Moscow, he suggested that it should be a norm to create large families. In terms of population, Russia has suffered two decades of gradual decline following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The state statistics bureau estimated the population to be 146.4 million at the start of 2023, down from nearly 149 million 20 years earlier but up from a low of about 143 million between 2007 and 2012. (With inputs from agencies)

'If we want to survive...': Putin wants Russian families to have more children

Russian jail authorities are now saying that the Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny has reportedly died in prison. One of the most prominent rivals of Russian President Vladimir Putin was serving a 19-year-long sentence on charges of extremism. To know more watch this interview with Journalist and Political commentator, Fred Weir.

Alexei Navalny dead in prison, says Russia | Navalny's team says not informed about his death

Russian jail authorities are now saying that the Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny has reportedly died in prison. One of the most prominent rivals of Russian President Vladimir Putin was serving a 19-year-long sentence on charges of extremism.

BREAKING: Alexei Navalny dead, Russian prison authorities confirm death | World News | WION

<p>Days after giving an interview to US television host Tucker Carlson, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he was grateful for the opportunity but at the same time, surprised by the lack of "sharp questions" from the former <em>Fox News</em> host.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to a Russian journalist,&nbsp;Pavel Zarubin, Putin said he wanted Carlson to be aggressive in his behaviour as it would have allowed him to reply, just as pointedly.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I think that your Carlson - by saying 'your'&nbsp;I mean that he is a fellow journalist like you. He is a dangerous man," said Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And here is why. To be honest, I thought that he would behave aggressively and ask so-called sharp questions. I was not just prepared for this, I wanted it, because it would give me the opportunity to respond in the same way," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin told&nbsp;Zarubin he was surprised that Carlson, usually known for poking his guests, did not interrupt him more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Frankly, I did not get full satisfaction from this interview,” Putin said, adding that he was still grateful for the role played by Carlson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Since we are not able to have direct dialogue [with the West] today - we have to be grateful to Mr Carlson to be able to do it by his intermediary role."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-putin-asks-us-dont-you-have-anything-better-to-do-tucker-carlson-interview-688801"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Putin asks US: Don't you have anything better to do? | Tucker Carlson interview</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Carlson's interview</strong></h2>

<p>Carlson released a two-hour interview with Putin last week that made global headlines as it was the Russian president's first correspondence with an American journalist since the Ukraine&nbsp;war began two years ago.</p>

<p>Putin said he agreed to the interview as Carlson's approach differed from the "one-sided" reporting of the war by other Western news journalists and outlets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-rare-interview-with-tucker-carlson-putin-hints-ukraine-war-can-be-over-in-a-few-weeks-688452"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Putin tells Tucker Carlson Ukraine war can be over few weeks, in rare interview to US outlet</strong></a></p>

<p>During the interview, Putin said the war with Ukraine could be over within a few weeks if the Western nations stopped supplying weapons to Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It will be over within a few weeks. That’s it,” he said.</p>

<p>Emphasising the goals of what he called the “special military operation” in Ukraine, the Russian president said it was yet to be achieved since one of the aims “is de-Nazification".</p>

<p>Putin added the West now understood that Russia won't be defeated even though Ukraine was receiving support from the US,&nbsp;European Union and NATO.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Days after giving an interview to US television host Tucker Carlson, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he was grateful for the opportunity but at the same time, surprised by the lack of "sharp questions" from the former Fox News host.

Days after giving an interview to US television host Tucker Carlson, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he was grateful for the opportunity but at the same time, surprised by the lack of "sharp questions" from the former Fox News host. Speaking to a Russian journalist, Pavel Zarubin, Putin said he wanted Carlson to be aggressive in his behaviour as it would have allowed him to reply, just as pointedly. “I think that your Carlson - by saying 'your' I mean that he is a fellow journalist like you. He is a dangerous man," said Putin. "And here is why. To be honest, I thought that he would behave aggressively and ask so-called sharp questions. I was not just prepared for this, I wanted it, because it would give me the opportunity to respond in the same way," he added. Putin told Zarubin he was surprised that Carlson, usually known for poking his guests, did not interrupt him more. “Frankly, I did not get full satisfaction from this interview,” Putin said, adding that he was still grateful for the role played by Carlson. “Since we are not able to have direct dialogue [with the West] today - we have to be grateful to Mr Carlson to be able to do it by his intermediary role." Watch | Gravitas | Putin asks US: Don't you have anything better to do? | Tucker Carlson interview × Carlson's interview Carlson released a two-hour interview with Putin last week that made global headlines as it was the Russian president's first correspondence with an American journalist since the Ukraine war began two years ago. Putin said he agreed to the interview as Carlson's approach differed from the "one-sided" reporting of the war by other Western news journalists and outlets. Also read | Putin tells Tucker Carlson Ukraine war can be over few weeks, in rare interview to US outlet During the interview, Putin said the war with Ukraine could be over within a few weeks if the Western nations stopped supplying weapons to Kyiv. “It will be over within a few weeks. That’s it,” he said. Emphasising the goals of what he called the “special military operation” in Ukraine, the Russian president said it was yet to be achieved since one of the aims “is de-Nazification". Putin added the West now understood that Russia won't be defeated even though Ukraine was receiving support from the US, European Union and NATO. (With inputs from agencies)

'I didn't get full satisfaction': Putin surprised by lack of 'sharp questions' during Tucker Carlson interview

<p lang="en-US">Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an on-camera interview with pro-Kremlin journalist Pavel Zarubin on Wednesday (Feb 14), said that US President Joe Biden&nbsp;is better for Russia in comparison to Donald Trump.<br />
<br />
When questioned by Zarubin regarding the upcoming US presidential election, Putin said that Biden would be better for Russia "because he is a more experienced person, he is predictable, he is a politician of an old formation".<br />
<br />
However, he said that Russia would “work with any leader of the US who gains the trust of the American people".</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Putin dismisses issue of Biden's age and mental health</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Speaking about the questions being raised on Biden's age and mental health, he said that when they had met in 2021, he failed to notice anything peculiar.<br />
<br />
"Even then [three years ago] people were saying that he was incompetent, but I did not see anything of this sort. Yes, he kept looking at his papers, but to be honest I kept doing the same. So there was nothing peculiar,” he said.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-didnt-get-full-satisfaction-putin-surprised-by-lack-of-sharp-questions-during-tucker-carlson-interview-690382">'I didn't get full satisfaction': Putin surprised by lack of 'sharp questions' during Tucker Carlson interview</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">Putin further stated that in order to judge the current administration's actions, one should understand its “political position".<br />
<br />
“I believe that the position of the current administration is extremely harmful and erroneous,” said Putin, regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine.<br />
<br />
As per&nbsp;Putin, the war “could have been over a year and a half ago” if agreements reached in a meeting in Istanbul in March 2022 were fulfilled. However, he did not specifically say what agreements he was referring to.<br />
<br />
The Russian president said that he regretted that he “didn’t start active actions in Ukraine earlier” than February 2022, claiming that Western leaders had lied to Russia about “not expanding NATO to the East".</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russian President Putin says he prefers Joe Biden over Donald Trump in the White House</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-putin-says-he-prefers-joe-biden-over-donald-trump-in-the-white-house-690483/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US">“We were and are concerned about the possibility of Ukraine being drawn into NATO since this threatens our security,” said Putin.<br />
<br />
The Russian president further alleged that the Minsk agreement, which was a ceasefire protocol signed by Russia and Ukraine in 2015, was never meant to be followed but used "to buy time to load Ukraine with additional weapons".<br />
<br />
The Russian leader further expressed disappointment regarding his recent interview with former Fox presenter Tucker Carlson.<br />
<br />
“I honestly thought he would be aggressive and ask tough questions. I wasn’t only ready for that, I wanted that because it would give me the opportunity to give tough answers back,” said Putin.<br />
<br />
“To be frank, I didn’t fully enjoy that interview,” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an on-camera interview with pro-Kremlin journalist Pavel Zarubin on Wednesday (Feb 14), said that US President Joe Biden is better for Russia in comparison to Donald Trump.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an on-camera interview with pro-Kremlin journalist Pavel Zarubin on Wednesday (Feb 14), said that US President Joe Biden is better for Russia in comparison to Donald Trump. When questioned by Zarubin regarding the upcoming US presidential election, Putin said that Biden would be better for Russia "because he is a more experienced person, he is predictable, he is a politician of an old formation". However, he said that Russia would “work with any leader of the US who gains the trust of the American people". Putin dismisses issue of Biden's age and mental health Speaking about the questions being raised on Biden's age and mental health, he said that when they had met in 2021, he failed to notice anything peculiar. "Even then [three years ago] people were saying that he was incompetent, but I did not see anything of this sort. Yes, he kept looking at his papers, but to be honest I kept doing the same. So there was nothing peculiar,” he said. Also Read: 'I didn't get full satisfaction': Putin surprised by lack of 'sharp questions' during Tucker Carlson interview Putin further stated that in order to judge the current administration's actions, one should understand its “political position". “I believe that the position of the current administration is extremely harmful and erroneous,” said Putin, regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine. As per Putin, the war “could have been over a year and a half ago” if agreements reached in a meeting in Istanbul in March 2022 were fulfilled. However, he did not specifically say what agreements he was referring to. The Russian president said that he regretted that he “didn’t start active actions in Ukraine earlier” than February 2022, claiming that Western leaders had lied to Russia about “not expanding NATO to the East". Watch: Russian President Putin says he prefers Joe Biden over Donald Trump in the White House “We were and are concerned about the possibility of Ukraine being drawn into NATO since this threatens our security,” said Putin. The Russian president further alleged that the Minsk agreement, which was a ceasefire protocol signed by Russia and Ukraine in 2015, was never meant to be followed but used "to buy time to load Ukraine with additional weapons". The Russian leader further expressed disappointment regarding his recent interview with former Fox presenter Tucker Carlson. “I honestly thought he would be aggressive and ask tough questions. I wasn’t only ready for that, I wanted that because it would give me the opportunity to give tough answers back,” said Putin. “To be frank, I didn’t fully enjoy that interview,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says he prefers Joe Biden's presidency over Trump in White House

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Feb 14) said scientists in his country were on the precipice of creating vaccines to cure cancer that could soon be available to patients.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at a Moscow forum on future technologies,&nbsp;Putin made the rather remarkable claim that may have the potential to revolutionise the medical field.</p>

<p>"We have come very close to the creation of so-called&nbsp;cancer&nbsp;vaccines and immunomodulatory drugs of a new generation," said Putin in the televised address.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I hope that soon they will be effectively used as methods of individual therapy," Putin added, although he did not specify which type pf cancer the proposed vaccines would target.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While a number of countries have been working to develop cancer vaccines, it is the first time that any state of head has made such a bold claim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the UK, the Tory government last year signed an agreement with&nbsp;Germany-based BioNTech to launch clinical trials providing "personalised cancer treatments", aiming to reach 10,000 patients by 2030.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, US pharma giants Moderna and&nbsp;Merck &amp; Co, during the mid-stage study of a cancer vaccine said it cut the&nbsp;chance of recurrence or death from melanoma - the most deadly skin cancer - by half after three years of treatment.</p>

<p>Russia developing a vaccine for cancer should not come as a surprise. During the coronavirus pandemic, Moscow developed the Sputnik vaccine which showed encouraging efficacy results when administered&nbsp;to the general public.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin&nbsp;himself said he had taken Sputnik, in a bid to assure people of its efficacy and safety.&nbsp;Consequently, the vaccine was sold to a number of countries across the globe.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ny-post-report-putin-to-temporarily-handover-power-to-loyalist-to-undergo-cancer-treatment-476005"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;NY Post report: Putin to temporarily handover power to loyalist to undergo cancer treatment</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Putin's cancer rumour</strong></h2>

<p>For the&nbsp;major part of last year, western media reports claimed that Putin had contracted cancer and that his health was deteriorating.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A video went viral on social media that showed Putin being unable to control his twitching feet during a conversation with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-didnt-get-full-satisfaction-putin-surprised-by-lack-of-sharp-questions-during-tucker-carlson-interview-690382"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'I didn't get full satisfaction': Putin surprised by lack of 'sharp questions' during Tucker Carlson interview</strong></a></p>

<p>However, putting the rumour mills to rest,&nbsp;Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, in October, denied the claims, adding that Putin was fit and well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I can tell you that he has no doubles, and with regards to work and so on, this is already an absurd informational hoax that is discussed by some media with vigorous tenacity. It makes me nothing but smile," Peskov said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Feb 14) said scientists in his country were on the precipice of creating vaccines to cure cancer that could soon be available to patients.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Feb 14) said scientists in his country were on the precipice of creating vaccines to cure cancer that could soon be available to patients. Speaking at a Moscow forum on future technologies, Putin made the rather remarkable claim that may have the potential to revolutionise the medical field. "We have come very close to the creation of so-called cancer vaccines and immunomodulatory drugs of a new generation," said Putin in the televised address. "I hope that soon they will be effectively used as methods of individual therapy," Putin added, although he did not specify which type pf cancer the proposed vaccines would target. While a number of countries have been working to develop cancer vaccines, it is the first time that any state of head has made such a bold claim. In the UK, the Tory government last year signed an agreement with Germany-based BioNTech to launch clinical trials providing "personalised cancer treatments", aiming to reach 10,000 patients by 2030. Meanwhile, US pharma giants Moderna and Merck & Co, during the mid-stage study of a cancer vaccine said it cut the chance of recurrence or death from melanoma - the most deadly skin cancer - by half after three years of treatment. Russia developing a vaccine for cancer should not come as a surprise. During the coronavirus pandemic, Moscow developed the Sputnik vaccine which showed encouraging efficacy results when administered to the general public. Putin himself said he had taken Sputnik, in a bid to assure people of its efficacy and safety. Consequently, the vaccine was sold to a number of countries across the globe. Watch | NY Post report: Putin to temporarily handover power to loyalist to undergo cancer treatment × Putin's cancer rumour For the major part of last year, western media reports claimed that Putin had contracted cancer and that his health was deteriorating. A video went viral on social media that showed Putin being unable to control his twitching feet during a conversation with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. Also read | 'I didn't get full satisfaction': Putin surprised by lack of 'sharp questions' during Tucker Carlson interview However, putting the rumour mills to rest, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, in October, denied the claims, adding that Putin was fit and well. "I can tell you that he has no doubles, and with regards to work and so on, this is already an absurd informational hoax that is discussed by some media with vigorous tenacity. It makes me nothing but smile," Peskov said. (With inputs from agencies)

'I hope that soon': Putin claims Russia close to creating cancer vaccines

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tucker Carlson came under the spotlight on Thursday (Feb 8) after the Russian president gave an interview, a first in years to an American journalist.</p>

<p>During the one-on-one, Putin, who served as a foreign intelligence officer for the KGB, mocked Carlson for being rejected by the CIA.</p>

<p>While discussing the 2014 Ukrainian Maidan revolution, Putin stated that the ousting of then pro-Moscow Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych took place "with the backing of the CIA of course."</p>

<p>"The organisation you wanted to join back in the day as I understand. We should thank God they didn't let you in. Although it is a serious organisation I understand," the Russian leader said.</p>

<p>Soviet Russia's secret service the KGB and America’s CIA were at odds since their inceptions, which further became an extension of the Great Game.</p>

<p>Putin served as a foreign intelligence officer for the KGB for 15 years which included six years in Dresden, East Germany.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">46 minutes into his history lesson, Putin stops to mock Tucker for applying to the CIA when he was younger and getting rejected. <a href="https://t.co/oyoADwytpI">pic.twitter.com/oyoADwytpI</a></p>
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RonFilipkowski/status/1755757290953515479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel in the year 1990.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tucker-carlson-accuses-biden-administration-of-illegally-spying-on-him-to-prevent-interview-with-putin-688599">Tucker Carlson launches scathing attack against Biden administration after interviewing Vladimir Putin</a></p>

<p>The Russian president also made a mention about the sabotage of the Nord Stream undersea gas pipelines linking Germany, Finland and Russia stating that the CIA or NATO was behind the attacks which took place in the Baltic Sea in September 2022.</p>

<p>On being asked by Carlson who “blew up the Nord Stream”, Putin replied: “You for sure.”</p>

<p>When the American journalist jokingly replied saying he was “busy that day”, Putin said: “The CIA has no such alibi”. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin then went on to allege, without presenting any evidence, that only the US was capable of, and could have any interest in, carrying out that attack.</p>

<p>Notably, Washington has consistently denied that it had any role in the attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin says invading Poland or Latvia 'out of question'</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Putin said it was "out of the question" to invade Poland or Latvia. "We simply don't have any interest" in expanding the Ukraine war, he added.</p>

<p>"Can you imagine a scenario where you send Russian troops to Poland?" asked Carlson.</p>

<p>"Only in one case, if Poland attacks Russia," said Putin, adding: "We have no interest in Poland, Latvia or anywhere else. Why would we do that? We simply don't have any interest... It is absolutely out of the question."</p>

<p>The two-hour interview with Carlson, a former Fox News host and right-wing commentator who supports former US president Donald Trump, was recorded in Moscow.</p>

<p>It was the first interview given by Putin to a Western media outlet since his troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022.</p>

<p>In the past, Carlson has openly criticised the United States for supporting Ukraine and has called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “rat-like Ukrainian pimp.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tucker Carlson came under the spotlight on Thursday (Feb 8) after the Russian president gave an interview, a first in years to an American journalist.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tucker Carlson came under the spotlight on Thursday (Feb 8) after the Russian president gave an interview, a first in years to an American journalist. During the one-on-one, Putin, who served as a foreign intelligence officer for the KGB, mocked Carlson for being rejected by the CIA. While discussing the 2014 Ukrainian Maidan revolution, Putin stated that the ousting of then pro-Moscow Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych took place "with the backing of the CIA of course." "The organisation you wanted to join back in the day as I understand. We should thank God they didn't let you in. Although it is a serious organisation I understand," the Russian leader said. Soviet Russia's secret service the KGB and America’s CIA were at odds since their inceptions, which further became an extension of the Great Game. Putin served as a foreign intelligence officer for the KGB for 15 years which included six years in Dresden, East Germany. 46 minutes into his history lesson, Putin stops to mock Tucker for applying to the CIA when he was younger and getting rejected. pic.twitter.com/oyoADwytpI — Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) February 9, 2024 × He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel in the year 1990. Also read: Tucker Carlson launches scathing attack against Biden administration after interviewing Vladimir Putin The Russian president also made a mention about the sabotage of the Nord Stream undersea gas pipelines linking Germany, Finland and Russia stating that the CIA or NATO was behind the attacks which took place in the Baltic Sea in September 2022. On being asked by Carlson who “blew up the Nord Stream”, Putin replied: “You for sure.” When the American journalist jokingly replied saying he was “busy that day”, Putin said: “The CIA has no such alibi”. Putin then went on to allege, without presenting any evidence, that only the US was capable of, and could have any interest in, carrying out that attack. Notably, Washington has consistently denied that it had any role in the attacks. Putin says invading Poland or Latvia 'out of question' Russian President Putin said it was "out of the question" to invade Poland or Latvia. "We simply don't have any interest" in expanding the Ukraine war, he added. "Can you imagine a scenario where you send Russian troops to Poland?" asked Carlson. "Only in one case, if Poland attacks Russia," said Putin, adding: "We have no interest in Poland, Latvia or anywhere else. Why would we do that? We simply don't have any interest... It is absolutely out of the question." The two-hour interview with Carlson, a former Fox News host and right-wing commentator who supports former US president Donald Trump, was recorded in Moscow. It was the first interview given by Putin to a Western media outlet since his troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In the past, Carlson has openly criticised the United States for supporting Ukraine and has called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “rat-like Ukrainian pimp.” (With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin, a former KGB agent, mocks Tucker Carlson for being rejected by CIA

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<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the United States after contacts between intermediaries, three Russian sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters.</p>

<p>The failure of Putin's approach ushers in a third year of the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two and illustrates just how far apart the world's two largest nuclear powers remain.</p>

<p>A US source denied there had been any official contact and said Washington would not engage in talks that did not involve Ukraine.</p>

<p>Putin sent signals to Washington in 2023 in public and privately through intermediaries, including through Moscow's Arab partners in the Middle East and others, that he was ready to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine, the Russian sources said.</p>

<p>Putin was proposing to freeze the conflict at the current lines and was unwilling to cede any of the Ukrainian territory controlled by Russia, but the signal offered what some in the Kremlin saw as the best path towards peace of some kind.</p>

<p>"The contacts with the Americans came to nothing," a senior Russian source with knowledge of the discussions in late 2023 and early 2024 told Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.</p>

<p>A second Russian source with knowledge of the contacts told Reuters that the Americans told Moscow, via the intermediaries, they would not discuss a possible ceasefire without the participation of Ukraine and so the contacts ended in failure.</p>

<p>A third source with knowledge of the discussions said: "Everything fell apart with the Americans." The source said that the Americans did not want to pressure Ukraine.</p>

<p>The extent of the contacts - and their failure - has not previously been reported.</p>

<p>It comes as US President Joe Biden has for months been pushing Congress to approve more aid for Ukraine, but has faced opposition from allies of Republican presidential nomination frontrunner Donald Trump.</p>

<p>The Kremlin, the White House, the US State Department and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) all declined to comment.</p>

<h2>US says 'no back channel'</h2>

<p>Putin sent thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering a full-scale war after eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces on the one side and pro-Russian Ukrainians and Russian proxies on the other.</p>

<p>Ukraine says it is fighting for its existence and the West casts Putin's invasion as an imperial-style land grab that challenges the post-Cold War international order.</p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he will never accept Russia's control over Ukrainian land. He has outlawed any contacts with Russia.</p>

<p>A US official, speaking in Washington on condition of anonymity, said that the US has not engaged in any back-channel discussions with Russia and that Washington had been consistent in not going behind the back of Ukraine.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-what-hope-for-ukraine-if-us-military-aid-dries-up-689865"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: What hope for Ukraine if US military aid dries up?</strong></a></p>

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<p>The US official said that there appeared to have been unofficial "Track II" conversations among Russians not in the government but that the United States was not engaged in them.</p>

<p>The US official said Putin's proposal, based on what has been publicly reported, was unchanged from past demands that Russia hold on to Ukrainian territory. The official suggested that there appeared to be frustration in Moscow that Washington had repeatedly refused to accept it.</p>

<p>Putin told US talk-show host Tucker Carlson last week that Russia was ready for "dialogue".</p>

<h2><strong>Contacts</strong></h2>

<p>Intermediaries met in Turkey in late 2023, according to three Russian sources.</p>

<p>A fourth diplomatic source said that there had been Russian-US unofficial contacts through intermediaries at Russia's initiative but that they appeared to have come to nothing.</p>

<p>The US official said he was unaware of unofficial contact through intermediaries.</p>

<p>According to three Russian sources, Putin's signal was relayed to Washington, where top US officials including White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met.</p>

<p>The idea was that Sullivan would speak to Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, and set out the next steps, one of the Russian sources said.</p>

<p>But when the call came in January, Sullivan told Ushakov that Washington was willing to talk about other aspects of the relationship but would not speak about a ceasefire without Ukraine, said one of the Russian sources.</p>

<p>The US official refused to be drawn on any details of Sullivan's purported calls, or whether such a conversation with Ushakov took place.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-needs-to-come-up-with-new-strategies-to-battle-says-new-army-chief-688970"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine needs to come up with new strategies to battle, says new army chief</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Putin 'ready to fight on'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>One of the Russian sources expressed frustration with the United States over Washington's insistence that it would not nudge Ukraine towards talks given that the United States was helping to fund the war.</p>

<p>"Putin said: 'I knew they wouldn't do anything'," another of the Russian sources said. "They cut off the root of the contacts which had taken two months to create."</p>

<p>Another Russian source said that the United States did not appear to believe Putin was sincere.</p>

<p>"The Americans didn't believe Putin was genuine about a ceasefire - but he was and is - he is ready to discuss a ceasefire. But equally Putin is also ready to fight on for as long as it takes - and Russia can fight for as long as it takes," the Russian source said.</p>

<p>The Kremlin sees little point in further contacts with the United States on the issue, the Russian sources said, so the war would continue.</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the United States after contacts between intermediaries, three Russian sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the United States after contacts between intermediaries, three Russian sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters. The failure of Putin's approach ushers in a third year of the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two and illustrates just how far apart the world's two largest nuclear powers remain. A US source denied there had been any official contact and said Washington would not engage in talks that did not involve Ukraine. Putin sent signals to Washington in 2023 in public and privately through intermediaries, including through Moscow's Arab partners in the Middle East and others, that he was ready to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine, the Russian sources said. Putin was proposing to freeze the conflict at the current lines and was unwilling to cede any of the Ukrainian territory controlled by Russia, but the signal offered what some in the Kremlin saw as the best path towards peace of some kind. "The contacts with the Americans came to nothing," a senior Russian source with knowledge of the discussions in late 2023 and early 2024 told Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation. A second Russian source with knowledge of the contacts told Reuters that the Americans told Moscow, via the intermediaries, they would not discuss a possible ceasefire without the participation of Ukraine and so the contacts ended in failure. A third source with knowledge of the discussions said: "Everything fell apart with the Americans." The source said that the Americans did not want to pressure Ukraine. The extent of the contacts - and their failure - has not previously been reported. It comes as US President Joe Biden has for months been pushing Congress to approve more aid for Ukraine, but has faced opposition from allies of Republican presidential nomination frontrunner Donald Trump. The Kremlin, the White House, the US State Department and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) all declined to comment. US says 'no back channel' Putin sent thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering a full-scale war after eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces on the one side and pro-Russian Ukrainians and Russian proxies on the other. Ukraine says it is fighting for its existence and the West casts Putin's invasion as an imperial-style land grab that challenges the post-Cold War international order. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he will never accept Russia's control over Ukrainian land. He has outlawed any contacts with Russia. A US official, speaking in Washington on condition of anonymity, said that the US has not engaged in any back-channel discussions with Russia and that Washington had been consistent in not going behind the back of Ukraine. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: What hope for Ukraine if US military aid dries up? × The US official said that there appeared to have been unofficial "Track II" conversations among Russians not in the government but that the United States was not engaged in them. The US official said Putin's proposal, based on what has been publicly reported, was unchanged from past demands that Russia hold on to Ukrainian territory. The official suggested that there appeared to be frustration in Moscow that Washington had repeatedly refused to accept it. Putin told US talk-show host Tucker Carlson last week that Russia was ready for "dialogue". Contacts Intermediaries met in Turkey in late 2023, according to three Russian sources. A fourth diplomatic source said that there had been Russian-US unofficial contacts through intermediaries at Russia's initiative but that they appeared to have come to nothing. The US official said he was unaware of unofficial contact through intermediaries. According to three Russian sources, Putin's signal was relayed to Washington, where top US officials including White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met. The idea was that Sullivan would speak to Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, and set out the next steps, one of the Russian sources said. But when the call came in January, Sullivan told Ushakov that Washington was willing to talk about other aspects of the relationship but would not speak about a ceasefire without Ukraine, said one of the Russian sources. The US official refused to be drawn on any details of Sullivan's purported calls, or whether such a conversation with Ushakov took place. Also read | Ukraine needs to come up with new strategies to battle, says new army chief Putin 'ready to fight on' One of the Russian sources expressed frustration with the United States over Washington's insistence that it would not nudge Ukraine towards talks given that the United States was helping to fund the war. "Putin said: 'I knew they wouldn't do anything'," another of the Russian sources said. "They cut off the root of the contacts which had taken two months to create." Another Russian source said that the United States did not appear to believe Putin was sincere. "The Americans didn't believe Putin was genuine about a ceasefire - but he was and is - he is ready to discuss a ceasefire. But equally Putin is also ready to fight on for as long as it takes - and Russia can fight for as long as it takes," the Russian source said. The Kremlin sees little point in further contacts with the United States on the issue, the Russian sources said, so the war would continue.

Putin's suggestion of ceasefire in Ukraine rejected by US: Report

With elections next month, who are Vladimir Putin's challengers and what chance to they stand against the long-time russian president?

Russia releases list of final candidates for elections | Race To Power

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