Russian President Vladimir Putin is blaming Europe for its current energy crisis. Putin said that one of the factors influencing the prices was the termination of 'long-term contracts' in favour of the spot market.

Putin blames Europe for gas price crisis

On Tuesday, a group of 45 nations, including Britain, Germany and Canada,&nbsp;at OPCW, the global toxic arms watchdog,&nbsp;called on Russia to provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Delegates said that as per the rules of the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Russia has to respond within 10 days to questions posed by the countries.

"Today, 45 States Parties, including Britain have informed the OPCW executive council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of @navalny under Article 9 of the Convention," British delegates said in a tweet.

"Russia has 10 days to answer," they added.

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Today, 45 States Parties, including 🇬🇧, have informed the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPCW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPCW</a> Executive Council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Navalny</a>, under Article IX of the Convention. Russia has 10 days to answer. Details will appear here: <a href="https://t.co/hfvYMeEVwP">https://t.co/hfvYMeEVwP</a> <a href="https://t.co/rhY3rk3HX5">pic.twitter.com/rhY3rk3HX5</a>
— UK Delegation OPCW (@UK_OPCW) <a href="https://twitter.com/UK_OPCW/status/1445396570900422673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Canada and Germany also tweeted that they were part of the 45-country statement.

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🧵1/2 
 
Despite repeated requests, there has been no investigation by 🇷🇺 into the attack on Alexei <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Navalny?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Navalny</a> with a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Novichok?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Novichok</a> nerve agent. 🇨🇦 joins 44 other countries in taking the next step, asking 🇷🇺to clarify the circumstances of this attack under Article 9 of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EC98?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EC98</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fki24JKrfW">pic.twitter.com/Fki24JKrfW</a>
— Canada in OPCW (@CanadaOPCW) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaOPCW/status/1445398887871700996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Case of Alexey Navalny: Today in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPCW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPCW</a> Executive Council several states including Germany demanded answers from Russia under a special consultation procedure. Russia must explain the finding of a prohibited chemical warfare agent.
— Susanne Baumann (@GERMANYonUN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GERMANYonUN/status/1445407533921931266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"It is essential that Russia sets out in detail the steps taken to investigate and shed light on the use of a chemical weapon on its territory," said a portion of the statement quoted on the British delegation's Twitter account.

Western governments claim that opposition leader Navalny was poisoned with an old Soviet-era nerve agent, known as Novichok, last August in Russia.

After receiving treatment in Germany, he returned to Russia, where he is in jail now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-preparing-new-russia-sanctions-over-navalny-poisoning-392792">US says preparing new Russia sanctions over Navalny poisoning</a>

Western states have also called on Syria, a close ally of Russia, to allow arms inspectors in, saying Damascus is continuing to violate its obligations to the OPCW.

Many countries have called for the Russian government to provide more information about and clarify Navalny's poisoning.

However, the Kremlin has always denied involvement.

Vladimir Putin is directly accused by Navalny of being responsible for the attack. On his return from treatment in Germany, the opposition leader was arrested and jailed on old fraud charges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-hits-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-with-new-charge-that-could-add-to-jail-term-404725">Russia hits Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with new charge that could add to jail term</a>

The executive council of the OPCW, which has 41 member states, meets this week to discuss progress in eliminating chemical weapons, including taking action when member states do not comply.

Meanwhile, Britain has said it will not relent in pressing Russia over the Novichok attack on&nbsp;Sergei Skripal,&nbsp;a former double agent in the English city of Salisbury.&nbsp;

As a result of the attack, both Sergei Skripal and his daughter were left battling for their lives, while the police officer investigating the case fell gravely ill. A local woman who was exposed to the nerve agent died later.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Tuesday, a group of 45 nations, including Britain, Germany and Canada, at OPCW, the global toxic arms watchdog, called on Russia to provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

On Tuesday, a group of 45 nations, including Britain, Germany and Canada, at OPCW, the global toxic arms watchdog, called on Russia to provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Delegates said that as per the rules of the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Russia has to respond within 10 days to questions posed by the countries. "Today, 45 States Parties, including Britain have informed the OPCW executive council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of @navalny under Article 9 of the Convention," British delegates said in a tweet. "Russia has 10 days to answer," they added. Today, 45 States Parties, including 🇬🇧, have informed the #OPCW Executive Council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of @Navalny, under Article IX of the Convention. Russia has 10 days to answer. Details will appear here: https://t.co/hfvYMeEVwP pic.twitter.com/rhY3rk3HX5 — UK Delegation OPCW (@UK_OPCW) October 5, 2021 × Canada and Germany also tweeted that they were part of the 45-country statement. 🧵1/2 Despite repeated requests, there has been no investigation by 🇷🇺 into the attack on Alexei #Navalny with a #Novichok nerve agent. 🇨🇦 joins 44 other countries in taking the next step, asking 🇷🇺to clarify the circumstances of this attack under Article 9 of the #CWC. #EC98 pic.twitter.com/Fki24JKrfW — Canada in OPCW (@CanadaOPCW) October 5, 2021 × Case of Alexey Navalny: Today in the #OPCW Executive Council several states including Germany demanded answers from Russia under a special consultation procedure. Russia must explain the finding of a prohibited chemical warfare agent. — Susanne Baumann (@GERMANYonUN) October 5, 2021 × "It is essential that Russia sets out in detail the steps taken to investigate and shed light on the use of a chemical weapon on its territory," said a portion of the statement quoted on the British delegation's Twitter account. Western governments claim that opposition leader Navalny was poisoned with an old Soviet-era nerve agent, known as Novichok, last August in Russia. After receiving treatment in Germany, he returned to Russia, where he is in jail now. Also read | US says preparing new Russia sanctions over Navalny poisoning Western states have also called on Syria, a close ally of Russia, to allow arms inspectors in, saying Damascus is continuing to violate its obligations to the OPCW. Many countries have called for the Russian government to provide more information about and clarify Navalny's poisoning. However, the Kremlin has always denied involvement. Vladimir Putin is directly accused by Navalny of being responsible for the attack. On his return from treatment in Germany, the opposition leader was arrested and jailed on old fraud charges. Also read | Russia hits Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with new charge that could add to jail term The executive council of the OPCW, which has 41 member states, meets this week to discuss progress in eliminating chemical weapons, including taking action when member states do not comply. Meanwhile, Britain has said it will not relent in pressing Russia over the Novichok attack on Sergei Skripal, a former double agent in the English city of Salisbury. As a result of the attack, both Sergei Skripal and his daughter were left battling for their lives, while the police officer investigating the case fell gravely ill. A local woman who was exposed to the nerve agent died later. (With inputs from agencies)

At OPCW, 45 nations push Russia for answers on Navalny poisoning

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly linked to undisclosed assets in Monaco, according to the Pandora papers. While Putin is not mentioned directly in the documents, several of his close friends are, including a childhood buddy and a former sweetheart, reports claimed.&nbsp;

In September 2003, a secret transaction allegedly took place in Monaco. A flat was purchased for €3.6 million. However, the identity of the flat’s buyer was a mystery.

&nbsp;The official “purchaser” was an offshore company listed in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), named Brockville Development Ltd, reports said.&nbsp;

The company was in turn allegedly owned by two further Panama-registered entities – Sefton Securities and, later, Radnor Investments SA.&nbsp;

Through the Pandora papers, the buyer has been identified as a woman named Svetlana Krivonogikh.

It has been observed that in a time span of few years, Krivonogikh became extremely wealthy. She reportedly acquired a flat in a compound in her home city of St Petersburg, properties in Moscow, a yacht, and other assets, worth an estimated $100 million.

The woman has been romantically linked with Putin since he was still deputy mayor of her hometown of St. Petersburg and reportedly has a daughter with him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shakira-to-sachin-tendulkar-famous-names-emerge-in-the-investigation-of-pandora-papers-418007">Also read |&nbsp;Shakira to Sachin Tendulkar: Famous names emerge in the investigation of Pandora Papers</a>

Pieces of evidence have reportedly revealed that they travelled together on the same planes, for example, as Putin climbed towards power.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has not commented. Putin refrains from discussing his private life. He and his wife, Lyudmila, who have two daughters, Masha and Katerina, divorced in 2013.

This has a political angle too as Prince Albert, Monaco’s ruler, has good relations with Putin, according to reports.

Also, over the past two decades, Russian influence in Monaco has grown. Dominique Anastasis, a local lawyer was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “It has become Moscow-on-Sea. The mentality is to show off,”. Foreigners including rich Russians were attracted by the warm climate and the lack of tax, he said.&nbsp;

“Nobody asks where your money comes from. There’s no culture of checking. You don’t make a tax declaration.”

The Pandora papers obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) show that over 130 billionaires and celebrities from Russia, the United States, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Mexico used shell companies and incognito bank accounts to buy secret assets and conduct secret financial transactions.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly linked to undisclosed assets in Monaco, according to the Pandora papers. While Putin is not mentioned directly in the documents, several of his close friends are, including a childhood buddy and a former sweetheart, reports claimed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly linked to undisclosed assets in Monaco, according to the Pandora papers. While Putin is not mentioned directly in the documents, several of his close friends are, including a childhood buddy and a former sweetheart, reports claimed. In September 2003, a secret transaction allegedly took place in Monaco. A flat was purchased for €3.6 million. However, the identity of the flat’s buyer was a mystery. The official “purchaser” was an offshore company listed in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), named Brockville Development Ltd, reports said. The company was in turn allegedly owned by two further Panama-registered entities – Sefton Securities and, later, Radnor Investments SA. Through the Pandora papers, the buyer has been identified as a woman named Svetlana Krivonogikh. It has been observed that in a time span of few years, Krivonogikh became extremely wealthy. She reportedly acquired a flat in a compound in her home city of St Petersburg, properties in Moscow, a yacht, and other assets, worth an estimated $100 million. The woman has been romantically linked with Putin since he was still deputy mayor of her hometown of St. Petersburg and reportedly has a daughter with him. Also read | Shakira to Sachin Tendulkar: Famous names emerge in the investigation of Pandora Papers Pieces of evidence have reportedly revealed that they travelled together on the same planes, for example, as Putin climbed towards power. The Kremlin has not commented. Putin refrains from discussing his private life. He and his wife, Lyudmila, who have two daughters, Masha and Katerina, divorced in 2013. This has a political angle too as Prince Albert, Monaco’s ruler, has good relations with Putin, according to reports. Also, over the past two decades, Russian influence in Monaco has grown. Dominique Anastasis, a local lawyer was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “It has become Moscow-on-Sea. The mentality is to show off,”. Foreigners including rich Russians were attracted by the warm climate and the lack of tax, he said. “Nobody asks where your money comes from. There’s no culture of checking. You don’t make a tax declaration.” The Pandora papers obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) show that over 130 billionaires and celebrities from Russia, the United States, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Mexico used shell companies and incognito bank accounts to buy secret assets and conduct secret financial transactions.

Pandora papers reveal Putin's alleged mistress has assets worth $100 million: Report

Elections in Russia are always tricky for the Kremlin. Offer too much choice, and citizens may pick the wrong candidates. Offer too little, and the underlying authoritarianism of the regime becomes grimly apparent.

This year, for the parliamentary elections that began on Friday and end on Sunday, President Vladimir Putin is not taking any chances. From the moment Aleksei Navalny, the opposition leader and the Kremlin’s best-known critic, returned to the country in January, the president has overseen a wave of repression.

Scores of independent media outlets have been labeled foreign agents, hobbling their activities, and opposition figures have either been banned from political activity or intimidated into exile. Mr. Navalny is in jail, most of his closest associates have left the country and his organization has been disbanded. The opposition is in tatters.

There has been no sustained outcry within the country against these moves. Mr. Putin’s approval ratings remain solid, and the election is likely to return a majority for his party, United Russia. The system grinds on.

At the heart of the Kremlin’s continued social and political control sits the Russian media. A sprawling network of television stations and newspapers, often lurid in style and spurious in content, the Kremlin’s propaganda system is a central pillar of Mr. Putin’s power. Against all the dissent and discontent with his regime, inside and outside the country, it acts as an impermeable shield. Combined with repression, it is how he wins.

Nearly all of Russia’s television stations and newspapers are under state control. Some, like REN TV, are owned by private companies with links to the Kremlin. Others, like Rossiya and Channel One, are state-owned and often deliver outright propaganda as the news.

Behind the scenes, Mr. Putin’s accomplices — like Alexei Gromov, who as deputy chief of staff in the presidential administration oversees the media — carefully manage the message. Failures are downplayed, criticism avoided and, at every turn, praise heaped on the president, who is cast as a sensible and wise leader.

This machine doesn’t need coercion. An army of reporters, editors and producers, happy to toe any political line in return for promotion and payment, churns out an endless stream of fawning accounts of Mr. Putin, the prime minister and influential regional governors. Conformists and careerists, these journalists are not blind to the realities of contemporary Russia. But they choose to work on the side of the winners.

Funded to the tune of billions of dollars by those close to Mr. Putin, the media preys on the population’s worst fears. The threats of economic disaster and territorial disintegration, in a country that suffered both in the 1990s, are constantly invoked: Only loyalty to the Kremlin can keep the monsters at bay. The European Union, Britain and the United States are portrayed as sites of moral decay, rife with political instability and impoverishment.

In a country where 72 percent of the population doesn’t have a passport and where the financial means to travel abroad remain generally out of reach, such messages find a receptive audience.

This wall-to-wall coverage has profound effects on public opinion. In 2008, as conflict between Russia and neighboring Georgia escalated, the media went into overdrive, depicting Georgia as a haven of anti-Russian activity intent on violence. The results were stunning: A year later, after the war ended, 62 percent of Russians considered Georgia, a small republic in the south Caucasus, to be Russia’s main enemy.

Now ruled by a government more friendly to Russia, Georgia has largely disappeared from state television. The view of it as the main enemy has steadily dropped and is now held by just 15 percent of Russians.

Both broadcast and print are comprehensively under the Kremlin’s control. So too, nearly, is the internet. Ten years ago, social networks helped bring people to the streets in protest against rigged parliamentary elections. Since then, a set of technological and legislative measures — tapping users’ phones and computers, introducing criminal charges for content labeled “extremist” and curtailing the independence of Russia’s biggest tech company, Yandex — have turned the internet into heavily policed terrain. A social media post can cost a few years in prison.

But that’s not the whole story. The great success of Mr. Navalny’s film about Mr. Putin’s alleged mansion by the Black Sea, which has been watched by at least 118 million people since it was released in January, shows that the state’s domination over the media is not enough to prevent undesired content from reaching ordinary Russians. No matter how extensively the Kremlin intervenes in internet platforms — through bots, paid trolls and law enforcement — it remains possible to spread information injurious to the regime.

There are still a few independent local and nationwide media outlets in Russia. Though they can hardly compete with state-funded television channels and newspapers, they are able to reach a sizable slice of the population.

Meduza, for example, one of Russia’s most respected independent news outlets, draws millions of readers to its website a year, and MediaZona, an independent outlet that focuses on corruption and the misuse of law enforcement powers, added more than two million readers earlier this year through its coverage of Mr. Navalny’s trial. TV Rain, an independent television channel, manages to command the attention of 2.3 million viewers.

This success, however small and circumscribed, proved too much for Mr. Putin — and he turned to repression. Through the “foreign agent law,” introduced in 2012 and initially aimed at foreign-funded media such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, the Kremlin has been able to decimate the ranks of independent media. Six outlets were given the designation this year, along with 19 journalists. For the smaller publications, it was the end. Bigger outlets, including Meduza, are scrapping for survival.

The situation, though bleak, is not lost. Independent journalists and outlets continue to find a way to operate, inventively sidestepping the constraints cast on them by the Kremlin through canny crowdfunding and humor. In this, they offer an example to other independent journalists around the world fighting to keep authoritarian politicians accountable.

Even so, Mr. Putin’s media method — propaganda on one hand, repression on the other — continues to bear fruit. Faced with a stagnant economy, an aging population and simmering discontent, it surely can’t go on forever. But, for now, it’s working.

Elections in Russia are always tricky for the Kremlin. Offer too much choice, and citizens may pick the wrong candidates. Offer too little, and the underlying authoritarianism of the regime becomes grimly apparent.

Elections in Russia are always tricky for the Kremlin. Offer too much choice, and citizens may pick the wrong candidates. Offer too little, and the underlying authoritarianism of the regime becomes grimly apparent. This year, for the parliamentary elections that began on Friday and end on Sunday, President Vladimir Putin is not taking any chances. From the moment Aleksei Navalny, the opposition leader and the Kremlin’s best-known critic, returned to the country in January, the president has overseen a wave of repression. Scores of independent media outlets have been labeled foreign agents, hobbling their activities, and opposition figures have either been banned from political activity or intimidated into exile. Mr. Navalny is in jail, most of his closest associates have left the country and his organization has been disbanded. The opposition is in tatters. There has been no sustained outcry within the country against these moves. Mr. Putin’s approval ratings remain solid, and the election is likely to return a majority for his party, United Russia. The system grinds on. At the heart of the Kremlin’s continued social and political control sits the Russian media. A sprawling network of television stations and newspapers, often lurid in style and spurious in content, the Kremlin’s propaganda system is a central pillar of Mr. Putin’s power. Against all the dissent and discontent with his regime, inside and outside the country, it acts as an impermeable shield. Combined with repression, it is how he wins. Nearly all of Russia’s television stations and newspapers are under state control. Some, like REN TV, are owned by private companies with links to the Kremlin. Others, like Rossiya and Channel One, are state-owned and often deliver outright propaganda as the news. Behind the scenes, Mr. Putin’s accomplices — like Alexei Gromov, who as deputy chief of staff in the presidential administration oversees the media — carefully manage the message. Failures are downplayed, criticism avoided and, at every turn, praise heaped on the president, who is cast as a sensible and wise leader. This machine doesn’t need coercion. An army of reporters, editors and producers, happy to toe any political line in return for promotion and payment, churns out an endless stream of fawning accounts of Mr. Putin, the prime minister and influential regional governors. Conformists and careerists, these journalists are not blind to the realities of contemporary Russia. But they choose to work on the side of the winners. Funded to the tune of billions of dollars by those close to Mr. Putin, the media preys on the population’s worst fears. The threats of economic disaster and territorial disintegration, in a country that suffered both in the 1990s, are constantly invoked: Only loyalty to the Kremlin can keep the monsters at bay. The European Union, Britain and the United States are portrayed as sites of moral decay, rife with political instability and impoverishment. In a country where 72 percent of the population doesn’t have a passport and where the financial means to travel abroad remain generally out of reach, such messages find a receptive audience. This wall-to-wall coverage has profound effects on public opinion. In 2008, as conflict between Russia and neighboring Georgia escalated, the media went into overdrive, depicting Georgia as a haven of anti-Russian activity intent on violence. The results were stunning: A year later, after the war ended, 62 percent of Russians considered Georgia, a small republic in the south Caucasus, to be Russia’s main enemy. Now ruled by a government more friendly to Russia, Georgia has largely disappeared from state television. The view of it as the main enemy has steadily dropped and is now held by just 15 percent of Russians. Both broadcast and print are comprehensively under the Kremlin’s control. So too, nearly, is the internet. Ten years ago, social networks helped bring people to the streets in protest against rigged parliamentary elections. Since then, a set of technological and legislative measures — tapping users’ phones and computers, introducing criminal charges for content labeled “extremist” and curtailing the independence of Russia’s biggest tech company, Yandex — have turned the internet into heavily policed terrain. A social media post can cost a few years in prison. But that’s not the whole story. The great success of Mr. Navalny’s film about Mr. Putin’s alleged mansion by the Black Sea, which has been watched by at least 118 million people since it was released in January, shows that the state’s domination over the media is not enough to prevent undesired content from reaching ordinary Russians. No matter how extensively the Kremlin intervenes in internet platforms — through bots, paid trolls and law enforcement — it remains possible to spread information injurious to the regime. There are still a few independent local and nationwide media outlets in Russia. Though they can hardly compete with state-funded television channels and newspapers, they are able to reach a sizable slice of the population. Meduza, for example, one of Russia’s most respected independent news outlets, draws millions of readers to its website a year, and MediaZona, an independent outlet that focuses on corruption and the misuse of law enforcement powers, added more than two million readers earlier this year through its coverage of Mr. Navalny’s trial. TV Rain, an independent television channel, manages to command the attention of 2.3 million viewers. This success, however small and circumscribed, proved too much for Mr. Putin — and he turned to repression. Through the “foreign agent law,” introduced in 2012 and initially aimed at foreign-funded media such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, the Kremlin has been able to decimate the ranks of independent media. Six outlets were given the designation this year, along with 19 journalists. For the smaller publications, it was the end. Bigger outlets, including Meduza, are scrapping for survival. The situation, though bleak, is not lost. Independent journalists and outlets continue to find a way to operate, inventively sidestepping the constraints cast on them by the Kremlin through canny crowdfunding and humor. In this, they offer an example to other independent journalists around the world fighting to keep authoritarian politicians accountable. Even so, Mr. Putin’s media method — propaganda on one hand, repression on the other — continues to bear fruit. Faced with a stagnant economy, an aging population and simmering discontent, it surely can’t go on forever. But, for now, it’s working.

There’s a reason Putin keeps winning

The official website of the Kremlin on Sunday (September 26) published a series of appealing photos in which Russian President Vladimir Putin can be seen hiking and fishing in Siberia.&nbsp;

Kremlin stated that the Russian President stopped over in Siberia for a short vacation, following a working trip to the Primorye Territory and the Amur Region in early September.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-yo-jong-says-peace-will-come-only-if-south-shows-respect-416140">North Korea's Kim Yo-jong says peace will come only if South shows 'respect'</a>

The statement also revealed that Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu accompanied Putin on his trip.&nbsp;

Well, such adventurous trips&nbsp;is nothing new for the multi-talented Putin, who previously has been pictured riding a horse bare-chested and in sunglasses, as well as carrying a hunting rifle and piloting a fighter jet.&nbsp;

Now, the Kremlin has published photos of Putin standing in a river and catching a fish, walking through lush meadows.&nbsp;

<img alt="Vladimir Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43d34833-d65b-473b-8787-12a1b1149340" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-09-26T075004Z_1_LYNXMPEH8P02S_RTROPTP_4_RUSSIA-PUTIN-VACATIONS.JPG" />

Image:&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;spends a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia, Russia. Source: Reuters

<img alt="Vladimir Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="597d992c-420a-4e19-9ac4-11e109981438" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-09-26T075004Z_1_LYNXMPEH8P02R_RTROPTP_4_RUSSIA-PUTIN-VACATIONS.JPG" />

Image: Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;fishes during a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia. Source: Reuters

<img alt="Vladimir Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ddd1ee3-0868-4a0d-bf8b-5b5461c2b1c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Putin_0.jpg" />

&nbsp;

Image:&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;spends a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia Russia. Source: Reuters

<img alt="Vladimir Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f64e77de-1480-4960-947f-1af3191aa723" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/putin%20%282%29.jpg" />

Image:&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;spends a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia Russia. Source: Reuters

In September mid, the 68-year-old Putin cancelled all in-person events and said he was self-isolating after announcing an outbreak in the Kremlin.

Several people in Putin's entourage tested positive for the Coronavirus, the Russian leader had revealed amid rising infection rates in Russia.&nbsp;

"Cases of the coronavirus were detected in my inner circle. Not just one or two but several dozen people," Putin said, speaking via video link at a meeting of a Moscow-led security alliance.&nbsp;

Putin, 68, has had two shots of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. The Kremlin has said he was feeling healthy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The official website of the Kremlin on Sunday (September 26) published a series of appealing photos in which Russian President Vladimir Putin can be seen hiking and fishing in Siberia.

The official website of the Kremlin on Sunday (September 26) published a series of appealing photos in which Russian President Vladimir Putin can be seen hiking and fishing in Siberia. Kremlin stated that the Russian President stopped over in Siberia for a short vacation, following a working trip to the Primorye Territory and the Amur Region in early September. ALSO READ | North Korea's Kim Yo-jong says peace will come only if South shows 'respect' The statement also revealed that Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu accompanied Putin on his trip. Well, such adventurous trips is nothing new for the multi-talented Putin, who previously has been pictured riding a horse bare-chested and in sunglasses, as well as carrying a hunting rifle and piloting a fighter jet. Now, the Kremlin has published photos of Putin standing in a river and catching a fish, walking through lush meadows. Image: Russian President Vladimir Putin spends a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia, Russia. Source: Reuters Image: Russian President Vladimir Putin fishes during a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia. Source: Reuters Image: Russian President Vladimir Putin spends a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia Russia. Source: Reuters Image: Russian President Vladimir Putin spends a short vacation at an unknown location in Siberia Russia. Source: Reuters In September mid, the 68-year-old Putin cancelled all in-person events and said he was self-isolating after announcing an outbreak in the Kremlin. Several people in Putin's entourage tested positive for the Coronavirus, the Russian leader had revealed amid rising infection rates in Russia. "Cases of the coronavirus were detected in my inner circle. Not just one or two but several dozen people," Putin said, speaking via video link at a meeting of a Moscow-led security alliance. Putin, 68, has had two shots of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. The Kremlin has said he was feeling healthy. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin releases photos of Vladimir Putin hiking and fishing in Siberia

Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia Party has won majority in Russian parliamentary elections. At the time when 85 per cent of the votes were counted. United Russia party had bagged nearly 50 per cent votes while its nearest rival the Communist Party had just under 20 per cent votes in their favour.

Although United Russia's performance was enough to secure majority, it was weaker than 2016 elections when it had bagged about 54 per cent votes

Elections this time were preceded by massive crackdown on the opposition.

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<img alt="Vladmir Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efedc234-1e58-405e-a766-67852fa81566" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9N24A9.jpg" />

(Vladimir Putin casts his vote online on September 17)

Putin's fiercest critic Alexei Navalny is in jail. In the run-up to the elections, Navalny's top allies were arrested while some of them fled the country. His organisation was termed 'extremist' and anyone associated was kept from running for elections.

Navalny's team had called for opposition supporters to back other candidates who could potentially defeat United Russia, most of them from the Communists, and results indicated the "Smart Voting" campaign may have had some success.

United Russia's general council secretary Andrei Turchak congratulated supporters at party headquarters on a "clean and honest victory".

But Navalny's allies said the vote was being falsified on a massive scale, pointing especially to repeated delays in releasing the results of electronic voting in liberal and opposition-friendly Moscow.

"We have rattled their political system. We forced them to either admit defeat or to falsify, in front of everyone, absolutely brazenly, without any shame. To admit moral bankruptcy," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said during a live stream on YouTube.

Authorities had taken drastic measures to deter the "Smart Voting" campaign, which provided lists of candidates with the best hope of denying Kremlin-aligned politicians a seat.&nbsp;

The campaign's website was shut down and on Friday Apple and Google removed the Smart Voting app from their stores, causing an uproar among the opposition who accused them of giving in to Kremlin "blackmail".

Sources familiar with Google and Apple's decision told AFP the move was taken under pressure from Russian authorities, including threats to arrest the tech giants' local staff.

The popular Telegram messenger also removed Navalny's Smart Voting bot, and on Sunday Google Docs and YouTube videos containing the lists of recommended candidates were blocked.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia Party has won majority in Russian parliamentary elections. At the time when 85 per cent of the votes were counted.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia Party has won majority in Russian parliamentary elections. At the time when 85 per cent of the votes were counted. United Russia party had bagged nearly 50 per cent votes while its nearest rival the Communist Party had just under 20 per cent votes in their favour. Although United Russia's performance was enough to secure majority, it was weaker than 2016 elections when it had bagged about 54 per cent votes Elections this time were preceded by massive crackdown on the opposition. (Vladimir Putin casts his vote online on September 17) Putin's fiercest critic Alexei Navalny is in jail. In the run-up to the elections, Navalny's top allies were arrested while some of them fled the country. His organisation was termed 'extremist' and anyone associated was kept from running for elections. Navalny's team had called for opposition supporters to back other candidates who could potentially defeat United Russia, most of them from the Communists, and results indicated the "Smart Voting" campaign may have had some success. United Russia's general council secretary Andrei Turchak congratulated supporters at party headquarters on a "clean and honest victory". But Navalny's allies said the vote was being falsified on a massive scale, pointing especially to repeated delays in releasing the results of electronic voting in liberal and opposition-friendly Moscow. "We have rattled their political system. We forced them to either admit defeat or to falsify, in front of everyone, absolutely brazenly, without any shame. To admit moral bankruptcy," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said during a live stream on YouTube. Authorities had taken drastic measures to deter the "Smart Voting" campaign, which provided lists of candidates with the best hope of denying Kremlin-aligned politicians a seat. The campaign's website was shut down and on Friday Apple and Google removed the Smart Voting app from their stores, causing an uproar among the opposition who accused them of giving in to Kremlin "blackmail". Sources familiar with Google and Apple's decision told AFP the move was taken under pressure from Russian authorities, including threats to arrest the tech giants' local staff. The popular Telegram messenger also removed Navalny's Smart Voting bot, and on Sunday Google Docs and YouTube videos containing the lists of recommended candidates were blocked. (With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin's party wins majority in Russian elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin has gone into self-isolation. Putin's inner circle at Kremlin has tested positive for the Wuhan Virus. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus breaches Kremlin

Dozens of people in Vladimir Putin's entourage have tested positive for the coronavirus , the Russian leader said on Thursday, as his country struggles with high infection rates and a vaccine-sceptic population.

Earlier this week, 68-year-old Putin cancelled all in-person events and said he was self-isolating after announcing an outbreak in the Kremlin.

"Cases of the coronavirus were detected in my inner circle. Not just one or two but several dozen people," Putin said, speaking via video link at a meeting of a Moscow-led security alliance.

Putin had been due to attend the meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe in person, but said Tuesday he would instead join remotely.

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday told reporters that the outbreak was mainly among members of Putin's security detail.

He added that "practically everybody" who works with Putin is vaccinated.

While it remains unclear how long Putin will be in quarantine, Peskov said he will be self-isolating for "at least" another week.

News of the extent of the outbreak at the Kremlin comes a day before parliamentary elections open Friday in Russia.

They are staggered over three days to limit the spread of the virus.

Authorities have gone to great lengths to protect Putin— who said he has been vaccinated with Russia's homegrown Sputnik V jab— since the start of the pandemic.

Foreign leaders, journalists and officials have all had to self-isolate before meeting the longtime Russian leader.

Putin this week met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and athletes returning from the Tokyo Paralympic Games, just before the Kremlin said he was self-isolating.

Highest European death toll

Russia has the fifth-highest number of recorded COVID cases, according to an AFP tally, and has struggled to rein in infections despite easy access to vaccines.

According to the latest figures, the country has recorded more than seven million cases and 195,835 deaths, the highest death toll in Europe.

Infections have been falling in recent days after a spike this summer, but health officials still reported 19,594 new cases and 794 new deaths on Thursday.

Authorities have struggled with a vaccine-sceptic population, with independent polls showing that a majority of Russians do not plan to be inoculated.

As of Thursday, about 40.2 million of Russia's 146 million people had been fully vaccinated, according to the Gogov website, which tallies Covid data from the regions.

Russia has several homegrown vaccines freely available to the public, but does not distribute any Western-made jabs.

Sputnik V has been approved in dozens of countries, including European nations, but is still pending approval from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Western regulators.

Moscow, the epicentre of Russia's outbreak, and a host of regions have introduced mandatory vaccination measures to speed up the inoculation drive, and Putin has repeatedly called on Russians to get vaccinated.

The Kremlin initially set a goal of fully inoculating 60 percent of Russia's population by September, but later dropped that target even though free jabs have been available since early December.

Russian authorities have been accused of vastly downplaying the effects of the pandemic and, after a tight first lockdown in 2020, have refrained from introducing new restrictive measures.

Dozens of people in Vladimir Putin's entourage have tested positive for the coronavirus , the Russian leader said on Thursday, as his country struggles with high infection rates and a vaccine-sceptic population.

Dozens of people in Vladimir Putin's entourage have tested positive for the coronavirus , the Russian leader said on Thursday, as his country struggles with high infection rates and a vaccine-sceptic population. Earlier this week, 68-year-old Putin cancelled all in-person events and said he was self-isolating after announcing an outbreak in the Kremlin. "Cases of the coronavirus were detected in my inner circle. Not just one or two but several dozen people," Putin said, speaking via video link at a meeting of a Moscow-led security alliance. Putin had been due to attend the meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe in person, but said Tuesday he would instead join remotely. Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday told reporters that the outbreak was mainly among members of Putin's security detail. He added that "practically everybody" who works with Putin is vaccinated. While it remains unclear how long Putin will be in quarantine, Peskov said he will be self-isolating for "at least" another week. News of the extent of the outbreak at the Kremlin comes a day before parliamentary elections open Friday in Russia. They are staggered over three days to limit the spread of the virus. Authorities have gone to great lengths to protect Putin— who said he has been vaccinated with Russia's homegrown Sputnik V jab— since the start of the pandemic. Foreign leaders, journalists and officials have all had to self-isolate before meeting the longtime Russian leader. Putin this week met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and athletes returning from the Tokyo Paralympic Games, just before the Kremlin said he was self-isolating. Highest European death toll Russia has the fifth-highest number of recorded COVID cases, according to an AFP tally, and has struggled to rein in infections despite easy access to vaccines. According to the latest figures, the country has recorded more than seven million cases and 195,835 deaths, the highest death toll in Europe. Infections have been falling in recent days after a spike this summer, but health officials still reported 19,594 new cases and 794 new deaths on Thursday. Authorities have struggled with a vaccine-sceptic population, with independent polls showing that a majority of Russians do not plan to be inoculated. As of Thursday, about 40.2 million of Russia's 146 million people had been fully vaccinated, according to the Gogov website, which tallies Covid data from the regions. Russia has several homegrown vaccines freely available to the public, but does not distribute any Western-made jabs. Sputnik V has been approved in dozens of countries, including European nations, but is still pending approval from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Western regulators. Moscow, the epicentre of Russia's outbreak, and a host of regions have introduced mandatory vaccination measures to speed up the inoculation drive, and Putin has repeatedly called on Russians to get vaccinated. The Kremlin initially set a goal of fully inoculating 60 percent of Russia's population by September, but later dropped that target even though free jabs have been available since early December. Russian authorities have been accused of vastly downplaying the effects of the pandemic and, after a tight first lockdown in 2020, have refrained from introducing new restrictive measures.

Russian president Vladimir Putin says 'several dozen people' within the Kremlin inner circle have COVID-19 

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend Beijing Olympics in February 2022 as he has accepted an invitation by China, Sergei Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia said on Thursday (September 16).&nbsp;

During a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Tajikistan, Lavrov said, "Putin with delight has accepted the invitation of Xi Jinping to visit the Winter Olympic Games in February 2022."&nbsp;

Lavrov said he hopes Putin and Xi can meet in person and that Russian and Chinese athletes "will once against demonstrate their high sporting and personal qualities", according to the TASS news agency.&nbsp;

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The 2022 Winter Olympics will be held from February 4-20 in China's capital Beijing and in the neighbouring Hebei province.&nbsp;

However, it is important to note that Moscow remains under penalties for state-sponsored doping as Russian athletes are barred from competing at major international events, including the Olympics.&nbsp;

Russian government officials also cannot be issued an Olympic accreditation unless they are invited by the head of state of the host nation.&nbsp;

Russia was banned from international competitions for two years as punishment for state-sponsored doping and its cover-ups at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) handed Russia a four-year ban from top sporting events.&nbsp;

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But those sanctions were relaxed to some extent by a sports arbitration court and were reduced to two years and the athletes who weren't involved in the scandal were able to compete in Olympic competition.&nbsp;

Some Russian athletes are allowed to compete as neutrals under the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) flag and represent the committee. They are not allowed to compete under their own flag, their national anthem won't play after they win.&nbsp;

Russia's participation at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics 2020, which took place this year in August and September, was criticised as more than 300 Russian competitors took part as neutral athletes.

They brought home 20 golds, ranking fifth in the medals tally.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend Beijing Olympics in February 2022 as he has accepted an invitation by China, Sergei Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia said on Thursday (September 16).

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend Beijing Olympics in February 2022 as he has accepted an invitation by China, Sergei Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia said on Thursday (September 16). During a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Tajikistan, Lavrov said, "Putin with delight has accepted the invitation of Xi Jinping to visit the Winter Olympic Games in February 2022." Lavrov said he hopes Putin and Xi can meet in person and that Russian and Chinese athletes "will once against demonstrate their high sporting and personal qualities", according to the TASS news agency. ALSO READ | What is the United Nations General Assembly and what are its functions and responsibilities? The 2022 Winter Olympics will be held from February 4-20 in China's capital Beijing and in the neighbouring Hebei province. However, it is important to note that Moscow remains under penalties for state-sponsored doping as Russian athletes are barred from competing at major international events, including the Olympics. Russian government officials also cannot be issued an Olympic accreditation unless they are invited by the head of state of the host nation. Russia was banned from international competitions for two years as punishment for state-sponsored doping and its cover-ups at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) handed Russia a four-year ban from top sporting events. ALSO READ | UK's Boris Johnson reshuffles his cabinet; Dominic Raab ousted for Afghan crisis But those sanctions were relaxed to some extent by a sports arbitration court and were reduced to two years and the athletes who weren't involved in the scandal were able to compete in Olympic competition. Some Russian athletes are allowed to compete as neutrals under the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) flag and represent the committee. They are not allowed to compete under their own flag, their national anthem won't play after they win. Russia's participation at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics 2020, which took place this year in August and September, was criticised as more than 300 Russian competitors took part as neutral athletes. They brought home 20 golds, ranking fifth in the medals tally. (With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin to attend 2022 Beijing Olympics as Russia remains under penalties for doping

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 13th BRICS summit via video conferencing along with Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs 13th BRICS summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired the 13th annual summit of BRICS leaders via video conferencing. Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the meeting.

13th BRICS Summit: Leaders cover Afghanistan crisis, pandemic in speech

In what can be characterised by many as Russia's first indication of mellowing stance towards the Taliban&nbsp;regime in Afghanistan, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for joint efforts to decide about "legalising" a political force there.

Putin made the comment at a forum in Vladivostok. He was asked if Moscow&nbsp;would recognise the Taliban government.&nbsp;

Taliban is formally recognised as a terrorist group in Russia.

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Soviet Russia had invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Many of the current Talibanis were involved in the resistance against the invading force. The Soviet troops exited Afghanistan in the year 1979. The Taliban soon gained prominence in next decade and became politically influencial which led to them capturing power in the country.

After Taliban's recent power grab in Afghanistan, most of the major countries have gone in wait-and-watch mode. The regime does not enjoy formal recognition all over the world.

Taliban meanwhile <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-is-our-most-important-partner-says-taliban-spokesperson-zabihullah-mujahid-410510">has been making overtures to China</a>. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told an Italian newspaper on Thursday&nbsp;that Taliban would rely on Chinese funding.

Mujahid stated the Taliban will strive for an economic recovery with China's backing in an interview published by La Repubblica on Thursday.

Mujahid claimed that the regime supported China's One Belt One Road initiative.

In what can be characterised by many as Russia's first indication of mellowing stance towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for joint efforts to decide about "legalising" a political force there.

In what can be characterised by many as Russia's first indication of mellowing stance towards the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for joint efforts to decide about "legalising" a political force there. Putin made the comment at a forum in Vladivostok. He was asked if Moscow would recognise the Taliban government. Taliban is formally recognised as a terrorist group in Russia. Also Read | Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to lead new Afghan government: Sources Soviet Russia had invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Many of the current Talibanis were involved in the resistance against the invading force. The Soviet troops exited Afghanistan in the year 1979. The Taliban soon gained prominence in next decade and became politically influencial which led to them capturing power in the country. After Taliban's recent power grab in Afghanistan, most of the major countries have gone in wait-and-watch mode. The regime does not enjoy formal recognition all over the world. Taliban meanwhile has been making overtures to China. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told an Italian newspaper on Thursday that Taliban would rely on Chinese funding. Mujahid stated the Taliban will strive for an economic recovery with China's backing in an interview published by La Repubblica on Thursday. Mujahid claimed that the regime supported China's One Belt One Road initiative.

Must decide about 'legalising' political force in Afghanistan, says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the US military intervention in Afghanistan had achieved nothing but tragedy and loss of life on all sides. He also added that the United States approach in Afghanistan has been deeply flawed.

Vladimir Putin says US foray achieved nothing but loss of life on all sides

Vatican’s Pope Francis criticised the 'forever war' in Afghanistan and blamed west’s two-decade long involvement in it. He expressed his emotions by quoting words of Vladimir Putin, but incorrectly attributed them to the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

During a radio interview on Wednesday, the Pope was questioned about the recent crisis in Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of the South Asian country.

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"It is necessary to put an end to the irresponsible policy of intervening from outside and building democracy in other countries, ignoring the traditions of the peoples," the Pope said.

Pope assumed these words were spoken by German Chancellor Angela Merkel whom he called "one of the world's greatest political figures". However, the words were actually said by Russian President Vladimir Putin when Merkel was visiting Moscow last month.

Putin had said these words on August 20 while criticising the West over its involvement in Afghan crisis. The Russian leader believes that the Western countries have forcefully enforced their own version of democracy but have not been able to help the Afghans appropriately.

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Merkel had then joined his narrative and agreed that the operation has failed to substantiate a proper and democratic future for Afghans, as the Taliban took control of the country.

"We did not want to force any system on Afghanistan," Merkel had said. "But we saw that millions of girls were glad to go to school and that women could participate. There are many in Afghanistan who are very, very unhappy about developments now."

Merkel’s spokesperson has said her stand on the Afghan crisis is well known and has been repeated during recent speech in German Parliament. However, there has been no official statement on the Pope slip-up.

Meanwhile, the radio station has claimed that they had assumed the content was vetted by the Pope himself and his team.

"I don’t know whether there will be a review or not (about what happened during the withdrawal), but certainly there was a lot of deception perhaps on the part of the new (Afghan) authorities," Pope had added. "I say deceit or a lot of naivety."

Vatican’s Pope Francis criticised the 'forever war' in Afghanistan and blamed west’s two-decade long involvement in it. He expressed his emotions by quoting words of Vladimir Putin, but incorrectly attributed them to the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

Vatican’s Pope Francis criticised the 'forever war' in Afghanistan and blamed west’s two-decade long involvement in it. He expressed his emotions by quoting words of Vladimir Putin, but incorrectly attributed them to the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. During a radio interview on Wednesday, the Pope was questioned about the recent crisis in Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of the South Asian country. Also read | Pope Francis takes time out with some Foosball "It is necessary to put an end to the irresponsible policy of intervening from outside and building democracy in other countries, ignoring the traditions of the peoples," the Pope said. Pope assumed these words were spoken by German Chancellor Angela Merkel whom he called "one of the world's greatest political figures". However, the words were actually said by Russian President Vladimir Putin when Merkel was visiting Moscow last month. Putin had said these words on August 20 while criticising the West over its involvement in Afghan crisis. The Russian leader believes that the Western countries have forcefully enforced their own version of democracy but have not been able to help the Afghans appropriately. Also read | Learn to switch off, says Pope Francis after successful surgery Merkel had then joined his narrative and agreed that the operation has failed to substantiate a proper and democratic future for Afghans, as the Taliban took control of the country. "We did not want to force any system on Afghanistan," Merkel had said. "But we saw that millions of girls were glad to go to school and that women could participate. There are many in Afghanistan who are very, very unhappy about developments now." Merkel’s spokesperson has said her stand on the Afghan crisis is well known and has been repeated during recent speech in German Parliament. However, there has been no official statement on the Pope slip-up. Meanwhile, the radio station has claimed that they had assumed the content was vetted by the Pope himself and his team. "I don’t know whether there will be a review or not (about what happened during the withdrawal), but certainly there was a lot of deception perhaps on the part of the new (Afghan) authorities," Pope had added. "I say deceit or a lot of naivety."

Pope quotes Putin on Afghan crisis, attributes it to Germany's Merkel

Russia's internet watchdog said on Thursday that the country has fined Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp for failing to store data of Russian users on local servers. This came amid authorities' clampdown on foreign internet companies.

Moscow's Tagansky district court fined Facebook 15 million rubles ($200,000) and Twitter 17 million rubles for repeat offences, while WhatsApp was handed a four-million-ruble fine for a first-time infraction, the Roskomnadzor watchdog said.

Authorities in Russia are ramping up control of Russian segment of the internet. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already accused western social media of flouting Russian laws.

Passed in 2014, the controversial law requires the personal data of Russian users to be stored on domestic servers.

Twitter and Facebook were first penalised for breaking the law last year, while Google was hit with its first fine last month.

Roskomnadzor said Thursday that some companies have begun complying with the legislation, including Apple, Microsoft, LG Electronics, Samsung, PayPal and Booking.com, among others.&nbsp;

Russia in recent months has been taking increasing legal action against foreign tech giants, in particular for failing to remove content at the request of Roskomnadzor.

During protests in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in January, authorities accused internet platforms of interfering in the country's domestic affairs by not deleting posts calling for minors to join the rallies.

Putin that month complained about the growing influence of large technology companies, which he said were competing with states.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia's internet watchdog said on Thursday that the country has fined Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp for failing to store data of Russian users on local servers.

Russia's internet watchdog said on Thursday that the country has fined Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp for failing to store data of Russian users on local servers. This came amid authorities' clampdown on foreign internet companies. Moscow's Tagansky district court fined Facebook 15 million rubles ($200,000) and Twitter 17 million rubles for repeat offences, while WhatsApp was handed a four-million-ruble fine for a first-time infraction, the Roskomnadzor watchdog said. Authorities in Russia are ramping up control of Russian segment of the internet. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already accused western social media of flouting Russian laws. Passed in 2014, the controversial law requires the personal data of Russian users to be stored on domestic servers. Twitter and Facebook were first penalised for breaking the law last year, while Google was hit with its first fine last month. Roskomnadzor said Thursday that some companies have begun complying with the legislation, including Apple, Microsoft, LG Electronics, Samsung, PayPal and Booking.com, among others. Russia in recent months has been taking increasing legal action against foreign tech giants, in particular for failing to remove content at the request of Roskomnadzor. During protests in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in January, authorities accused internet platforms of interfering in the country's domestic affairs by not deleting posts calling for minors to join the rallies. Putin that month complained about the growing influence of large technology companies, which he said were competing with states. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia fines Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter for breach of law

Russia’s most famous prisoner, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, spends much of his time tidying his cellblock, reading letters and visiting the mess for meals, with porridge often on the menu.

But perhaps the most maddening thing, he suggested, is being forced to watch Russian state TV and selected propaganda films for more than eight hours a day in what the authorities call an “awareness raising” program that has replaced hard labor for political prisoners.

“Reading, writing or doing anything else,” is prohibited, Navalny said of the forced screen time. “You have to sit in a chair and watch TV.” And if an inmate nods off, he said, the guards shout, “Don’t sleep, watch!”

In an interview with The New York Times, his first with a news organization since his arrest in January, Navalny talked about his life in prison, about why Russia has cracked down so hard on the opposition and dissidents, and about his conviction that “Putin’s regime,” as he calls it, is doomed to collapse.

Navalny started a major opposition movement to expose high-level corruption and challenge President Vladimir Putin at the polls. He was imprisoned in March after he returned to Russia from Germany knowing he was facing a parole violation for a conviction in a case seen as politically motivated. As was well chronicled at the time, he was out of the country to receive medical treatment after being poisoned by Russian agents with the chemical weapon Novichok, according to Western governments.

Navalny has not been entirely mute since his incarceration in Penal Colony No. 2, just east of Moscow. Through his lawyers, who visit him regularly, he has sent out occasional social media posts.

Nor is he being actively muzzled by the Kremlin. When asked about Navalny’s social media presence on Tuesday, Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said that it was “not our business” if Navalny spoke out.

But the written exchange of questions and answers covering 54 handwritten pages is by far his most comprehensive and wide-ranging account.

In today’s Russia, Navalny made clear, hours spent watching state television and movies chosen by the warden are the experience of a political prisoner, a status Amnesty International has assigned to Navalny. Gone are the shifts of heavy labor in mining or forestry and the harrying by criminals and guards alike that was the hallmark of the Soviet gulag for political prisoners.

“You might imagine tattooed muscle men with steel teeth carrying on with knife fights to take the best cot by the window,” Navalny said. “You need to imagine something like a Chinese labor camp, where everybody marches in a line and where video cameras are hung everywhere. There is constant control and a culture of snitching.”

Despite his circumstances, Navalny was upbeat about Russia’s future prospects, and he outlined his strategy for achieving political change through the electoral system even in an authoritarian state.

“The Putin regime is an historical accident, not an inevitability,” he wrote, adding, “It was the choice of the corrupt Yeltsin family,” a reference to former President Boris Yeltsin’s appointment of Putin as acting president in December 1999. “Sooner or later, this mistake will be fixed, and Russia will move on to a democratic, European path of development. Simply because that is what the people want.”

As he has before, Navalny criticized Europe and the United States for the economic sanctions it has imposed on Russia for its meddling abroad and its repression of dissidents, including Navalny. He said sanctions harmed ordinary Russians and risked alienating a broad constituency inside Russia that is a natural ally.

Sanctions, he said, should target only the top oligarchs who prop up Putin’s government, instead of the dozens of largely obscure figures who have been hit so far. The truly powerful have largely avoided sanctions, he said, by retaining “an army of lawyers, lobbyists and bankers, fighting for the right of owners of dirty and bloody money to remain unpunished.”

Through the 20th century and earlier, prison in Russia was a crucible that forged or broke dissidents and writers, molded leaders and crushed pluralistic politics.

The modern experience of a Russian political prisoner, Navalny said, is mostly “psychological violence,” with mind-numbing screen time playing a big role.

Navalny described five daily sessions of television watching for inmates, the first starting immediately after morning calisthenics, breakfast and sweeping the yard.

After some free time, there’s a two-hour spell in front of the screen, lunch, then more screen time, dinner, and then more TV time in the evening. During one afternoon session, playing chess or backgammon is an acceptable alternative.

“We watch films about the Great Patriotic War,” Navalny said, referring to World War II, “or how one day, 40 years ago, our athletes defeated the Americans or Canadians.”

During these sessions, he said, “I most clearly understand the essence of the ideology of the Putin regime: The present and the future are being substituted with the past — the truly heroic past, or embellished past, or completely fictional past. All sorts of past must constantly be in the spotlight to displace thoughts about the future and questions about the present.”

The approach of lengthy, enforced television watching, while taken to extremes at Penal Colony No. 2, is not unique to the site, where inmates in politically hued cases have been incarcerated before.

It sprang from a penal reform in Russia begun in 2010 to boost guards’ control over inmates through their day and to reduce the sway of prison gangs. The intent is not so much brainwashing as control, experts on the Russian prison system say.

“Everything is organized so that I am under maximum control 24 hours a day,” Navalny said. He said he had not been assaulted or threatened by fellow inmates but estimated that about one-third were what are known in Russian prisons as “activists,” those who serve as informants to the warden.

(BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.)

During his first weeks in the penal colony, Navalny’s limbs numbed, either from lingering effects of the nerve agent poisoning or from a back injury from riding in a prison van. He also went on a 24-day hunger strike, raising alarms about his health.

His neurological symptoms eased when guards stopped waking him hourly at night, ostensibly to ensure he wasn’t plotting an escape.

“I now understand why sleep deprivation is one of the favorite tortures of the special services,” he said. “No traces remain, and it’s impossible to tolerate.”

He said that he gets along well with other inmates and that they sometimes cook snacks in a microwave.

“When we cook, I always remember the classic scene from ‘Goodfellas’ when the mafia bosses cook pasta in a prison cell,” he said. “Unfortunately, we don’t have such a cool pot, and pasta is forbidden. Still, it’s fun.”

(END OPTIONAL TRIM.)

Navalny, 45, conceded that he has struggled to remain visible in Russian politics through a tumultuous period as the government has clamped down on the opposition and the news media.

The protests that erupted after disputed Belarusian elections last year spooked the Kremlin, he suggested. The Putin government’s other worry, he said, was the electoral strategy he has devised and calls “smart voting.”

Under the strategy, Navalny’s organization endorses the candidates it thinks have a chance of winning in regional and parliamentary elections, which will be held next month.

The Kremlin was so concerned about the upcoming elections, he said, that it engineered a crackdown this year not just on his group and other activists but on moderate opposition politicians, civil society groups and independent news media outlets like Meduza, Proekt and Dozhd television.

Navalny suggested that while the crackdown may prove to be a tactical success for Putin, it may also be a long-term liability.

“Putin solved his tactical question: not allowing us to take away the majority in the Duma,” Navalny said, speaking of the Russian Parliament’s lower house. “But to achieve this, he had to completely change the political system, to shift to a principally different, far harsher level of authoritarianism.”

Navalny suggested the move underscored a principal weakness of Putin’s political system. While leftists and nationalists are represented by parties loyal to Putin, there is no stable, pro-Kremlin center-right party representing the country’s emerging middle class of relatively prosperous, city-dwelling Russians.

“Opposition exists in Russia not because Alexei Navalny or somebody else commands it from a headquarters,” Navalny said, “but because about 30% of the country — mostly the educated, urban population — doesn’t have political representation.”

When what he called the reactionary anomaly of Putin’s rule fades, Russia will revert to democratic governance, Navalny said. “We are specific, like any nation, but we are Europe. We are the West.” 
&nbsp;

Russia’s most famous prisoner, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, spends much of his time tidying his cellblock, reading letters and visiting the mess for meals, with porridge often on the menu.

Russia’s most famous prisoner, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, spends much of his time tidying his cellblock, reading letters and visiting the mess for meals, with porridge often on the menu. But perhaps the most maddening thing, he suggested, is being forced to watch Russian state TV and selected propaganda films for more than eight hours a day in what the authorities call an “awareness raising” program that has replaced hard labor for political prisoners. “Reading, writing or doing anything else,” is prohibited, Navalny said of the forced screen time. “You have to sit in a chair and watch TV.” And if an inmate nods off, he said, the guards shout, “Don’t sleep, watch!” In an interview with The New York Times, his first with a news organization since his arrest in January, Navalny talked about his life in prison, about why Russia has cracked down so hard on the opposition and dissidents, and about his conviction that “Putin’s regime,” as he calls it, is doomed to collapse. Navalny started a major opposition movement to expose high-level corruption and challenge President Vladimir Putin at the polls. He was imprisoned in March after he returned to Russia from Germany knowing he was facing a parole violation for a conviction in a case seen as politically motivated. As was well chronicled at the time, he was out of the country to receive medical treatment after being poisoned by Russian agents with the chemical weapon Novichok, according to Western governments. Navalny has not been entirely mute since his incarceration in Penal Colony No. 2, just east of Moscow. Through his lawyers, who visit him regularly, he has sent out occasional social media posts. Nor is he being actively muzzled by the Kremlin. When asked about Navalny’s social media presence on Tuesday, Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said that it was “not our business” if Navalny spoke out. But the written exchange of questions and answers covering 54 handwritten pages is by far his most comprehensive and wide-ranging account. In today’s Russia, Navalny made clear, hours spent watching state television and movies chosen by the warden are the experience of a political prisoner, a status Amnesty International has assigned to Navalny. Gone are the shifts of heavy labor in mining or forestry and the harrying by criminals and guards alike that was the hallmark of the Soviet gulag for political prisoners. “You might imagine tattooed muscle men with steel teeth carrying on with knife fights to take the best cot by the window,” Navalny said. “You need to imagine something like a Chinese labor camp, where everybody marches in a line and where video cameras are hung everywhere. There is constant control and a culture of snitching.” Despite his circumstances, Navalny was upbeat about Russia’s future prospects, and he outlined his strategy for achieving political change through the electoral system even in an authoritarian state. “The Putin regime is an historical accident, not an inevitability,” he wrote, adding, “It was the choice of the corrupt Yeltsin family,” a reference to former President Boris Yeltsin’s appointment of Putin as acting president in December 1999. “Sooner or later, this mistake will be fixed, and Russia will move on to a democratic, European path of development. Simply because that is what the people want.” As he has before, Navalny criticized Europe and the United States for the economic sanctions it has imposed on Russia for its meddling abroad and its repression of dissidents, including Navalny. He said sanctions harmed ordinary Russians and risked alienating a broad constituency inside Russia that is a natural ally. Sanctions, he said, should target only the top oligarchs who prop up Putin’s government, instead of the dozens of largely obscure figures who have been hit so far. The truly powerful have largely avoided sanctions, he said, by retaining “an army of lawyers, lobbyists and bankers, fighting for the right of owners of dirty and bloody money to remain unpunished.” Through the 20th century and earlier, prison in Russia was a crucible that forged or broke dissidents and writers, molded leaders and crushed pluralistic politics. The modern experience of a Russian political prisoner, Navalny said, is mostly “psychological violence,” with mind-numbing screen time playing a big role. Navalny described five daily sessions of television watching for inmates, the first starting immediately after morning calisthenics, breakfast and sweeping the yard. After some free time, there’s a two-hour spell in front of the screen, lunch, then more screen time, dinner, and then more TV time in the evening. During one afternoon session, playing chess or backgammon is an acceptable alternative. “We watch films about the Great Patriotic War,” Navalny said, referring to World War II, “or how one day, 40 years ago, our athletes defeated the Americans or Canadians.” During these sessions, he said, “I most clearly understand the essence of the ideology of the Putin regime: The present and the future are being substituted with the past — the truly heroic past, or embellished past, or completely fictional past. All sorts of past must constantly be in the spotlight to displace thoughts about the future and questions about the present.” The approach of lengthy, enforced television watching, while taken to extremes at Penal Colony No. 2, is not unique to the site, where inmates in politically hued cases have been incarcerated before. It sprang from a penal reform in Russia begun in 2010 to boost guards’ control over inmates through their day and to reduce the sway of prison gangs. The intent is not so much brainwashing as control, experts on the Russian prison system say. “Everything is organized so that I am under maximum control 24 hours a day,” Navalny said. He said he had not been assaulted or threatened by fellow inmates but estimated that about one-third were what are known in Russian prisons as “activists,” those who serve as informants to the warden. (BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.) During his first weeks in the penal colony, Navalny’s limbs numbed, either from lingering effects of the nerve agent poisoning or from a back injury from riding in a prison van. He also went on a 24-day hunger strike, raising alarms about his health. His neurological symptoms eased when guards stopped waking him hourly at night, ostensibly to ensure he wasn’t plotting an escape. “I now understand why sleep deprivation is one of the favorite tortures of the special services,” he said. “No traces remain, and it’s impossible to tolerate.” He said that he gets along well with other inmates and that they sometimes cook snacks in a microwave. “When we cook, I always remember the classic scene from ‘Goodfellas’ when the mafia bosses cook pasta in a prison cell,” he said. “Unfortunately, we don’t have such a cool pot, and pasta is forbidden. Still, it’s fun.” (END OPTIONAL TRIM.) Navalny, 45, conceded that he has struggled to remain visible in Russian politics through a tumultuous period as the government has clamped down on the opposition and the news media. The protests that erupted after disputed Belarusian elections last year spooked the Kremlin, he suggested. The Putin government’s other worry, he said, was the electoral strategy he has devised and calls “smart voting.” Under the strategy, Navalny’s organization endorses the candidates it thinks have a chance of winning in regional and parliamentary elections, which will be held next month. The Kremlin was so concerned about the upcoming elections, he said, that it engineered a crackdown this year not just on his group and other activists but on moderate opposition politicians, civil society groups and independent news media outlets like Meduza, Proekt and Dozhd television. Navalny suggested that while the crackdown may prove to be a tactical success for Putin, it may also be a long-term liability. “Putin solved his tactical question: not allowing us to take away the majority in the Duma,” Navalny said, speaking of the Russian Parliament’s lower house. “But to achieve this, he had to completely change the political system, to shift to a principally different, far harsher level of authoritarianism.” Navalny suggested the move underscored a principal weakness of Putin’s political system. While leftists and nationalists are represented by parties loyal to Putin, there is no stable, pro-Kremlin center-right party representing the country’s emerging middle class of relatively prosperous, city-dwelling Russians. “Opposition exists in Russia not because Alexei Navalny or somebody else commands it from a headquarters,” Navalny said, “but because about 30% of the country — mostly the educated, urban population — doesn’t have political representation.” When what he called the reactionary anomaly of Putin’s rule fades, Russia will revert to democratic governance, Navalny said. “We are specific, like any nation, but we are Europe. We are the West.”

In first interview from jail, an upbeat Navalny discusses prison life

Four Russian military planes evacuated Russian and other nationals from Kabul on Wednesday on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, as Moscow held military exercises involving its tank forces in neighbouring Tajikistan.

The flights mark a shift in Russia's stance on Afghanistan. Its ambassador to Kabul had previously praised the Taliban's conduct and said the group, still officially designated a terrorist organisation in Russia, had made Kabul safer in the first 24 hours than it had been under the previous authorities.

But the Kremlin said on Wednesday that the situation was very tense and, citing the presence of Islamic State in Afghanistan as well as the Taliban, said that the terrorist threat was "very high."

The Russian defence ministry said it was evacuating more than 500 people from Afghanistan, including Russians and citizens of Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.

The US&nbsp;exit from Afghanistan is a security headache for Moscow, which sees former Soviet Central Asia as part of its southern defensive flank and fears the spread of radical Islamism.

Moscow has reinforced its base in Tajikistan where it is holding a month of exercises.

It says it has learnt the lessons of the Soviet Union's failed intervention in Afghanistan in the 1980s and will not deploy its armed forces there.

On Wednesday, its defence ministry said it had deployed a number of T-72 tanks to Tajikistan's mountains which had practiced firing at long-range moving targets, the Interfax news agency reported.

The Russian government plans to request flights out of Afghanistan in September for Afghan students who are planning to study in Russia, the embassy said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

An Afghan diaspora leader told Russia's RIA news agency on Wednesday that Russian authorities would allow around 1,000 Afghans to come to Russia.

The diaspora leader, Ghulam Mohammad Jalal, said Afghans with Russian passports, residency rights, work visas and those studying in Russia would be allowed in once flights were available.

Four Russian military planes evacuated Russian and other nationals from Kabul on Wednesday on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, as Moscow held military exercises involving its tank forces in neighbouring Tajikistan.

Four Russian military planes evacuated Russian and other nationals from Kabul on Wednesday on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, as Moscow held military exercises involving its tank forces in neighbouring Tajikistan. The flights mark a shift in Russia's stance on Afghanistan. Its ambassador to Kabul had previously praised the Taliban's conduct and said the group, still officially designated a terrorist organisation in Russia, had made Kabul safer in the first 24 hours than it had been under the previous authorities. But the Kremlin said on Wednesday that the situation was very tense and, citing the presence of Islamic State in Afghanistan as well as the Taliban, said that the terrorist threat was "very high." The Russian defence ministry said it was evacuating more than 500 people from Afghanistan, including Russians and citizens of Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. The US exit from Afghanistan is a security headache for Moscow, which sees former Soviet Central Asia as part of its southern defensive flank and fears the spread of radical Islamism. Moscow has reinforced its base in Tajikistan where it is holding a month of exercises. It says it has learnt the lessons of the Soviet Union's failed intervention in Afghanistan in the 1980s and will not deploy its armed forces there. On Wednesday, its defence ministry said it had deployed a number of T-72 tanks to Tajikistan's mountains which had practiced firing at long-range moving targets, the Interfax news agency reported. The Russian government plans to request flights out of Afghanistan in September for Afghan students who are planning to study in Russia, the embassy said on Tuesday. An Afghan diaspora leader told Russia's RIA news agency on Wednesday that Russian authorities would allow around 1,000 Afghans to come to Russia. The diaspora leader, Ghulam Mohammad Jalal, said Afghans with Russian passports, residency rights, work visas and those studying in Russia would be allowed in once flights were available.

Russia flies nationals out of Afghanistan on Vladimir Putin's orders

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. "Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan. We also discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including India-Russia cooperation against COVID-19," PM Modi tweeted.

Indian PM Modi talks to Russian President Putin on Afghanistan crisis

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday declared USD 135 for pensioners in an apparent bid to drum up support ahead of next month's parliamentary elections. It is considered that Putin's ruling United Russia Party may struggle.

Putin has already announced many social spendings aimed at acting as sweetener in the election season. Rising prices and falling wages have dented United Russia's ratings.

As per a statement by the Kremlin, Putin has ordered payments of 10,000 rubles (USD 135). The payment will be handed out in September. This effectively doubles the monthly state pension.&nbsp;

In a meeting with United Russia officials on Sunday, Putin said that pensioners had been hit hardest by this year's soaring inflation.&nbsp;

Annual inflation in Russia has reached 6.5 per cent. The central bank in June hiked key interest rate to the same figure. This is the biggest increase since 2014 currency crisis.

Putin on Sunday also proposed giving 15,000-ruble bonuses to military staff.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-want-afghan-militants-in-russia-says-putin-407630">Don’t want Afghan militants in Russia, says Putin</a>

In June he promised to spend billions on repairing roads and developing public transport, infrastructure and healthcare.&nbsp;

United Russia's ratings started falling steeply in 2018 after the government passed a controversial pension reform plan that raised the retirement age.

The move came as Russia's economy had been stagnating, battered by waves of Western sanctions after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.&nbsp;

Ahead of next month's election, United Russia is polling around 30 percent, according to state-run pollster VTsIOM -- a 10-point drop from the last lower house elections in 2016.

The party currently controls 75 percent of seats in the State Duma, with the rest held by parties widely seen as doing the Kremlin's bidding.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday declared USD 135 for pensioners in an apparent bid to drum up support ahead of next month's parliamentary elections. It is considered that Putin's ruling United Russia Party may struggle.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday declared USD 135 for pensioners in an apparent bid to drum up support ahead of next month's parliamentary elections. It is considered that Putin's ruling United Russia Party may struggle. Putin has already announced many social spendings aimed at acting as sweetener in the election season. Rising prices and falling wages have dented United Russia's ratings. As per a statement by the Kremlin, Putin has ordered payments of 10,000 rubles (USD 135). The payment will be handed out in September. This effectively doubles the monthly state pension. In a meeting with United Russia officials on Sunday, Putin said that pensioners had been hit hardest by this year's soaring inflation. Annual inflation in Russia has reached 6.5 per cent. The central bank in June hiked key interest rate to the same figure. This is the biggest increase since 2014 currency crisis. Putin on Sunday also proposed giving 15,000-ruble bonuses to military staff. Also Read: Don’t want Afghan militants in Russia, says Putin In June he promised to spend billions on repairing roads and developing public transport, infrastructure and healthcare. United Russia's ratings started falling steeply in 2018 after the government passed a controversial pension reform plan that raised the retirement age. The move came as Russia's economy had been stagnating, battered by waves of Western sanctions after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014. Ahead of next month's election, United Russia is polling around 30 percent, according to state-run pollster VTsIOM -- a 10-point drop from the last lower house elections in 2016. The party currently controls 75 percent of seats in the State Duma, with the rest held by parties widely seen as doing the Kremlin's bidding. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin declares cash payments for pensioners ahead of polls

Russian Presideny Vladimir Putin on Sunday rejected the idea of sending Afghan refugees and evacuees to central Asian nations. He indicated that such a move would be a threat to Moscow and he did not want "militants showing up here under cover of refugees",&nbsp; Russian news agencies reported.

Central Asian nations were formerly part of Soviet Russia and the area is still considered to be a Russian backyard.

Putin criticised the idea floated by some Western countries to relocate refugees from Afghanistan to neighbouring Central Asian countries while their visas to the United States and Europe are being processed.

"Does that mean that they can be sent without visas to those countries, to our neighbours, while they themselves (the West) don't want to take them without visas?" TASS news agency quoted Putin as telling leaders of the ruling United Russia party.&nbsp;"Why is there such a humiliating approach to solving the problem?"&nbsp;

The United States reportedly held secret talks with a number of countries in a desperate attempt to secure deals to temporarily house at-risk Afghans who worked for the US government, Reuters reported last week.

Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) is due to discuss Afghanistan on Monday (August 23). CSTO is a military alliance of ex-Soviet republics led by Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Presideny Vladimir Putin on Sunday rejected the idea of sending Afghan refugees and evacuees to central Asian nations. He indicated that such a move would be a threat to Moscow and he did not want "militants showing up here under cover of refugees", Russian news agencies reported.

Russian Presideny Vladimir Putin on Sunday rejected the idea of sending Afghan refugees and evacuees to central Asian nations. He indicated that such a move would be a threat to Moscow and he did not want "militants showing up here under cover of refugees", Russian news agencies reported. Central Asian nations were formerly part of Soviet Russia and the area is still considered to be a Russian backyard. Putin criticised the idea floated by some Western countries to relocate refugees from Afghanistan to neighbouring Central Asian countries while their visas to the United States and Europe are being processed. "Does that mean that they can be sent without visas to those countries, to our neighbours, while they themselves (the West) don't want to take them without visas?" TASS news agency quoted Putin as telling leaders of the ruling United Russia party. "Why is there such a humiliating approach to solving the problem?" The United States reportedly held secret talks with a number of countries in a desperate attempt to secure deals to temporarily house at-risk Afghans who worked for the US government, Reuters reported last week. Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) is due to discuss Afghanistan on Monday (August 23). CSTO is a military alliance of ex-Soviet republics led by Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin against sending Afghan refugees to central Asian countries

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday began talks with President Vladimir Putin in a historic meet that marks end of an era. This is Merkel's last Russia visit as Germany's chancellor.

She is due to step down after elections this September.

The meet&nbsp;marks end of an era as Merkel, who is from East Germany, meets Putin who was stationed in Dresden&nbsp;during his time as a KGB agent. Both&nbsp;Merkel and Putin speak each other's language fluently.

Putin is the only G-20 leader still around since Merkel took over Germany's top job.&nbsp;

The Russian leader has been described by foes and fans alike as both arrogant and charming.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-spy-faces-investigation-after-she-falls-in-love-with-her-subject-407233">Russian spy faces investigation after she falls in love with her subject</a>

Relations between two of Europe's longest serving leaders soured in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, drawing broad condemnation and sanctions from the West.

Friday's talks coincide with the first anniversary of the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, an incident that severely strained Russia-Germany ties.

Putin gave Merkel flowers before the talks and said he expected a substantive meeting despite it being a "farewell" visit.

Merkel said the two had differences of opinion but that it was important to talk. She said she wanted to discuss Afghanistan as well as the situation in Russia with civil society and non-governmental organisations, some of which have been outlawed in a pre-election crackdown.

A news conference is expected at around 1300 GMT.

The anniversary of the poisoning of Navalny, Putin's most vocal domestic critic, is likely to loom large at their talks.

Navalny was flown to Germany last year after being poisoned with what the West concluded was a military nerve agent. Moscow rejects that and alleges a Western smear campaign. Navalny was jailed when he flew back to Russia.

In a letter to mark the anniversary published in three European newspapers on Friday, Navalny appealed to the West to do more to combat corruption in countries like Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday began talks with President Vladimir Putin in a historic meet that marks end of an era. This is Merkel's last Russia visit as Germany's chancellor.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday began talks with President Vladimir Putin in a historic meet that marks end of an era. This is Merkel's last Russia visit as Germany's chancellor. She is due to step down after elections this September. The meet marks end of an era as Merkel, who is from East Germany, meets Putin who was stationed in Dresden during his time as a KGB agent. Both Merkel and Putin speak each other's language fluently. Putin is the only G-20 leader still around since Merkel took over Germany's top job. The Russian leader has been described by foes and fans alike as both arrogant and charming. Also Read | Russian spy faces investigation after she falls in love with her subject Relations between two of Europe's longest serving leaders soured in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, drawing broad condemnation and sanctions from the West. Friday's talks coincide with the first anniversary of the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, an incident that severely strained Russia-Germany ties. Putin gave Merkel flowers before the talks and said he expected a substantive meeting despite it being a "farewell" visit. Merkel said the two had differences of opinion but that it was important to talk. She said she wanted to discuss Afghanistan as well as the situation in Russia with civil society and non-governmental organisations, some of which have been outlawed in a pre-election crackdown. A news conference is expected at around 1300 GMT. The anniversary of the poisoning of Navalny, Putin's most vocal domestic critic, is likely to loom large at their talks. Navalny was flown to Germany last year after being poisoned with what the West concluded was a military nerve agent. Moscow rejects that and alleges a Western smear campaign. Navalny was jailed when he flew back to Russia. In a letter to mark the anniversary published in three European newspapers on Friday, Navalny appealed to the West to do more to combat corruption in countries like Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Angela Merkel meets Vladimir Putin one last time, marks end of an era

Following the Siberia wild fires and several other natural disasters around Russia, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has raised an alert on the "unprecedented"&nbsp;incidents.

As Siberia fights forest fires, Putin said the amount and scale of natural disasters that have hit Russia this year has been "absolutely unprecedented". He urged everyone to work together claiming it is "important" to work on climate change "systematically".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-areas-in-japan-issue-evacuation-alert-after-floods-and-landslides-405378" hreflang="en">Several areas in Japan issue evacuation alert after floods and landslides</a>

"In the south (of Russia), the monthly norm of rainfall now falls in a few hours and in the Far East on the contrary, forest fires in drought conditions are spreading rapidly," Putin said.

In the video conference, he urged the concerned authorities to quickly ready their plans for the evacuation of locals living in the fire-affected areas. He has also suggested economic assistance, including the rebuilding of houses, for everyone who has suffered a loss in these forest fires.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-is-a-hammer-hitting-us-on-the-head-developing-nations-say-405011" hreflang="en">Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say</a>

While Siberia and southern Russia suffers from natural disasters every year, the intensity has been getting worse with every year. Russian scientists have said climate change is the main reason behind these forest fires and floods that are affecting thousands of people in Russia and Siberia every year.

Meanwhile, Russia has initiated a national response centre and has deployed more firefighters to help Siberia put out the forest fires, which has already burned more than 9.4 million hectares&nbsp;in the country.

Following the Siberia wild fires and several other natural disasters around Russia, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has raised an alert on the "unprecedented" incidents.

Following the Siberia wild fires and several other natural disasters around Russia, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has raised an alert on the "unprecedented" incidents. As Siberia fights forest fires, Putin said the amount and scale of natural disasters that have hit Russia this year has been "absolutely unprecedented". He urged everyone to work together claiming it is "important" to work on climate change "systematically". Also read | Several areas in Japan issue evacuation alert after floods and landslides "In the south (of Russia), the monthly norm of rainfall now falls in a few hours and in the Far East on the contrary, forest fires in drought conditions are spreading rapidly," Putin said. In the video conference, he urged the concerned authorities to quickly ready their plans for the evacuation of locals living in the fire-affected areas. He has also suggested economic assistance, including the rebuilding of houses, for everyone who has suffered a loss in these forest fires. Also read | Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say While Siberia and southern Russia suffers from natural disasters every year, the intensity has been getting worse with every year. Russian scientists have said climate change is the main reason behind these forest fires and floods that are affecting thousands of people in Russia and Siberia every year. Meanwhile, Russia has initiated a national response centre and has deployed more firefighters to help Siberia put out the forest fires, which has already burned more than 9.4 million hectares in the country.

Putin says natural disasters in Russia are "unprecedented"

Russia&nbsp;on Thursday arrested the head of a research institute specialising in hypersonics technologies on charges of treason, Russian news agencies reported.&nbsp;

The latest arrest of a scientist suspected of treason comes as&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has jumped out in front of other major world powers in the race to develop a range of new hypersonic weapons that President Vladimir Putin has dubbed "invincible".

Such weapons deliver projectiles at multiple times the speed of sound, that can manoeuvre in flight and are difficult to evade or counter using conventional means.

Citing security services sources, the Interfax and TASS news agencies reported that hypersonics scientist Alexander Kuranov was arrested during a special operation by the FSB domestic intelligence agency.

Kuranov was remanded in custody until October 9 pending trial, Moscow's Lefortovsky district court press office said.

Kuranov, 73, is accused of passing "secret information" related to his research to a "foreign citizen". The state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported that beyond this, the details of the case will not be made public.&nbsp;

Treason cases in&nbsp;Russia, which carry charges of 12 to 20 years behind bars, are typically classified.

Kuranov heads the Research and Development Enterprise of Hypersonic Systems based in&nbsp;Russia's second city of Saint Petersburg.

According to a biography posted on the company's website, Kuranov is the author of more than 120 scientific papers and leads research on hypersonic technologies.

It adds that he "takes part in international associations" and "conducts works on the purchase orders of many countries around the world".

Last month&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;successfully tested the Zircon, a ship-launched hypersonic missile travelling at seven times the speed of sound.&nbsp;

If more tests are successful, the missile will join Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles and the air-launched Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles in&nbsp;Russia's arsenal of hypersonic weapons.&nbsp;

There is no evidence, however, that Kuranov took part in the development of the missiles.

His case is the latest in a wide range involving Russian scientists who have been accused of high treason or disclosing state secrets in recent years.

In April,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;arrested a physics professor, Valery Golubkin, on suspicion of treason, who was mainly employed by the Zhukovsky Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI).

Another employee of TsAGI, Anatoly Gubanov, was arrested in December on suspicion of treason for having allegedly handed over classified information to the West.

The physicist specialised in hypersonic aircraft.

Russia on Thursday arrested the head of a research institute specialising in hypersonics technologies on charges of treason, Russian news agencies reported. The latest arrest of a scientist suspected of treason comes as Russia has jumped out in front of other major world powers in the race to develop a range of new hypersonic weapons that President Vladimir Putin has dubbed "invincible".

Russia on Thursday arrested the head of a research institute specialising in hypersonics technologies on charges of treason, Russian news agencies reported. The latest arrest of a scientist suspected of treason comes as Russia has jumped out in front of other major world powers in the race to develop a range of new hypersonic weapons that President Vladimir Putin has dubbed "invincible". Such weapons deliver projectiles at multiple times the speed of sound, that can manoeuvre in flight and are difficult to evade or counter using conventional means. Citing security services sources, the Interfax and TASS news agencies reported that hypersonics scientist Alexander Kuranov was arrested during a special operation by the FSB domestic intelligence agency. Kuranov was remanded in custody until October 9 pending trial, Moscow's Lefortovsky district court press office said. Kuranov, 73, is accused of passing "secret information" related to his research to a "foreign citizen". The state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported that beyond this, the details of the case will not be made public. Treason cases in Russia, which carry charges of 12 to 20 years behind bars, are typically classified. Kuranov heads the Research and Development Enterprise of Hypersonic Systems based in Russia's second city of Saint Petersburg. According to a biography posted on the company's website, Kuranov is the author of more than 120 scientific papers and leads research on hypersonic technologies. It adds that he "takes part in international associations" and "conducts works on the purchase orders of many countries around the world". Last month Russia successfully tested the Zircon, a ship-launched hypersonic missile travelling at seven times the speed of sound. If more tests are successful, the missile will join Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles and the air-launched Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles in Russia's arsenal of hypersonic weapons. There is no evidence, however, that Kuranov took part in the development of the missiles. His case is the latest in a wide range involving Russian scientists who have been accused of high treason or disclosing state secrets in recent years. In April, Russia arrested a physics professor, Valery Golubkin, on suspicion of treason, who was mainly employed by the Zhukovsky Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI). Another employee of TsAGI, Anatoly Gubanov, was arrested in December on suspicion of treason for having allegedly handed over classified information to the West. The physicist specialised in hypersonic aircraft.

Russia arrests hypersonics scientist suspected of treason

Russian President Vladimir Putin will join the open debate on maritime security that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over on Monday at the U.N. Security Council.

Russian President Putin will join PM Modi in the open debate on maritime security

Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting that will be chaired by Indian PM Narendra Modi on Monday. The meet will be on Maritime Security and begins at 5:30 pm IST. The meet happens at a time when India is the President of the council and will be deciding the agenda of the high table.

"V.V. Putin will participate in a video conference within the framework of the UN Security Council on the subject of ‘Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case for International Cooperation.'&nbsp;The event is held at the initiative of Narendra Modi, the prime minister of the Republic of India which chairs the UN Security Council in August of this year," Kremlin press service said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-miffed-by-unsc-meet-over-afghanistan-rants-against-kabul-403944">Pakistan miffed by UNSC meet over Afghanistan; Rants against Kabul&nbsp;</a>

The participation of the Russian president shows Moscow's backing to the India-led initiative and the close relationship between both countries. Russia is a permanent member of the council — P5 and has been coordinating with New Delhi since it took a seat at the high table. India is a non-permanent member of the UNSC for a two-year term which started on January 01, 2021.

Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to preside over a UN Security Council Open Debate. The meet will see several Heads of State and Government participating, including the President of Congo. The meeting will focus on finding ways to counter maritime crime and insecurity, and strengthening coordination in the maritime domain.

A ministry of external affairs release said, "this will be the first time that maritime security will be discussed in a holistic manner as an exclusive agenda item in such a high-level open debate". The release explained, "given that no country alone can address the diverse aspects of maritime security, it is important to consider this subject in a holistic manner in the United Nations Security Council."

In the past, India has been coming out with policies on the issue. In 2015, India put forth the vision of 'Security and Growth for all in the Region' (SAGAR).

At the East Asia Summit in 2019, India announced Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative (IPOI) in which countries such as France and Australia have also joined. IPOI has seven pillars of maritime security which are Maritime Ecology,&nbsp;Maritime Resources, Capacity Building and Resource Sharing, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation and Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting that will be chaired by Indian PM Narendra Modi on Monday. The meet will be on Maritime Security and begins at 5:30 pm IST.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting that will be chaired by Indian PM Narendra Modi on Monday. The meet will be on Maritime Security and begins at 5:30 pm IST. The meet happens at a time when India is the President of the council and will be deciding the agenda of the high table. "V.V. Putin will participate in a video conference within the framework of the UN Security Council on the subject of ‘Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case for International Cooperation.' The event is held at the initiative of Narendra Modi, the prime minister of the Republic of India which chairs the UN Security Council in August of this year," Kremlin press service said in a statement. Also read | Pakistan miffed by UNSC meet over Afghanistan; Rants against Kabul The participation of the Russian president shows Moscow's backing to the India-led initiative and the close relationship between both countries. Russia is a permanent member of the council — P5 and has been coordinating with New Delhi since it took a seat at the high table. India is a non-permanent member of the UNSC for a two-year term which started on January 01, 2021. Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to preside over a UN Security Council Open Debate. The meet will see several Heads of State and Government participating, including the President of Congo. The meeting will focus on finding ways to counter maritime crime and insecurity, and strengthening coordination in the maritime domain. A ministry of external affairs release said, "this will be the first time that maritime security will be discussed in a holistic manner as an exclusive agenda item in such a high-level open debate". The release explained, "given that no country alone can address the diverse aspects of maritime security, it is important to consider this subject in a holistic manner in the United Nations Security Council." In the past, India has been coming out with policies on the issue. In 2015, India put forth the vision of 'Security and Growth for all in the Region' (SAGAR). At the East Asia Summit in 2019, India announced Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative (IPOI) in which countries such as France and Australia have also joined. IPOI has seven pillars of maritime security which are Maritime Ecology, Maritime Resources, Capacity Building and Resource Sharing, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation and Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport.

Russian President Putin to Participate at the UNSC meet chaired by PM Modi

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday accused Russia of seeking to disrupt 2022 elections by disseminating "misinformation". His statement came as he visited office of the director of national intelligence near Washington.

"Look at what Russia is doing already about the 2022 elections and misinformation," Biden said

"It's a pure violation of our sovereignty."

Biden also lashed out at Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin has "a real problem, he is sitting on top of an economy that has nuclear weapons and nothing else," Biden said. "He knows he is in real trouble, which makes him even more dangerous in my view."

Biden expressed concern about the recent increase in cyberattacks, particularly via ransomware. A ransomware involves a hacker encrypting victims' data and demanding money for restoring access.

"If we end up in a war, a real shooting war, with a major power, it's going to be as a consequence of a cyber breach," Biden said.

Midterm elections are due in the US in the fall of 2022. In these elections all seats of House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be on the ballot.

Washington recently accused Beijing of carrying out the massive hack in March of Microsoft Exchange, and the White House has also repeatedly called on Russia to take action against ransomware attacks originating from within the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday accused Russia of seeking to disrupt 2022 elections by disseminating "misinformation". His statement came as he visited office of the director of national intelligence near Washington.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday accused Russia of seeking to disrupt 2022 elections by disseminating "misinformation". His statement came as he visited office of the director of national intelligence near Washington. "Look at what Russia is doing already about the 2022 elections and misinformation," Biden said "It's a pure violation of our sovereignty." Biden also lashed out at Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin has "a real problem, he is sitting on top of an economy that has nuclear weapons and nothing else," Biden said. "He knows he is in real trouble, which makes him even more dangerous in my view." Biden expressed concern about the recent increase in cyberattacks, particularly via ransomware. A ransomware involves a hacker encrypting victims' data and demanding money for restoring access. "If we end up in a war, a real shooting war, with a major power, it's going to be as a consequence of a cyber breach," Biden said. Midterm elections are due in the US in the fall of 2022. In these elections all seats of House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be on the ballot. Washington recently accused Beijing of carrying out the massive hack in March of Microsoft Exchange, and the White House has also repeatedly called on Russia to take action against ransomware attacks originating from within the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden alleges Russia trying to disrupt 2022 elections

Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally said on Monday that Russia media regulator had blocked 49 websites linked to Navalny

"By the decision of the prosecutor general's office, 49 websites were blocked simultaneously," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said on his Telegram channel on Monday.

Blocked websites include Navalny's main website, the website of his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), the websites of key allies and of Navalny's regional offices that disbanded earlier this year. &nbsp;

AFP journalists said Navalny's website was unavailable in Russia.&nbsp;

"The night of the long knives," Volkov wrote in reference to a bloody purge of military and political rivals launched by Adolf Hitler in Germany.&nbsp;

Volkov said that only site not blocked was the "Smart Voting". It talks about Navalny-proposed strategy to support candidates best placed to defeat Kremlin-linked politicians. This strategy has seen ruling United Russia Party lose a number of seats in past

Navalny is currently in jail for two-and-a-half years on old charges of fraud. He was arrested in January after he returned to Russia after receiving treatment for nerve agent poisoning he blames on Kremlin.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally said on Monday that Russia media regulator had blocked 49 websites linked to Navalny "By the decision of the prosecutor general's office, 49 websites were blocked simultaneously," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said on his Telegram channel on Monday.

Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally said on Monday that Russia media regulator had blocked 49 websites linked to Navalny "By the decision of the prosecutor general's office, 49 websites were blocked simultaneously," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said on his Telegram channel on Monday. Blocked websites include Navalny's main website, the website of his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), the websites of key allies and of Navalny's regional offices that disbanded earlier this year. AFP journalists said Navalny's website was unavailable in Russia. "The night of the long knives," Volkov wrote in reference to a bloody purge of military and political rivals launched by Adolf Hitler in Germany. Volkov said that only site not blocked was the "Smart Voting". It talks about Navalny-proposed strategy to support candidates best placed to defeat Kremlin-linked politicians. This strategy has seen ruling United Russia Party lose a number of seats in past Navalny is currently in jail for two-and-a-half years on old charges of fraud. He was arrested in January after he returned to Russia after receiving treatment for nerve agent poisoning he blames on Kremlin. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia blocked 49 Navalny-linked websites, says aide

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of Russian navy's capability of a 'lethal strike' as he spoke during a parade of warships in port city of St Petersburg. His words have come just a day after military officials announced test of new advanced weapons. Some of these weapons come from the arsenal Putin said was 'invincible'

"The Russian navy today has everything it needs to guarantee the protection of our country and our national interests," he said.

"We can detect underwater, surface or aerial enemies and target them if a lethal strike is necessary," Putin said according to a broadcast on state television.

The Russian leader was speaking on the sidelines of an annual parade of military vessels, flanked by naval officers in white, and also Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-russia-sends-help-to-communist-nation-after-protests-400404">Cuba: Russia sends help to Communist nation after protests</a>

Putin said Russia had secured its place among the world's leading naval powers, including by developing "the latest hypersonic precision weapons still unrivalled in the world".

The United States, China, France and other major powers have announced plans to develop their own hypersonic weapons and are expected to soon catch up.

With the second-largest arsenal of nuclear weapons in the world and a huge cache of ballistic missiles, Russia already has more than enough military capacity to deter its enemies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of Russian navy's capability of a 'lethal strike' as he spoke during a parade of warships in port city of St Petersburg. His words have come just a day after military officials announced test of new advanced weapons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of Russian navy's capability of a 'lethal strike' as he spoke during a parade of warships in port city of St Petersburg. His words have come just a day after military officials announced test of new advanced weapons. Some of these weapons come from the arsenal Putin said was 'invincible' "The Russian navy today has everything it needs to guarantee the protection of our country and our national interests," he said. "We can detect underwater, surface or aerial enemies and target them if a lethal strike is necessary," Putin said according to a broadcast on state television. The Russian leader was speaking on the sidelines of an annual parade of military vessels, flanked by naval officers in white, and also Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu. Also Read | Cuba: Russia sends help to Communist nation after protests Putin said Russia had secured its place among the world's leading naval powers, including by developing "the latest hypersonic precision weapons still unrivalled in the world". The United States, China, France and other major powers have announced plans to develop their own hypersonic weapons and are expected to soon catch up. With the second-largest arsenal of nuclear weapons in the world and a huge cache of ballistic missiles, Russia already has more than enough military capacity to deter its enemies. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin talks of 'lethal strike' during Russian warship parade

A Russian-based hacker group blamed for a massive ransomware attack went offline Tuesday, sparking speculation about whether the move was the result of a government-led action.

The "dark web" page of the group known as REvil disappeared some two weeks after an attack that crippled networks of hundreds of companies worldwide and prompted a ransom demand of $70 million.

"REvil has seemingly vanished from the dark web, as its website has gone offline," tweeted Allan Liska, a security researcher with the firm Recorded Future, who noted that the site had been unresponsive from around 0500 GMT.

The news comes after US President Joe Biden repeated a warning to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin late last week about harboring cybercriminals while suggesting Washington could take action in the face of growing ransomware attacks.

Analysts in the past have suggested that the US military's Cyber Command has the capability to strike back at hackers in the face of threats to national security, but there was no official word on any such action.

"The situation is still unfolding, but evidence suggests REvil has suffered a planned, concurrent takedown of their infrastructure, either by the operators themselves or via industry or law enforcement action," John Hultquist of Mandiant Threat Intelligence said in an emailed statement.

"If this was a disruption operation of some kind, full details may never come to light."

Brett Callow of the security firm Emsisoft also pointed to unanswered questions.

"Whether the outage is the result of action taken by law enforcement is unclear," Callow said.

"If law enforcement has managed to disrupt the gang’s operations, that would obviously be a good thing, but could create problems for any companies whose data is currently encrypted. They'd not have the option of paying REvil for the key needed to decrypt their data."

James Lewis, head of technology and public policy at the Washington-based Center for Strategic &amp; International Studies, said the site may be down for a number of reasons including pressure from Russian authorities.

"I don’t think it was us," he said.

Liska noted that the site's ownership had not been changed, making a domain seizure less likely. "This could suggest these are self-directed takedowns (too early to tell)," he said.

The unprecedented attack targeting the US software firm Kaseya affected an estimated 1,500 businesses.

The Kaseya attack, which was reported July 2, shut down a major Swedish supermarket chain and ricocheted around the world, impacting businesses in at least 17 countries, from pharmacies to gas stations, as well as dozens of New Zealand kindergartens.

A Russian-based hacker group blamed for a massive ransomware attack went offline Tuesday, sparking speculation about whether the move was the result of a government-led action.

A Russian-based hacker group blamed for a massive ransomware attack went offline Tuesday, sparking speculation about whether the move was the result of a government-led action. The "dark web" page of the group known as REvil disappeared some two weeks after an attack that crippled networks of hundreds of companies worldwide and prompted a ransom demand of $70 million. "REvil has seemingly vanished from the dark web, as its website has gone offline," tweeted Allan Liska, a security researcher with the firm Recorded Future, who noted that the site had been unresponsive from around 0500 GMT. The news comes after US President Joe Biden repeated a warning to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin late last week about harboring cybercriminals while suggesting Washington could take action in the face of growing ransomware attacks. Analysts in the past have suggested that the US military's Cyber Command has the capability to strike back at hackers in the face of threats to national security, but there was no official word on any such action. "The situation is still unfolding, but evidence suggests REvil has suffered a planned, concurrent takedown of their infrastructure, either by the operators themselves or via industry or law enforcement action," John Hultquist of Mandiant Threat Intelligence said in an emailed statement. "If this was a disruption operation of some kind, full details may never come to light." Brett Callow of the security firm Emsisoft also pointed to unanswered questions. "Whether the outage is the result of action taken by law enforcement is unclear," Callow said. "If law enforcement has managed to disrupt the gang’s operations, that would obviously be a good thing, but could create problems for any companies whose data is currently encrypted. They'd not have the option of paying REvil for the key needed to decrypt their data." James Lewis, head of technology and public policy at the Washington-based Center for Strategic & International Studies, said the site may be down for a number of reasons including pressure from Russian authorities. "I don’t think it was us," he said. Liska noted that the site's ownership had not been changed, making a domain seizure less likely. "This could suggest these are self-directed takedowns (too early to tell)," he said. The unprecedented attack targeting the US software firm Kaseya affected an estimated 1,500 businesses. The Kaseya attack, which was reported July 2, shut down a major Swedish supermarket chain and ricocheted around the world, impacting businesses in at least 17 countries, from pharmacies to gas stations, as well as dozens of New Zealand kindergartens.

Ransomware gang REvil disappears from dark web after Biden warning

Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in an annual call-in show where he took questions from the citizens. Most of the questions this year were dedicated to the coronavirus pandemic, Moscow’s ties with the West, Ukraine, the black sea spat, jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny and allegations of cyberattacks.

Putin discusses Ukraine, Black Sea, Navalny and vaccines in marathon call-in show

The Kremlin&nbsp;said on Wednesday that&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin had&nbsp;received two vaccine shots against COVID-19 in March and April after previously declining to disclose which vaccine he had taken.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Putin said&nbsp;he was against mandatory vaccinations despite a surge in coronavirus infections in the country as well as sluggish inoculation rates.

"I do not support mandatory vaccinations," Putin told Russians during an annual phone-in, adding that he was vaccinated earlier this year with the country's homegrown Sputnik vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-anti-vaxxers-are-rushing-to-buy-fake-covid-19-jab-certificates-in-russia-393907">Why anti-vaxxers are rushing to buy fake COVID-19 jab certificates in Russia</a>

Russian authorities have blamed a recent surge in COVID-19 cases on the infectious Delta variant, which they say accounts for around 90 per cent&nbsp;of all new cases, and on the reluctance of many Russians to get vaccinated.

Moscow last week ordered mandatory vaccinations for service industry workers, after only about a million of its 12 million residents got shots in the six months they were available.&nbsp;A host of other Russian regions followed suit.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-sputnik-1-to-sputnik-v-russian-scientific-achievements-375926">From Sputnik-1 to Sputnik V: Russian scientific achievements</a>

Russia&nbsp;last August stoked concerns over Sputnik V by registering the vaccine ahead of large-scale clinical trials, but international experts have since declared it safe and effective.&nbsp;

Many Russians are nonetheless wary, with some 60 percent saying they do not plan to be inoculated, according to independent polling.

That sentiment has helped foster a black market on Telegram and Russian darknet forums where dozens of dealers are claiming to sell fake jab certificates and even falsified registration on the government's vaccination database. While some clients complain of being defrauded, others have left reviews saying everything went as planned.&nbsp;

Russia, which has a population of around 144 million, has approved four domestically-made vaccines and recorded some 5.5 million infections since the start of the pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had received two vaccine shots against COVID-19 in March and April after previously declining to disclose which vaccine he had taken.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had received two vaccine shots against COVID-19 in March and April after previously declining to disclose which vaccine he had taken. Meanwhile, Putin said he was against mandatory vaccinations despite a surge in coronavirus infections in the country as well as sluggish inoculation rates. "I do not support mandatory vaccinations," Putin told Russians during an annual phone-in, adding that he was vaccinated earlier this year with the country's homegrown Sputnik vaccine. Also read| Why anti-vaxxers are rushing to buy fake COVID-19 jab certificates in Russia Russian authorities have blamed a recent surge in COVID-19 cases on the infectious Delta variant, which they say accounts for around 90 per cent of all new cases, and on the reluctance of many Russians to get vaccinated. Moscow last week ordered mandatory vaccinations for service industry workers, after only about a million of its 12 million residents got shots in the six months they were available. A host of other Russian regions followed suit. Also see | From Sputnik-1 to Sputnik V: Russian scientific achievements Russia last August stoked concerns over Sputnik V by registering the vaccine ahead of large-scale clinical trials, but international experts have since declared it safe and effective. Many Russians are nonetheless wary, with some 60 percent saying they do not plan to be inoculated, according to independent polling. That sentiment has helped foster a black market on Telegram and Russian darknet forums where dozens of dealers are claiming to sell fake jab certificates and even falsified registration on the government's vaccination database. While some clients complain of being defrauded, others have left reviews saying everything went as planned. Russia, which has a population of around 144 million, has approved four domestically-made vaccines and recorded some 5.5 million infections since the start of the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin received Russia-made Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine

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