Armenia's prime minister has gone into self-isolation as a preventative measure against coronavirus ahead of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, officials said on Friday.&nbsp;

It is common for anybody meeting in person with 68-year-old Putin to isolate beforehand to protect him from the contagion.

Nikol Pashinyan, who faces backlash at home after the country's humiliating defeat in last year's war with Azerbaijan over control of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, is expected to meet with Putin next Wednesday.

"Due to the planned meeting with Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Pashinyan is working in self-isolation since April 2," his spokeswoman Mane Gevorgyan told journalists.

A report published by the BBC's Russian service this week estimated that Russia had spent billions of rubles on efforts to protect the president from the virus.&nbsp;

A large portion of that money was spent on hotel rooms for medical observation for those who come into contact with the president, including journalists, drivers and pilots.&nbsp;

World War II veterans who took part in Russia's annual Victory Day parade on May 9 alongside Putin had to self-isolate as well.

When asked about the BBC report, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov this week described the measures as an "absolutely normal situation".

Russia introduced one of the strictest lockdowns in the world as the first wave of the pandemic swept across the country, sealing off borders, shuttering businesses and even requiring digital passes for movement around the capital Moscow.&nbsp;

During the lockdown, Putin worked from his Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, taking part in government meetings via video link&nbsp;

In June, the Kremlin revealed that the residence was equipped with a disinfection tunnel for all outside visitors that sprays people with disinfectant solution.

Putin received his first dose of a Russian coronavirus vaccine last week, months after the start of a vaccination campaign in the country.&nbsp;

Armenia's prime minister has gone into self-isolation as a preventative measure against coronavirus ahead of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, officials said on Friday.

Armenia's prime minister has gone into self-isolation as a preventative measure against coronavirus ahead of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, officials said on Friday. It is common for anybody meeting in person with 68-year-old Putin to isolate beforehand to protect him from the contagion. Nikol Pashinyan, who faces backlash at home after the country's humiliating defeat in last year's war with Azerbaijan over control of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, is expected to meet with Putin next Wednesday. "Due to the planned meeting with Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Pashinyan is working in self-isolation since April 2," his spokeswoman Mane Gevorgyan told journalists. A report published by the BBC's Russian service this week estimated that Russia had spent billions of rubles on efforts to protect the president from the virus. A large portion of that money was spent on hotel rooms for medical observation for those who come into contact with the president, including journalists, drivers and pilots. World War II veterans who took part in Russia's annual Victory Day parade on May 9 alongside Putin had to self-isolate as well. When asked about the BBC report, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov this week described the measures as an "absolutely normal situation". Russia introduced one of the strictest lockdowns in the world as the first wave of the pandemic swept across the country, sealing off borders, shuttering businesses and even requiring digital passes for movement around the capital Moscow. During the lockdown, Putin worked from his Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, taking part in government meetings via video link In June, the Kremlin revealed that the residence was equipped with a disinfection tunnel for all outside visitors that sprays people with disinfectant solution. Putin received his first dose of a Russian coronavirus vaccine last week, months after the start of a vaccination campaign in the country.

Armenian PM self-isolates ahead of Putin meeting

Top Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on Wednesday announced that he has gone on a hunger strike until he gets proper medical help to treat his severe back pain and numbness in his legs.&nbsp;

Navalny, in an Instagram post on Wednesday, said the back pain that had numbed his right leg is now causing his left one to lose sensitivity too.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/us-intel-blames-kremlin-for-poisoning-of-navalny-367726/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I have gone on a hunger strike demanding that the law be obeyed and that a visiting doctor be allowed to visit me," the post said.&nbsp;

Last week, Navalny, who is serving a 2.5-year prison sentence said he was suffering from a pinched nerve that had led his right leg to go numb.&nbsp;

He also said that guards wake him eight times every night to keep a check on him and he has to say to a recording camera that he is still in his cell.&nbsp;

In his post on Wednesday, Navalny said that instead of receiving medical attention, he was persistently "tortured with sleep deprivation".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-says-he-risks-solitary-confinement-over-infractions-374079">Kremlin critic Navalny says he risks solitary confinement over infractions</a>

Russia's prison authority last week said that Navalny's health was in "satisfactory" condition after his lawyers and allies complained about his worsening well-being.&nbsp;

"According to the results of the examination, his state of health was assessed as stable and satisfactory," the prison service told Russian news agencies.&nbsp;

Navalny is currently serving a 2.5 years sentence on old embezzlement charges and was detained in January after returning to Russia from Germany.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Top Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on Wednesday announced that he has gone on a hunger strike until he gets proper medical help to treat his severe back pain and numbness in his legs.

Top Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on Wednesday announced that he has gone on a hunger strike until he gets proper medical help to treat his severe back pain and numbness in his legs. Navalny, in an Instagram post on Wednesday, said the back pain that had numbed his right leg is now causing his left one to lose sensitivity too. Watch | "I have gone on a hunger strike demanding that the law be obeyed and that a visiting doctor be allowed to visit me," the post said. Last week, Navalny, who is serving a 2.5-year prison sentence said he was suffering from a pinched nerve that had led his right leg to go numb. He also said that guards wake him eight times every night to keep a check on him and he has to say to a recording camera that he is still in his cell. In his post on Wednesday, Navalny said that instead of receiving medical attention, he was persistently "tortured with sleep deprivation". Also read | Kremlin critic Navalny says he risks solitary confinement over infractions Russia's prison authority last week said that Navalny's health was in "satisfactory" condition after his lawyers and allies complained about his worsening well-being. "According to the results of the examination, his state of health was assessed as stable and satisfactory," the prison service told Russian news agencies. Navalny is currently serving a 2.5 years sentence on old embezzlement charges and was detained in January after returning to Russia from Germany.

Navalny begins hunger strike until he receives proper medical attention

Russian President Vladimir Putin's art of the photo op

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;said on Monday he could be locked up in solitary confinement in a punishment cell after being accused of numerous minor infractions.

Navalny, one of President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critics, said he had been given six reprimands in the space of two weeks at Russia's IK-2 corrective penal colony, 100 km (60 miles) east of Moscow.

In an Instagram post, he said that two reprimands were technically enough to be sent to a punishment cell and that a prison tribunal considers such cases.

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The Kremlin said it was not following reports of&nbsp;Navalny's health and had not requested information from prison authorities.

"The condition of convicts and people who are serving time in correctional institutions is being monitored by their administrations. That's their job," spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

The prison service earlier on Thursday insisted that&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;has been checked by medics and that "his state of health was assessed as stable and satisfactory".

The United States and the European Union have slapped sanctions on Russia for jailing&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;and for allegedly orchestrating last year's poisoning, a charge Moscow has denied.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said on Monday he could be locked up in solitary confinement in a punishment cell after being accused of numerous minor infractions.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said on Monday he could be locked up in solitary confinement in a punishment cell after being accused of numerous minor infractions. Navalny, one of President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critics, said he had been given six reprimands in the space of two weeks at Russia's IK-2 corrective penal colony, 100 km (60 miles) east of Moscow. In an Instagram post, he said that two reprimands were technically enough to be sent to a punishment cell and that a prison tribunal considers such cases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Алексей Навальный (@navalny) The Kremlin said it was not following reports of Navalny's health and had not requested information from prison authorities. "The condition of convicts and people who are serving time in correctional institutions is being monitored by their administrations. That's their job," spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. The prison service earlier on Thursday insisted that Navalny has been checked by medics and that "his state of health was assessed as stable and satisfactory". The United States and the European Union have slapped sanctions on Russia for jailing Navalny and for allegedly orchestrating last year's poisoning, a charge Moscow has denied.

Kremlin critic Navalny says he risks solitary confinement over infractions

A few days ago, Russia's President Vladimir Putin got vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine.

However, unlike other world leaders, Putin decided to not have the process broadcasted in front of the media and the world.

While Kremlin had declined requests of giving any details, the Russian leader has now, himself, addressed questions of media regarding his vaccine shot.

During an interview on a Russian TV show, Putin said he opted to get the jab in private, rather than on television because he did not want to "ape" like other —hinting he did not want to follow other leaders and out on a show.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-gets-covid-vaccine-kremlin-refuses-to-share-details-372644">Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details</a>

He also stressed that he cannot get himself to do this on television simply because other world leaders did the same.

Putin also claimed that there is no use in putting on such a show as the vaccination can be easily faked.

"You can show the injection, but actually inject saline or just about anything," he said.

Talking about his experience of getting vaccinated, he revealed that he did feel slight discomfort after receiving the jab and has since then refrained from exercising.

The Kremlin had, earlier, denied requests of media for details. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, earlier told reporters that the media would have to take the Kremlin's word for Putin's vaccination, adding the president did not like the idea of being vaccinated on camera.

"We are deliberately not saying which shot the president will get, noting that all three Russian (-made) vaccines are absolutely reliable and effective," said Peskov.

A few days ago, Russia's President Vladimir Putin got vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine. However, unlike other world leaders, Putin decided to not have the process broadcasted in front of the media and the world.

A few days ago, Russia's President Vladimir Putin got vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine. However, unlike other world leaders, Putin decided to not have the process broadcasted in front of the media and the world. While Kremlin had declined requests of giving any details, the Russian leader has now, himself, addressed questions of media regarding his vaccine shot. During an interview on a Russian TV show, Putin said he opted to get the jab in private, rather than on television because he did not want to "ape" like other —hinting he did not want to follow other leaders and out on a show. Also read | Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details He also stressed that he cannot get himself to do this on television simply because other world leaders did the same. Putin also claimed that there is no use in putting on such a show as the vaccination can be easily faked. "You can show the injection, but actually inject saline or just about anything," he said. Talking about his experience of getting vaccinated, he revealed that he did feel slight discomfort after receiving the jab and has since then refrained from exercising. The Kremlin had, earlier, denied requests of media for details. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, earlier told reporters that the media would have to take the Kremlin's word for Putin's vaccination, adding the president did not like the idea of being vaccinated on camera. "We are deliberately not saying which shot the president will get, noting that all three Russian (-made) vaccines are absolutely reliable and effective," said Peskov.

'Cannot ape': Putin explains why he chose to get vaccinated in private

The United States has invited the leaders of 40 countries, including that of China and Russia, to participate in a global summit on climate change in April.

US President Joe Biden's Earth Day global summit on climate is part of his effort to elevate climate change as a top priority. It will be held virtually given pandemic restrictions and will be live-streamed for public viewing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are invited to the April 22-23 summit, according to a White House statement.

Biden told reporters he had not yet spoken to the two leaders about it, "but they know they're invited."

At his first solo news conference since taking office, Biden on Thursday called Xi and Putin supporters of autocracy.

The White House statement said a key goal of the Earth Day summit and a separate gathering in the Scottish city of Glasgow in November will be to galvanise efforts to keep within reach a goal of limiting planetary warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Climate was also a topic when Biden spoke to European leaders on Thursday in a virtual summit of the European Council.

The Biden administration is expected to announce what the White House called "an ambitious 2030 target" for reducing carbon emissions by the time of the summit.

The summit will bring together 17 countries responsible for 80 percent of global emissions and global GDP. The invitee list of 40 nations includes Canada and Mexico as well as allies in Europe and Asia as well as Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and South Africa.

Biden is urging world leaders to use the summit as an opportunity to outline how their countries will contribute to reduced emissions, the White House said.

The United States has invited the leaders of 40 countries, including that of China and Russia, to participate in a global summit on climate change in April. US President Joe Biden's Earth Day global summit on climate is part of his effort to elevate climate change as a top priority.

The United States has invited the leaders of 40 countries, including that of China and Russia, to participate in a global summit on climate change in April. US President Joe Biden's Earth Day global summit on climate is part of his effort to elevate climate change as a top priority. It will be held virtually given pandemic restrictions and will be live-streamed for public viewing. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are invited to the April 22-23 summit, according to a White House statement. Biden told reporters he had not yet spoken to the two leaders about it, "but they know they're invited." At his first solo news conference since taking office, Biden on Thursday called Xi and Putin supporters of autocracy. The White House statement said a key goal of the Earth Day summit and a separate gathering in the Scottish city of Glasgow in November will be to galvanise efforts to keep within reach a goal of limiting planetary warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Climate was also a topic when Biden spoke to European leaders on Thursday in a virtual summit of the European Council. The Biden administration is expected to announce what the White House called "an ambitious 2030 target" for reducing carbon emissions by the time of the summit. The summit will bring together 17 countries responsible for 80 percent of global emissions and global GDP. The invitee list of 40 nations includes Canada and Mexico as well as allies in Europe and Asia as well as Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and South Africa. Biden is urging world leaders to use the summit as an opportunity to outline how their countries will contribute to reduced emissions, the White House said.

Biden invites 40 world leaders, including Xi and Putin, to virtual climate summit

France on Friday accused Russia of using its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine as a tool to spread Moscow's influence and message rather than as way to fight the global health crisis.

"In terms of how it is managed, it (the Sputnik V vaccine) is more a means of propaganda and aggressive diplomacy than a means of solidarity and health aid," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Info radio.&nbsp;

The Russian vaccine has come under much criticism in Western countries, while President Vladimir Putin,&nbsp;who got a Sputnik jab himself on Tuesday, has dismissed the scepticism as "strange".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-gets-covid-vaccine-kremlin-refuses-to-share-details-372644">Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details</a>

Le Drian said both Russia and China were using their vaccines to gain influence abroad "even before vaccinating their own populations".

The minister said Russia had announced "with a lot of media attention" that it would deliver 30,000 vaccine doses to Tunisia.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-safe-are-made-in-china-vaccines-371239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But the UN-backed Covax initiative had already delivered 100,000 doses to the north African country, with 400,000 more to come by May, he said.

"That is what real solidarity work looks like, that is true health cooperation," Le Drian said.

The Kremlin rejected Friday the suggestion Russia and China were using their vaccines as tools to win geopolitical clout, after accusations the two countries were using their jabs to gain influence abroad.

"We absolutely disagree with the fact that both Russia and China are waging some kind of war. And we absolutely disagree with the fact that Russia and China are using the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines as tools of influence," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.&nbsp;

Russia registered Sputnik V in August, ahead of large-scale clinical trials, prompting worries among many experts over the fast-track process.

Later reviews have been largely positive, with leading medical journal The Lancet publishing results showing it is safe and more than 90 percent effective.

The European Medicines Agency this month launched a rolling review of Sputnik V, a key step towards it being approved as the first non-Western coronavirus jab to be used across the 27-nation bloc.

France on Friday accused Russia of using its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine as a tool to spread Moscow's influence and message rather than as way to fight the global health crisis.

France on Friday accused Russia of using its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine as a tool to spread Moscow's influence and message rather than as way to fight the global health crisis. "In terms of how it is managed, it (the Sputnik V vaccine) is more a means of propaganda and aggressive diplomacy than a means of solidarity and health aid," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Info radio. The Russian vaccine has come under much criticism in Western countries, while President Vladimir Putin, who got a Sputnik jab himself on Tuesday, has dismissed the scepticism as "strange". Also read| Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details Le Drian said both Russia and China were using their vaccines to gain influence abroad "even before vaccinating their own populations". The minister said Russia had announced "with a lot of media attention" that it would deliver 30,000 vaccine doses to Tunisia. But the UN-backed Covax initiative had already delivered 100,000 doses to the north African country, with 400,000 more to come by May, he said. "That is what real solidarity work looks like, that is true health cooperation," Le Drian said. The Kremlin rejected Friday the suggestion Russia and China were using their vaccines as tools to win geopolitical clout, after accusations the two countries were using their jabs to gain influence abroad. "We absolutely disagree with the fact that both Russia and China are waging some kind of war. And we absolutely disagree with the fact that Russia and China are using the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines as tools of influence," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. Russia registered Sputnik V in August, ahead of large-scale clinical trials, prompting worries among many experts over the fast-track process. Later reviews have been largely positive, with leading medical journal The Lancet publishing results showing it is safe and more than 90 percent effective. The European Medicines Agency this month launched a rolling review of Sputnik V, a key step towards it being approved as the first non-Western coronavirus jab to be used across the 27-nation bloc.

France accuses Russia of using its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine as 'propaganda' tool

Russia's prison service said Thursday that jailed opposition figure Alexei Navalny was in "satisfactory" condition after allies reported his health was deteriorating in one of the country's most notorious prisons.

The prison service told Russian news agencies that medics had carried out a check on Navalny on Wednesday and that "according to the results of the examination, his state of health was assessed as stable and satisfactory".

Navalny's allies had earlier raised an alarm over his health, and said they had been concerned by a deterioration in his health.&nbsp;

His lawyers added they had not been allowed to visit him in prison, demanding immediate access, saying he had complained of back pain and leg numbness.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-health-deteriorating-in-prison-claim-his-lawyers-372939">Also read |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny's health deteriorating in prison, claim his lawyers</a>

Navalny was arrested in January on his return to Russia from Germany where he had been recovering from exposure to the Soviet-designed nerve toxin Novichok. He was later jailed in February for two-and-a-half years on old embezzlement charges in a move his allies said was a pretext to silence his criticism of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

He is serving his sentence outside Moscow in a penal colony notorious for harsh discipline.

Western countries have slapped sanctions on Russia for jailing Navalny and also for orchestrating a poisoning attack against him last year.

Navalny's allies this week launched a campaign seeking his release and announced plans to stage what they said would be "modern Russia's biggest protest."

Russia's prison service said Thursday that jailed opposition figure Alexei Navalny was in "satisfactory" condition after allies reported his health was deteriorating in one of the country's most notorious prisons.

Russia's prison service said Thursday that jailed opposition figure Alexei Navalny was in "satisfactory" condition after allies reported his health was deteriorating in one of the country's most notorious prisons. The prison service told Russian news agencies that medics had carried out a check on Navalny on Wednesday and that "according to the results of the examination, his state of health was assessed as stable and satisfactory". Navalny's allies had earlier raised an alarm over his health, and said they had been concerned by a deterioration in his health. His lawyers added they had not been allowed to visit him in prison, demanding immediate access, saying he had complained of back pain and leg numbness. Also read | Alexei Navalny's health deteriorating in prison, claim his lawyers Navalny was arrested in January on his return to Russia from Germany where he had been recovering from exposure to the Soviet-designed nerve toxin Novichok. He was later jailed in February for two-and-a-half years on old embezzlement charges in a move his allies said was a pretext to silence his criticism of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. He is serving his sentence outside Moscow in a penal colony notorious for harsh discipline. Western countries have slapped sanctions on Russia for jailing Navalny and also for orchestrating a poisoning attack against him last year. Navalny's allies this week launched a campaign seeking his release and announced plans to stage what they said would be "modern Russia's biggest protest."

Russia's prison service says Navalny's health 'satisfactory'

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is in great pain, his lawyer said Thursday after visiting him in prison, adding that allies were afraid for his life.

His supporters said a day earlier they were concerned by a deterioration in his health and his lawyers said they had not been allowed to visit him in prison. They returned on Thursday to try to see him.

Leonid Volkov, a close&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;ally, has said that&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;began to experience serious back pain last week, had felt a numbness in his leg and been unable to stand on it. He was given two Ibuprofen pills for the pain, Volkov said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-health-deteriorating-in-prison-claim-his-lawyers-372939">Alexei Navalny's health deteriorating in prison, claim his lawyers</a>

The Federal Penitentiary Service said earlier on Thursday that the 44-year-old opposition politician's health was stable and satisfactory.

It said prisons in the Vladimir region, where&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;is being held, had carried out medical examinations on inmates on Wednesday. The checks had been conducted at inmates' request, it said, and&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;had been examined, too.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-intel-blames-kremlin-for-poisoning-of-navalny-367726/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"His health is deemed stable and satisfactory, according to the results of the examination," the penitentiary service said, according to the Interfax news agency.

"He is suffering from strong back pain and pain in his right leg," lawyer Olga Mikhailova said in remarks on Dozhd television.

'Really worried'

"Now we are really worried,"&nbsp;Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation wrote on Twitter. "Even the Federal Penitentiary Service can’t call&nbsp;Navalny’s condition `good'."

Nearly 160 cultural figures, including writers, musicians and film directors, published an open letter to the authorities on Thursday demanding&nbsp;Navalny's lawyers be given access to him and that he be held in normal conditions.

They said they had "serious grounds to be concerned about his health and life".

In particular, they demanded that the practice of waking him up every hour during the night due to his classification as a flight risk be ended.

The Kremlin said it was not following developments with&nbsp;Navalny's health, which it said was a matter for prison authorities.

Navalny&nbsp;was jailed last month for two and a half years on charges he called politically motivated. He was arrested as he returned to Russia from Germany in January, where he had been recovering from what doctors said was a nerve agent poisoning.

The West, including the European Court of Human Rights, has demanded Russia release&nbsp;Navalny. Moscow dismissed the court's ruling as "unlawful" and has called similar appeals unacceptable interference in its internal affairs.

Navalny's allies on Tuesday announced plans to stage what they hope will be the biggest anti-Kremlin street protest in modern Russian history this spring, in a bid to have him released. The authorities have said such protests are illegal.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is in great pain, his lawyer said Thursday after visiting him in prison, adding that allies were afraid for his life. His supporters said a day earlier they were concerned by a deterioration in his health and his lawyers said they had not been allowed to visit him in prison.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is in great pain, his lawyer said Thursday after visiting him in prison, adding that allies were afraid for his life. His supporters said a day earlier they were concerned by a deterioration in his health and his lawyers said they had not been allowed to visit him in prison. They returned on Thursday to try to see him. Leonid Volkov, a close Navalny ally, has said that Navalny began to experience serious back pain last week, had felt a numbness in his leg and been unable to stand on it. He was given two Ibuprofen pills for the pain, Volkov said. Also read| Alexei Navalny's health deteriorating in prison, claim his lawyers The Federal Penitentiary Service said earlier on Thursday that the 44-year-old opposition politician's health was stable and satisfactory. It said prisons in the Vladimir region, where Navalny is being held, had carried out medical examinations on inmates on Wednesday. The checks had been conducted at inmates' request, it said, and Navalny had been examined, too. "His health is deemed stable and satisfactory, according to the results of the examination," the penitentiary service said, according to the Interfax news agency. "He is suffering from strong back pain and pain in his right leg," lawyer Olga Mikhailova said in remarks on Dozhd television. 'Really worried' "Now we are really worried," Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation wrote on Twitter. "Even the Federal Penitentiary Service can’t call Navalny’s condition `good'." Nearly 160 cultural figures, including writers, musicians and film directors, published an open letter to the authorities on Thursday demanding Navalny's lawyers be given access to him and that he be held in normal conditions. They said they had "serious grounds to be concerned about his health and life". In particular, they demanded that the practice of waking him up every hour during the night due to his classification as a flight risk be ended. The Kremlin said it was not following developments with Navalny's health, which it said was a matter for prison authorities. Navalny was jailed last month for two and a half years on charges he called politically motivated. He was arrested as he returned to Russia from Germany in January, where he had been recovering from what doctors said was a nerve agent poisoning. The West, including the European Court of Human Rights, has demanded Russia release Navalny. Moscow dismissed the court's ruling as "unlawful" and has called similar appeals unacceptable interference in its internal affairs. Navalny's allies on Tuesday announced plans to stage what they hope will be the biggest anti-Kremlin street protest in modern Russian history this spring, in a bid to have him released. The authorities have said such protests are illegal.

Kremlin critic Navalny in 'strong' pain, allies fear for his life

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Wednesday, said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible for "terrible things", but stayed clear of labelling him as a "killer", unlike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Biden.</a>

A few days after US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/subtle-art-of-diplomacy-biden-and-putin-engage-in-verbal-spat-371511">Joe Biden labelled Putin as a 'killer'</a>, Trudeau, in a rare moment, criticised the Russian leader.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-regrets-us-refusal-to-attend-putin-biden-live-debate-372284">Russia says regrets US refusal to attend Putin-Biden live debate</a>

The Canadian prime minister is not known for openly criticising world leaders. However, during an interview on SiriusXM radio's The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge, when he was questioned about Biden's remarks against Putin, Trudeau raised questions about Putin's behaviour.

"I'm sure (Putin) is responsible for all sorts of terrible things because his behaviour continues to demonstrate that," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prepared-for-worst-kremlin-on-possible-new-cold-war-with-us-371691">'Prepared for worst': Kremlin on possible new Cold War with US</a>

Trudeau used Russia's annexation of Crimea as an example saying that "significant cyberattacks he's responsible for and the attempts to destabilize our democracies."

He also recalled his interactions with Putin and described him to a man who will "look at you and say whatever is convenient to him at any given moment."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moscow-recalls-its-envoy-to-us-for-emergency-consultation-after-killer-row-372356">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moscow-recalls-its-envoy-to-us-for-emergency-consultation-after-killer-row-372356/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"He is not particularly interested in what the Western world or what Canada thinks of him," he added.

Talking about the relations between Canada and Russia, Trudeau agreed that the two nations do not work closely. "I certainly know he's not someone who is supportive or a friend of Canada or Canadians in any way shape or form," he said. "And we have to very much be wide-eyed and clear-eyed about how we approach (relations with Russia)."

However, unlike Biden, Trudeau steered clear of labelling the Russian President as a 'killer'. When the PM was asked in an interview if he agreed with Biden's view on Putin, Trudeau refused to use the label explaining that he doesn't "have the information to make that assertion."

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Wednesday, said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible for "terrible things", but stayed clear of labelling him as a "killer", unlike Biden.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Wednesday, said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible for "terrible things", but stayed clear of labelling him as a "killer", unlike Biden. A few days after US President Joe Biden labelled Putin as a 'killer', Trudeau, in a rare moment, criticised the Russian leader. Also read | Russia says regrets US refusal to attend Putin-Biden live debate The Canadian prime minister is not known for openly criticising world leaders. However, during an interview on SiriusXM radio's The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge, when he was questioned about Biden's remarks against Putin, Trudeau raised questions about Putin's behaviour. "I'm sure (Putin) is responsible for all sorts of terrible things because his behaviour continues to demonstrate that," he said. Also read| 'Prepared for worst': Kremlin on possible new Cold War with US Trudeau used Russia's annexation of Crimea as an example saying that "significant cyberattacks he's responsible for and the attempts to destabilize our democracies." He also recalled his interactions with Putin and described him to a man who will "look at you and say whatever is convenient to him at any given moment." Watch | "He is not particularly interested in what the Western world or what Canada thinks of him," he added. Talking about the relations between Canada and Russia, Trudeau agreed that the two nations do not work closely. "I certainly know he's not someone who is supportive or a friend of Canada or Canadians in any way shape or form," he said. "And we have to very much be wide-eyed and clear-eyed about how we approach (relations with Russia)." However, unlike Biden, Trudeau steered clear of labelling the Russian President as a 'killer'. When the PM was asked in an interview if he agreed with Biden's view on Putin, Trudeau refused to use the label explaining that he doesn't "have the information to make that assertion."

Canada's Trudeau says Putin capable of 'terrible things' but won't call him 'killer'

Russia's top opposition leader Alexei Navalny's lawyers and ally on Wednesday expressed concerns over his deteriorating health in prison, saying he is experiencing leg numbness and back pain. &nbsp;

The jailed Kremlin critic began feeling serious back pain last week, and later experienced numbness in his leg and was unable to stand on it, his close ally Leonid Volkov said, as reported by news agency Reuters. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/us-intel-blames-kremlin-for-poisoning-of-navalny-367726/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He also said that Navalny had only been given two pills of Ibuprofen to get some respite.&nbsp;

Olga Mikhailova, one of the lawyers representing Navalny, also confirmed that he complained recently of strong back pain and his leg went numb this week, reports news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The lawyer added that a neurologist was unable to diagnose the Kremlin critic's problem and simply gave Ibuprofen.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-claims-he-is-locked-up-in-concentration-camp-outside-moscow-370910">Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny claims he is locked up in 'concentration camp' outside Moscow</a>

"That's all his treatment," Mikhailova said, suggesting that the pill did not ease out Navalny's pain.&nbsp;

"I don't know what's wrong with him. He should be seen by a proper doctor."&nbsp;

Maria Pevchikh, chief of investigations at Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation also expressed her concern on Twitter over the deterioration of health, saying "his life is in danger".&nbsp;

"We believe that Navalny's life is in danger and demand immediate access to him for his lawyers," Pevchikh wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

Volkov also claimed that the prison administration might be covering up the worsening of Navalny's health and he might have been shifted to a prison infirmary.

Russia's top opposition leader Alexei Navalny's lawyers and ally on Wednesday expressed concerns over his deteriorating health in prison, saying he is experiencing leg numbness and back pain.

Russia's top opposition leader Alexei Navalny's lawyers and ally on Wednesday expressed concerns over his deteriorating health in prison, saying he is experiencing leg numbness and back pain. The jailed Kremlin critic began feeling serious back pain last week, and later experienced numbness in his leg and was unable to stand on it, his close ally Leonid Volkov said, as reported by news agency Reuters. Watch | He also said that Navalny had only been given two pills of Ibuprofen to get some respite. Olga Mikhailova, one of the lawyers representing Navalny, also confirmed that he complained recently of strong back pain and his leg went numb this week, reports news agency AFP. The lawyer added that a neurologist was unable to diagnose the Kremlin critic's problem and simply gave Ibuprofen. Also read | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny claims he is locked up in 'concentration camp' outside Moscow "That's all his treatment," Mikhailova said, suggesting that the pill did not ease out Navalny's pain. "I don't know what's wrong with him. He should be seen by a proper doctor." Maria Pevchikh, chief of investigations at Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation also expressed her concern on Twitter over the deterioration of health, saying "his life is in danger". "We believe that Navalny's life is in danger and demand immediate access to him for his lawyers," Pevchikh wrote on Twitter. Volkov also claimed that the prison administration might be covering up the worsening of Navalny's health and he might have been shifted to a prison infirmary.

Alexei Navalny's health deteriorating in prison, claim his lawyers

Russian President Vladimir Putin has got vaccinated against COVID-19 with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine.

The Kremlin Tuesday told Russian news agencies that Putin was feeling well, however, declining to disclose details or provide photographs.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, earlier told reporters that the media would have to take the Kremlin's word for Putin's vaccination, adding the president did not like the idea of being vaccinated on camera.

"We are deliberately not saying which shot the president will get, noting that all three Russian (-made) vaccines are absolutely reliable and effective," said Peskov.

The Kremlin told Russian news agencies on Tuesday evening that the president had got the shot. "He has a full working day tomorrow," the RIA news agency's Kremlin pool cited the Kremlin as saying.

Apart from Sputnik V, Moscow has also given emergency approval to two others, EpiVacCorona and CoviVac.

Putin said on Monday that the decision to get vaccinated was a purely voluntary one for Russians. He said that 4.3 million Russians had so far got two shots of a vaccine, that vaccine production for domestic use was a priority, and that output needed to be ramped up.

Over 200,000 Russians have so far died of COVID-19 -- making it the world's third highest death toll behind only the United States and Brazil.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has got vaccinated against COVID-19 with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine. The Kremlin Tuesday told Russian news agencies that Putin was feeling well, however, declining to disclose details or provide photographs.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has got vaccinated against COVID-19 with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine. The Kremlin Tuesday told Russian news agencies that Putin was feeling well, however, declining to disclose details or provide photographs. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, earlier told reporters that the media would have to take the Kremlin's word for Putin's vaccination, adding the president did not like the idea of being vaccinated on camera. "We are deliberately not saying which shot the president will get, noting that all three Russian (-made) vaccines are absolutely reliable and effective," said Peskov. The Kremlin told Russian news agencies on Tuesday evening that the president had got the shot. "He has a full working day tomorrow," the RIA news agency's Kremlin pool cited the Kremlin as saying. Apart from Sputnik V, Moscow has also given emergency approval to two others, EpiVacCorona and CoviVac. Putin said on Monday that the decision to get vaccinated was a purely voluntary one for Russians. He said that 4.3 million Russians had so far got two shots of a vaccine, that vaccine production for domestic use was a priority, and that output needed to be ramped up. Over 200,000 Russians have so far died of COVID-19 -- making it the world's third highest death toll behind only the United States and Brazil.

Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details

Diplomacy is a subtle art. American journalist Isaac Goldberg called it the nicest way of doing the nastiest things. By and large, world leaders have followed this. Even while condemning their counterparts, there is a semblance of respect, but sometimes they drop the pretence, and when they do, there can be consequences.

The already strained ties between the US and Russia are on the verge of collapse because Joe Biden let loose in a recent interview and said "I do" when asked if he thinks Putin is a "killer". He also called Putin a "man with no soul".

Biden was addressing the US report that accused Russia of meddling in the 2020 elections while cheering for Donald Trump.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/takes-one-to-know-one-putin-strikes-back-on-bidens-killer-comment-371402">'Takes one to know one': Putin strikes back on Biden's 'killer' comment</a>

Putin, a&nbsp;former KGB officer, a survivor of the cold war and Russia's ruler for the past two decades, too, returned the compliment. "Takes one to know one," is what Putin told Biden.

Both sides are on the offensive but they are also leaving the door open for strategic cooperation. Putin says Russia will work on its own terms and Biden is talking about making Russia pay.

However, truth be told, the US president may have crossed a line and Russia is not going to let this go. The Kremlin wants an apology from the president of the United States. In addition to this, Russia has recalled its envoy to Washington. It says it wants to halt the irreversible deterioration of ties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-dismisses-us-reports-on-poll-meddling-as-biden-doubles-down-on-allegations-371153">Russia dismisses US reports on poll meddling as Biden doubles down on allegations</a>

While both the presidents are well within their rights to criticise each other and sanction each other, language plays an important role in diplomacy.

In 2006's UNGA, the speaker, Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez, called the then-US President George Bush a "devil".&nbsp;

Understandably, America was outraged. Democrat Nancy Pelosi defended her Republican president, who had rock bottom approval ratings at that point.

While Biden has Russia to deal with now, he also got belligerent China and North Korea to tackle.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-biden-calls-vladimir-putin-a-killer-371517">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-biden-calls-vladimir-putin-a-killer-371517/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, America is shoring up its alliances in Asia. Top diplomat Antony Blinken and Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin are wrapping up the second leg of their tour in South Korea. They held 2+2 dialogues with their South Korean counterparts and also met president Moon Jae-in.

The top priority was denuclearising the Korean peninsula. Secretary Blinken said the US was considering its options but the problem is that North Korea doesn't seem interested. The US has been reaching out since mid-February but Pyongyang calls it a cheap trick.

US-Japan-South Korea alliance is the bulwark against the north but as they exert more pressure, North Korea is moving closer to its only ally — China.

On his return journey from Seoul, Antony Blinken will make a stop in Alaska where he will meet top Chinese officials including foreign minister Wang Yi. This will be the first meeting between the two sides under the Biden administration.

Chinese officials have already clarified two issues: no compromise on Xinjiang or Hong Kong, but the US will most likely raise them anyway. Beijing wants a rollback of Trump-era policies which Biden will not be willing to agree to because Biden and Trump disagreed on most issues but China wasn't one of them.

Blinken will arrive in Alaska with a lot of momentum. He's just been to Japan and South Korea — key Pacific allies of the US. It's almost certain that the White House choreographed the visit this way.

Many are raising the question if a meeting of the two presidents is on the cards, but both sides are tight-lipped. However, US media reports indicate China is interested. If the meeting goes well, China could seek a summit.

The date April 22, which is celebrated as Earth Day, keeps popping up. Climate change will be the focus. However, the rest remains to be seen.

Diplomacy is a subtle art. American journalist Isaac Goldberg called it the nicest way of doing the nastiest things. By and large, world leaders have followed this.

Diplomacy is a subtle art. American journalist Isaac Goldberg called it the nicest way of doing the nastiest things. By and large, world leaders have followed this. Even while condemning their counterparts, there is a semblance of respect, but sometimes they drop the pretence, and when they do, there can be consequences. The already strained ties between the US and Russia are on the verge of collapse because Joe Biden let loose in a recent interview and said "I do" when asked if he thinks Putin is a "killer". He also called Putin a "man with no soul". Biden was addressing the US report that accused Russia of meddling in the 2020 elections while cheering for Donald Trump. Also read | 'Takes one to know one': Putin strikes back on Biden's 'killer' comment Putin, a former KGB officer, a survivor of the cold war and Russia's ruler for the past two decades, too, returned the compliment. "Takes one to know one," is what Putin told Biden. Both sides are on the offensive but they are also leaving the door open for strategic cooperation. Putin says Russia will work on its own terms and Biden is talking about making Russia pay. However, truth be told, the US president may have crossed a line and Russia is not going to let this go. The Kremlin wants an apology from the president of the United States. In addition to this, Russia has recalled its envoy to Washington. It says it wants to halt the irreversible deterioration of ties. Also read | Russia dismisses US reports on poll meddling as Biden doubles down on allegations While both the presidents are well within their rights to criticise each other and sanction each other, language plays an important role in diplomacy. In 2006's UNGA, the speaker, Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez, called the then-US President George Bush a "devil". Understandably, America was outraged. Democrat Nancy Pelosi defended her Republican president, who had rock bottom approval ratings at that point. While Biden has Russia to deal with now, he also got belligerent China and North Korea to tackle. Watch | Meanwhile, America is shoring up its alliances in Asia. Top diplomat Antony Blinken and Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin are wrapping up the second leg of their tour in South Korea. They held 2+2 dialogues with their South Korean counterparts and also met president Moon Jae-in. The top priority was denuclearising the Korean peninsula. Secretary Blinken said the US was considering its options but the problem is that North Korea doesn't seem interested. The US has been reaching out since mid-February but Pyongyang calls it a cheap trick. US-Japan-South Korea alliance is the bulwark against the north but as they exert more pressure, North Korea is moving closer to its only ally — China. On his return journey from Seoul, Antony Blinken will make a stop in Alaska where he will meet top Chinese officials including foreign minister Wang Yi. This will be the first meeting between the two sides under the Biden administration. Chinese officials have already clarified two issues: no compromise on Xinjiang or Hong Kong, but the US will most likely raise them anyway. Beijing wants a rollback of Trump-era policies which Biden will not be willing to agree to because Biden and Trump disagreed on most issues but China wasn't one of them. Blinken will arrive in Alaska with a lot of momentum. He's just been to Japan and South Korea — key Pacific allies of the US. It's almost certain that the White House choreographed the visit this way. Many are raising the question if a meeting of the two presidents is on the cards, but both sides are tight-lipped. However, US media reports indicate China is interested. If the meeting goes well, China could seek a summit. The date April 22, which is celebrated as Earth Day, keeps popping up. Climate change will be the focus. However, the rest remains to be seen.

Subtle art of diplomacy: Biden and Putin engage in verbal spat

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed his US counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> for calling Russia's Vladimir Putin a "killer," saying the comments by the US president were "unacceptable".&nbsp;

"Mr. Biden's statements about Mr. Putin are not fitting of a president, and a president coming out and using such remarks against the president of a country like Russia is truly unacceptable, not something that can be stomached," Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul, as reported by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-biden-calls-vladimir-putin-a-killer-371517/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a TV interview when Biden was asked whether he considers the Russian president a killer, the US president responded "I do".&nbsp;

Putin in his response mocked Biden which roughly translates into "it takes one to know one" and wished him good health.&nbsp;

Erdogan also praised Putin for his response to the US president, calling his answer "very smart" and "elegant".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/subtle-art-of-diplomacy-biden-and-putin-engage-in-verbal-spat-371511">Subtle art of diplomacy: Biden and Putin engage in verbal spat</a>

"In my opinion, Mr. Putin has done what is necessary by giving a very, very smart and elegant answer," the Turkish president said.&nbsp;

The remarks by Erdogan can escalate tensions between Washington and Ankara as Biden's administration has been critical of Turkey's worsening record on human rights, something his predecessor Donald Trump was silent of.&nbsp;

Despite Turkey growing proximity with Russia during Trump-era, the ties remained largely normal, however, Biden since his inauguration has not engaged in any conversation with Erdogan so far via a phone call.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed his US counterpart Joe Biden for calling Russia's Vladimir Putin a "killer," saying the comments by the US president were "unacceptable".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed his US counterpart Joe Biden for calling Russia's Vladimir Putin a "killer," saying the comments by the US president were "unacceptable". "Mr. Biden's statements about Mr. Putin are not fitting of a president, and a president coming out and using such remarks against the president of a country like Russia is truly unacceptable, not something that can be stomached," Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul, as reported by news agency Reuters. Watch | In a TV interview when Biden was asked whether he considers the Russian president a killer, the US president responded "I do". Putin in his response mocked Biden which roughly translates into "it takes one to know one" and wished him good health. Erdogan also praised Putin for his response to the US president, calling his answer "very smart" and "elegant". Also read | Subtle art of diplomacy: Biden and Putin engage in verbal spat "In my opinion, Mr. Putin has done what is necessary by giving a very, very smart and elegant answer," the Turkish president said. The remarks by Erdogan can escalate tensions between Washington and Ankara as Biden's administration has been critical of Turkey's worsening record on human rights, something his predecessor Donald Trump was silent of. Despite Turkey growing proximity with Russia during Trump-era, the ties remained largely normal, however, Biden since his inauguration has not engaged in any conversation with Erdogan so far via a phone call.

Erdogan slams Biden for 'killer' remarks, says Putin's response 'elegant'

U.S.-Russia ties reached a new low after Joe Biden called Vladimir Putin a killer. The Russian leader replied saying 'it takes one to know one'. Does this rule out any hope of reconciliation? Can the two leaders move beyond their 'killer' remarks? WION's Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Joe Biden calls Vladimir Putin a 'killer'

Amid the verbal spat, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday invited his US counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> for virtual talks.&nbsp;

"I want to invite President Biden to continue our discussion, but on condition that we will do this practically live, as they say, online," the Russian president said in televised comments, hinting that their talks could be held either on Friday or Monday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-us-russia-tensions-escalate-over-killer-remarks-371471/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He added that the discussion would be an "open direct" one and "interesting" for the people of both nations.&nbsp;

Putin's comments came after Washington and Moscow exchanged barbs following Biden's comments in which he said he agrees that Putin is a "killer" in an interview.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/takes-one-to-know-one-putin-strikes-back-on-bidens-killer-comment-371402">'Takes one to know one': Putin strikes back on Biden's 'killer' comment</a>

Biden also told ABC News in the interview that Putin would "pay a price" for attempting to undermine his candidacy in the 2020 US election.

The White House on Thursday defended the American president, saying the "president gave a direct answer to a direct question.&nbsp;

Earlier on Thursday, the Russian president mocked Biden's "killer" comments, saying "it takes one to know one".&nbsp;

The US president's remarks escalated one of the biggest diplomatic crisis between Russia and the US in years as Moscow late Wednesday asked its Washington ambassador to return back for urgent consultations.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Amid the verbal spat, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday invited his US counterpart Joe Biden for virtual talks. "I want to invite President Biden to continue our discussion, but on condition that we will do this practically live, as they say, online," the Russian president said in televised comments, hinting that their talks could be held either on Friday or Monday.

Amid the verbal spat, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday invited his US counterpart Joe Biden for virtual talks. "I want to invite President Biden to continue our discussion, but on condition that we will do this practically live, as they say, online," the Russian president said in televised comments, hinting that their talks could be held either on Friday or Monday. Watch | He added that the discussion would be an "open direct" one and "interesting" for the people of both nations. Putin's comments came after Washington and Moscow exchanged barbs following Biden's comments in which he said he agrees that Putin is a "killer" in an interview. Also read | 'Takes one to know one': Putin strikes back on Biden's 'killer' comment Biden also told ABC News in the interview that Putin would "pay a price" for attempting to undermine his candidacy in the 2020 US election. The White House on Thursday defended the American president, saying the "president gave a direct answer to a direct question. Earlier on Thursday, the Russian president mocked Biden's "killer" comments, saying "it takes one to know one". The US president's remarks escalated one of the biggest diplomatic crisis between Russia and the US in years as Moscow late Wednesday asked its Washington ambassador to return back for urgent consultations.

Amid row over Biden's 'killer' remarks, Putin invites US president for virtual talks

Russian President hits back at Joe Biden's 'killer' remarks. Vladimir Putin called the remarks unprecedented & recalled its ambassador from Washington.

WION Dispatch: US-Russia tensions escalate over 'killer' remarks

Almost a day after US President Joe Biden agreed that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, is a 'killer', the latter has broken his silence. Putin, on Thursday, talking about Biden's comment said&nbsp;it "takes one to know one".

The Russian President also acknowledged Biden's statement about the two leaders knowing each other well. "As for the statement by my American counterpart, we really are, as he said, personally acquainted. What would I answer him? I would tell him: stay healthy! I wish him good health," Putin said in televised remarks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-dismisses-us-reports-on-poll-meddling-as-biden-doubles-down-on-allegations-371153">Russia dismisses US reports on poll meddling as Biden doubles down on allegations</a>

He also pointed out that people usually project onto others what they think about themselves. "There have been many difficult, dramatic, and bloody events in the history of each nation. But when we assess other people, when we assess other states, other peoples, we are always looking in the mirror. We always see ourselves there."

Putin added that Moscow would not sever ties with Washington but would work with the US on terms "beneficial" to Russia.

His&nbsp;statement came a few minutes after Kremlin expressed disappointment in the weakening relationship between the two countries. On Thursday, the Kremlin said it is clear that Joe Biden has no interest in improving the strained relationship between the two countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-recalls-washington-envoy-for-consultations-371250">Russia recalls Washington envoy for consultations&nbsp;</a>

"These statements from the president of the United States are very bad. It is clear that he does not want to get the relationship with our country back on track, and we will proceed from that," the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

This has come after Biden, during an interview, said "I do" when asked if he thinks Putin is a 'killer'.&nbsp;The US President had also claimed that Putin will "pay a price" for allegedly meddling in the US election 2020.

"I know him [Putin] relatively well," Biden said, recalling his conversation with the Russian ruler in January 2021. "The most important thing dealing with foreign leaders in my experience [...] is just know the other guy," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-biden-talks-about-putins-interference-in-us-elections-371382">Watch |</a>&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-biden-talks-about-putins-interference-in-us-elections-371382/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Biden had also described Putin to have no soul, which is the first time the newly-elected President has passed such a harsh statement on some foreign leader.

These claims, however, have been declined by the Kremlin and recalled the Russian envoy back to the country for consultations on ties with the US to prevent an 'irreversible deterioration' in relations.&nbsp;

"The Russian ambassador in Washington, Anatoly Antonov, has been invited to come to Moscow for consultations conducted with the aim of analysing what should be done and where to go in the context of ties with the United States," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Konstantin Kosachyov, deputy chairman of parliament’s upper house, took to Facebook to condemn Biden's comments, which Kremlin claims are an attack on Russia as a whole.

“I suspect it will not be the last one if no explanation or apology follows from the American side,” Kosachyov said in a Facebook post. "This kind of assessment is not allowed from the mouth of a statesman of such a rank. This kind of statement is not acceptable under any circumstances."

Almost a day after US President Joe Biden agreed that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, is a 'killer', the latter has broken his silence. Putin, on Thursday, talking about Biden's comment said it "takes one to know one".

Almost a day after US President Joe Biden agreed that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, is a 'killer', the latter has broken his silence. Putin, on Thursday, talking about Biden's comment said it "takes one to know one". The Russian President also acknowledged Biden's statement about the two leaders knowing each other well. "As for the statement by my American counterpart, we really are, as he said, personally acquainted. What would I answer him? I would tell him: stay healthy! I wish him good health," Putin said in televised remarks. Also read | Russia dismisses US reports on poll meddling as Biden doubles down on allegations He also pointed out that people usually project onto others what they think about themselves. "There have been many difficult, dramatic, and bloody events in the history of each nation. But when we assess other people, when we assess other states, other peoples, we are always looking in the mirror. We always see ourselves there." Putin added that Moscow would not sever ties with Washington but would work with the US on terms "beneficial" to Russia. His statement came a few minutes after Kremlin expressed disappointment in the weakening relationship between the two countries. On Thursday, the Kremlin said it is clear that Joe Biden has no interest in improving the strained relationship between the two countries. Also read | Russia recalls Washington envoy for consultations "These statements from the president of the United States are very bad. It is clear that he does not want to get the relationship with our country back on track, and we will proceed from that," the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. This has come after Biden, during an interview, said "I do" when asked if he thinks Putin is a 'killer'. The US President had also claimed that Putin will "pay a price" for allegedly meddling in the US election 2020. "I know him [Putin] relatively well," Biden said, recalling his conversation with the Russian ruler in January 2021. "The most important thing dealing with foreign leaders in my experience [...] is just know the other guy," he added. Watch | Biden had also described Putin to have no soul, which is the first time the newly-elected President has passed such a harsh statement on some foreign leader. These claims, however, have been declined by the Kremlin and recalled the Russian envoy back to the country for consultations on ties with the US to prevent an 'irreversible deterioration' in relations. "The Russian ambassador in Washington, Anatoly Antonov, has been invited to come to Moscow for consultations conducted with the aim of analysing what should be done and where to go in the context of ties with the United States," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. Meanwhile, Konstantin Kosachyov, deputy chairman of parliament’s upper house, took to Facebook to condemn Biden's comments, which Kremlin claims are an attack on Russia as a whole. “I suspect it will not be the last one if no explanation or apology follows from the American side,” Kosachyov said in a Facebook post. "This kind of assessment is not allowed from the mouth of a statesman of such a rank. This kind of statement is not acceptable under any circumstances."

'Takes one to know one': Putin strikes back on Biden's 'killer' comment

The United States President Joe Biden believes that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is a 'killer' and would 'pay a price' for interfering in US elections.

US President Biden talks about Putin's 'interference' in US elections

Asking Moscow to respect "international obligations", the G7 nations on Thursday refused to recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea.&nbsp;

"We unequivocally denounce Russia's temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol. Russia's attempts to legitimise it are not, and will not, be recognised," the G7 nations in a statement marking the seventh anniversary of the takeover of Crimea said.&nbsp;

It also asked Moscow to allow access to "international monitors" and release all "those who are unjustly detained" in an indirect reference to top Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny and hundreds of others recently jailed.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-us-wont-accept-russias-crimea-annexation-366505">Biden says US won't accept Russia's Crimea annexation</a>

The statement comes amid the fighting between Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine's east that has damaged the ceasefire agreed upon last year.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday urged for a summit with European nations and suggested a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the crisis.&nbsp;

Last month, US President Joe Biden said that Washington would never recognise Moscow's annexation of Crimea and expressed solidarity with Ukraine against "Russia's aggressive acts".&nbsp;

"The United States does not and will never recognise Russia's purported annexation of the peninsula, and we will stand with Ukraine against Russia's aggressive acts," Biden had said.

Biden on Wednesday also described Putin as a "killer".&nbsp;

Asking Moscow to respect "international obligations", the G7 nations on Thursday refused to recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea. "We unequivocally denounce Russia's temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol.

Asking Moscow to respect "international obligations", the G7 nations on Thursday refused to recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea. "We unequivocally denounce Russia's temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol. Russia's attempts to legitimise it are not, and will not, be recognised," the G7 nations in a statement marking the seventh anniversary of the takeover of Crimea said. It also asked Moscow to allow access to "international monitors" and release all "those who are unjustly detained" in an indirect reference to top Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny and hundreds of others recently jailed. Also read | Biden says US won't accept Russia's Crimea annexation The statement comes amid the fighting between Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine's east that has damaged the ceasefire agreed upon last year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday urged for a summit with European nations and suggested a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the crisis. Last month, US President Joe Biden said that Washington would never recognise Moscow's annexation of Crimea and expressed solidarity with Ukraine against "Russia's aggressive acts". "The United States does not and will never recognise Russia's purported annexation of the peninsula, and we will stand with Ukraine against Russia's aggressive acts," Biden had said. Biden on Wednesday also described Putin as a "killer".

We will never accept Russia's occupation of Crimea: G7

The United States President Joe Biden believes that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is a "killer" and would "pay a price" for interfering in US elections.

US President Biden talks about Putin's "interference" in US elections | Vladimir Putin

A few hours after a US intelligence report claimed that the Russian President Vladimir Putin likely directed meddling in US election 2020, the current US President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden"> Joe Biden</a> has said he agrees that Putin is a 'killer'.

"He will pay a price. You'll see shortly," Biden said during an interview with an international media house, ABC News.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-likely-directed-meddling-in-2020-us-election-report-claims-371004">Putin likely directed meddling in 2020 US election, report claims</a>

"I know him [Putin] relatively well," Biden said, recalling his conversation with Russian ruler in January 2021. "The most important thing dealing with foreign leaders in my experience [...] is just know the other guy," he added.

The US President also added a subtle "I do" when asked if he believes his Russian counterpart is a 'killer'.&nbsp;

This statement has come after a 15-page report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday, claimed that the Russian President likely directed efforts to try and sabotage Biden's chances of winning the US election 2020 against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump.</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-biden-says-putin-is-a-killer-and-will-pay-a-price-371217">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-biden-says-putin-is-a-killer-and-will-pay-a-price-371217/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Putin had purview over the activities of Andriy Derkach," the report said. "Other senior officials also participated in Russia's election influence efforts - including senior national security and intelligence officials who we assess would not act without receiving at least Putin's tacit approval."

However, these claims were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-calls-us-allegations-over-putin-directed-election-meddling-baseless-371074">dismissed by Russia</a>. "The document prepared by the US intelligence community is another set of groundless accusations against our country of interfering in American internal political processes. The conclusions of the report on Russia conducting influence operations in America are confirmed solely by the confidence of the intelligence services of their self-righteousness. No facts or specific evidence of such claims were provided," &nbsp;the Russian Embassy in Washington said on Wednesday.

Immediately after Biden's statement,&nbsp;Russia's lower house of parliament denounced the US President for agreeing that Putin is a 'killer'. Claiming that attacks on Putin are attacks on Russia, State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin wrote on his Telegram channel that "Biden insulted the citizens of our country with his statement".

A few hours after a US intelligence report claimed that the Russian President Vladimir Putin likely directed meddling in US election 2020, the current US President Joe Biden has said he agrees that Putin is a 'killer'.

A few hours after a US intelligence report claimed that the Russian President Vladimir Putin likely directed meddling in US election 2020, the current US President Joe Biden has said he agrees that Putin is a 'killer'. "He will pay a price. You'll see shortly," Biden said during an interview with an international media house, ABC News. Also read | Putin likely directed meddling in 2020 US election, report claims "I know him [Putin] relatively well," Biden said, recalling his conversation with Russian ruler in January 2021. "The most important thing dealing with foreign leaders in my experience [...] is just know the other guy," he added. The US President also added a subtle "I do" when asked if he believes his Russian counterpart is a 'killer'. This statement has come after a 15-page report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday, claimed that the Russian President likely directed efforts to try and sabotage Biden's chances of winning the US election 2020 against Donald Trump. Watch | "Putin had purview over the activities of Andriy Derkach," the report said. "Other senior officials also participated in Russia's election influence efforts - including senior national security and intelligence officials who we assess would not act without receiving at least Putin's tacit approval." However, these claims were dismissed by Russia. "The document prepared by the US intelligence community is another set of groundless accusations against our country of interfering in American internal political processes. The conclusions of the report on Russia conducting influence operations in America are confirmed solely by the confidence of the intelligence services of their self-righteousness. No facts or specific evidence of such claims were provided," the Russian Embassy in Washington said on Wednesday. Immediately after Biden's statement, Russia's lower house of parliament denounced the US President for agreeing that Putin is a 'killer'. Claiming that attacks on Putin are attacks on Russia, State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin wrote on his Telegram channel that "Biden insulted the citizens of our country with his statement".

Russia dismisses US reports on poll meddling as Biden doubles down on allegations

WION Fineprint: Biden says Putin is a 'killer' and will 'pay a price'

Russian President Vladimir Putin likely directed efforts to try to swing the 2020 US presidential election to Donald Trump, an American intelligence report has claimed.

Democrat Biden defeated Republican Trump and became president in January.

The 15-page report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday, will likely trigger US sanctions on Russia. According to Reuters, Washington is now expected to impose sanctions on Moscow as soon as next week because of the allegations.

The report named Derkach, who met Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani in 2019, as someone whose movements were tracked, if not directed, by Putin. It added heft to longstanding allegations that some of Trump's top lieutenants were playing into Moscow's hands by amplifying claims made against then-candidate Joe Biden by Russian-linked Ukrainian figures in the run-up to the November 3 election. It also added new findings that Putin either oversaw or at least approved of the election meddling to benefit Trump.

The said report has concluded that Russia-backed figures such as Ukrainian parliamentarian Andriy Derkach enlisted unnamed US political figures in their campaign to smear Biden and his son Hunter.

"Putin had purview over the activities of Andriy Derkach," the report said. "Other senior officials also participated in Russia's election influence efforts - including senior national security and intelligence officials who we assess would not act without receiving at least Putin's tacit approval."

US intelligence agencies and former Special Counsel Robert Mueller had previously concluded that Russia also interfered in the 2016 election to boost Trump's candidacy with a campaign of propaganda aimed at harming his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-accuses-us-of-meddling-in-affairs-but-says-ready-to-talk-359012">Also read |&nbsp;Kremlin accuses US of meddling in affairs, but says ready to talk</a>

Mueller found extensive contacts between Trump's campaign and Russia. Trump while president also faced questions about ties by his associates with Russia and Russia-linked figures in Ukraine. The US House of Representatives impeached Trump in 2019 - the first of two times - on charges arising from his request that Ukraine investigate the Bidens.

The US intelligence report also found other foreign attempts to sway American voters in 2020 including a "multi-pronged covert influence campaign" by Iran intended to undercut Trump. As president, Trump pulled the United States out of a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran and imposed fresh sanctions.

The report also punctured a counter-narrative pushed by Trump's allies that China was interfering on Biden's behalf, concluding that Beijing "did not deploy interference efforts."

"China sought stability in its relationship with the United States and did not view either election outcome as being advantageous enough for China to risk blowback if caught," the report said.

US officials said they also saw efforts by Cuba, Venezuela and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah to influence the election, although "in general, we assess that they were smaller in scale than those conducted by Russia and Iran."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-russia-and-iran-call-meddling-claims-groundless-337188">Also read |&nbsp;US election 2020: Russia and Iran call meddling claims 'groundless'</a>

A key role was played by another man with Russian intelligence ties, Konstantin Kilimnik, according to the report. It said Kilimnik and Derkach met and gave materials to Trump-linked people to push for formal investigations, and Derkach released four audio recordings seeking to suggest Biden tried to protect his son Hunter from a corruption probe in Ukraine. Giuliani was among those promoting such claims.

Kilimnik was an associate of Paul Manafort, who served as Trump's 2016 campaign chairman. Trump last year pardoned Manafort for a criminal conviction stemming from Mueller's investigation.

(with inputs)

Russian President Vladimir Putin likely directed efforts to try to swing the 2020 US presidential election to Donald Trump, an American intelligence report has claimed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin likely directed efforts to try to swing the 2020 US presidential election to Donald Trump, an American intelligence report has claimed. Democrat Biden defeated Republican Trump and became president in January. The 15-page report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday, will likely trigger US sanctions on Russia. According to Reuters, Washington is now expected to impose sanctions on Moscow as soon as next week because of the allegations. The report named Derkach, who met Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani in 2019, as someone whose movements were tracked, if not directed, by Putin. It added heft to longstanding allegations that some of Trump's top lieutenants were playing into Moscow's hands by amplifying claims made against then-candidate Joe Biden by Russian-linked Ukrainian figures in the run-up to the November 3 election. It also added new findings that Putin either oversaw or at least approved of the election meddling to benefit Trump. The said report has concluded that Russia-backed figures such as Ukrainian parliamentarian Andriy Derkach enlisted unnamed US political figures in their campaign to smear Biden and his son Hunter. "Putin had purview over the activities of Andriy Derkach," the report said. "Other senior officials also participated in Russia's election influence efforts - including senior national security and intelligence officials who we assess would not act without receiving at least Putin's tacit approval." US intelligence agencies and former Special Counsel Robert Mueller had previously concluded that Russia also interfered in the 2016 election to boost Trump's candidacy with a campaign of propaganda aimed at harming his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton. Also read | Kremlin accuses US of meddling in affairs, but says ready to talk Mueller found extensive contacts between Trump's campaign and Russia. Trump while president also faced questions about ties by his associates with Russia and Russia-linked figures in Ukraine. The US House of Representatives impeached Trump in 2019 - the first of two times - on charges arising from his request that Ukraine investigate the Bidens. The US intelligence report also found other foreign attempts to sway American voters in 2020 including a "multi-pronged covert influence campaign" by Iran intended to undercut Trump. As president, Trump pulled the United States out of a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran and imposed fresh sanctions. The report also punctured a counter-narrative pushed by Trump's allies that China was interfering on Biden's behalf, concluding that Beijing "did not deploy interference efforts." "China sought stability in its relationship with the United States and did not view either election outcome as being advantageous enough for China to risk blowback if caught," the report said. US officials said they also saw efforts by Cuba, Venezuela and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah to influence the election, although "in general, we assess that they were smaller in scale than those conducted by Russia and Iran." Also read | US election 2020: Russia and Iran call meddling claims 'groundless' A key role was played by another man with Russian intelligence ties, Konstantin Kilimnik, according to the report. It said Kilimnik and Derkach met and gave materials to Trump-linked people to push for formal investigations, and Derkach released four audio recordings seeking to suggest Biden tried to protect his son Hunter from a corruption probe in Ukraine. Giuliani was among those promoting such claims. Kilimnik was an associate of Paul Manafort, who served as Trump's 2016 campaign chairman. Trump last year pardoned Manafort for a criminal conviction stemming from Mueller's investigation. (with inputs)

Putin likely directed meddling in 2020 US election, report claims

Russia on Wednesday refuted US intelligence allegations that President Vladimir Putin had likely directed efforts to try to swing the 2020 presidential election in&nbsp;Donald Trump's favour, terming them baseless.

A 15-page American intelligence report, released on Tuesday, said several Trump's top lieutenants played&nbsp;into Moscow's hands by amplifying claims made against then-candidate Joe Biden by Russian-linked Ukrainian figures in the run-up to the November 3 presidential&nbsp;election.

"The document prepared by the US intelligence community is another set of baseless accusations against our country for interfering in American domestic political processes," Russia's embassy in the United States said in a statement on Facebook.

"The conclusions of the report on Russia conducting influence operations in America are confirmed solely by the confidence of the intelligence services of their self-righteousness. No facts or specific evidence of such claims were provided."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-likely-directed-meddling-in-2020-us-election-report-claims-371004">Also read |&nbsp;Putin likely directed meddling in 2020 US election, report claims</a>

Washington is expected to impose sanctions on Moscow as soon as next week because of the allegations. Those sanctions could also address the cyber hack blamed on Russia that used US company SolarWinds Corp to penetrate American government networks.

Russia has already denied any involvement in that hack.

The United States imposed sanctions on four senior Russian officials earlier this month over Moscow's treatment of opposition politician Alexei Navalny, something Moscow cast as unacceptable meddling in its domestic affairs.

Russia's US embassy in Washington on Wednesday, to this end, accused the United States of seeking to besmirch Russia's image and of blaming others for its own problems.

"We state that Washington continues to practice 'megaphone diplomacy, with the main goal to maintain a negative image of Russia. To blame external players for destabilising the situation inside the country," the embassy said in the same statement.

"This attitude of the administration hardly corresponds to our proposed equal and mutually respectful expert dialogue in search of solutions to the most pressing issues. Washington's actions do not lead to the normalisation of bilateral relations."

(with inputs from agencies)

Russia on Wednesday refuted US intelligence allegations that President Vladimir Putin had likely directed efforts to try to swing the 2020 presidential election in Donald Trump's favour, terming them baseless.

Russia on Wednesday refuted US intelligence allegations that President Vladimir Putin had likely directed efforts to try to swing the 2020 presidential election in Donald Trump's favour, terming them baseless. A 15-page American intelligence report, released on Tuesday, said several Trump's top lieutenants played into Moscow's hands by amplifying claims made against then-candidate Joe Biden by Russian-linked Ukrainian figures in the run-up to the November 3 presidential election. "The document prepared by the US intelligence community is another set of baseless accusations against our country for interfering in American domestic political processes," Russia's embassy in the United States said in a statement on Facebook. "The conclusions of the report on Russia conducting influence operations in America are confirmed solely by the confidence of the intelligence services of their self-righteousness. No facts or specific evidence of such claims were provided." Also read | Putin likely directed meddling in 2020 US election, report claims Washington is expected to impose sanctions on Moscow as soon as next week because of the allegations. Those sanctions could also address the cyber hack blamed on Russia that used US company SolarWinds Corp to penetrate American government networks. Russia has already denied any involvement in that hack. The United States imposed sanctions on four senior Russian officials earlier this month over Moscow's treatment of opposition politician Alexei Navalny, something Moscow cast as unacceptable meddling in its domestic affairs. Russia's US embassy in Washington on Wednesday, to this end, accused the United States of seeking to besmirch Russia's image and of blaming others for its own problems. "We state that Washington continues to practice 'megaphone diplomacy, with the main goal to maintain a negative image of Russia. To blame external players for destabilising the situation inside the country," the embassy said in the same statement. "This attitude of the administration hardly corresponds to our proposed equal and mutually respectful expert dialogue in search of solutions to the most pressing issues. Washington's actions do not lead to the normalisation of bilateral relations." (with inputs from agencies)

Russia calls US allegations over Putin-directed election meddling 'baseless'

Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor on Tuesday gave Twitter a one-month ultimatum to remove "banned" content, threatening to consider blocking the social media platform within the country if it does not comply.

Last week Roskomnadzor started disrupting Twitter's services in Russia, saying the US platform failed to comply with its requests to delete content related to child pornography, drug use and calls for minors to commit suicide.

"We have taken a month and are watching Twitter's response to the removal of banned content," Roskomnadzor deputy head Vadim Subbotin told the state-run TASS news agency.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-claims-he-is-locked-up-in-concentration-camp-outside-moscow-370910" hreflang="en">Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny claims he is locked up in 'concentration camp' outside Moscow</a>

He added that if Twitter does not comply in that time period, the media regulator "will consider the question of completely blocking the service" on Russian territory.

Subbotin also told the Interfax news agency that Twitter has not taken any "specific steps" to remove the prohibited content.

Russian authorities have in recent months increased pressure on Western social media platforms, especially those hosting content supporting jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;

Roskomnadzor last week said it had started slowing down the speed of photo and video content for all mobile users and 50 percent of desktop users in Russia.

A Twitter spokesperson last week told AFP that the company does not support "any unlawful behaviour" and is "deeply concerned by increased attempts to block and throttle online public conversation".

Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor on Tuesday gave Twitter a one-month ultimatum to remove "banned" content, threatening to consider blocking the social media platform within the country if it does not comply.

Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor on Tuesday gave Twitter a one-month ultimatum to remove "banned" content, threatening to consider blocking the social media platform within the country if it does not comply. Last week Roskomnadzor started disrupting Twitter's services in Russia, saying the US platform failed to comply with its requests to delete content related to child pornography, drug use and calls for minors to commit suicide. "We have taken a month and are watching Twitter's response to the removal of banned content," Roskomnadzor deputy head Vadim Subbotin told the state-run TASS news agency. Also read| Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny claims he is locked up in 'concentration camp' outside Moscow He added that if Twitter does not comply in that time period, the media regulator "will consider the question of completely blocking the service" on Russian territory. Subbotin also told the Interfax news agency that Twitter has not taken any "specific steps" to remove the prohibited content. Russian authorities have in recent months increased pressure on Western social media platforms, especially those hosting content supporting jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Roskomnadzor last week said it had started slowing down the speed of photo and video content for all mobile users and 50 percent of desktop users in Russia. A Twitter spokesperson last week told AFP that the company does not support "any unlawful behaviour" and is "deeply concerned by increased attempts to block and throttle online public conversation".

Russia gives Twitter one month to remove 'banned' content

Kremlin critic Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, who is serving a two-and-half-year jail term in a penal colony outside Moscow, has claimed that he was locked up in a "real concentration camp".

His comments were the first confirmation of widespread reports that the Russian opposition politician would be spending his sentence at one of the most notorious facilities in Russia's extensive network of over 600 work colonies.&nbsp;

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Navalny's precise location had been unknown after his legal team said last week that he had been moved from the nearby Kolchugino jail and that they had not been told where he was being taken.

On Monday,&nbsp;Navalny said&nbsp;he was fine and being held at the IK-2 corrective penal colony in the town of Pokrov, about 100 km east of Moscow.

"Hi everyone from 'Heightened control sector A',"&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;said in a message posted online shortly after his lawyers visited him at the facility.

"I have to admit that the Russian prison system has managed to surprise me. I never imagined that it was possible to build a real concentration camp 100 kilometres from Moscow".

Woken up 'every hour'&nbsp;

Navalny&nbsp;said he had not yet seen any hints of violence at the colony, but because of the "tense posture of the convicts", he can "easily believe" previous reports of brutality.

The post was accompanied by a picture of&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;sitting on a sofa with his hair cropped close to his head.

Navalny, 44, one of President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critics, was jailed earlier this year for parole violations in a decision that the West has condemned as politically motivated.

He is due to serve out a two-and-a-half-year sentence and is only able to communicate with the outside world via his lawyers.

The Instagram post said that swearing was banned at the facility and that the ban was widely observed by fellow inmates who seemed scared to turn their heads twice.

He said he had not seen any prison violence or suggestion of it himself, but could believe stories he had heard about past cases of violence.

"There are video cameras everywhere, they keep watch on everyone and make reports for the slightest infractions. I think someone high up has read 1984 by Orwell," he said.

He said he was woken up every hour during the night because he had been deemed a flight risk.

"But if you regard everything with humour, you can live here. So on the whole, everything is fine with me," he said.

Navalny&nbsp;returned to Russia in January from Germany, where he had been recuperating after allegedly being poisoned with what many Western nations claimed was a nerve agent. The Kremlin has denied any involvement and questioned claims that he was poisoned.

Western countries have called for&nbsp;Navalny's release, and the United States and European Union have imposed sanctions against Russian officials over the case.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who is serving a two-and-half-year jail term in a penal colony outside Moscow, has claimed that he was locked up in a "real concentration camp".

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who is serving a two-and-half-year jail term in a penal colony outside Moscow, has claimed that he was locked up in a "real concentration camp". His comments were the first confirmation of widespread reports that the Russian opposition politician would be spending his sentence at one of the most notorious facilities in Russia's extensive network of over 600 work colonies. Navalny's precise location had been unknown after his legal team said last week that he had been moved from the nearby Kolchugino jail and that they had not been told where he was being taken. On Monday, Navalny said he was fine and being held at the IK-2 corrective penal colony in the town of Pokrov, about 100 km east of Moscow. "Hi everyone from 'Heightened control sector A'," Navalny said in a message posted online shortly after his lawyers visited him at the facility. "I have to admit that the Russian prison system has managed to surprise me. I never imagined that it was possible to build a real concentration camp 100 kilometres from Moscow". Woken up 'every hour' Navalny said he had not yet seen any hints of violence at the colony, but because of the "tense posture of the convicts", he can "easily believe" previous reports of brutality. The post was accompanied by a picture of Navalny sitting on a sofa with his hair cropped close to his head. Navalny, 44, one of President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critics, was jailed earlier this year for parole violations in a decision that the West has condemned as politically motivated. He is due to serve out a two-and-a-half-year sentence and is only able to communicate with the outside world via his lawyers. The Instagram post said that swearing was banned at the facility and that the ban was widely observed by fellow inmates who seemed scared to turn their heads twice. He said he had not seen any prison violence or suggestion of it himself, but could believe stories he had heard about past cases of violence. "There are video cameras everywhere, they keep watch on everyone and make reports for the slightest infractions. I think someone high up has read 1984 by Orwell," he said. He said he was woken up every hour during the night because he had been deemed a flight risk. "But if you regard everything with humour, you can live here. So on the whole, everything is fine with me," he said. Navalny returned to Russia in January from Germany, where he had been recuperating after allegedly being poisoned with what many Western nations claimed was a nerve agent. The Kremlin has denied any involvement and questioned claims that he was poisoned. Western countries have called for Navalny's release, and the United States and European Union have imposed sanctions against Russian officials over the case.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny claims he is locked up in 'concentration camp' outside Moscow

A decade of war in Syria with no hope in sight

Kremlin on Tuesday slammed&nbsp;claims it was spearheading a disinformation campaign against US-made coronavirus vaccines to boost its own homegrown jab were "absurd and groundless".&nbsp;

The comments come a day after Washington said Russian intelligence was behind four websites involved in a campaign to undermine US-made vaccines, accusing Russia of putting lives at risk.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-risking-lives-by-running-disinformation-campaign-against-vaccines-us-369006">Russia risking lives by running disinformation campaign against vaccines: US</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the allegations "absurd and groundless".

"Russia has never taken part and is not going to take part in such information campaigns against other vaccines," Peskov told reporters.

On the contrary, he said, Russia was cooperating with foreign vaccine producers "to make a more effective product".

"We've always been against politicising any issues related to the vaccine in any way," he said.

Peskov added that once jabs are tested and approved "they should be produced as much as possible to save the entire world from the coronavirus and save as many human lives as possible".

Putin has boasted that Russia has developed the world's best vaccines against the coronavirus, insisting last week they were better than the Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs.

The Global Engagement Center -- an arm of the State Department whose activities include monitoring foreign propaganda -- made the claims of Russian disinformation on Monday.&nbsp;

The four online platforms spread "disinformation about two of the vaccines that have now been approved by the FDA in this country," US State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters, referring to the US Food and Drug Administration.

US intelligence has long suspected Russia in disinformation campaigns on health, including spreading the myth in the 1980s that US scientists created the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

Kremlin on Tuesday slammed claims it was spearheading a disinformation campaign against US-made coronavirus vaccines to boost its own homegrown jab were "absurd and groundless".

Kremlin on Tuesday slammed claims it was spearheading a disinformation campaign against US-made coronavirus vaccines to boost its own homegrown jab were "absurd and groundless". The comments come a day after Washington said Russian intelligence was behind four websites involved in a campaign to undermine US-made vaccines, accusing Russia of putting lives at risk. Also read: Russia risking lives by running disinformation campaign against vaccines: US Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the allegations "absurd and groundless". "Russia has never taken part and is not going to take part in such information campaigns against other vaccines," Peskov told reporters. On the contrary, he said, Russia was cooperating with foreign vaccine producers "to make a more effective product". "We've always been against politicising any issues related to the vaccine in any way," he said. Peskov added that once jabs are tested and approved "they should be produced as much as possible to save the entire world from the coronavirus and save as many human lives as possible". Putin has boasted that Russia has developed the world's best vaccines against the coronavirus, insisting last week they were better than the Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs. The Global Engagement Center -- an arm of the State Department whose activities include monitoring foreign propaganda -- made the claims of Russian disinformation on Monday. The four online platforms spread "disinformation about two of the vaccines that have now been approved by the FDA in this country," US State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters, referring to the US Food and Drug Administration. US intelligence has long suspected Russia in disinformation campaigns on health, including spreading the myth in the 1980s that US scientists created the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

Kremlin slams US vaccine disinformation claims 'absurd' and 'groundless'

Russian authorities are suing five social media platforms for allegedly failing to delete posts urging children to take part in illegal protests, the Interfax news agency cited a Moscow court as saying on Tuesday.

Twitter, Google, Facebook each have three cases against them, with each violation punishable by a fine of up to 4 million roubles (around $54,000), and cases have also been filed against Tiktok and Telegram, the report said.

The cases were opened after protests nationwide over last month's jailing of Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin.

Navalny and his supporters say his 30-month sentence, for alleged parole violations related to an embezzlement case, was trumped up for political reasons, something the authorities deny.

Google declined to comment on the Interfax report. Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok and Telegram did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The cases against Google, Facebook and Twitter will be heard on April 2, the agency said.

Russian authorities are suing five social media platforms for allegedly failing to delete posts urging children to take part in illegal protests, the Interfax news agency cited a Moscow court as saying on Tuesday.

Russian authorities are suing five social media platforms for allegedly failing to delete posts urging children to take part in illegal protests, the Interfax news agency cited a Moscow court as saying on Tuesday. Twitter, Google, Facebook each have three cases against them, with each violation punishable by a fine of up to 4 million roubles (around $54,000), and cases have also been filed against Tiktok and Telegram, the report said. The cases were opened after protests nationwide over last month's jailing of Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin. Navalny and his supporters say his 30-month sentence, for alleged parole violations related to an embezzlement case, was trumped up for political reasons, something the authorities deny. Google declined to comment on the Interfax report. Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok and Telegram did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The cases against Google, Facebook and Twitter will be heard on April 2, the agency said.

Russia sues Google, Facebook, Twitter for not deleting protest content: Report

Vladimir Putin wants the internet bound by what he describes Russia as moral rules. Russian President is exerted that internet is penetrated in all spare of our life and therefore it was also Logist obey a legal rule but also the moral rules of the society otherwise society will collapse from within.

Russia: Vladimir Putin wants the internet bound by moral rules

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