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;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-russia-end-persecution-of-independent-voices-370388/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

President Vladimir Putin called on Thursday for the internet in Russia to be bound by moral rules to stop society fraying and railed against what he said was its role in drawing children into opposition street protests, prostitution and drugs.

The comments come amid mounting efforts by Moscow to exert greater influence over U.S. social media giants and frustrations over what authorities say is their failure to follow Russian laws.

Last December, parliament`s lower house backed big new fines on platforms that fail to delete banned content and another bill that would allow U.S. social media giants to be restricted if they "discriminate" against Russian media.

"The internet has already penetrated into all spheres of our lives ... it must obey not just the laws of formal, legal rules, but also the moral laws of the society in which we live, otherwise this society will collapse from the inside," he said.

As tens of thousands rallied to protest the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny earlier this year, Moscow accused U.S. social networks of failing to take down fake posts about anti-Kremlin demonstrations earlier this year.

Authorities also accused the opposition of getting children to take part in unsanctioned opposition protests, something the opposition says is a deliberate smear and untrue.

"We encounter (online) child pornography, child prostitution, drug dealing where it is precisely children and teenagers who are the target audience," Putin said.

"Drawing them out onto the street to be hooligans, fight with the police, and then hiding behind the children, actually putting them in front," he continued in televised comments.

Separately on Thursday, the Vedomosti newspaper reported that the Russian government was discussing a possible new tax on global IT firms that use Russian data to analyse user behaviour and offer contextual advertising.

The funds gathered from the tax would be used to support domestic IT companies, it said. The measure was discussed at a government meeting with the IT industry last week that was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, it said.

A decision on introducing the tax is expected by halfway through this year, Vedomosti cited an unnamed source at the meeting as saying.

President Vladimir Putin called on Thursday for the internet in Russia to be bound by moral rules to stop society fraying and railed against what he said was its role in drawing children into opposition street protests, prostitution and drugs.

President Vladimir Putin called on Thursday for the internet in Russia to be bound by moral rules to stop society fraying and railed against what he said was its role in drawing children into opposition street protests, prostitution and drugs. The comments come amid mounting efforts by Moscow to exert greater influence over U.S. social media giants and frustrations over what authorities say is their failure to follow Russian laws. Last December, parliament`s lower house backed big new fines on platforms that fail to delete banned content and another bill that would allow U.S. social media giants to be restricted if they "discriminate" against Russian media. "The internet has already penetrated into all spheres of our lives ... it must obey not just the laws of formal, legal rules, but also the moral laws of the society in which we live, otherwise this society will collapse from the inside," he said. As tens of thousands rallied to protest the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny earlier this year, Moscow accused U.S. social networks of failing to take down fake posts about anti-Kremlin demonstrations earlier this year. Authorities also accused the opposition of getting children to take part in unsanctioned opposition protests, something the opposition says is a deliberate smear and untrue. "We encounter (online) child pornography, child prostitution, drug dealing where it is precisely children and teenagers who are the target audience," Putin said. "Drawing them out onto the street to be hooligans, fight with the police, and then hiding behind the children, actually putting them in front," he continued in televised comments. Separately on Thursday, the Vedomosti newspaper reported that the Russian government was discussing a possible new tax on global IT firms that use Russian data to analyse user behaviour and offer contextual advertising. The funds gathered from the tax would be used to support domestic IT companies, it said. The measure was discussed at a government meeting with the IT industry last week that was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, it said. A decision on introducing the tax is expected by halfway through this year, Vedomosti cited an unnamed source at the meeting as saying.

Putin calls for internet bound by moral rules, criticises opposition rallies

Russia on Thursday demanded an explanation from Facebook after the social media giant said it had derailed a campaign to mislead Russians protesting the arrest of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

The US-based social network said its automated systems detected and disabled 530 Instagram accounts being used in the campaign against protesters who took to the streets in Russia following Navalny's arrest in mid-January.

"Roskomnadzor has sent Facebook management a letter containing a request to provide lists of accounts to which access has been limited and also to explain the reasons for blocking them," the Russian communications watchdog said.

Roskomnadzor demanded that Facebook, which owns the image-centric service, also provide proof that the blocked accounts had been involved in "illegal activities".&nbsp;

The network of Instagram accounts used hashtag and location "poisoning" typically associated with spam or financial scams to drown outposts by protesters, according to Facebook global threat disruption lead David Agranovich.

Some of the Instagram posts suggested people got Covid-19 and died as a result of attending protests, according to samples provided by Facebook.

Facebook reported that 55,000 people followed one or more of the Instagram accounts.

Tens of thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets in January and February to protest Navalny's arrest and President Vladimir Putin's two-decade rule.

Navalny was sentenced last month to two and a half years in a penal colony for breaching parole terms while in Germany recovering from a poisoning attack Novichok nerve age.

Russia on Thursday demanded an explanation from Facebook after the social media giant said it had derailed a campaign to mislead Russians protesting the arrest of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Russia on Thursday demanded an explanation from Facebook after the social media giant said it had derailed a campaign to mislead Russians protesting the arrest of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The US-based social network said its automated systems detected and disabled 530 Instagram accounts being used in the campaign against protesters who took to the streets in Russia following Navalny's arrest in mid-January. "Roskomnadzor has sent Facebook management a letter containing a request to provide lists of accounts to which access has been limited and also to explain the reasons for blocking them," the Russian communications watchdog said. Roskomnadzor demanded that Facebook, which owns the image-centric service, also provide proof that the blocked accounts had been involved in "illegal activities". The network of Instagram accounts used hashtag and location "poisoning" typically associated with spam or financial scams to drown outposts by protesters, according to Facebook global threat disruption lead David Agranovich. Some of the Instagram posts suggested people got Covid-19 and died as a result of attending protests, according to samples provided by Facebook. Facebook reported that 55,000 people followed one or more of the Instagram accounts. Tens of thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets in January and February to protest Navalny's arrest and President Vladimir Putin's two-decade rule. Navalny was sentenced last month to two and a half years in a penal colony for breaching parole terms while in Germany recovering from a poisoning attack Novichok nerve age.

Russia demands explanation from Facebook over blocked accounts

Russia on Wednesday warned the United States it would "rebuff aggression" after Washington imposed sanctions on Kremlin's officials over the poisoning of prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;

"We will continue to systematically and resolutely defend our national interests and rebuff aggression," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-eu-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-over-alexei-navalny-attack-367544/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

She further threatened the United States that Kremlin's reaction would be based on "reciprocity and not necessarily symmetrically."

The comments came after the US along with the European Union on Tuesday imposed penalties after US intelligence concluded that Russia was behind the poisoning of Navalny.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-will-worsen-strained-ties-with-us-russia-on-navalny-row-367529">Sanctions will worsen strained ties with US: Russia on Navalny row</a>

Accusing Washington of "trying to cultivate the image of an external enemy," the spokesperson asked the US and its European allies to "not play with fire".&nbsp;

Biden's administration has frozen any US assets of seven Russian officials, including the director of FSB, Russia's intelligence organisation.&nbsp;

It has also criminalised any transactions with these seven officials.&nbsp;

The action has been taken after US intelligence assessed "with high confidence" that FSB officials poisoned Navalny with the nerve agent Novichok on August 20, 2020, a US official told reporters.

"The US government has exercised its authorities to send a clear signal that Russia's use of chemical weapons and abuse of human rights have severe consequences," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement said.

 
&nbsp;

Russia on Wednesday warned the United States it would "rebuff aggression" after Washington imposed sanctions on Kremlin's officials over the poisoning of prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Russia on Wednesday warned the United States it would "rebuff aggression" after Washington imposed sanctions on Kremlin's officials over the poisoning of prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny. "We will continue to systematically and resolutely defend our national interests and rebuff aggression," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Watch | She further threatened the United States that Kremlin's reaction would be based on "reciprocity and not necessarily symmetrically." The comments came after the US along with the European Union on Tuesday imposed penalties after US intelligence concluded that Russia was behind the poisoning of Navalny. Also read | Sanctions will worsen strained ties with US: Russia on Navalny row Accusing Washington of "trying to cultivate the image of an external enemy," the spokesperson asked the US and its European allies to "not play with fire". Biden's administration has frozen any US assets of seven Russian officials, including the director of FSB, Russia's intelligence organisation. It has also criminalised any transactions with these seven officials. The action has been taken after US intelligence assessed "with high confidence" that FSB officials poisoned Navalny with the nerve agent Novichok on August 20, 2020, a US official told reporters. "The US government has exercised its authorities to send a clear signal that Russia's use of chemical weapons and abuse of human rights have severe consequences," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement said.

'Don't play with fire': Russia warns US, its allies over sanctions on Navalny poisoning

The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on seven senior Russians as it said its intelligence concluded that Moscow was behind the poisoning of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

"The intelligence community assesses with high confidence that officers of Russia's Federal Security Service FSB used a nerve agent known as Novichok to poison Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on August 20, 2020," senior Biden administration officials said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/your-story-kremlin-critic-alexie-navalny-transferred-to-penal-colony-366509/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The sanctions were a response to what the officials said was a Russian attempt to assassinate&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;last year, an accusation Russia denies.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden's decision to impose sanctions for&nbsp;Navalny's poisoning reflects a harder stance than taken by his predecessor, Donald Trump, who let the incident last August pass without punitive US&nbsp;action.

“The United States is neither seeking to reset our relations with Russia, nor are we seeking to escalate," one official said.

"We believe that the United States and our partners must be clear and impose costs when Russia’s behavior crosses boundaries that are respected by responsible nations, and we believe there should be guard rails on how these adversarial aspects of our relationship play out," the official said.

Navalny&nbsp;fell ill on a flight in Siberia in August and was airlifted to Germany, where doctors concluded he had been poisoned with a nerve agent. The Kremlin has denied any role in his illness and said it had seen no proof he was poisoned.

The Kremlin in response said that the US&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;would not achieve their goal and would merely worsen already strained relations.

In his turn, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow would respond in kind to any new US&nbsp;sanctions over the treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei&nbsp;Navalny.

EU foreign ministers agreed on February&nbsp;22 to impose sanctions on four senior Russian officials close to President Vladimir Putin in a mainly symbolic response to&nbsp;Navalny's jailing. The EU was expected to formally approve those in early March.

After his medical treatment in Germany,&nbsp;Navalny, 44, returned to Russia in January. He was arrested and later sentenced to more than 2-1/2 years in jail for parole violations he said were trumped up.

Biden last month called the jailing of&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;"politically motivated" and called for his release. He has pledged a new and tough approach toward Moscow, saying the United States would no longer be "rolling over" in the face of aggressive action by Russia.

Washington and Moscow disagree on a wide range of issues on top of&nbsp;Navalny, such as Russia's military ambitions in Ukraine and Georgia, as well as a cyberattack on U.S. government agencies last year that Washington blames on Russia. Moscow has denied responsibility for the hacking campaign.

The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on seven senior Russians as it said its intelligence concluded that Moscow was behind the poisoning of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on seven senior Russians as it said its intelligence concluded that Moscow was behind the poisoning of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. "The intelligence community assesses with high confidence that officers of Russia's Federal Security Service FSB used a nerve agent known as Novichok to poison Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on August 20, 2020," senior Biden administration officials said. The sanctions were a response to what the officials said was a Russian attempt to assassinate Navalny last year, an accusation Russia denies. President Joe Biden's decision to impose sanctions for Navalny's poisoning reflects a harder stance than taken by his predecessor, Donald Trump, who let the incident last August pass without punitive US action. “The United States is neither seeking to reset our relations with Russia, nor are we seeking to escalate," one official said. "We believe that the United States and our partners must be clear and impose costs when Russia’s behavior crosses boundaries that are respected by responsible nations, and we believe there should be guard rails on how these adversarial aspects of our relationship play out," the official said. Navalny fell ill on a flight in Siberia in August and was airlifted to Germany, where doctors concluded he had been poisoned with a nerve agent. The Kremlin has denied any role in his illness and said it had seen no proof he was poisoned. The Kremlin in response said that the US sanctions would not achieve their goal and would merely worsen already strained relations. In his turn, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow would respond in kind to any new US sanctions over the treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. EU foreign ministers agreed on February 22 to impose sanctions on four senior Russian officials close to President Vladimir Putin in a mainly symbolic response to Navalny's jailing. The EU was expected to formally approve those in early March. After his medical treatment in Germany, Navalny, 44, returned to Russia in January. He was arrested and later sentenced to more than 2-1/2 years in jail for parole violations he said were trumped up. Biden last month called the jailing of Navalny "politically motivated" and called for his release. He has pledged a new and tough approach toward Moscow, saying the United States would no longer be "rolling over" in the face of aggressive action by Russia. Washington and Moscow disagree on a wide range of issues on top of Navalny, such as Russia's military ambitions in Ukraine and Georgia, as well as a cyberattack on U.S. government agencies last year that Washington blames on Russia. Moscow has denied responsibility for the hacking campaign.

US imposes sanctions on Russia over poisoning of Kremlin critic Navalny

Russia's communications regulator accused Twitter on Monday of violating the country's&nbsp;law, saying the social media platform had not complied with some of its requests to delete banned content.

Roskomnadzor said Twitter had failed to delete 2,862 posts containing material linked to suicide, pornography and drugs since 2017. It could be fined heavily if found guilty of repeatedly failing to delete content deemed illegal under Russian law, it said.

The platform is used extensively by Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and his allies to criticise the authorities and announce new protests.

Twitter, which declined to comment, has been fined in the past for breaching Russia's data laws, but the penalties have been relatively small. A Moscow court last year fined Twitter 4 million roubles ($54,000) for failing to comply with Russian data law after the platform refused to locate its server holding data about Russian citizens on Russian territory.

Russia in recent months has taken steps to exert more influence over foreign social media platforms.

Bills passed by the lower house of parliament in December last year allowed Russia to impose large fines on platforms that do not delete banned content and even to restrict access to U.S. social media giants if they "discriminate" against Russian media.

The foreign ministry has also accused Facebook and other US&nbsp;platforms of failing to identify fake posts related to unauthorized protests in support of Navalny, where police detained thousands of demonstrators nationwide.

In January, President Vladimir Putin queried what he described as the growing clout of US&nbsp;social media giants and said their influence meant they now competed with governments.

Russia's communications regulator accused Twitter on Monday of violating the country's law, saying the social media platform had not complied with some of its requests to delete banned content.

Russia's communications regulator accused Twitter on Monday of violating the country's law, saying the social media platform had not complied with some of its requests to delete banned content. Roskomnadzor said Twitter had failed to delete 2,862 posts containing material linked to suicide, pornography and drugs since 2017. It could be fined heavily if found guilty of repeatedly failing to delete content deemed illegal under Russian law, it said. The platform is used extensively by Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and his allies to criticise the authorities and announce new protests. Twitter, which declined to comment, has been fined in the past for breaching Russia's data laws, but the penalties have been relatively small. A Moscow court last year fined Twitter 4 million roubles ($54,000) for failing to comply with Russian data law after the platform refused to locate its server holding data about Russian citizens on Russian territory. Russia in recent months has taken steps to exert more influence over foreign social media platforms. Bills passed by the lower house of parliament in December last year allowed Russia to impose large fines on platforms that do not delete banned content and even to restrict access to U.S. social media giants if they "discriminate" against Russian media. The foreign ministry has also accused Facebook and other US platforms of failing to identify fake posts related to unauthorized protests in support of Navalny, where police detained thousands of demonstrators nationwide. In January, President Vladimir Putin queried what he described as the growing clout of US social media giants and said their influence meant they now competed with governments.

Russia accuses Twitter of breaking law by failing to delete content

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been transferred to the Vladimir region in Russia -- some 200 kilometres (124 miles) east of Moscow -- to serve a 2.5-year long term in a penal colony.

President Vladimir Putin's fiercest opponent was sentenced in early February to 2.5 years in a penal colony for breaching parole terms while in Germany recovering from a poisoning attack.

Reports said in a statement Sunday that the opposition figure was sent to a Federal Prison Service institution in the Vladimir region.

"At first, he will be in quarantine, then he will be transferred to his colony," a member of the commission, Alexei Melnikov, told the Inferfax news agency.

Navalny spent months recovering in Germany from the near fatal poisoning with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok that he claims was ordered by Putin. The Kremlin has, however, repeatedly denied the claim.&nbsp;

The 44-year-old opposition politician was arrested on his return to Moscow last month, sparking a wave of protests across the country and a brutal police crackdown.

Additionally, leaders of Western countries have condemned his detention and called for his immediate release. And the European Union has agreed to impose sanctions on four senior Russian officials over the crackdown.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been transferred to the Vladimir region in Russia -- some 200 kilometres (124 miles) east of Moscow -- to serve a 2.5-year long term in a penal colony.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been transferred to the Vladimir region in Russia -- some 200 kilometres (124 miles) east of Moscow -- to serve a 2.5-year long term in a penal colony. President Vladimir Putin's fiercest opponent was sentenced in early February to 2.5 years in a penal colony for breaching parole terms while in Germany recovering from a poisoning attack. Reports said in a statement Sunday that the opposition figure was sent to a Federal Prison Service institution in the Vladimir region. "At first, he will be in quarantine, then he will be transferred to his colony," a member of the commission, Alexei Melnikov, told the Inferfax news agency. Navalny spent months recovering in Germany from the near fatal poisoning with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok that he claims was ordered by Putin. The Kremlin has, however, repeatedly denied the claim. The 44-year-old opposition politician was arrested on his return to Moscow last month, sparking a wave of protests across the country and a brutal police crackdown. Additionally, leaders of Western countries have condemned his detention and called for his immediate release. And the European Union has agreed to impose sanctions on four senior Russian officials over the crackdown.

Navalny transferred to Vladimir region east of Moscow to serve prison term

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday the United States was "deeply troubled" by Russia's growing intolerance of free speech, on the sixth anniversary of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov's murder.

Nemtsov, a vocal opponent of President Vladimir Putin, was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin on February 27, 2015.&nbsp;

"We remain deeply troubled by the Russian government’s growing intolerance of all forms of independent expression," Blinken said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-marks-sixth-anniversary-of-kremlin-critic-nemtsovs-assassination-366667" hreflang="en">Russia marks sixth anniversary of Kremlin critic Nemtsov's assassination</a>

The sixth anniversary of his death comes after Putin's current most prominent critic Alexei Navalny was sent to a penal colony this week to serve a nearly three-year term he denounces as politically motivated.&nbsp;

Beginning Saturday morning, a steady stream of Russians and Western diplomats took turns laying flowers at a&nbsp;makeshift memorial at the spot where Nemtsov was felled with four bullets.

"We come together in this place on this day every year to show the authorities that we have not forgotten and will not forget," former prime minister and opposition politician Mikhail Kasyanov told journalists at the rally.

"I am sure that what Boris fought for -- freedom for Russians, their well-being and a dignified life -- will soon come about," he added.

Usually marked by a march through central Moscow, the opposition this year rallied instead at the makeshift memorial at the spot of his death that is regularly dismantled by the authorities, as restrictions on mass gatherings are still in place due to the pandemic.

The White Counter monitor, which tallies attendance at rallies, said 3,700 people had gathered by 15:00 (1200 GMT).

Also laying flowers Saturday were the US, UK and EU ambassadors to Russia, among other Western representatives.&nbsp;

'Inspiration to many'

US Embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Ross wrote on Twitter that US Ambassador John Sullivan had marked the "brutal murder" of Nemtsov, whom she described as having been "dedicated to pursuing a better future for his country".

"He remains an inspiration to many who strive for justice, transparency, freedom," she tweeted.

In 2017, a court found a former security force officer from Chechnya guilty of Nemtsov's murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Four other men were found guilty of involvement in the killing.

But the slain opposition politician's family and supporters insist the authorities have failed to bring the masterminds to justice.

"He spoke the truth and for this in our country you get killed," Irina Drozdova, a 44-year-old lawyer, told AFP before laying flowers at the memorial.&nbsp;

More than five years after Nemtsov's death, Navalny in August suffered a near-fatal poisoning attack with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok that he blames on Putin. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the claim.

After spending months in Germany recovering from the poisoning, the 44-year-old opposition politician was arrested upon his return to Russia last month, sparking mass protests that resulted in some 11,500 demonstrators being detained.

The European Union has agreed to sanction four Russian officials over the crackdown on Navalny and his&nbsp;supporters.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday the United States was "deeply troubled" by Russia's growing intolerance of free speech, on the sixth anniversary of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov's murder.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday the United States was "deeply troubled" by Russia's growing intolerance of free speech, on the sixth anniversary of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov's murder. Nemtsov, a vocal opponent of President Vladimir Putin, was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin on February 27, 2015. "We remain deeply troubled by the Russian government’s growing intolerance of all forms of independent expression," Blinken said in a statement. Also read: Russia marks sixth anniversary of Kremlin critic Nemtsov's assassination The sixth anniversary of his death comes after Putin's current most prominent critic Alexei Navalny was sent to a penal colony this week to serve a nearly three-year term he denounces as politically motivated. Beginning Saturday morning, a steady stream of Russians and Western diplomats took turns laying flowers at a makeshift memorial at the spot where Nemtsov was felled with four bullets. "We come together in this place on this day every year to show the authorities that we have not forgotten and will not forget," former prime minister and opposition politician Mikhail Kasyanov told journalists at the rally. "I am sure that what Boris fought for -- freedom for Russians, their well-being and a dignified life -- will soon come about," he added. Usually marked by a march through central Moscow, the opposition this year rallied instead at the makeshift memorial at the spot of his death that is regularly dismantled by the authorities, as restrictions on mass gatherings are still in place due to the pandemic. The White Counter monitor, which tallies attendance at rallies, said 3,700 people had gathered by 15:00 (1200 GMT). Also laying flowers Saturday were the US, UK and EU ambassadors to Russia, among other Western representatives. 'Inspiration to many' US Embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Ross wrote on Twitter that US Ambassador John Sullivan had marked the "brutal murder" of Nemtsov, whom she described as having been "dedicated to pursuing a better future for his country". "He remains an inspiration to many who strive for justice, transparency, freedom," she tweeted. In 2017, a court found a former security force officer from Chechnya guilty of Nemtsov's murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Four other men were found guilty of involvement in the killing. But the slain opposition politician's family and supporters insist the authorities have failed to bring the masterminds to justice. "He spoke the truth and for this in our country you get killed," Irina Drozdova, a 44-year-old lawyer, told AFP before laying flowers at the memorial. More than five years after Nemtsov's death, Navalny in August suffered a near-fatal poisoning attack with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok that he blames on Putin. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the claim. After spending months in Germany recovering from the poisoning, the 44-year-old opposition politician was arrested upon his return to Russia last month, sparking mass protests that resulted in some 11,500 demonstrators being detained. The European Union has agreed to sanction four Russian officials over the crackdown on Navalny and his supporters.

US State Secretary Blinken says US 'deeply troubled' by Russia's intolerance of free speech

After the imprisonment this month of the opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, punishing Russia is back on the agenda. On Monday, European Union foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on Russian officials, with the final details to come.

Yet such measures are unlikely to satisfy the Kremlin’s critics. They have in their sights a pet project of President Vladimir Putin’s: Nord Stream 2, a pipeline under the Baltic Sea that would supply natural gas directly to Germany.

The project has already survived fierce opposition from many European countries and the United States. And Germany, for which the pipeline is part of Europe’s delicate geopolitical balancing act, is committed to finishing it. With fewer than 100 miles to go, construction is nearly complete. But the treatment of Mr. Navalny and his supporters has once again thrown open the question of the project.

The pipeline’s predecessor, Nord Stream 1 — which was completed in 2012 and also runs undersea directly from Russia to Germany — was controversial, too. Germany’s eastern neighbors feared that Russia might cut off their gas while continuing to supply Germany. In that case, Eastern Europeans would be left to face the Kremlin alone.

But since Nord Stream 1 was finished, Europe’s energy landscape has been transformed. Although Russia supplies around 40 percent of Europe’s natural gas, largely via pipelines running through Belarus and Ukraine, it is no longer the dominant force it once was. In much of Eastern Europe, where gas used to be shipped almost exclusively from Russia, many countries, including Poland and Lithuania, now buy liquefied natural gas from the United States or Norway.

What’s more, the gas infrastructures of European countries are far more interconnected, and a European Union antitrust case against Gazprom, the Russian state-owned company that supplies the pipelines’ gas, has eroded its monopoly power. This means that Nord Stream 2 will have a marginal effect on most European countries’ energy security. It would, in practice, not alter much — which makes it all the more attractive a target for those who wish to check Russian influence.

There is one obvious loser from the pipeline: Ukraine. Much of the Russian gas currently shipped to Europe travels through the country. But if Nord Stream 2 is completed and Russia substantially reduces the gas sent through Ukraine, Kyiv would lose over a billion dollars a year in transit fees. Already a victim of Russian military and economic pressure, that would be an additional blow to the country.

That should be enough to move Germany, a supporter of Ukraine, to cancel the project. But there are plenty of other reasons, too. Few of Germany’s allies support the pipeline, with French leaders the latest to call for its cancellation. Many Europeans see it as a glaring example of German hypocrisy, as Berlin demands that other Europeans play by E.U. rules as it cuts side deals with Moscow.

Perhaps worse, a new pipe carrying fossil fuels under the sea fits poorly with Germany’s self-image as a green energy leader. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s explanation that the pipeline — funded and built by a Russian state-owned company — is a “commercial project” makes Berlin’s policy look only more cynical.

So why does Germany want the pipeline? Supporters in Berlin make two arguments. First, they say it will provide gas to replace coal and nuclear power, which Germany is phasing out. Second, they argue that buying gas from Russia will moderate the Kremlin’s foreign policy. Neither argument is especially compelling.

It may simply be that Ms. Merkel — who this month again ruled out junking the project — has clung to her pipeline for so long that it is now impossible to give it up. Although the Green Party, which will almost certainly play a role in the country’s next coalition government, is dead set against Nord Stream 2, most German politicians seem to agree with her.

That puts Berlin at odds with the United States, which has already slapped financial sanctions on companies helping to build Nord Stream 2, arguing that the pipeline rewards Russia and deepens Europe’s reliance on Russian gas. In large part because it has no effect on their constituents, Nord Stream 2 is a rare bipartisan issue among members of Congress. Imposing sanctions allows American legislators to sound tough on Mr. Putin at little cost.

Underneath the heated assertions and veiled threats lies the mundane reality that Russia’s ability to use gas as a tool of political pressure is already much diminished — something the completion of Nord Stream 2 would do little to change. But canceling the project as punishment for Mr. Navalny’s treatment is unlikely to achieve much, either. He is clearly a threat the Kremlin wishes to vanquish, at some cost.

The clamor over Nord Stream 2 shows, more than anything, a simple truth: When it comes to dealing with Russia, there are very few good options.

(Chris Miller is an assistant professor at the Fletcher School at Tufts University.)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

After the imprisonment this month of the opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, punishing Russia is back on the agenda. On Monday, European Union foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on Russian officials, with the final details to come.

After the imprisonment this month of the opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, punishing Russia is back on the agenda. On Monday, European Union foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on Russian officials, with the final details to come. Yet such measures are unlikely to satisfy the Kremlin’s critics. They have in their sights a pet project of President Vladimir Putin’s: Nord Stream 2, a pipeline under the Baltic Sea that would supply natural gas directly to Germany. The project has already survived fierce opposition from many European countries and the United States. And Germany, for which the pipeline is part of Europe’s delicate geopolitical balancing act, is committed to finishing it. With fewer than 100 miles to go, construction is nearly complete. But the treatment of Mr. Navalny and his supporters has once again thrown open the question of the project. The pipeline’s predecessor, Nord Stream 1 — which was completed in 2012 and also runs undersea directly from Russia to Germany — was controversial, too. Germany’s eastern neighbors feared that Russia might cut off their gas while continuing to supply Germany. In that case, Eastern Europeans would be left to face the Kremlin alone. But since Nord Stream 1 was finished, Europe’s energy landscape has been transformed. Although Russia supplies around 40 percent of Europe’s natural gas, largely via pipelines running through Belarus and Ukraine, it is no longer the dominant force it once was. In much of Eastern Europe, where gas used to be shipped almost exclusively from Russia, many countries, including Poland and Lithuania, now buy liquefied natural gas from the United States or Norway. What’s more, the gas infrastructures of European countries are far more interconnected, and a European Union antitrust case against Gazprom, the Russian state-owned company that supplies the pipelines’ gas, has eroded its monopoly power. This means that Nord Stream 2 will have a marginal effect on most European countries’ energy security. It would, in practice, not alter much — which makes it all the more attractive a target for those who wish to check Russian influence. There is one obvious loser from the pipeline: Ukraine. Much of the Russian gas currently shipped to Europe travels through the country. But if Nord Stream 2 is completed and Russia substantially reduces the gas sent through Ukraine, Kyiv would lose over a billion dollars a year in transit fees. Already a victim of Russian military and economic pressure, that would be an additional blow to the country. That should be enough to move Germany, a supporter of Ukraine, to cancel the project. But there are plenty of other reasons, too. Few of Germany’s allies support the pipeline, with French leaders the latest to call for its cancellation. Many Europeans see it as a glaring example of German hypocrisy, as Berlin demands that other Europeans play by E.U. rules as it cuts side deals with Moscow. Perhaps worse, a new pipe carrying fossil fuels under the sea fits poorly with Germany’s self-image as a green energy leader. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s explanation that the pipeline — funded and built by a Russian state-owned company — is a “commercial project” makes Berlin’s policy look only more cynical. So why does Germany want the pipeline? Supporters in Berlin make two arguments. First, they say it will provide gas to replace coal and nuclear power, which Germany is phasing out. Second, they argue that buying gas from Russia will moderate the Kremlin’s foreign policy. Neither argument is especially compelling. It may simply be that Ms. Merkel — who this month again ruled out junking the project — has clung to her pipeline for so long that it is now impossible to give it up. Although the Green Party, which will almost certainly play a role in the country’s next coalition government, is dead set against Nord Stream 2, most German politicians seem to agree with her. That puts Berlin at odds with the United States, which has already slapped financial sanctions on companies helping to build Nord Stream 2, arguing that the pipeline rewards Russia and deepens Europe’s reliance on Russian gas. In large part because it has no effect on their constituents, Nord Stream 2 is a rare bipartisan issue among members of Congress. Imposing sanctions allows American legislators to sound tough on Mr. Putin at little cost. Underneath the heated assertions and veiled threats lies the mundane reality that Russia’s ability to use gas as a tool of political pressure is already much diminished — something the completion of Nord Stream 2 would do little to change. But canceling the project as punishment for Mr. Navalny’s treatment is unlikely to achieve much, either. He is clearly a threat the Kremlin wishes to vanquish, at some cost. The clamor over Nord Stream 2 shows, more than anything, a simple truth: When it comes to dealing with Russia, there are very few good options. (Chris Miller is an assistant professor at the Fletcher School at Tufts University.) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Will anything stop Putin’s pet project?

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged his domestic intelligence agency Wednesday to be on guard against Western attempts to shackle and destabilise the country after the EU agreed on new sanctions on Moscow.

Putin warns of foreign efforts to destabilise Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged his domestic intelligence agency Wednesday to be on guard against Western attempts to shackle and destabilise the country, after the EU agreed on new sanctions on Moscow.

The comments came as relations between Russia and the West approach their lowest point since the Cold War, with new EU and US penalties looming over Russia for its arrest of Kremlin critic&nbsp;Alexei Navalny.

Russia has always alleged Navalny has the support of US security services.

Speaking to the Federal Security Services (FSB) in his annual address to the domestic intelligence agency, Putin said the West is "trying to shackle us with economic and other sanctions".&nbsp;

"We are faced with the so-called policy of containing Russia," he said.

"This is not about competition... but about a consistent and very aggressive line aimed at disrupting our development, slowing it down, creating problems along our borders," Putin added, saying the West was employing tools "from the arsenal of the special services".

He said the efforts were aimed at "provoking internal instability to undermine the values that unite Russian society and ultimately weaken Russia and bring it under external control".

Putin earlier this month accused the West of using Navalny to try to contain Russia, a term connoting the US strategy towards the Soviet Union in the Cold War.

On Wednesday, the Russian leader called on the FSB to make the Western threat a priority in its work this year along with its primary task of countering terrorism.&nbsp;

Earlier Wednesday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov lambasted the West during an address to the UN Human Rights Council for refusing to suspend sanctions despite a global economic downturn brought on by the pandemic.

The European Union this week moved to sanction four Russian officials over the jailing of Navalny, adding to the series of sanctions Russia has faced over election interference and the conflict in Ukraine.

Navalny, Putin's most prominent critic, was arrested on January 17 upon returning from Germany, where he spent five months recovering from a nerve-agent poisoning that he blames on the Kremlin. Russian authorities have rejected the accusation and accused Navalny of cooperating with Western intelligence agencies.

Earlier this month, Navalny was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison for violating terms of his probation while convalescing in Germany. The sentence stems from a 2014 embezzlement conviction that Navalny has rejected as fabricated and the European Court of Human Rights has ruled to be unlawful.

Navalny's arrest has fuelled a wave of protests that drew tens of thousands to the streets across Russia. The authorities have detained about 11,000 people, many of whom were fined or given jail terms ranging from seven to 15 days.

(with inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged his domestic intelligence agency Wednesday to be on guard against Western attempts to shackle and destabilise the country, after the EU agreed on new sanctions on Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged his domestic intelligence agency Wednesday to be on guard against Western attempts to shackle and destabilise the country, after the EU agreed on new sanctions on Moscow. The comments came as relations between Russia and the West approach their lowest point since the Cold War, with new EU and US penalties looming over Russia for its arrest of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Russia has always alleged Navalny has the support of US security services. Speaking to the Federal Security Services (FSB) in his annual address to the domestic intelligence agency, Putin said the West is "trying to shackle us with economic and other sanctions". "We are faced with the so-called policy of containing Russia," he said. "This is not about competition... but about a consistent and very aggressive line aimed at disrupting our development, slowing it down, creating problems along our borders," Putin added, saying the West was employing tools "from the arsenal of the special services". He said the efforts were aimed at "provoking internal instability to undermine the values that unite Russian society and ultimately weaken Russia and bring it under external control". Putin earlier this month accused the West of using Navalny to try to contain Russia, a term connoting the US strategy towards the Soviet Union in the Cold War. On Wednesday, the Russian leader called on the FSB to make the Western threat a priority in its work this year along with its primary task of countering terrorism. Earlier Wednesday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov lambasted the West during an address to the UN Human Rights Council for refusing to suspend sanctions despite a global economic downturn brought on by the pandemic. The European Union this week moved to sanction four Russian officials over the jailing of Navalny, adding to the series of sanctions Russia has faced over election interference and the conflict in Ukraine. Navalny, Putin's most prominent critic, was arrested on January 17 upon returning from Germany, where he spent five months recovering from a nerve-agent poisoning that he blames on the Kremlin. Russian authorities have rejected the accusation and accused Navalny of cooperating with Western intelligence agencies. Earlier this month, Navalny was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison for violating terms of his probation while convalescing in Germany. The sentence stems from a 2014 embezzlement conviction that Navalny has rejected as fabricated and the European Court of Human Rights has ruled to be unlawful. Navalny's arrest has fuelled a wave of protests that drew tens of thousands to the streets across Russia. The authorities have detained about 11,000 people, many of whom were fined or given jail terms ranging from seven to 15 days. (with inputs from agencies)

Putin warns of foreign efforts to destabilise and shackle Russia

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for the economic support that his country received last year.

Belarus Prez Lukashenko thanks Putin as Russia provided country $1.5BN in 2020

Skii-lful evening: Putin and Lukashenko go skiing to discuss important matters

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> used his first public encounter with America’s European allies to describe a new struggle between the West and the forces of autocracy, declaring that “America is back” while acknowledging that the past four years had taken a toll on its power and influence.

His message stressing the importance of reinvigorating alliances and recommitting to defending Europe was predictably well received at a session of the Munich Security Conference that Biden addressed from the White House.

But there was also pushback, notably from the French president, Emmanuel Macron, who in his address made an impassioned defense of his concept of “strategic autonomy” from the United States, making the case that Europe can no longer be overly dependent on the United States as it focuses more of its attention on Asia, especially China.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-urges-allies-to-work-towards-addressing-irans-destabilising-activities-364953" hreflang="en">Biden urges allies to work towards addressing Iran's 'destabilising' activities</a>

And even Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, who is leaving office within the year, tempered her praise for Biden’s decision to cancel plans for a withdrawal of 12,000 U.S. troops from the country with a warning that “our interests will not always converge.” It appeared to be a reference to Germany’s ambivalence about confronting China — a major market for its automobiles and other high-end German products — and to the continuing battle with the United States over the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Russia.

But all three leaders seemed to recognize that their first virtual encounter was a moment to celebrate the end of the era of “America First,” and for Macron and Merkel to welcome back Biden, a politician whom they knew well from his years as a senator and vice president.

And Biden used the moment to warn about the need for a common strategy in pushing back at an Internet-fueled narrative, promoted by both Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China, that the chaos surrounding the American election was another sign of democratic weakness and decline.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-his-first-major-global-appearance-biden-draws-sharp-contrast-with-trumps-policies-364920" hreflang="en">At his first major global appearance, Biden draws sharp contrast with Trump's policies</a>

“We must demonstrate that democracies can still deliver for our people in this changed world,” Biden said, adding, “We have to prove that our model isn’t a relic of history.”

For the president, a regular visitor to the conference even as a private citizen after serving as vice president, the address was something of a homecoming. The session was crunched down to a video meeting by Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, this year’s host, and the European leaders decided to do the same for a brief, closed meeting of the Group of 7 allies that Biden also participated in.

The next in-person summit meeting is still planned for Britain this summer, pandemic permitting.

Biden never named his predecessor, Donald Trump, in his remarks, but framed them around wiping out the traces of Trumpism in the United States’ approach to the world. He celebrated its return to the Paris climate agreement, which took effect just before the meeting, and a new initiative, announced Thursday night, to join Britain, France and Germany in engaging Iran diplomatically in an effort to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement that Trump exited.

But rather than detail an agenda, Biden tried to recall the first principles that led to the Atlantic alliance and the creation of NATO in 1949, near the beginning of the Cold War.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-administrations-immigration-policy-and-recent-attacks-on-the-asian-american-communities-364900">WATCH|</a>

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“Democracy doesn’t happen by accident,” the president said. “We have to defend it. Strengthen it. Renew it.”

In a deliberate contrast to Trump, who talked about withdrawing from NATO and famously declined on several occasions to acknowledge the United States’ responsibilities under Article V of the alliance’s charter to come to the aid of members under attack, Biden cast the United States as ready to assume its responsibilities as the linchpin of the alliance.

“We will keep the faith” with the obligation, he said, adding that “an attack on one is an attack on all.”

But he also pressed Europe to think about challenges in a new way — different from the Cold War, even if the two biggest geostrategic adversaries seem familiar.

“We must prepare together for long-term strategic competition with China,” he said, naming “cyberspace, artificial intelligence and biotechnology” as the new territory for competition. And he argued for pushing back against Russia — he called Putin by his last name, with no title attached — mentioning in particular the need to respond to the SolarWinds attack that was aimed at federal and corporate computer networks.

“Addressing Russian recklessness and hacking into computer networks in the United States and across Europe and the world has become critical to protect collective security,” Biden said.

The president avoided delving in to the difficult question of how to make Russia pay a price without escalating the confrontation. A senior White House cyberofficial told reporters this week that the scope and depth of the Russian intrusion was still under study, and officials are clearly struggling to come up with options to fulfill Biden’s commitment to make Putin pay a price for the attack.

But it was the dynamic with Macron, who has made a habit of criticizing the NATO alliance as nearing “brain death” and no longer “pertinent” since the disappearance of the Warsaw Pact, that captured attention.

Macron wants NATO to act as more of a political body, a place where European members have equivalent status to the United States and are less subject to the American tendency to dominate decision-making.

A Europe better able to defend itself, and more autonomous, would make NATO “even stronger than before,” Macron insisted. He said Europe should be “much more in charge of its own security,” increasing its commitments to spending on defense to “rebalance” the trans-Atlantic relationship.

That is not a widely shared view among the many European states that do not want to spend the money required, and the nations of Central and Eastern Europe are unwilling to trust their security to anyone but the United States.

Macron also urged that the renovation of NATO’s security abilities should involve “a dialogue with Russia.” NATO has always claimed that it is open to better relations with Moscow, but that Russia is not interested, especially as long as international sanctions remain after its seizure of Crimea from Ukraine about seven years ago.

But Macron, speaking in English to answer a question, also argued that Europe could not count on the United States as much as it had in past decades. “We must take more of the burden of our own protection,” he said.

In practice, it will take many years for Europe to build up a defense arm that would make it more self-reliant. But Macron is determined to start now, just as he is determined to increase the European Union’s technological capacities so that it can become less dependent on American and Chinese supply chains.

Biden, in contrast, wants to deepen those supply chains — of both hardware and software — among like-minded Western allies in an effort to lessen Chinese influence. He is preparing to propose a new joint project for European and American technology companies in areas like semiconductors and the kinds of software that Russia exploited in the SolarWinds hacking.

It was Merkel who dwelled on the complexities of dealing with China, given its dual role as competitor and necessary partner for the West.

“In recent years, China has gained global clout, and as trans-Atlantic partners and democracies, we must do something to counter this,” Merkel said.

“Russia continually entangles European Union members in hybrid conflicts,” she said. “Consequently, it is important that we come up with a trans-Atlantic agenda toward Russia that makes cooperative offers on the one hand, but on the other very clearly names the differences.”

While Biden announced he would make good on an American promise to donate $4 billion to the campaign to expedite the manufacturing and distribution of coronavirus vaccines around the world — a move approved last year by a Democratic-led House and a Republican led-Senate — there were clear differences in approach during the meeting.

Underscoring the importance that the European Union accords to Africa, Macron called on Western nations to supply 13 million vaccine doses to African governments “as soon as possible” to protect health workers.

He warned that if the alliance failed to do this, “our African friends will be pressured by their populations, and rightly so, to buy doses from the Chinese, the Russians or directly from laboratories.”

Vaccine donations would reflect “a common will to advance and share the same values,” Macron said. Otherwise, “the power of the West, of Europeans and Americans, will be only a concept, and not a reality.”

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization, on Friday also urged countries and drugmakers to help speed up the manufacturing and distribution of vaccines across the globe, warning that the world could be “back at Square 1” if some countries went ahead with their vaccination campaigns and left others behind.

“Vaccine equity is not just the right thing to do, it’s also the smartest to do,” Tedros said to the Munich conference. He argued that the longer it would take to vaccinate populations in every country, the longer the pandemic would remain out of control.

President Joe Biden used his first public encounter with America’s European allies to describe a new struggle between the West and the forces of autocracy, declaring that “America is back” while acknowledging that the past four years had taken a toll on its power and influence.

President Joe Biden used his first public encounter with America’s European allies to describe a new struggle between the West and the forces of autocracy, declaring that “America is back” while acknowledging that the past four years had taken a toll on its power and influence. His message stressing the importance of reinvigorating alliances and recommitting to defending Europe was predictably well received at a session of the Munich Security Conference that Biden addressed from the White House. But there was also pushback, notably from the French president, Emmanuel Macron, who in his address made an impassioned defense of his concept of “strategic autonomy” from the United States, making the case that Europe can no longer be overly dependent on the United States as it focuses more of its attention on Asia, especially China. Also read| Biden urges allies to work towards addressing Iran's 'destabilising' activities And even Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, who is leaving office within the year, tempered her praise for Biden’s decision to cancel plans for a withdrawal of 12,000 U.S. troops from the country with a warning that “our interests will not always converge.” It appeared to be a reference to Germany’s ambivalence about confronting China — a major market for its automobiles and other high-end German products — and to the continuing battle with the United States over the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Russia. But all three leaders seemed to recognize that their first virtual encounter was a moment to celebrate the end of the era of “America First,” and for Macron and Merkel to welcome back Biden, a politician whom they knew well from his years as a senator and vice president. And Biden used the moment to warn about the need for a common strategy in pushing back at an Internet-fueled narrative, promoted by both Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China, that the chaos surrounding the American election was another sign of democratic weakness and decline. Also read| At his first major global appearance, Biden draws sharp contrast with Trump's policies “We must demonstrate that democracies can still deliver for our people in this changed world,” Biden said, adding, “We have to prove that our model isn’t a relic of history.” For the president, a regular visitor to the conference even as a private citizen after serving as vice president, the address was something of a homecoming. The session was crunched down to a video meeting by Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, this year’s host, and the European leaders decided to do the same for a brief, closed meeting of the Group of 7 allies that Biden also participated in. The next in-person summit meeting is still planned for Britain this summer, pandemic permitting. Biden never named his predecessor, Donald Trump, in his remarks, but framed them around wiping out the traces of Trumpism in the United States’ approach to the world. He celebrated its return to the Paris climate agreement, which took effect just before the meeting, and a new initiative, announced Thursday night, to join Britain, France and Germany in engaging Iran diplomatically in an effort to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement that Trump exited. But rather than detail an agenda, Biden tried to recall the first principles that led to the Atlantic alliance and the creation of NATO in 1949, near the beginning of the Cold War. WATCH| × “Democracy doesn’t happen by accident,” the president said. “We have to defend it. Strengthen it. Renew it.” In a deliberate contrast to Trump, who talked about withdrawing from NATO and famously declined on several occasions to acknowledge the United States’ responsibilities under Article V of the alliance’s charter to come to the aid of members under attack, Biden cast the United States as ready to assume its responsibilities as the linchpin of the alliance. “We will keep the faith” with the obligation, he said, adding that “an attack on one is an attack on all.” But he also pressed Europe to think about challenges in a new way — different from the Cold War, even if the two biggest geostrategic adversaries seem familiar. “We must prepare together for long-term strategic competition with China,” he said, naming “cyberspace, artificial intelligence and biotechnology” as the new territory for competition. And he argued for pushing back against Russia — he called Putin by his last name, with no title attached — mentioning in particular the need to respond to the SolarWinds attack that was aimed at federal and corporate computer networks. “Addressing Russian recklessness and hacking into computer networks in the United States and across Europe and the world has become critical to protect collective security,” Biden said. The president avoided delving in to the difficult question of how to make Russia pay a price without escalating the confrontation. A senior White House cyberofficial told reporters this week that the scope and depth of the Russian intrusion was still under study, and officials are clearly struggling to come up with options to fulfill Biden’s commitment to make Putin pay a price for the attack. But it was the dynamic with Macron, who has made a habit of criticizing the NATO alliance as nearing “brain death” and no longer “pertinent” since the disappearance of the Warsaw Pact, that captured attention. Macron wants NATO to act as more of a political body, a place where European members have equivalent status to the United States and are less subject to the American tendency to dominate decision-making. A Europe better able to defend itself, and more autonomous, would make NATO “even stronger than before,” Macron insisted. He said Europe should be “much more in charge of its own security,” increasing its commitments to spending on defense to “rebalance” the trans-Atlantic relationship. That is not a widely shared view among the many European states that do not want to spend the money required, and the nations of Central and Eastern Europe are unwilling to trust their security to anyone but the United States. Macron also urged that the renovation of NATO’s security abilities should involve “a dialogue with Russia.” NATO has always claimed that it is open to better relations with Moscow, but that Russia is not interested, especially as long as international sanctions remain after its seizure of Crimea from Ukraine about seven years ago. But Macron, speaking in English to answer a question, also argued that Europe could not count on the United States as much as it had in past decades. “We must take more of the burden of our own protection,” he said. In practice, it will take many years for Europe to build up a defense arm that would make it more self-reliant. But Macron is determined to start now, just as he is determined to increase the European Union’s technological capacities so that it can become less dependent on American and Chinese supply chains. Biden, in contrast, wants to deepen those supply chains — of both hardware and software — among like-minded Western allies in an effort to lessen Chinese influence. He is preparing to propose a new joint project for European and American technology companies in areas like semiconductors and the kinds of software that Russia exploited in the SolarWinds hacking. It was Merkel who dwelled on the complexities of dealing with China, given its dual role as competitor and necessary partner for the West. “In recent years, China has gained global clout, and as trans-Atlantic partners and democracies, we must do something to counter this,” Merkel said. “Russia continually entangles European Union members in hybrid conflicts,” she said. “Consequently, it is important that we come up with a trans-Atlantic agenda toward Russia that makes cooperative offers on the one hand, but on the other very clearly names the differences.” While Biden announced he would make good on an American promise to donate $4 billion to the campaign to expedite the manufacturing and distribution of coronavirus vaccines around the world — a move approved last year by a Democratic-led House and a Republican led-Senate — there were clear differences in approach during the meeting. Underscoring the importance that the European Union accords to Africa, Macron called on Western nations to supply 13 million vaccine doses to African governments “as soon as possible” to protect health workers. He warned that if the alliance failed to do this, “our African friends will be pressured by their populations, and rightly so, to buy doses from the Chinese, the Russians or directly from laboratories.” Vaccine donations would reflect “a common will to advance and share the same values,” Macron said. Otherwise, “the power of the West, of Europeans and Americans, will be only a concept, and not a reality.” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization, on Friday also urged countries and drugmakers to help speed up the manufacturing and distribution of vaccines across the globe, warning that the world could be “back at Square 1” if some countries went ahead with their vaccination campaigns and left others behind. “Vaccine equity is not just the right thing to do, it’s also the smartest to do,” Tedros said to the Munich conference. He argued that the longer it would take to vaccinate populations in every country, the longer the pandemic would remain out of control.

Biden tells allies ‘America is back,’ but Macron and Merkel push back

Russia on Wednesday rejected the call&nbsp;from the European Court of Human Rights and said&nbsp;there were no legal grounds to set Kremlin critic Alexei&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;free.

Justice Minister Konstantin Chuychenko said the court's demand was "unreasonable and unlawful" and "there are no legal grounds for the release of this person from custody".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-says-europe-court-has-ordered-his-release-364335" hreflang="en">Kremlin critic Navalny says Europe court has ordered his release</a>

The court said Russia insisted in its argument to the court that&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;was being held in an appropriately guarded facility and that his cell was under video surveillance.

But&nbsp;Navalny, who lodged a complaint on January 20, contended that "the arrangements listed by the government could not provide sufficient safeguards for his life and health," the court said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pro-navalny-demonstrations-in-moscow-363749/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Member states are obliged to enforce ECHR decisions, though in practice they may not be implemented.&nbsp;

European Court of Human Rights belongs to&nbsp;Council of Europe rights body, of which Russia is a member.

President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critic was jailed this month for almost three years for parole violations that he said were trumped up. The West has condemned the case and is discussing possible sanctions on Russia.

His arrest sparked two consecutive weekends of nationwide protests demanding his release, in some of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prosecutors-seek-13000-slander-fine-for-navalny-364043">Prosecutors seek $13,000 slander fine for Navalny</a>

The 44-year-old anti-corruption activist is accused of defaming a veteran who took part in a promotional video backing constitutional reforms last year. The reform, approved in a referendum, will let Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to.

A Moscow court earlier this month ruled to convert a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;received on fraud charges in 2014 to jail time over alleged parole violations.

Navalny&nbsp;is now facing defamation charges for referring to a World War II veteran and others who appeared in a pro-Kremlin video as "traitors".

A Moscow district court on Tuesday heard the final arguments in the case, during which the prosecutor asked for a fine of 950,000 rubles ($13,000/10,600 euros).

As the alleged defamation occurred during the suspended sentence, the prosecutor also requested that it be converted to real jail time, despite the other court having already ruled to do so.

Russia on Wednesday rejected the call from the European Court of Human Rights and said there were no legal grounds to set Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny free. Justice Minister Konstantin Chuychenko said the court's demand was "unreasonable and unlawful" and "there are no legal grounds for the release of this person from custody".

Russia on Wednesday rejected the call from the European Court of Human Rights and said there were no legal grounds to set Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny free. Justice Minister Konstantin Chuychenko said the court's demand was "unreasonable and unlawful" and "there are no legal grounds for the release of this person from custody". Also read: Kremlin critic Navalny says Europe court has ordered his release The court said Russia insisted in its argument to the court that Navalny was being held in an appropriately guarded facility and that his cell was under video surveillance. But Navalny, who lodged a complaint on January 20, contended that "the arrangements listed by the government could not provide sufficient safeguards for his life and health," the court said. Member states are obliged to enforce ECHR decisions, though in practice they may not be implemented. European Court of Human Rights belongs to Council of Europe rights body, of which Russia is a member. President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critic was jailed this month for almost three years for parole violations that he said were trumped up. The West has condemned the case and is discussing possible sanctions on Russia. His arrest sparked two consecutive weekends of nationwide protests demanding his release, in some of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years. Also read: Prosecutors seek $13,000 slander fine for Navalny The 44-year-old anti-corruption activist is accused of defaming a veteran who took part in a promotional video backing constitutional reforms last year. The reform, approved in a referendum, will let Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to. A Moscow court earlier this month ruled to convert a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence Navalny received on fraud charges in 2014 to jail time over alleged parole violations. Navalny is now facing defamation charges for referring to a World War II veteran and others who appeared in a pro-Kremlin video as "traitors". A Moscow district court on Tuesday heard the final arguments in the case, during which the prosecutor asked for a fine of 950,000 rubles ($13,000/10,600 euros). As the alleged defamation occurred during the suspended sentence, the prosecutor also requested that it be converted to real jail time, despite the other court having already ruled to do so.

'No legal grounds' to release Navalny, says Russia

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said on Wednesday that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) had ordered Russia to release him immediately, citing risks to his life.

"The Court decided to indicate to the Government of Russia... to release the applicant. This measure shall apply with immediate effect," the ECHR said.

It said that the ruling was taken with "regard to the nature and extent of risk to the applicant's life".

European Court of Human Rights belongs to&nbsp;Council of Europe rights body, of which Russia is a member.

Member states are obliged to enforce ECHR decisions, though in practice they may not be implemented.&nbsp;

The court said Russia insisted in its argument to the court that&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;was being held in an appropriately guarded facility and that his cell was under video surveillance.

But&nbsp;Navalny, who lodged a complaint on January 20, contended that "the arrangements listed by the government could not provide sufficient safeguards for his life and health," the court said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pro-navalny-demonstrations-in-moscow-363749/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Russian Justice Minister&nbsp;Konstantin Chuychenko said the court's demand was "unreasonable and unlawful" and "there are no legal grounds for the release of this person from custody".&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critic was jailed this month for almost three years for parole violations that he said were trumped up. The West has condemned the case and is discussing possible sanctions on Russia.

His arrest sparked two consecutive weekends of nationwide protests demanding his release, in some of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years.

The 44-year-old anti-corruption activist is accused of defaming a veteran who took part in a promotional video backing constitutional reforms last year. The reform, approved in a referendum, will let Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prosecutors-seek-13000-slander-fine-for-navalny-364043">Prosecutors seek $13,000 slander fine for Navalny</a>

A Moscow court earlier this month ruled to convert a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;received on fraud charges in 2014 to jail time over alleged parole violations.

Navalny&nbsp;is now facing defamation charges for referring to a World War II veteran and others who appeared in a pro-Kremlin video as "traitors".

A Moscow district court on Tuesday heard the final arguments in the case, during which the prosecutor asked for a fine of 950,000 rubles ($13,000/10,600 euros).

As the alleged defamation occurred during the suspended sentence, the prosecutor also requested that it be converted to real jail time, despite the other court having already ruled to do so.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said on Wednesday that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) had ordered Russia to release him immediately, citing risks to his life.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said on Wednesday that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) had ordered Russia to release him immediately, citing risks to his life. "The Court decided to indicate to the Government of Russia... to release the applicant. This measure shall apply with immediate effect," the ECHR said. It said that the ruling was taken with "regard to the nature and extent of risk to the applicant's life". European Court of Human Rights belongs to Council of Europe rights body, of which Russia is a member. Member states are obliged to enforce ECHR decisions, though in practice they may not be implemented. The court said Russia insisted in its argument to the court that Navalny was being held in an appropriately guarded facility and that his cell was under video surveillance. But Navalny, who lodged a complaint on January 20, contended that "the arrangements listed by the government could not provide sufficient safeguards for his life and health," the court said. Meanwhile, Russian Justice Minister Konstantin Chuychenko said the court's demand was "unreasonable and unlawful" and "there are no legal grounds for the release of this person from custody". President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critic was jailed this month for almost three years for parole violations that he said were trumped up. The West has condemned the case and is discussing possible sanctions on Russia. His arrest sparked two consecutive weekends of nationwide protests demanding his release, in some of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years. The 44-year-old anti-corruption activist is accused of defaming a veteran who took part in a promotional video backing constitutional reforms last year. The reform, approved in a referendum, will let Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to. Also read: Prosecutors seek $13,000 slander fine for Navalny A Moscow court earlier this month ruled to convert a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence Navalny received on fraud charges in 2014 to jail time over alleged parole violations. Navalny is now facing defamation charges for referring to a World War II veteran and others who appeared in a pro-Kremlin video as "traitors". A Moscow district court on Tuesday heard the final arguments in the case, during which the prosecutor asked for a fine of 950,000 rubles ($13,000/10,600 euros). As the alleged defamation occurred during the suspended sentence, the prosecutor also requested that it be converted to real jail time, despite the other court having already ruled to do so.

Kremlin critic Navalny says Europe court has ordered his release

The Kremlin said on Monday that a proposal by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a> for Russian President Vladimir Putin to join social networking app Clubhouse was interesting, but that it needed to see more details first.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was commenting after Musk tweeted to the Kremlin on Sunday: “Would you like join me for a conversation on Clubhouse?”

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было бы большой честью поговорить с вами
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1360700181658886147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call: "In general, this is of course a very interesting proposal, but we need to understand what is meant, what is being proposed... first we need to check, then we will react."

Putin, a former KGB officer who once described the Internet as a CIA project, has for years styled himself as suspicious of modern technology.

A surprise chat between tech billionaire&nbsp;Elon&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;and Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev on new audio-based social network Clubhouse&nbsp;propelled the app to the top of the startup charts and sparked a scramble for invitations to the exclusive service.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-asks-russian-president-vladimir-putin-to-join-clubhouse-app-363585">Tesla CEO Elon Musk asks Russian President Vladimir Putin to join Clubhouse app</a>

The app, available only on Apple, thrives on the concept of FOMO,&nbsp;fear of missing out. If you're not online when a conversation happens, you miss it.

Users can walk their dog or cook dinner while listening to talks on financing a start-up or the current state of American education&nbsp;or even tune in while playing trivia games.

Unlike podcasts, everything is live and users can participate&nbsp;as long as they are invited to do so by chat moderators.

Star-studded user base

A&nbsp;Clubhouse&nbsp;chat can be mundane but it can also be transformed into a must-hear event if someone famous shows up. In addition to Zuckerberg's and Musk's recent appearances, comedian Kevin Hart popped up in a chat last spring.

For Musk's appearance with the boss of trading app Robinhood, the maximum capacity of 5,000 people was quickly reached, so secondary overflow "rooms" were opened.

The&nbsp;audio app is reviewing its data protection practices, after a report by the Stanford Internet Observatory said it contained security flaws that left users' data vulnerable to access by the Chinese government.

The Kremlin said on Monday that a proposal by Elon Musk for Russian President Vladimir Putin to join social networking app Clubhouse was interesting, but that it needed to see more details first.

The Kremlin said on Monday that a proposal by Elon Musk for Russian President Vladimir Putin to join social networking app Clubhouse was interesting, but that it needed to see more details first. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was commenting after Musk tweeted to the Kremlin on Sunday: “Would you like join me for a conversation on Clubhouse?” было бы большой честью поговорить с вами — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 13, 2021 × Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call: "In general, this is of course a very interesting proposal, but we need to understand what is meant, what is being proposed... first we need to check, then we will react." Putin, a former KGB officer who once described the Internet as a CIA project, has for years styled himself as suspicious of modern technology. A surprise chat between tech billionaire Elon Musk and Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev on new audio-based social network Clubhouse propelled the app to the top of the startup charts and sparked a scramble for invitations to the exclusive service. Also read: Tesla CEO Elon Musk asks Russian President Vladimir Putin to join Clubhouse app The app, available only on Apple, thrives on the concept of FOMO, fear of missing out. If you're not online when a conversation happens, you miss it. Users can walk their dog or cook dinner while listening to talks on financing a start-up or the current state of American education or even tune in while playing trivia games. Unlike podcasts, everything is live and users can participate as long as they are invited to do so by chat moderators. Star-studded user base A Clubhouse chat can be mundane but it can also be transformed into a must-hear event if someone famous shows up. In addition to Zuckerberg's and Musk's recent appearances, comedian Kevin Hart popped up in a chat last spring. For Musk's appearance with the boss of trading app Robinhood, the maximum capacity of 5,000 people was quickly reached, so secondary overflow "rooms" were opened. The audio app is reviewing its data protection practices, after a report by the Stanford Internet Observatory said it contained security flaws that left users' data vulnerable to access by the Chinese government.

Kremlin says Musk's idea for Putin to join Clubhouse app interesting, seeks details

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's release is being continued to be demanded. Thousands of protestors continue to support Navalny and protest on the streets with the flashlights with a motto to release him. The protests continue to take place even after restrictions being put. Some people even demonstrated support in terms of lit candles in their courtyards. Apart from the physical protests, the hashtags in support of them were also trending on social media.

Pro-Navalny demonstrations in Moscow

Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk on Sunday&nbsp;asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the audio chat app Clubhouse and have a conversation with him.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
было бы большой честью поговорить с вами
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1360700181658886147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Later on, Musk tweeted in Russian and said it would be a ''great honour'' to talk to Putin. Kremlin did not respond to the tweet by the silicon valley billionaire.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/im-an-alien-musk-says-in-response-to-question-from-cred-founder-kunal-shah-363418" hreflang="en">'I'm an alien': Musk says in response to question from Cred founder Kunal Shah</a>

The tweet triggered a flurry of responses from several Twitter users who expressed their support for the&nbsp;proposal.

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I have an invite if you need one <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia_E?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KremlinRussia_E</a>
— Jack Butcher (@jackbutcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/jackbutcher/status/1360699664127954958?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A surprise chat between tech billionaire&nbsp;Elon&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;and Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev on new audio-based social network Clubhouse&nbsp;propelled the app to the top of the startup charts and sparked a scramble for invitations to the exclusive service.

For&nbsp;Musk's appearance with the boss of the trading app Robinhood, the maximum capacity of 5,000 people was quickly reached, so secondary overflow "rooms" were opened.

The interaction between the two entrepreneurs on the platform last week came amid intense interest in the news around Robinhood, the online brokerage caught up in a wild stockmarket battle between retail investors and big Wall Street funds.

Demand for invitations to the less-than-a-year-old service -- members get to invite a limited number of friends during its pre-launch period -- is so hot, a market for them has grown on platforms like Reddit, eBay, and Craigslist.

Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk on Sunday asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the audio chat app Clubhouse and have a conversation with him. было бы большой честью поговорить с вами — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 13, 2021 × Later on, Musk tweeted in Russian and said it would be a ''great honour'' to talk to Putin.

Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk on Sunday asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the audio chat app Clubhouse and have a conversation with him. было бы большой честью поговорить с вами — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 13, 2021 × Later on, Musk tweeted in Russian and said it would be a ''great honour'' to talk to Putin. Kremlin did not respond to the tweet by the silicon valley billionaire. Also read: 'I'm an alien': Musk says in response to question from Cred founder Kunal Shah The tweet triggered a flurry of responses from several Twitter users who expressed their support for the proposal. I have an invite if you need one @KremlinRussia_E — Jack Butcher (@jackbutcher) February 13, 2021 × A surprise chat between tech billionaire Elon Musk and Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev on new audio-based social network Clubhouse propelled the app to the top of the startup charts and sparked a scramble for invitations to the exclusive service. For Musk's appearance with the boss of the trading app Robinhood, the maximum capacity of 5,000 people was quickly reached, so secondary overflow "rooms" were opened. The interaction between the two entrepreneurs on the platform last week came amid intense interest in the news around Robinhood, the online brokerage caught up in a wild stockmarket battle between retail investors and big Wall Street funds. Demand for invitations to the less-than-a-year-old service -- members get to invite a limited number of friends during its pre-launch period -- is so hot, a market for them has grown on platforms like Reddit, eBay, and Craigslist.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk asks Russian President Vladimir Putin to join Clubhouse app

Russia President Vladimir Putin has accused the West of using jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny to try to "contain" Russia.

Navalny was arrested on his return from Germany, where he had been recovering from a poisoning he claims was carried out by the Kremlin and the Russian security services, FSB.

The 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner was subsequently jailed for nearly three years, sparking nationwide protests that saw more than 10,000 people detained and led to allegations of police abuse.&nbsp;The crackdown has been sharply criticised by Europe and the United States.&nbsp;

"Our opponents or our potential opponents... have always relied on -- and used -- ambitious, power-hungry people," Putin said Sunday in an interview with Russian media conducted on Wednesday but only broadcast on Sunday by public channel Rossiya 24.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-message-to-vladimir-putin-biden-deploys-b-1-bombers-to-norway-362451">Also read | In message to Vladimir Putin, Biden deploys B-1 bombers to Norway</a>

Putin suggested that the wave of protests recently held across Russia in the wake of Navalny's arrest and imprisonment had also been fed from abroad, against the backdrop of the widespread "exhaustion, frustration and dissatisfaction" arising from the coronavirus pandemic.

He said that Russia's "numerous successes" on a military level, but also in its management of the Covid-19 crisis and the development of the Sputnik V vaccine, were "starting to irritate" Moscow's opponents.&nbsp;

"The stronger we become, the stronger this containment policy," Putin said.

Meanwhile, the EU is considering imposing sanctions on Russia, putting even more strain on the bloc's already fractious relations with Moscow.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/back-in-moscow-court-for-slander-trial-navalny-mocks-putin-and-berates-judge-363162">Also read |&nbsp;Back in Moscow court for slander trial, Navalny mocks Putin and berates judge</a>

(with inputs)

Russia President Vladimir Putin has accused the West of using jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny to try to "contain" Russia. Navalny was arrested on his return from Germany, where he had been recovering from a poisoning he claims was carried out by the Kremlin and the Russian security services, FSB.

Russia President Vladimir Putin has accused the West of using jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny to try to "contain" Russia. Navalny was arrested on his return from Germany, where he had been recovering from a poisoning he claims was carried out by the Kremlin and the Russian security services, FSB. The 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner was subsequently jailed for nearly three years, sparking nationwide protests that saw more than 10,000 people detained and led to allegations of police abuse. The crackdown has been sharply criticised by Europe and the United States. "Our opponents or our potential opponents... have always relied on -- and used -- ambitious, power-hungry people," Putin said Sunday in an interview with Russian media conducted on Wednesday but only broadcast on Sunday by public channel Rossiya 24. Also read | In message to Vladimir Putin, Biden deploys B-1 bombers to Norway Putin suggested that the wave of protests recently held across Russia in the wake of Navalny's arrest and imprisonment had also been fed from abroad, against the backdrop of the widespread "exhaustion, frustration and dissatisfaction" arising from the coronavirus pandemic. He said that Russia's "numerous successes" on a military level, but also in its management of the Covid-19 crisis and the development of the Sputnik V vaccine, were "starting to irritate" Moscow's opponents. "The stronger we become, the stronger this containment policy," Putin said. Meanwhile, the EU is considering imposing sanctions on Russia, putting even more strain on the bloc's already fractious relations with Moscow. Also read | Back in Moscow court for slander trial, Navalny mocks Putin and berates judge (with inputs)

Putin accuses West of using Navalny to 'contain' Russia

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