Russian authorities on Wednesday ramped up pressure on the opposition, searching the apartments and offices of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny ahead of new protests called for the weekend to demand his release.

Ivan Zhdanov, the head of Navalny's FBK Anti-Corruption Foundation, said police were searching flats linked to Navalny and the foundation's offices for alleged violations of coronavirus restrictions.

Russia's Interior Ministry said Wednesday it had launched a criminal probe into the violation of sanitary and epidemiological measures during a Moscow protest that saw thousands rally in support of Navalny on Saturday.&nbsp;

The ministry's spokeswoman Irina Volk said the organisers and participants of the rally "created a threat of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection".

Zhdanov said on Twitter that Navalny's wife Yulia was at one of the apartments and posted a video from inside where loud hammering could be heard outside the door.&nbsp;

"They are not letting in my lawyer. They broke my door in," Yulia Navalnaya yelled to journalists from out of her apartment window, an AFP journalist reported.

Standing outside the apartment, her lawyer Veronika Polyakova told AFP that the police are not letting her in which is a "violation of the law".

Searches were carried out at the homes of several other Navalny allies, Zhdanov added.&nbsp;

Zhdanov posted a screenshot from a security camera at the office of FBK, showing several masked men there.

The foundation is best known for its investigations into the wealth of Russia's political elite.&nbsp;

Its most recent report suggested President Vladimir Putin was given an opulent property on the Black Sea Coast costing over $1.5 billion as a gift.

The investigation was released days after Navalny was arrested on his return on January 17 from Germany, where he spent months recovering from a nerve agent poisoning he blames on the Kremlin.

-- Attack on tech firms --

Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in cities across Russia on Saturday calling for Navalny's release.&nbsp;

According to independent monitors, more than 3,900 people were detained at the demonstrations while authorities launched a series of criminal probes over the protests.

The Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said on Wednesday that 21 criminal cases have been launched across the country over calls to mass unrest, violence against the police and calls for minors to join last Saturday's protests.

The Interior Ministry also initiated criminal investigations in several cities over protesters "intentionally" blocking roads and stopping traffic.&nbsp;

Authorities also upped pressure on online platforms for failing to delete posts calling for minors to join the unsanctioned rallies.&nbsp;

Protests in Russia are banned if they are not approved by the authorities, as are calls for people under 18 to join demonstrations.

Russia's media watchdog Roskomnadzor said Wednesday that platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube, could be fined for failing to delete posts that called for minors attend to the rallies.&nbsp;

It added that the fines would range from 800,000 rubles ($10,520) to 4 million rubles ($52,760).

Also on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of the growing influence of large technology companies, which he said are "competing" with states.

Navalny's arrest was met with widespread condemnation in the West, with the Group of Seven countries on Tuesday issuing a joint statement which calls for the "immediate and unconditional" release of Navalny.&nbsp;

Russia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday called the statement "gross interference" in the country's domestic affairs and an "openly unfriendly step".

Russian authorities on Wednesday ramped up pressure on the opposition, searching the apartments and offices of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny ahead of new protests called for the weekend to demand his release.

Russian authorities on Wednesday ramped up pressure on the opposition, searching the apartments and offices of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny ahead of new protests called for the weekend to demand his release. Ivan Zhdanov, the head of Navalny's FBK Anti-Corruption Foundation, said police were searching flats linked to Navalny and the foundation's offices for alleged violations of coronavirus restrictions. Russia's Interior Ministry said Wednesday it had launched a criminal probe into the violation of sanitary and epidemiological measures during a Moscow protest that saw thousands rally in support of Navalny on Saturday. The ministry's spokeswoman Irina Volk said the organisers and participants of the rally "created a threat of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection". Zhdanov said on Twitter that Navalny's wife Yulia was at one of the apartments and posted a video from inside where loud hammering could be heard outside the door. "They are not letting in my lawyer. They broke my door in," Yulia Navalnaya yelled to journalists from out of her apartment window, an AFP journalist reported. Standing outside the apartment, her lawyer Veronika Polyakova told AFP that the police are not letting her in which is a "violation of the law". Searches were carried out at the homes of several other Navalny allies, Zhdanov added. Zhdanov posted a screenshot from a security camera at the office of FBK, showing several masked men there. The foundation is best known for its investigations into the wealth of Russia's political elite. Its most recent report suggested President Vladimir Putin was given an opulent property on the Black Sea Coast costing over $1.5 billion as a gift. The investigation was released days after Navalny was arrested on his return on January 17 from Germany, where he spent months recovering from a nerve agent poisoning he blames on the Kremlin. -- Attack on tech firms -- Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in cities across Russia on Saturday calling for Navalny's release. According to independent monitors, more than 3,900 people were detained at the demonstrations while authorities launched a series of criminal probes over the protests. The Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said on Wednesday that 21 criminal cases have been launched across the country over calls to mass unrest, violence against the police and calls for minors to join last Saturday's protests. The Interior Ministry also initiated criminal investigations in several cities over protesters "intentionally" blocking roads and stopping traffic. Authorities also upped pressure on online platforms for failing to delete posts calling for minors to join the unsanctioned rallies. Protests in Russia are banned if they are not approved by the authorities, as are calls for people under 18 to join demonstrations. Russia's media watchdog Roskomnadzor said Wednesday that platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube, could be fined for failing to delete posts that called for minors attend to the rallies. It added that the fines would range from 800,000 rubles ($10,520) to 4 million rubles ($52,760). Also on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of the growing influence of large technology companies, which he said are "competing" with states. Navalny's arrest was met with widespread condemnation in the West, with the Group of Seven countries on Tuesday issuing a joint statement which calls for the "immediate and unconditional" release of Navalny. Russia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday called the statement "gross interference" in the country's domestic affairs and an "openly unfriendly step".

Police search Navalny's Moscow flats, office ahead of fresh rallies

Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken out. He termed Saturday's protests illegal and denied Navalny's allegation that he owns a $1.3 billion palace. But, the protesters are planning another march on Sunday. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Navalny Arrest: Putin calls protest illegal, new marches planned for Sunday

Alexei Navalny is posing the biggest challenge to Putin's Presidency. He has survived an attempted poisoning, exposed corruption and is now steering the biggest movement in Russia's recent history. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you how Navalny outmaneuvered Putin.

Gravitas: How Navalny became the face of Russian opposition

The protests in Russia over the detention of Alexei Navalny could turn into a bigger movement. Tens of thousands had turned out in support of Navalny last weekend. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you more about Navalny's rise as the face of the opposition in Russia.

Gravitas | Alexei Navalny: Putin's loudest Critic

President Joe Biden had his first call with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, raising concerns about the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny while pressing the Russian president on his nation's involvement in a massive cyberespionage campaign and bounties on American troops in Afghanistan.

The call was initiated by the White House to discuss progress on extending the New START deal, which limits the two powers to a maximum of 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each and expires February 5. An agreement now appears to be close.

Biden has looked to establish a sharp break from the warm rhetoric often displayed toward Putin by his predecessor, Donald Trump. But the new president also looked to preserve room for diplomacy, telling the Russian leader that the two nations should finalise a five-year extension of an arms control treaty before it expires early next month, according to two senior administration officials.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden also raised a raft of worries about the Russian authorities' treatment of opposition members, including the "poisoning of Alexei Navalny."

The opposition leader and anti-corruption crusader nearly died last year from a poisoning he says he has proved was carried out by the security services, something Putin denies. Navalny is currently imprisoned in Moscow and over the weekend, police made mass arrests of people demonstrating in his support across the country.

Showing Moscow and Washington are still able to cooperate separately on nuclear issues, the White House said Biden and Putin had agreed to "work urgently" to wrap up negotiations on a fresh five-year period for the New START treaty ahead of its expiry.

The Kremlin said that in their call Putin and Biden "expressed satisfaction" over talks and the Russian leader later submitted a bill to parliament on the five-year extension.

The moves raised hopes for more stability between the world's two most heavily armed nations, drawing a line under the uncertainty that entered under Donald Trump, whom Biden replaced just last week.

The Trump administration had offered a one-year extension ahead of the February deadline but discussions broke down over US insistence on tougher verification that Russia had frozen its nuclear arsenal.

Moscow reached out last week to request the call, according to the officials. Biden agreed but wanted first to prepare with his staff and speak with European allies, including the leaders of the Britain, France and Germany.

And on Tuesday before his call with Putin, Biden spoke to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, pledging the United States' commitment to the decades-old alliance founded as a bulwark against Russian aggression.

Biden told Putin that his administration was assessing the SolarWinds breach and the press allegations that Russia offered the Taliban bounties to kill American troops in Afghanistan. Biden said the United States is willing to defend itself and will take action, which could include further sanctions, to ensure that Moscow does not act with impunity, according to the administration officials.

The call came as Putin considers the aftermath of pro-Navalny protests that took place in more than 100 Russian cities over the weekend. Biden's team has already reacted strongly to the crackdown on the protests, in which more than 3,700 people were arrested across Russia, including more than 1,400 in Moscow. More protests are planned for the coming weekend.

Navalny, an anti-corruption campaigner and Putin's fiercest critic, was arrested January 17 as he returned to Russia from Germany, where he had spent nearly five months recovering from nerve-agent poisoning that he blames on the Kremlin. Biden has previously condemned the use of chemical weapons.

Human rights

However, Biden also diverged strongly with Trump on his approach to Russia's human rights record and Ukraine.

Trump went to great lengths while in power to avoid raising complaints about human rights abuses in Russia or criticizing Moscow's support for separatists in Ukraine and occupation of Crimea. Biden confronted Putin on both issues.

He brought up "our strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression," Psaki said.

She also enumerated a long sequence of other "matters of concern" causing friction in Washington.

These included the unprecedented mass hacking of US computers that has been widely blamed on Russia, interference in the 2020 presidential election and reports that Moscow offered bounties for the killing of US soldiers in Afghanistan.

In addition to raising Navalny's case, Biden flagged the "treatment of peaceful protesters by Russian security forces."

Psaki said Biden's "intention was also to make clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of our national interests in response to malign actions by Russia."

The Kremlin made no mention of these complaints in its readout of the call, saying instead that Putin urged "normalization of relations."

This would "meet the interests of both countries," the Kremlin said in a statement, describing the two countries as having "special responsibility for maintaining security and stability in the world."

President Joe Biden had his first call with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, raising concerns about the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny while pressing the Russian president on his nation's involvement in a massive cyberespionage campaign and bounties on American troops in Afghanistan.

President Joe Biden had his first call with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, raising concerns about the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny while pressing the Russian president on his nation's involvement in a massive cyberespionage campaign and bounties on American troops in Afghanistan. The call was initiated by the White House to discuss progress on extending the New START deal, which limits the two powers to a maximum of 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each and expires February 5. An agreement now appears to be close. Biden has looked to establish a sharp break from the warm rhetoric often displayed toward Putin by his predecessor, Donald Trump. But the new president also looked to preserve room for diplomacy, telling the Russian leader that the two nations should finalise a five-year extension of an arms control treaty before it expires early next month, according to two senior administration officials. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden also raised a raft of worries about the Russian authorities' treatment of opposition members, including the "poisoning of Alexei Navalny." The opposition leader and anti-corruption crusader nearly died last year from a poisoning he says he has proved was carried out by the security services, something Putin denies. Navalny is currently imprisoned in Moscow and over the weekend, police made mass arrests of people demonstrating in his support across the country. Showing Moscow and Washington are still able to cooperate separately on nuclear issues, the White House said Biden and Putin had agreed to "work urgently" to wrap up negotiations on a fresh five-year period for the New START treaty ahead of its expiry. The Kremlin said that in their call Putin and Biden "expressed satisfaction" over talks and the Russian leader later submitted a bill to parliament on the five-year extension. The moves raised hopes for more stability between the world's two most heavily armed nations, drawing a line under the uncertainty that entered under Donald Trump, whom Biden replaced just last week. The Trump administration had offered a one-year extension ahead of the February deadline but discussions broke down over US insistence on tougher verification that Russia had frozen its nuclear arsenal. Moscow reached out last week to request the call, according to the officials. Biden agreed but wanted first to prepare with his staff and speak with European allies, including the leaders of the Britain, France and Germany. And on Tuesday before his call with Putin, Biden spoke to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, pledging the United States' commitment to the decades-old alliance founded as a bulwark against Russian aggression. Biden told Putin that his administration was assessing the SolarWinds breach and the press allegations that Russia offered the Taliban bounties to kill American troops in Afghanistan. Biden said the United States is willing to defend itself and will take action, which could include further sanctions, to ensure that Moscow does not act with impunity, according to the administration officials. The call came as Putin considers the aftermath of pro-Navalny protests that took place in more than 100 Russian cities over the weekend. Biden's team has already reacted strongly to the crackdown on the protests, in which more than 3,700 people were arrested across Russia, including more than 1,400 in Moscow. More protests are planned for the coming weekend. Navalny, an anti-corruption campaigner and Putin's fiercest critic, was arrested January 17 as he returned to Russia from Germany, where he had spent nearly five months recovering from nerve-agent poisoning that he blames on the Kremlin. Biden has previously condemned the use of chemical weapons. Human rights However, Biden also diverged strongly with Trump on his approach to Russia's human rights record and Ukraine. Trump went to great lengths while in power to avoid raising complaints about human rights abuses in Russia or criticizing Moscow's support for separatists in Ukraine and occupation of Crimea. Biden confronted Putin on both issues. He brought up "our strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression," Psaki said. She also enumerated a long sequence of other "matters of concern" causing friction in Washington. These included the unprecedented mass hacking of US computers that has been widely blamed on Russia, interference in the 2020 presidential election and reports that Moscow offered bounties for the killing of US soldiers in Afghanistan. In addition to raising Navalny's case, Biden flagged the "treatment of peaceful protesters by Russian security forces." Psaki said Biden's "intention was also to make clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of our national interests in response to malign actions by Russia." The Kremlin made no mention of these complaints in its readout of the call, saying instead that Putin urged "normalization of relations." This would "meet the interests of both countries," the Kremlin said in a statement, describing the two countries as having "special responsibility for maintaining security and stability in the world."

Biden raises concerns over Navalny arrest and 'aggression' against Ukraine to Russia

US President Joe Biden has held his first phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Russian President was confronted on various issues by Biden. Both the countries have also extended the new start nuclear arms control treaty.

US President Biden holds first call with Russian counterpart Putin

Vladimir Putin became Russia's President at the turn of the millennium and he&nbsp;had two tasks before him: handling the war in Chechnya and the Boris Yeltsin-era oligarchs;&nbsp;he weathered both.

In 2002, a Moscow theatre was seized by Chechen militants who took 912 people hostage, of which 129&nbsp;died. Putin handled the siege ruthlessly and&nbsp;earned a 'strongman' reputation with an approval rating of 83 per cent.

In 2014, Putin annexed Crimea and&nbsp;Russia was slapped with sanctions. However, four years later, Putin appeared to mock the sanctions&nbsp;when he managed to get the world to Russi&nbsp;for the football world cup.

For a man&nbsp;who has survived it all,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a> is becoming too grave a threat.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-keep-all-options-on-table-for-navalnys-release-us-press-sec-jen-psaki-359479" hreflang="en">Biden to keep all options on table for Navalny's release: US Press Sec Jen Psaki</a>

Vladimir Putin is used to silencing dissent. In 2006, journalist Anna Politkovskaya was murdered on Putin's birthday. She had written about corruption in the Russian army. However,&nbsp;Putin denied any involvement.

Now, 15 years on, every critic of Putin has either met the same fate or has been silenced or sidelined in one way or another — be it former federal security service officer&nbsp;Alexander Litvinenko, former intelligence officer Sergei Skripal, activist-journalist&nbsp;Vladimir Vladimirovich Kara-Murza or Ukrainian leader Viktor Yushchenko.

Alexei Navalny, however, has emerged as an exception after he survived a nerve agent poisoning. He&nbsp;used his recovery time&nbsp;to investigate attacks on journalists.

He exposed corruption in Putin's system, which he detailed&nbsp;in a two-hour documentary. Now, Navalny has kickstarted what Putin fears the most:&nbsp;a Ukraine-style Maidan revolution.

From Moscow to St. Petersburg, protesters have taken to the streets across Russia with demonstrations in at least 100 cities. While Russia has earlier, too, seen anti-Putin protests, something of this scale is unprecedented.

Putin knows the history and he understands the threat&nbsp;such protests come with. He knows that protests eventually toppled the Tsarist rule too.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russians-take-to-streets-to-protest-against-putin-after-navalnys-arrest-358817" hreflang="en">Russians take to streets to protest against Putin after Navalny's arrest</a>

On paper, Putin's dream of being a president for life&nbsp;is clear, but on the roads of Russia are&nbsp;hurdles abound. Many protesters are calling Putin a thief and&nbsp;most are calling for a Russia without him.

Putin's worst fears have come true because of the 44-year-old&nbsp;Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;He is popular and has support abroad.

Navalny's poisoning made him a household name and his dramatic arrest heightened his profile and&nbsp;made him the face of Russian opposition —&nbsp;a position that was lying vacant for over two decades.

He has done his research and&nbsp;knows how the Kremlin works. In fact, Navalny has outmanoeuvred Putin.

After Navalny was poisoned, he duped Russian agents into spilling the details of the attempted assassination and&nbsp;returned to Russia despite the threats of an arrest. In&nbsp;doing so,&nbsp;Navalny became a hero.

When he was jailed, he told the world&nbsp;that he has no intention of committing suicide. So, Navalny has basically put Putin in a catch 22 situation as letting Navalny walk out of prison comes with a huge cost, but&nbsp;keeping him behind bars is not helping either.

Silencing him inside prison is not even an option. The world is watching what's happening in Russia and the call for "freedom"&nbsp;has reached Berlin.

Europe is calling for Navalny's release and&nbsp;the EU is mulling sanctions.

Navalny has not just challenged Putin's leadership, but also his strongman image. Navalny has been exposing Putin and labelling him as a fragile and corrupt leader. He has forced Putin to clear his name in public. Putin is so threatened by his fiercest critic that Navalny is not even allowed to contest elections.

Three weeks ago, Putin's popularity had slipped to 65 per cent. One&nbsp;can only imagine what the protests have done to that number. The change in leadership outside the home has made matters worse.

The US President Joe Biden is not Donald Trump and his White House is not looking away. It has already asked for the release of Navalny and his supporters.

Vladimir Putin became Russia's President at the turn of the millennium and he had two tasks before him: handling the war in Chechnya and the Boris Yeltsin-era oligarchs; he weathered both.

Vladimir Putin became Russia's President at the turn of the millennium and he had two tasks before him: handling the war in Chechnya and the Boris Yeltsin-era oligarchs; he weathered both. In 2002, a Moscow theatre was seized by Chechen militants who took 912 people hostage, of which 129 died. Putin handled the siege ruthlessly and earned a 'strongman' reputation with an approval rating of 83 per cent. In 2014, Putin annexed Crimea and Russia was slapped with sanctions. However, four years later, Putin appeared to mock the sanctions when he managed to get the world to Russi for the football world cup. For a man who has survived it all, Alexei Navalny is becoming too grave a threat. Also read| Biden to keep all options on table for Navalny's release: US Press Sec Jen Psaki Vladimir Putin is used to silencing dissent. In 2006, journalist Anna Politkovskaya was murdered on Putin's birthday. She had written about corruption in the Russian army. However, Putin denied any involvement. Now, 15 years on, every critic of Putin has either met the same fate or has been silenced or sidelined in one way or another — be it former federal security service officer Alexander Litvinenko, former intelligence officer Sergei Skripal, activist-journalist Vladimir Vladimirovich Kara-Murza or Ukrainian leader Viktor Yushchenko. Alexei Navalny, however, has emerged as an exception after he survived a nerve agent poisoning. He used his recovery time to investigate attacks on journalists. He exposed corruption in Putin's system, which he detailed in a two-hour documentary. Now, Navalny has kickstarted what Putin fears the most: a Ukraine-style Maidan revolution. From Moscow to St. Petersburg, protesters have taken to the streets across Russia with demonstrations in at least 100 cities. While Russia has earlier, too, seen anti-Putin protests, something of this scale is unprecedented. Putin knows the history and he understands the threat such protests come with. He knows that protests eventually toppled the Tsarist rule too. Also read| Russians take to streets to protest against Putin after Navalny's arrest On paper, Putin's dream of being a president for life is clear, but on the roads of Russia are hurdles abound. Many protesters are calling Putin a thief and most are calling for a Russia without him. Putin's worst fears have come true because of the 44-year-old Alexei Navalny. He is popular and has support abroad. Navalny's poisoning made him a household name and his dramatic arrest heightened his profile and made him the face of Russian opposition — a position that was lying vacant for over two decades. He has done his research and knows how the Kremlin works. In fact, Navalny has outmanoeuvred Putin. After Navalny was poisoned, he duped Russian agents into spilling the details of the attempted assassination and returned to Russia despite the threats of an arrest. In doing so, Navalny became a hero. When he was jailed, he told the world that he has no intention of committing suicide. So, Navalny has basically put Putin in a catch 22 situation as letting Navalny walk out of prison comes with a huge cost, but keeping him behind bars is not helping either. Silencing him inside prison is not even an option. The world is watching what's happening in Russia and the call for "freedom" has reached Berlin. Europe is calling for Navalny's release and the EU is mulling sanctions. Navalny has not just challenged Putin's leadership, but also his strongman image. Navalny has been exposing Putin and labelling him as a fragile and corrupt leader. He has forced Putin to clear his name in public. Putin is so threatened by his fiercest critic that Navalny is not even allowed to contest elections. Three weeks ago, Putin's popularity had slipped to 65 per cent. One can only imagine what the protests have done to that number. The change in leadership outside the home has made matters worse. The US President Joe Biden is not Donald Trump and his White House is not looking away. It has already asked for the release of Navalny and his supporters.

Putin's popularity slips as Alexei Navalny's political equity rises

Anti-Putin protests have hit all major Russian cities. Protesters are calling for 'Russia without Putin' while demanding the release of Alexei Navalny. WION's Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Protests in Russia

The Wall Street Journal has described Alexei Navalny as "the man Vladimir Putin fears most". Navalny is a Russian Opposition Coordination Council member, the leader of the Russia of the Future party and the founder of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK).

Navalny described as 'the man Putin fears the most'

The violent response by police in Russia has come under review as reports of arrest of more than 3,300 protesters have emerged.&nbsp;

Prosecutors in St Petersburg said in a statement late Saturday that they were probing violations during demonstrations held in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny -- including "on the part of law enforcement" and the use of force against an unidentified woman.

Police clashed with demonstrators in Moscow as tens of thousands took to the streets across the country on Saturday following Navalny's call to protest against President Vladimir Putin's rule.

Putin's fiercest critic was detained at a Moscow airport on arrival a week ago from Germany, where he had been recovering from a near-fatal poisoning with a nerve agent.

OVD Info, which monitors opposition rallies, said on Sunday that police seized at least 3,324 demonstrators across dozens of cities, with 1,320 people detained in Moscow and 490 in the second city Saint Petersburg.

It was the largest number of detentions at opposition rallies in the history of modern Russia.&nbsp;

A number of protesters were also injured at the rallies in the capital and Saint Petersburg.

The statement was released after local media published a video showing a middle-aged woman falling to the ground after being kicked by riot police.

In the video, a woman -- identified as Margarita Yudina -- is seen asking three policemen in full riot gear why they were detaining a young unarmed protester. One of the policeman than kicks her in the stomach.

A representative of Saint Petersburg's Dzhanelidze hospital said that Yudina was hospitalised Saturday night with a head injury.

Saturday's protests took on an unprecedented geographic scale, spanning more than 100 cities across the country.

The violent response by police in Russia has come under review as reports of arrest of more than 3,300 protesters have emerged. Prosecutors in St Petersburg said in a statement late Saturday that they were probing violations during demonstrations held in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny -- including "on the part of law enforcement" and the use of force against an unidentified woman.

The violent response by police in Russia has come under review as reports of arrest of more than 3,300 protesters have emerged. Prosecutors in St Petersburg said in a statement late Saturday that they were probing violations during demonstrations held in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny -- including "on the part of law enforcement" and the use of force against an unidentified woman. Police clashed with demonstrators in Moscow as tens of thousands took to the streets across the country on Saturday following Navalny's call to protest against President Vladimir Putin's rule. Putin's fiercest critic was detained at a Moscow airport on arrival a week ago from Germany, where he had been recovering from a near-fatal poisoning with a nerve agent. OVD Info, which monitors opposition rallies, said on Sunday that police seized at least 3,324 demonstrators across dozens of cities, with 1,320 people detained in Moscow and 490 in the second city Saint Petersburg. It was the largest number of detentions at opposition rallies in the history of modern Russia. A number of protesters were also injured at the rallies in the capital and Saint Petersburg. The statement was released after local media published a video showing a middle-aged woman falling to the ground after being kicked by riot police. In the video, a woman -- identified as Margarita Yudina -- is seen asking three policemen in full riot gear why they were detaining a young unarmed protester. One of the policeman than kicks her in the stomach. A representative of Saint Petersburg's Dzhanelidze hospital said that Yudina was hospitalised Saturday night with a head injury. Saturday's protests took on an unprecedented geographic scale, spanning more than 100 cities across the country.

Violence by Russian police under scanner after arrest of 3,300 protesters

Russian police briefly detained Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, at a protest in Moscow on Saturday, she wrote on her Instagram from inside a police van.&nbsp;She was later released.

Navalny's wife&nbsp;was one of the many&nbsp;people that the police detained Saturday at rallies across Russia in his support following his call to protest against President Vladimir Putin's rule.

The OVD-Info monitoring group said, earlier in the day, that 1,090 people were detained at protests in dozens of Russian cities. A few media reports said the count was to the tune of 2,000.

Police&nbsp;also detained Lyubov Sobol, a close ally of Navalny's, at the rally.&nbsp;He later said&nbsp;the opposition would hold more protests next weekend to demand Navalny's release.

Yulia wrote on her Instagram in Russian -- which meant:&nbsp;"Sorry for the poor quality. Very bad light in the paddy wagon" -- with an accompanying photo.

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In the Russian capital, which usually mobilises the largest rallies, protesters planned to meet on the central Pushkin Square at 2:00 pm (1100 GMT) and march towards the Kremlin. But more than an hour before the planned rally police began detaining people.

Putin's fiercest critic put out the mass rally call after surviving a near-fatal poisoning with a Novichok nerve agent and returning to Moscow last weekend following months of treatment in Germany. He was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport and jailed.

Protests were held early Saturday in the Far East, Siberia and the Urals including Khabarovsk, Novosibirsk and Chita where several thousand turned out, Navalny supporters said.

Saturday's rallies are expected to be a major test of the opposition's ability to mobilise despite increasing Kremlin pressure on critics and the coronavirus pandemic.

Ahead of the demonstrations, Navalny's team released a video investigation into an opulent Black Sea property allegedly owned by Putin who has been in power for 20 years. The two-hour report has been viewed more than 66 million times.

In Vladivostok, demonstrators gathered in the city centre, chanting "Putin is a thief" and "Freedom to Navalny!"

Navalny, who is being held in Moscow's high-security Matrosskaya Tishina jail, thanked his supporters on the eve of the rallies.

"I know perfectly well that there are lots of good people outside of my prison's walls and help will come," he said Friday.

Navalny's wife Yulia said she would join the Moscow protest,&nbsp;"For myself, for him, for our children, for the values and the ideals that we share".

Ahead of the demonstrations several key Navalny aides including his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh were taken into police custody for violating protest laws and handed short jail sentences.

The Investigative Committee on Friday launched a criminal probe into the calls for unauthorised protests.

A hastily organised court on Monday jailed Navalny for 30 days, and his supporters fear that authorities are preparing to sentence him to a long prison term to silence him.&nbsp;

Navalny, 44, rose to prominence a decade ago and has become the central figure of Russia's opposition movement, leading large-scale street protests against corruption and electoral fraud.&nbsp;His arrest drew widespread Western condemnation, with the United States and the European Union calling for his release.

The "Putin's palace" report released by Navalny alleges the Russian leader owns a 17,691 square metre mansion that sits on a property 39 times the size of Monaco.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has denied the property belongs to Putin.

Russian police briefly detained Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, at a protest in Moscow on Saturday, she wrote on her Instagram from inside a police van.

Russian police briefly detained Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, at a protest in Moscow on Saturday, she wrote on her Instagram from inside a police van. She was later released. Navalny's wife was one of the many people that the police detained Saturday at rallies across Russia in his support following his call to protest against President Vladimir Putin's rule. The OVD-Info monitoring group said, earlier in the day, that 1,090 people were detained at protests in dozens of Russian cities. A few media reports said the count was to the tune of 2,000. Police also detained Lyubov Sobol, a close ally of Navalny's, at the rally. He later said the opposition would hold more protests next weekend to demand Navalny's release. Yulia wrote on her Instagram in Russian -- which meant: "Sorry for the poor quality. Very bad light in the paddy wagon" -- with an accompanying photo. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @yulia_navalnaya × In the Russian capital, which usually mobilises the largest rallies, protesters planned to meet on the central Pushkin Square at 2:00 pm (1100 GMT) and march towards the Kremlin. But more than an hour before the planned rally police began detaining people. Putin's fiercest critic put out the mass rally call after surviving a near-fatal poisoning with a Novichok nerve agent and returning to Moscow last weekend following months of treatment in Germany. He was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport and jailed. Protests were held early Saturday in the Far East, Siberia and the Urals including Khabarovsk, Novosibirsk and Chita where several thousand turned out, Navalny supporters said. Saturday's rallies are expected to be a major test of the opposition's ability to mobilise despite increasing Kremlin pressure on critics and the coronavirus pandemic. Ahead of the demonstrations, Navalny's team released a video investigation into an opulent Black Sea property allegedly owned by Putin who has been in power for 20 years. The two-hour report has been viewed more than 66 million times. In Vladivostok, demonstrators gathered in the city centre, chanting "Putin is a thief" and "Freedom to Navalny!" Navalny, who is being held in Moscow's high-security Matrosskaya Tishina jail, thanked his supporters on the eve of the rallies. "I know perfectly well that there are lots of good people outside of my prison's walls and help will come," he said Friday. Navalny's wife Yulia said she would join the Moscow protest, "For myself, for him, for our children, for the values and the ideals that we share". Ahead of the demonstrations several key Navalny aides including his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh were taken into police custody for violating protest laws and handed short jail sentences. The Investigative Committee on Friday launched a criminal probe into the calls for unauthorised protests. A hastily organised court on Monday jailed Navalny for 30 days, and his supporters fear that authorities are preparing to sentence him to a long prison term to silence him. Navalny, 44, rose to prominence a decade ago and has become the central figure of Russia's opposition movement, leading large-scale street protests against corruption and electoral fraud. His arrest drew widespread Western condemnation, with the United States and the European Union calling for his release. The "Putin's palace" report released by Navalny alleges the Russian leader owns a 17,691 square metre mansion that sits on a property 39 times the size of Monaco. The Kremlin has denied the property belongs to Putin.

Navalny's wife among nearly 2,000 people detained in Russia at rallies

Russian President Vladimir Putin,&nbsp;dressed in nothing but a pair of blue swimming trunks, submerged himself in icy water on Tuesday to fulfil&nbsp;an Orthodox Christian ritual to mark the feast of Epiphany.

The Kremlin said in a statement that the tradition "celebrates one of the main Christian holidays,&nbsp;the baptism of the Lord."

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, dressed in nothing but a pair of blue swimming trunks, submerged himself in icy water to fulfil an Orthodox Christian ritual to mark the feast of Epiphany. <a href="https://t.co/GEnWxlyJbx">pic.twitter.com/GEnWxlyJbx</a>
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The Russian leader shed a thick coat and boots, as temperatures hovered at -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) and stepped into a pool surrounded by snow and facing a large cross made of ice outside Moscow.

Putin, 68, grew up under Communist rule where open shows of religion were frowned upon. As president, he has become a frequent attendee of Russian Orthodox ceremonies and has given the church a major voice in society.

For orthodox Christians across Russia,&nbsp;January 19 is a special occasion as it commemorates the baptism of Jesus in river Jordon and its called&nbsp;Epiphany.

Russian authorities install wooden steps to facilitate access for worshippers throughout the country wishing to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ.

While the ritual has become popular among Russian politicians and even foreign diplomats, the Orthodox Church has said the event is not actually a canonical tradition and dismiss it as a fad.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, dressed in nothing but a pair of blue swimming trunks, submerged himself in icy water on Tuesday to fulfil an Orthodox Christian ritual to mark the feast of Epiphany.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, dressed in nothing but a pair of blue swimming trunks, submerged himself in icy water on Tuesday to fulfil an Orthodox Christian ritual to mark the feast of Epiphany. The Kremlin said in a statement that the tradition "celebrates one of the main Christian holidays, the baptism of the Lord." Russian President Vladimir Putin, dressed in nothing but a pair of blue swimming trunks, submerged himself in icy water to fulfil an Orthodox Christian ritual to mark the feast of Epiphany. pic.twitter.com/GEnWxlyJbx — WION (@WIONews) January 20, 2021 × The Russian leader shed a thick coat and boots, as temperatures hovered at -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) and stepped into a pool surrounded by snow and facing a large cross made of ice outside Moscow. Putin, 68, grew up under Communist rule where open shows of religion were frowned upon. As president, he has become a frequent attendee of Russian Orthodox ceremonies and has given the church a major voice in society. For orthodox Christians across Russia, January 19 is a special occasion as it commemorates the baptism of Jesus in river Jordon and its called Epiphany. Russian authorities install wooden steps to facilitate access for worshippers throughout the country wishing to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ. While the ritual has become popular among Russian politicians and even foreign diplomats, the Orthodox Church has said the event is not actually a canonical tradition and dismiss it as a fad.

Watch: Russian President Vladimir Putin submerges himself in icy water to mark Orthodox Epiphany

Arch Kremlin foe Alexei Navalny faces imminent arrest as he returns to Russia from Germany on Sunday. Authorities have warned they would detain him for violating a sentence over alleged fraud.

Navalny fell critically ill on a flight over Siberia in August and was flown out to Germany by medical aircraft in an induced coma. Western experts concluded he was poisoned with a Soviet-designed nerve toxin Novichok.

The 44-year-old opposition leader is flying back to Moscow after spending several months in Berlin recovering from the said poisoning attack that he said was carried out on the orders of President Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin however denied involvement and Russian investigators said there were no grounds to launch a probe into the attack.

Berlin also said it had responded to requests for legal assistance from Moscow and handed over transcripts of an interview conducted by German police with Navalny.

Russia's prison service (FSIN) is now saying Navalny may face jail time on arrival to Moscow for violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence he was handed on fraud charges.

FSIN said it would be "obliged" to detain Navalny.

The anti-graft campaigner may also face criminal charges under a probe launched by Russian investigators late last year who say he misappropriated over $4 million worth of donations.

Navalny and his allies view these moves as attempts to prevent his return and encouraged supporters to come meet the opposition leader on Sunday evening when he lands in Moscow's Vnukovo airport. More than 2,000 people said they are planning to go in a Facebook event.

Groups opposed to Navalny are also planning to show up with a nationalist movement promising to welcome him with "zelyonka", a bright green antiseptic solution that is commonly found in Russia.

Navalny had previously been attacked with the green dye that can take days to wash off.

For around a decade, Navalny has been the symbol of Russia's protest movement, after rising to prominence as an anti-corruption blogger and leading anti-government street rallies.

Navalny's team publishes YouTube investigations into the wealth of Russia's political elites, some of which garner millions of views, making them a target of lawsuits, police raids and jail stints.

Navalny has never held elected office. He came second in a 2013 vote for mayor of Moscow but was barred from standing against Putin in the 2018 presidential elections. His allies are also frequently prevented from running for election.

In 2019, several Navalny allies were barred from running for the Moscow city council, sparking mass rallies in the capital that lasted several weeks.

Arch Kremlin foe Alexei Navalny faces imminent arrest as he returns to Russia from Germany on Sunday. Authorities have warned they would detain him for violating a sentence over alleged fraud.

Arch Kremlin foe Alexei Navalny faces imminent arrest as he returns to Russia from Germany on Sunday. Authorities have warned they would detain him for violating a sentence over alleged fraud. Navalny fell critically ill on a flight over Siberia in August and was flown out to Germany by medical aircraft in an induced coma. Western experts concluded he was poisoned with a Soviet-designed nerve toxin Novichok. The 44-year-old opposition leader is flying back to Moscow after spending several months in Berlin recovering from the said poisoning attack that he said was carried out on the orders of President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin however denied involvement and Russian investigators said there were no grounds to launch a probe into the attack. Berlin also said it had responded to requests for legal assistance from Moscow and handed over transcripts of an interview conducted by German police with Navalny. Russia's prison service (FSIN) is now saying Navalny may face jail time on arrival to Moscow for violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence he was handed on fraud charges. FSIN said it would be "obliged" to detain Navalny. The anti-graft campaigner may also face criminal charges under a probe launched by Russian investigators late last year who say he misappropriated over $4 million worth of donations. Navalny and his allies view these moves as attempts to prevent his return and encouraged supporters to come meet the opposition leader on Sunday evening when he lands in Moscow's Vnukovo airport. More than 2,000 people said they are planning to go in a Facebook event. Groups opposed to Navalny are also planning to show up with a nationalist movement promising to welcome him with "zelyonka", a bright green antiseptic solution that is commonly found in Russia. Navalny had previously been attacked with the green dye that can take days to wash off. For around a decade, Navalny has been the symbol of Russia's protest movement, after rising to prominence as an anti-corruption blogger and leading anti-government street rallies. Navalny's team publishes YouTube investigations into the wealth of Russia's political elites, some of which garner millions of views, making them a target of lawsuits, police raids and jail stints. Navalny has never held elected office. He came second in a 2013 vote for mayor of Moscow but was barred from standing against Putin in the 2018 presidential elections. His allies are also frequently prevented from running for election. In 2019, several Navalny allies were barred from running for the Moscow city council, sparking mass rallies in the capital that lasted several weeks.

Kremlin critic Navalny faces arrest as he flies back to Russia

A Russian judge was reportedly asked to put Kremlin’s fierce critic Alexei Navalny in jail, soon after he was poisoned by a Soviet era nerve agent called Novichok.

According to media reports, the critic is set to be sentenced in absentia for allegedly breaking the terms of a sentence he had been serving, and for other infractions. The court documents were seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

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Last month, Russia’s Federal Prison Service (FSIN) ordered Navalny to immediately return from Germany, and to be report in Moscow or face jail time.

On December 30, Russian investigators &nbsp;claimed to have opened a new criminal case against Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Kremlin critic who was recently poisoned.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-opens-new-case-against-navalny-the-putin-critic-who-was-poisoned-in-august-353254" hreflang="en">Russia opens new case against Navalny, the Putin critic who was poisoned in August</a>

The investigators are accusing Navalny of fraudulently using public donations from organisations under him to fulfil his personal needs 
 
Right now, Navalny is in Germany, and has been there since a nerve agent was used to poison him in August in what is seen as a murder attempt. He recovered in Berlin itself.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-opens-criminal-probe-into-alexei-navalnys-ally-over-threat-352239" hreflang="en">Russia opens criminal probe into Alexei Navalny's ally over 'threat'</a>

Navalny is known as one of Putin’s fiercest critics. Russia had earlier stated how he is free to return home as he pleases, just like any other Russian citizen. Navalny has claimed that he intends to move back eventually. 
Russia denies the poisoning altogether, claiming there was no evidence of it. In addition, it has also denied involvement in his poisoning. In August, he collapsed on a plane after which he was airlifted to Germany.

Earlier, Putin had said that the US is plotting to discredit Putin by blaming the poisoning on him.

Putin also added that Navalny wasn’t important enough to become a target.

A Russian judge was reportedly asked to put Kremlin’s fierce critic Alexei Navalny in jail, soon after he was poisoned by a Soviet era nerve agent called Novichok.

A Russian judge was reportedly asked to put Kremlin’s fierce critic Alexei Navalny in jail, soon after he was poisoned by a Soviet era nerve agent called Novichok. According to media reports, the critic is set to be sentenced in absentia for allegedly breaking the terms of a sentence he had been serving, and for other infractions. The court documents were seen by Reuters on Tuesday. Last month, Russia’s Federal Prison Service (FSIN) ordered Navalny to immediately return from Germany, and to be report in Moscow or face jail time. On December 30, Russian investigators claimed to have opened a new criminal case against Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Kremlin critic who was recently poisoned. Also read: Russia opens new case against Navalny, the Putin critic who was poisoned in August The investigators are accusing Navalny of fraudulently using public donations from organisations under him to fulfil his personal needs Right now, Navalny is in Germany, and has been there since a nerve agent was used to poison him in August in what is seen as a murder attempt. He recovered in Berlin itself. Also read: Russia opens criminal probe into Alexei Navalny's ally over 'threat' Navalny is known as one of Putin’s fiercest critics. Russia had earlier stated how he is free to return home as he pleases, just like any other Russian citizen. Navalny has claimed that he intends to move back eventually. Russia denies the poisoning altogether, claiming there was no evidence of it. In addition, it has also denied involvement in his poisoning. In August, he collapsed on a plane after which he was airlifted to Germany. Earlier, Putin had said that the US is plotting to discredit Putin by blaming the poisoning on him. Putin also added that Navalny wasn’t important enough to become a target.

Russian judge reportedly asked to jail poisoned Putin critic Navalny

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hosted a trilateral meeting in Moscow with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Vladimir Putin hosts trilateral meeting with Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders on Monday in their first post-war talks since the peace agreement halted six weeks of fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Putin hosts Azeri, Armenian leaders meet in Moscow for talks amid peace deal

Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Monday hosted talks with&nbsp;Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and&nbsp;Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to resolve the&nbsp;Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

A&nbsp;Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement in November halted the six-week conflict between Azeri and ethnic Armenian forces, locking in territorial gains for Azerbaijan.

But tensions persist, with low-level sporadic violence, prisoners of war still held by both sides, and ambiguity about how a prospective transport corridor through the region will work.

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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan&nbsp;insisted Monday that key issues surrounding the conflict were in limbo and needed to be resolved immediately.

"Unfortunately, this conflict is still not settled," he told journalists after talks in the Kremlin that lasted nearly four hours.&nbsp;

Clashes over the mountainous region broke out in late September, reigniting fighting over the territory controlled for three decades by Armenia-backed separatists.&nbsp;

More than 6,000 people, including civilians, were killed before a Moscow-brokered peace agreement that saw Armenia cede swathes of territory it had controlled for decades to Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan said several issues remained unresolved including the question of the future status of Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

He also said that the meeting did not render a solution to the "most sensitive and painful question" of prisoners of war.&nbsp;

Armenia and Azerbaijan exchanged their first prisoners in early December, more than a month after the peace deal was signed.

However, it remains unclear how many more prisoners the two sides intend to exchange.&nbsp;

Joint working group

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, whose better-equipped army secured a victory, said on Monday that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict "remained in the past".&nbsp;

The three leaders issued a joint statement on the Kremlin website announcing the creation of a trilateral working group to oversee the "unblocking of all economic and transport links" in the region.&nbsp;

The group will be jointly chaired by deputy prime ministers from the three countries and will hold its first meeting before January 30, the statement said.&nbsp;

At the start of the meeting,&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;thanked the two leaders for their cooperation with Russia's mediation efforts aimed at "stopping the bloodshed, stabilising the situation and achieving a sustainable ceasefire".

Putin&nbsp;said over 48,000 people who fled Karabakh when the recent fighting broke out had returned since the peace deal came into force.&nbsp;

As part of the ceasefire agreement, Moscow deployed nearly 2,000 peacekeeping troops in the region. They will remain there for at least five years.

Russia has also set up a joint monitoring centre with Azerbaijan's ally Turkey to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire agreements.&nbsp;

The United States, France and Russia co-chair the so-called Minsk Group of negotiators that for years led talks on the Karabakh conflict but failed to achieve a lasting ceasefire.&nbsp;

Armenian separatists gained control of Karabakh following a post-Soviet war in the 1990s which left around 30,000 dead and displaced many Azerbaijanis.&nbsp;

Nagorno-Karabakh proclaimed its independence from Baku but its autonomy has not been recognised internationally, not even by Armenia.

&nbsp;

Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Monday hosted talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Monday hosted talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. A Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement in November halted the six-week conflict between Azeri and ethnic Armenian forces, locking in territorial gains for Azerbaijan. But tensions persist, with low-level sporadic violence, prisoners of war still held by both sides, and ambiguity about how a prospective transport corridor through the region will work. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan insisted Monday that key issues surrounding the conflict were in limbo and needed to be resolved immediately. "Unfortunately, this conflict is still not settled," he told journalists after talks in the Kremlin that lasted nearly four hours. Clashes over the mountainous region broke out in late September, reigniting fighting over the territory controlled for three decades by Armenia-backed separatists. More than 6,000 people, including civilians, were killed before a Moscow-brokered peace agreement that saw Armenia cede swathes of territory it had controlled for decades to Azerbaijan. Pashinyan said several issues remained unresolved including the question of the future status of Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan. He also said that the meeting did not render a solution to the "most sensitive and painful question" of prisoners of war. Armenia and Azerbaijan exchanged their first prisoners in early December, more than a month after the peace deal was signed. However, it remains unclear how many more prisoners the two sides intend to exchange. Joint working group Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, whose better-equipped army secured a victory, said on Monday that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict "remained in the past". The three leaders issued a joint statement on the Kremlin website announcing the creation of a trilateral working group to oversee the "unblocking of all economic and transport links" in the region. The group will be jointly chaired by deputy prime ministers from the three countries and will hold its first meeting before January 30, the statement said. At the start of the meeting, Putin thanked the two leaders for their cooperation with Russia's mediation efforts aimed at "stopping the bloodshed, stabilising the situation and achieving a sustainable ceasefire". Putin said over 48,000 people who fled Karabakh when the recent fighting broke out had returned since the peace deal came into force. As part of the ceasefire agreement, Moscow deployed nearly 2,000 peacekeeping troops in the region. They will remain there for at least five years. Russia has also set up a joint monitoring centre with Azerbaijan's ally Turkey to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire agreements. The United States, France and Russia co-chair the so-called Minsk Group of negotiators that for years led talks on the Karabakh conflict but failed to achieve a lasting ceasefire. Armenian separatists gained control of Karabakh following a post-Soviet war in the 1990s which left around 30,000 dead and displaced many Azerbaijanis. Nagorno-Karabakh proclaimed its independence from Baku but its autonomy has not been recognised internationally, not even by Armenia.

Nagorno-Karabakh: Putin hosts talks between Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders

Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a trilateral meeting bringing together the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh agreement.

Putin to host meeting with Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders

In a first, the Russian President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel got on a phone call on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of jointly producing coronavirus vaccines.

"Issues of cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic were discussed with an emphasis on the possible prospects for joint production of vaccines," the Kremlin's statement read.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-salons-shut-down-in-germany-as-merkel-announces-another-covid-19-lockdown-349511">&nbsp;Schools, salons shut down in Germany as Merkel announces another COVID-19 lockdown</a>

The phone call came a few days after both the countries started mass&nbsp;vaccination drives, with Russia's Sputnik V vaccine and German's pharmaceutical company BioNTech's vaccine in partnership with Pfizer.

Russia's local vaccine, Sputnik V —&nbsp;named after the Soviet-era satellite — was hailed as the first vaccine as it was registered in August. The vaccine was registered far before the trials were started, which raised concerns about its efficacy at the time. Since then, however, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have taken a lead and have been approved by several countries.

The Putin-led country&nbsp;started a mass vaccination drive in early December, making the jab first available to high-risk groups including medics, teachers and the elderly. The local vaccine was also sent to&nbsp;Belarus, Serbia and Argentina, and also announced to send nearly 2.6 million doses to Bolivia if the production rate is satisfied.

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While the information about an ongoing phone call was reported, the outcome of the same has not been revealed. The Kremlin only claimed that an agreement was reached to "continue contacts on the issue" between the health experts and concerned government officials of the two countries.

The heads of the two countries also discussed the settlement between&nbsp;Kiev and pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. The topic was discussed in length as it has been on a standstill since signing of peace accords in 2015.

In a first, the Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel got on a phone call on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of jointly producing coronavirus vaccines.

In a first, the Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel got on a phone call on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of jointly producing coronavirus vaccines. "Issues of cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic were discussed with an emphasis on the possible prospects for joint production of vaccines," the Kremlin's statement read. Also read| Schools, salons shut down in Germany as Merkel announces another COVID-19 lockdown The phone call came a few days after both the countries started mass vaccination drives, with Russia's Sputnik V vaccine and German's pharmaceutical company BioNTech's vaccine in partnership with Pfizer. Russia's local vaccine, Sputnik V — named after the Soviet-era satellite — was hailed as the first vaccine as it was registered in August. The vaccine was registered far before the trials were started, which raised concerns about its efficacy at the time. Since then, however, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have taken a lead and have been approved by several countries. The Putin-led country started a mass vaccination drive in early December, making the jab first available to high-risk groups including medics, teachers and the elderly. The local vaccine was also sent to Belarus, Serbia and Argentina, and also announced to send nearly 2.6 million doses to Bolivia if the production rate is satisfied. WATCH| × While the information about an ongoing phone call was reported, the outcome of the same has not been revealed. The Kremlin only claimed that an agreement was reached to "continue contacts on the issue" between the health experts and concerned government officials of the two countries. The heads of the two countries also discussed the settlement between Kiev and pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. The topic was discussed in length as it has been on a standstill since signing of peace accords in 2015.

Russia's Putin and Germany's Merkel discuss possible joint vaccine production

Over 50 per cent of the Chinese population believes that Russia is the country's most important ally, according to a poll published in state-run the&nbsp;Global Times newspaper.

The poll was&nbsp;found that&nbsp;nearly 2,000 respondents are writing off China's better relations with the United States.

There was a sharp reduction in the number of people saying that ties with the US had the biggest impact on China, dropping to only 47.5 per cent, compared to 82.1 per cent when the question was asked last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-message-to-us-xi-jinping-says-china-russia-ties-will-not-be-broken-353156">In message to US, Xi Jinping says China-Russia ties will not be broken</a>

It comes after&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping&nbsp;said that his country's&nbsp;ties to Russia will&nbsp;weather all kinds of international crises.

In a clear message to US President-elect Joe Biden, Jinping had highlighted&nbsp;the ''strong individual value'' of the China-Russia relationship.

Beijing has become the most significant commercial partner for Moscow, and the country is the leading destination for the export of Russian commodities, and a source of more than $56 trillion in imports.&nbsp;

Experts believe&nbsp;shared political obstacles with the EU and the US appear to be playing a role in the two nations stepping towards closer and closer political ties.

Over 50 per cent of the Chinese population believes that Russia is the country's most important ally, according to a poll published in state-run the Global Times newspaper.

Over 50 per cent of the Chinese population believes that Russia is the country's most important ally, according to a poll published in state-run the Global Times newspaper. The poll was found that nearly 2,000 respondents are writing off China's better relations with the United States. There was a sharp reduction in the number of people saying that ties with the US had the biggest impact on China, dropping to only 47.5 per cent, compared to 82.1 per cent when the question was asked last year. Also read: In message to US, Xi Jinping says China-Russia ties will not be broken It comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping said that his country's ties to Russia will weather all kinds of international crises. In a clear message to US President-elect Joe Biden, Jinping had highlighted the ''strong individual value'' of the China-Russia relationship. Beijing has become the most significant commercial partner for Moscow, and the country is the leading destination for the export of Russian commodities, and a source of more than $56 trillion in imports. Experts believe shared political obstacles with the EU and the US appear to be playing a role in the two nations stepping towards closer and closer political ties.

Over half of Chinese population believes Russia is its most important ally

Dec 31 in history: From naming of Canada's capital to Putin's ascension to power

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News brief: New virus strain, power play in US and Russia, and more

In a clear signal to the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that his country's&nbsp;ties to Russia will&nbsp;weather all kinds of international crises.

Highlighting the ''strong individual value'' of the China-Russia relationship, Jinping told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin&nbsp;“China is willing to unswervingly develop the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Russia in the new era.”

A&nbsp;Chinese foreign ministry statement quoted Xi as saying&nbsp;“Sino-Russian relations are not affected by changes in the international situation or interference by any other factors. Strengthening strategic cooperation between China and Russia can effectively resist any attempt to suppress and divide the two countries.”

Jinping's remarks come as China pushes to consolidate its ties with other nations ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20.

An investment deal between China and the European Union is also expected to wrap up soon after seven years of talks.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;hailed the China-Russia Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation as an important milestone in bilateral relations, adding that Russia will continue staying committed to pushing forward the high-level development of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.&nbsp;

Putin said he hopes the two countries can continue to support each other on issues of major concern and enhance strategic coordination and cooperation in international affairs to make contributions to global stability.&nbsp;

'Systematic rival'

While Donald Trump's administration has engaged in a war of words with Beijing, Brussels has taken a balanced approach.

The EU states treat China as a "systemic rival" and have expressed concerns over China's rights record, especially its clampdown in Hong Kong and treatment of the Uighurs.&nbsp;

Berlin wanted to get the agreement signed off at a joint EU-China summit in September, but the coronavirus pushed the event online and no deal was signed.

China pushed past the United States in the third quarter of this year to become the EU's top trade partner, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the US economy while Chinese activity rebounded.

In a clear signal to the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that his country's ties to Russia will weather all kinds of international crises. Highlighting the ''strong individual value'' of the China-Russia relationship, Jinping told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin “China is willing to unswervingly develop the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Russia in the new era.

In a clear signal to the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that his country's ties to Russia will weather all kinds of international crises. Highlighting the ''strong individual value'' of the China-Russia relationship, Jinping told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin “China is willing to unswervingly develop the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Russia in the new era.” A Chinese foreign ministry statement quoted Xi as saying “Sino-Russian relations are not affected by changes in the international situation or interference by any other factors. Strengthening strategic cooperation between China and Russia can effectively resist any attempt to suppress and divide the two countries.” Jinping's remarks come as China pushes to consolidate its ties with other nations ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20. An investment deal between China and the European Union is also expected to wrap up soon after seven years of talks. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the China-Russia Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation as an important milestone in bilateral relations, adding that Russia will continue staying committed to pushing forward the high-level development of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. Putin said he hopes the two countries can continue to support each other on issues of major concern and enhance strategic coordination and cooperation in international affairs to make contributions to global stability. 'Systematic rival' While Donald Trump's administration has engaged in a war of words with Beijing, Brussels has taken a balanced approach. The EU states treat China as a "systemic rival" and have expressed concerns over China's rights record, especially its clampdown in Hong Kong and treatment of the Uighurs. Berlin wanted to get the agreement signed off at a joint EU-China summit in September, but the coronavirus pushed the event online and no deal was signed. China pushed past the United States in the third quarter of this year to become the EU's top trade partner, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the US economy while Chinese activity rebounded.

In message to US, Xi Jinping says China-Russia ties will not be broken

Russian authorities have opened a criminal probe into an ally of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Lyubov Sobol, alleging she threatened a person he claimed took part in his poisoning.

Ivan Zhdanov, head of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund, wrote on Twitter that investigators launched a probe into trespassing "with the use of violence or a threat to use it" after Sobol rang the doorbell of the alleged Federal Security Service (FSB) agent.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny had earlier said&nbsp;police raided Sobol's&nbsp;apartment and detained her after he tricked a security service agent into admitting he was poisoned.

Navalny on Monday said he had impersonated an official in the Kremlin's Security Council and got an admission of guilt from a toxins expert with the FSB domestic intelligence that poison had been placed in his underwear in August to kill him.

In the most recent explanation, Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund said on Twitter: "Today, police came to Lyubov Sobol's apartment at 7 am."

Sobol, a lawyer by training, has announced plans to run for parliament next year.

The 33-year-old's phone was switched off and both Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmyash and the head of Navalny's fund, Ivan Zhdanov, said they did not know where she was.&nbsp;

Sobol's husband and daughter have been allowed to leave the flat.

Western governments say Navalny was poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet-designed nerve agent in a stunning case that has further dented Moscow's relations with leading European countries and sparked mutual sanctions.

Sobol went to the Moscow apartment where the man Navalny had spoken to is believed to live on Monday evening. She was detained and spent more than six hours at a police station.

Furthermore, writing on Twitter on Friday, Navalny linked the police raid to Sobol's attempt to speak to the FSB agent he identified as Konstantin Kudryavtsev.

(with inputs from AFP)

Russian authorities have opened a criminal probe into an ally of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Lyubov Sobol, alleging she threatened a person he claimed took part in his poisoning.

Russian authorities have opened a criminal probe into an ally of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Lyubov Sobol, alleging she threatened a person he claimed took part in his poisoning. Ivan Zhdanov, head of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund, wrote on Twitter that investigators launched a probe into trespassing "with the use of violence or a threat to use it" after Sobol rang the doorbell of the alleged Federal Security Service (FSB) agent. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny had earlier said police raided Sobol's apartment and detained her after he tricked a security service agent into admitting he was poisoned. Navalny on Monday said he had impersonated an official in the Kremlin's Security Council and got an admission of guilt from a toxins expert with the FSB domestic intelligence that poison had been placed in his underwear in August to kill him. In the most recent explanation, Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund said on Twitter: "Today, police came to Lyubov Sobol's apartment at 7 am." Sobol, a lawyer by training, has announced plans to run for parliament next year. The 33-year-old's phone was switched off and both Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmyash and the head of Navalny's fund, Ivan Zhdanov, said they did not know where she was. Sobol's husband and daughter have been allowed to leave the flat. Western governments say Navalny was poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet-designed nerve agent in a stunning case that has further dented Moscow's relations with leading European countries and sparked mutual sanctions. Sobol went to the Moscow apartment where the man Navalny had spoken to is believed to live on Monday evening. She was detained and spent more than six hours at a police station. Furthermore, writing on Twitter on Friday, Navalny linked the police raid to Sobol's attempt to speak to the FSB agent he identified as Konstantin Kudryavtsev. (with inputs from AFP)

Russia opens criminal probe into Alexei Navalny's ally over 'threat'

The United States of America and Russia are sparring over control of minerally rich&nbsp;Central&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;Republic.

For years, France and the United States maintained a strong presence in the Central African Republic (CAR)—until the end of military operations in 2016 and a withdrawal of forces in 2017. This disengagement turned out to be a major opportunity for Russia, which was seeking to advance its geopolitical and economic interests in the region.

Ever since, the Kremlin has rapidly expanded its influence by propping up CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra with presidential protection, military support, and the creation of a network of political allies to back the embattled leader. In exchange for this support, CAR has surrendered great parts of its sovereignty to pro-Kremlin security emissaries.

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Both US and Russia have their eyes on&nbsp;the Central African Republic,&nbsp;which is a landlocked country that has significant&nbsp;mineral&nbsp;deposits and other resources, such as diamonds, gold, uranium, and graphite, as well as significant quantities of arable land and lumber.

Russia has sent 300 military instructors to the&nbsp;Central&nbsp;African&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;at the request of the country's leadership to help counter a surge in rebel violence ahead of Sunday's election.

Officials and a security source in the&nbsp;Central&nbsp;African&nbsp;capital Bangui said earlier on Monday that Rwanda and Russia had dispatched troops and supplies.

The 300 Russian instructors coming at the request of Bangui authorities are to provide training to the national army.

They could bolster security forces and over 12,000 United Nations peacekeepers as armed rebel groups, some of whom fought one another in the country's prolonged conflict, have formed an alliance and are threatening to march on the capital.

"We are carefully following the unfolding situation in the&nbsp;Central&nbsp;African&nbsp;Republic," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. "We are seriously concerned that the events of recent days have led to a sharp deterioration in the security situation in this country."

The mineral-rich but deeply impoverished country has struggled to regain stability since 2013 when then-president Francois Bozize was ousted by a rebellion of mainly Muslim Seleka rebels.

The United States on Wednesday called for transparency and an end to violence after Russia said it had dispatched 300 military instructors to the&nbsp;Central&nbsp;African&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;ahead of elections.

"Our position has always been that countries that provide assistance -- military or otherwise -- should do so in a transparent and coordinated way and that this assistance should support the desire of the people of CAR for good governance and stability," a State Department spokesperson said when asked about Russia's role.

The State Department said it "deplores" the rising violence ahead of weekend elections, including rebels' brief seizure of the turbulent nation's fourth-largest town Bambari.

Moscow has led a diplomatic and financial offensive in the deeply troubled nation since 2018 in return for concessions to Russian companies to exploit the country's mineral wealth, especially gold and diamonds.

While the United States has been outspoken in criticizing Russia's role in conflicts in Ukraine, Libya, and Syria, it joined Moscow in a statement on the&nbsp;Central&nbsp;African&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;on Sunday that included former colonial power France.

The statement, also signed by the UN,&nbsp;African&nbsp;Union, European Union, and World Bank, condemned rising violence in CAR and called for free and peaceful elections.

The United States of America and Russia are sparring over control of minerally rich Central Africa Republic. For years, France and the United States maintained a strong presence in the Central African Republic (CAR)—until the end of military operations in 2016 and a withdrawal of forces in 2017.

The United States of America and Russia are sparring over control of minerally rich Central Africa Republic. For years, France and the United States maintained a strong presence in the Central African Republic (CAR)—until the end of military operations in 2016 and a withdrawal of forces in 2017. This disengagement turned out to be a major opportunity for Russia, which was seeking to advance its geopolitical and economic interests in the region. Ever since, the Kremlin has rapidly expanded its influence by propping up CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra with presidential protection, military support, and the creation of a network of political allies to back the embattled leader. In exchange for this support, CAR has surrendered great parts of its sovereignty to pro-Kremlin security emissaries. Also read: US preparing new sanctions to impede Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline Both US and Russia have their eyes on the Central African Republic, which is a landlocked country that has significant mineral deposits and other resources, such as diamonds, gold, uranium, and graphite, as well as significant quantities of arable land and lumber. Russia has sent 300 military instructors to the Central African Republic at the request of the country's leadership to help counter a surge in rebel violence ahead of Sunday's election. Officials and a security source in the Central African capital Bangui said earlier on Monday that Rwanda and Russia had dispatched troops and supplies. The 300 Russian instructors coming at the request of Bangui authorities are to provide training to the national army. They could bolster security forces and over 12,000 United Nations peacekeepers as armed rebel groups, some of whom fought one another in the country's prolonged conflict, have formed an alliance and are threatening to march on the capital. "We are carefully following the unfolding situation in the Central African Republic," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. "We are seriously concerned that the events of recent days have led to a sharp deterioration in the security situation in this country." The mineral-rich but deeply impoverished country has struggled to regain stability since 2013 when then-president Francois Bozize was ousted by a rebellion of mainly Muslim Seleka rebels. The United States on Wednesday called for transparency and an end to violence after Russia said it had dispatched 300 military instructors to the Central African Republic ahead of elections. "Our position has always been that countries that provide assistance -- military or otherwise -- should do so in a transparent and coordinated way and that this assistance should support the desire of the people of CAR for good governance and stability," a State Department spokesperson said when asked about Russia's role. The State Department said it "deplores" the rising violence ahead of weekend elections, including rebels' brief seizure of the turbulent nation's fourth-largest town Bambari. Moscow has led a diplomatic and financial offensive in the deeply troubled nation since 2018 in return for concessions to Russian companies to exploit the country's mineral wealth, especially gold and diamonds. While the United States has been outspoken in criticizing Russia's role in conflicts in Ukraine, Libya, and Syria, it joined Moscow in a statement on the Central African Republic on Sunday that included former colonial power France. The statement, also signed by the UN, African Union, European Union, and World Bank, condemned rising violence in CAR and called for free and peaceful elections.

Why US and Russia are sparring over control of Central Africa Republic

The Russian foreign minister also said that the United States’ actions were based on "a strategy" aimed at weakening Washington’s rivals on the global markets

'Russia to respond to new US sanctions', says Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Russia's leading media holding, which is controlled by state energy giant Gazprom, will launch an app similar to the video-sharing social network TikTok, the group's CEO said Wednesday.

The Kommersant business daily cited Gazprom-Media CEO Alexander Zharov as saying the holding had purchased a service called "Ya Molodets" ("I am great").

Zharov said the app was developed with the support of the Innopraktika foundation, an organisation run by Katerina Tikhonova -- one of President Vladimir Putin's alleged daughters.

Gazprom-Media will "use the project's software to speed up the creation of a new video service for Russian bloggers," Zharov said, adding that it will be launched within two years.&nbsp;

The app will support the sharing of short vertical videos, similar to the Chinese social network TikTok.&nbsp;

Zharov took charge of Gazprom-Media earlier this year after leaving his post as head of the Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor that was behind the failed blocking of the Telegram messaging service.&nbsp;

Gazprom-Media is one of Russia's largest media organisations, owning some of its most-watched television channels and a range of radio stations.&nbsp;

Earlier this month Zharov announced that Gazprom-Media will launch two websites similar to YouTube in the next two years, with one being an improved version of the Rutube streaming service -- a platform targeted at Russian speakers that Gazprom-Media acquired in 2008.

On Wednesday Zharov said the holding had been working for "about a year to modernise it and make it no worse than YouTube in terms of tools".&nbsp;

In recent years YouTube has become an increasingly popular platform for young Russians, with some of the most-watched channels racking in tens of millions of views.&nbsp;

It has also become a source of independent news and an alternative to the main TV channels that are mostly under state control.&nbsp;

Authorities have continuously stepped up efforts to tighten control over the Russian segment of the internet under the pretext of fighting online extremism.&nbsp;

Earlier Wednesday the lower house of parliament passed legislation that would make it possible to block internet platforms, including YouTube, if they are found guilty of "censorship" and "discrimination".&nbsp;

Russia's leading media holding, which is controlled by state energy giant Gazprom, will launch an app similar to the video-sharing social network TikTok, the group's CEO said Wednesday.

Russia's leading media holding, which is controlled by state energy giant Gazprom, will launch an app similar to the video-sharing social network TikTok, the group's CEO said Wednesday. The Kommersant business daily cited Gazprom-Media CEO Alexander Zharov as saying the holding had purchased a service called "Ya Molodets" ("I am great"). Zharov said the app was developed with the support of the Innopraktika foundation, an organisation run by Katerina Tikhonova -- one of President Vladimir Putin's alleged daughters. Gazprom-Media will "use the project's software to speed up the creation of a new video service for Russian bloggers," Zharov said, adding that it will be launched within two years. The app will support the sharing of short vertical videos, similar to the Chinese social network TikTok. Zharov took charge of Gazprom-Media earlier this year after leaving his post as head of the Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor that was behind the failed blocking of the Telegram messaging service. Gazprom-Media is one of Russia's largest media organisations, owning some of its most-watched television channels and a range of radio stations. Earlier this month Zharov announced that Gazprom-Media will launch two websites similar to YouTube in the next two years, with one being an improved version of the Rutube streaming service -- a platform targeted at Russian speakers that Gazprom-Media acquired in 2008. On Wednesday Zharov said the holding had been working for "about a year to modernise it and make it no worse than YouTube in terms of tools". In recent years YouTube has become an increasingly popular platform for young Russians, with some of the most-watched channels racking in tens of millions of views. It has also become a source of independent news and an alternative to the main TV channels that are mostly under state control. Authorities have continuously stepped up efforts to tighten control over the Russian segment of the internet under the pretext of fighting online extremism. Earlier Wednesday the lower house of parliament passed legislation that would make it possible to block internet platforms, including YouTube, if they are found guilty of "censorship" and "discrimination".

Russia to launch own TikTok developed with Putin's alleged daughter

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed legislation that will grant former presidents lifetime immunity once they leave office. The former presidents will also be exempt from questioning from police or investigators as well as searches or arrests. The legislation was part of constitutional amendments that were approved this summer in a nationwide vote that allow Putin, 68, to remain president until 2036.

Before this bill, former presidents were immune from prosecution only for crimes committed while in office.

Now a former president can still be stripped of immunity if accused of treason or other grave crimes and the charges are confirmed by the Supreme and Constitutional courts.

But the legislation Putin signed on Tuesday will additionally grant former presidents a lifetime seat in the Federation Council or senate, a position that assures immunity from prosecution upon leaving the presidency.&nbsp;

Last month the pending bills sparked rumours that the longtime Russian leader is planning to step down because of poor health -- a claim the Kremlin denied.

On Tuesday the lower house State Duma passed legislation making information about employees of Russia's judicial system, law enforcement and regulatory and military bodies confidential.

The bill now requires Putin's signature to become law, a step that is considered a formality.

It comes a day after opposition figure Alexei Navalny said he telephoned an alleged security agent and tricked him into admitting the Federal Security Service (FSB) tried to kill him in August by poisoning.

Navalny said he had gained access to the security agent's phone number from leaked logs and travel records. 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed legislation that will grant former presidents lifetime immunity once they leave office. The former presidents will also be exempt from questioning from police or investigators as well as searches or arrests.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed legislation that will grant former presidents lifetime immunity once they leave office. The former presidents will also be exempt from questioning from police or investigators as well as searches or arrests. The legislation was part of constitutional amendments that were approved this summer in a nationwide vote that allow Putin, 68, to remain president until 2036. Before this bill, former presidents were immune from prosecution only for crimes committed while in office. Now a former president can still be stripped of immunity if accused of treason or other grave crimes and the charges are confirmed by the Supreme and Constitutional courts. But the legislation Putin signed on Tuesday will additionally grant former presidents a lifetime seat in the Federation Council or senate, a position that assures immunity from prosecution upon leaving the presidency. Last month the pending bills sparked rumours that the longtime Russian leader is planning to step down because of poor health -- a claim the Kremlin denied. On Tuesday the lower house State Duma passed legislation making information about employees of Russia's judicial system, law enforcement and regulatory and military bodies confidential. The bill now requires Putin's signature to become law, a step that is considered a formality. It comes a day after opposition figure Alexei Navalny said he telephoned an alleged security agent and tricked him into admitting the Federal Security Service (FSB) tried to kill him in August by poisoning. Navalny said he had gained access to the security agent's phone number from leaked logs and travel records.

Putin signs bill awarding former presidents lifetime immunity

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Wednesday Moscow was not expecting "anything good" from US President-elect Joe Biden, accusing members of his future administration of "Russophobia". &nbsp;

"We are definitely not expecting anything good. And it would be strange to expect good things from people, many of whom made their careers on Russophobia and throwing mud at my country," Ryabkov said in an interview with news agency Interfax.

The interview was released days after the US accused Russia of a major cyber attack on government agencies.

Biden on Tuesday said the attack cannot go "unanswered", promising to retaliate once he takes office on January 20.&nbsp;

Ryabkov said Moscow should move to a "total containment" approach in relations with the United States, retaining "selective dialogue" on subjects that are of interest to Russia.&nbsp;

The deputy foreign minister said that Russia would not initiate any contacts with Biden's transition staff, and would also not make any "unilateral concessions".&nbsp;

He added that if the US continued approaching Russia as a "strategic rival" then Moscow would "treat them in a similar way".&nbsp;

Referring to fresh US sanctions imposed earlier this week on 45 Russian organisations over their military connections, Ryabkov said the outgoing administration was trying to "loudly slam the door".&nbsp;

"We are going from bad to worse. This was very typical for the past four years and so far there is no feeling that this trend has outlived its usefulness," Ryabkov said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Wednesday Moscow was not expecting "anything good" from US President-elect Joe Biden, accusing members of his future administration of "Russophobia".

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Wednesday Moscow was not expecting "anything good" from US President-elect Joe Biden, accusing members of his future administration of "Russophobia". "We are definitely not expecting anything good. And it would be strange to expect good things from people, many of whom made their careers on Russophobia and throwing mud at my country," Ryabkov said in an interview with news agency Interfax. The interview was released days after the US accused Russia of a major cyber attack on government agencies. Biden on Tuesday said the attack cannot go "unanswered", promising to retaliate once he takes office on January 20. Ryabkov said Moscow should move to a "total containment" approach in relations with the United States, retaining "selective dialogue" on subjects that are of interest to Russia. The deputy foreign minister said that Russia would not initiate any contacts with Biden's transition staff, and would also not make any "unilateral concessions". He added that if the US continued approaching Russia as a "strategic rival" then Moscow would "treat them in a similar way". Referring to fresh US sanctions imposed earlier this week on 45 Russian organisations over their military connections, Ryabkov said the outgoing administration was trying to "loudly slam the door". "We are going from bad to worse. This was very typical for the past four years and so far there is no feeling that this trend has outlived its usefulness," Ryabkov said.

Russia says not expecting 'anything good' from Biden administration

After harsh criticism and penalties from the European Union towards the Russian government, over the alleged poisoning of the opposition leader&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Russia has decided to impose travel bans on several EU representatives.

Kremlin has "decided to&nbsp;expand the list of representatives of EU member states and institutions who will be denied entry to the Russian Federation," Russia foreign ministry said.

The sanctions have come in after the Russian government summoned several senior diplomats from three countries of the European Union. These countries are the ones that supported the claims of Navalny being poisoned with Novichok by Kremlin in August.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-fsb-spy-admits-putting-poison-in-underwear-351485">WATCH|</a>

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Three countries named by Kremlin in this ban are Germany, France and Sweden, whose representatives were summoned by the Russian government in "connection with the introduction of EU anti-Russian sanctions".

This statement by the Russian authorities has come a day after Navalny claimed of tricking a Russian agent into admitting that the&nbsp;Federal Security Service (FSB) did in fact try to poison him by placing the poison in his underwear. However, these claims by Navalny were rubbished by the FSB officials who called these allegations as "fake" and on the other hand alleged him of taking&nbsp;foreign intelligence services' aid to make these allegations against Kremlin.

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said also labelled Navalny to be a "sick" man who has "delusions of persecution" and said he exhibits "traits of megalomania".

The Kremlin also took a hit at the opposition leader and said he suffers from&nbsp;psychological complexes surrounding authority and power.

After harsh criticism and penalties from the European Union towards the Russian government, over the alleged poisoning of the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Russia has decided to impose travel bans on several EU representatives.

After harsh criticism and penalties from the European Union towards the Russian government, over the alleged poisoning of the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Russia has decided to impose travel bans on several EU representatives. Kremlin has "decided to expand the list of representatives of EU member states and institutions who will be denied entry to the Russian Federation," Russia foreign ministry said. The sanctions have come in after the Russian government summoned several senior diplomats from three countries of the European Union. These countries are the ones that supported the claims of Navalny being poisoned with Novichok by Kremlin in August. WATCH| × Three countries named by Kremlin in this ban are Germany, France and Sweden, whose representatives were summoned by the Russian government in "connection with the introduction of EU anti-Russian sanctions". This statement by the Russian authorities has come a day after Navalny claimed of tricking a Russian agent into admitting that the Federal Security Service (FSB) did in fact try to poison him by placing the poison in his underwear. However, these claims by Navalny were rubbished by the FSB officials who called these allegations as "fake" and on the other hand alleged him of taking foreign intelligence services' aid to make these allegations against Kremlin. On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said also labelled Navalny to be a "sick" man who has "delusions of persecution" and said he exhibits "traits of megalomania". The Kremlin also took a hit at the opposition leader and said he suffers from psychological complexes surrounding authority and power.

Russia imposes travel ban on EU representatives over Navalny controversy

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