Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny Friday went on trial on charges of defaming a World War II veteran -- close on the heels of him being handed a nearly three-year prison term.

Legal pressure has been mounting on the 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner and his allies since he returned in mid-January to Russia from Germany, where he had been recovering from a poisoning attack with the nerve agent Novichok. He was ordered by a Moscow court this week to serve two years and eight months in prison for violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence on embezzlement charges he says were politically motivated.

On Friday, Navalny faced defamation charges for describing people -- including the 95-year-old veteran -- who appeared in a pro-Kremlin video as "the shame of the country" and "traitors" in a June tweet. The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

The court was not expected to pronounce a verdict Friday.

Navalny's detention on his return to Moscow sparked mass demonstrations across the country that saw police arrest 10,000 protesters.

Navalny had, on Thursday, called on his supporters to fight fear and liberate Russia from a leadership he described as a "handful of thieves", while his aides said more protests were planned for later this year.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny Friday went on trial on charges of defaming a World War II veteran -- close on the heels of him being handed a nearly three-year prison term.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny Friday went on trial on charges of defaming a World War II veteran -- close on the heels of him being handed a nearly three-year prison term. Legal pressure has been mounting on the 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner and his allies since he returned in mid-January to Russia from Germany, where he had been recovering from a poisoning attack with the nerve agent Novichok. He was ordered by a Moscow court this week to serve two years and eight months in prison for violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence on embezzlement charges he says were politically motivated. On Friday, Navalny faced defamation charges for describing people -- including the 95-year-old veteran -- who appeared in a pro-Kremlin video as "the shame of the country" and "traitors" in a June tweet. The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. The court was not expected to pronounce a verdict Friday. Navalny's detention on his return to Moscow sparked mass demonstrations across the country that saw police arrest 10,000 protesters. Navalny had, on Thursday, called on his supporters to fight fear and liberate Russia from a leadership he described as a "handful of thieves", while his aides said more protests were planned for later this year.

Kremlin critic Navalny goes on trial on slander charges

An audio clip of jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny has surfaced in which he can be heard calling Russian President Vladimir Putin 'underwear poisoner'. Alexei Navalny was recently sent to jail by a Russian court that overturned a suspended sentence into real jail-time.

Navalny's jailing&nbsp;has led to an outcry both in and outside Russia. While thousands of Russian protesters have been demanding Navalny's release, countries and blocs like the EU, US, Britain and Germany have upped the international pressure to free Navalny.

The latest audio clip has brought in quite a comic element into the mix.

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“(Putin’s) only method is killing people. However much he pretends to be a great geo-politician, he’ll go down in history as a poisoner. There was Alexander the Liberator, Yaroslav the Wise, and Putin the Underwear Poisoner,” Navalny can be heard saying in the audio clip.

Navalny, one of Putin’s most prominent critics, was arrested on Jan. 17 for alleged parole violations after returning from Germany where he had been recovering from being poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent.

Navalny alleges that Russian agents, acting under orders from Putin poisoned his underwear. Kremlin has denied the charges.

(With Reuters inputs)

An audio clip of jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny has surfaced in which he can be heard calling Russian President Vladimir Putin 'underwear poisoner'. Alexei Navalny was recently sent to jail by a Russian court that overturned a suspended sentence into real jail-time.

An audio clip of jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny has surfaced in which he can be heard calling Russian President Vladimir Putin 'underwear poisoner'. Alexei Navalny was recently sent to jail by a Russian court that overturned a suspended sentence into real jail-time. Navalny's jailing has led to an outcry both in and outside Russia. While thousands of Russian protesters have been demanding Navalny's release, countries and blocs like the EU, US, Britain and Germany have upped the international pressure to free Navalny. The latest audio clip has brought in quite a comic element into the mix. × “(Putin’s) only method is killing people. However much he pretends to be a great geo-politician, he’ll go down in history as a poisoner. There was Alexander the Liberator, Yaroslav the Wise, and Putin the Underwear Poisoner,” Navalny can be heard saying in the audio clip. Navalny, one of Putin’s most prominent critics, was arrested on Jan. 17 for alleged parole violations after returning from Germany where he had been recovering from being poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent. Navalny alleges that Russian agents, acting under orders from Putin poisoned his underwear. Kremlin has denied the charges. (With Reuters inputs)

Alexei Navalny calls Vladimir Putin an 'underwear poisoner'

A top doctor who treated Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny after he was poisoned last year has died "suddenly", the hospital on Thursday said.&nbsp;

"With regret, we inform you that...the deputy chief physician for anesthesiology and resuscitation of the emergency hospital №1, assistant of the department of Omsk State Medical University, PhD of medical sciences Maksimishin Sergey Valentinovich suddenly passed away," a statement by the hospital said, as reported by CNN.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The Kremlin critic was admitted to acute poisoning unit of Omsk emergency hospital No. 1 on August 20 last year after he was fell sick due to the Novichok in a plane heading to Moscow from Siberia. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/days-of-us-rolling-over-gone-biden-warns-china-russia-in-first-diplomatic-speech-361464">Days of US 'rolling over' gone: Biden warns China, Russia in first diplomatic speech</a>

Navalny was hospitalised in Omsk after the plane made an emergency landing.&nbsp;

He was then taken to Germany where he was then treated and recovered.

Navalny blames for its poisoning Russian President Vladimir Putin and the nation's security service, accusations that Kremlin has continually denied.&nbsp;

Leonid Volkov, Navalny's chief of staff, confirmed that Sergey Valentinovich was in charge of treating the Kremlin critic.&nbsp;

"Sergey Maximishin was the head of department that treated Alexey Navalny and was in charge of his treatment — specifically his medically induced coma," Volkov was quoted as saying by CNN.

"(Maximishim) knew more than anyone else about Alexey's condition so I can't dismiss possibility of foul play."&nbsp;

However, he added that Russia's health system is "very poor" and doctors in the past have died "suddenly".

"Russia's health care system is very poor and it's not uncommon for doctors of his age to suddenly die. I doubt there will any investigation into his death," Navalny's chief of staff said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A top doctor who treated Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny after he was poisoned last year has died "suddenly", the hospital on Thursday said. "With regret, we inform you that.

A top doctor who treated Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny after he was poisoned last year has died "suddenly", the hospital on Thursday said. "With regret, we inform you that...the deputy chief physician for anesthesiology and resuscitation of the emergency hospital №1, assistant of the department of Omsk State Medical University, PhD of medical sciences Maksimishin Sergey Valentinovich suddenly passed away," a statement by the hospital said, as reported by CNN. Watch | The Kremlin critic was admitted to acute poisoning unit of Omsk emergency hospital No. 1 on August 20 last year after he was fell sick due to the Novichok in a plane heading to Moscow from Siberia. Also read | Days of US 'rolling over' gone: Biden warns China, Russia in first diplomatic speech Navalny was hospitalised in Omsk after the plane made an emergency landing. He was then taken to Germany where he was then treated and recovered. Navalny blames for its poisoning Russian President Vladimir Putin and the nation's security service, accusations that Kremlin has continually denied. Leonid Volkov, Navalny's chief of staff, confirmed that Sergey Valentinovich was in charge of treating the Kremlin critic. "Sergey Maximishin was the head of department that treated Alexey Navalny and was in charge of his treatment — specifically his medically induced coma," Volkov was quoted as saying by CNN. "(Maximishim) knew more than anyone else about Alexey's condition so I can't dismiss possibility of foul play." However, he added that Russia's health system is "very poor" and doctors in the past have died "suddenly". "Russia's health care system is very poor and it's not uncommon for doctors of his age to suddenly die. I doubt there will any investigation into his death," Navalny's chief of staff said.

Top Russian doctor who treated Navalny after poisoning dies

A Russian court Wednesday sentenced the editor of a popular news website to 25 days in jail for retweeting a reference to an anti-Kremlin protest, the latest sign of an extraordinary crackdown on freedom of expression following the return to Russia last month of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Until recently, President Vladimir Putin has mostly tolerated a vibrant landscape of independent online news outlets that took advantage of Russia’s uncensored internet to offer an alternative to the state-controlled television news. Similarly, Navalny’s allies and other opposition activists were rarely thrown in jail, an indication that the Kremlin saw them more as a nuisance than as a real threat.

Watch |&nbsp;

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But all that has changed in the last three weeks. Navalny’s livestreamed, dramatic return to Russia after recovering from poisoning in Germany, and his report on Putin’s purported secret palace, viewed more than 100 million times on YouTube, have highlighted the stark threat that the internet poses to the Kremlin’s hold on public opinion.

Navalny — who had never been forced to spend more than a few weeks in jail at a time — was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison Tuesday for violating his parole on a 2014 conviction that Europe’s top human rights court found politically motivated.

Then, Wednesday, Sergey Smirnov — the editor of news site Mediazona, which covered Navalny’s Tuesday hearing in meticulous detail — received a jail sentence of 25 days. His offense: retweeting a joke by another Twitter user about how a musician pictured in a Navalny advertisement calling for protests looked similar to Smirnov.

Smirnov’s retweet, according to court papers, “calls on a group of individuals of unlimited size to take part in an unauthorized protest on January 23, 2021.”

Smirnov said he was simply retweeting a joke and was not calling on people to come to the rally, which he said he did not attend.

“A retweet does not equal endorsement,” Smirnov told the judge at his hearing Wednesday, according to a reporter there.

Mediazona, founded by members of punk rock group Pussy Riot, focuses on criminal justice and human rights issues and is one of Russia’s most popular news websites independent of Kremlin control. One of those founders, Pussy Riot’s Maria Alyokhina, is among the Navalny supporters put under house arrest after having been detained at a protest last month.

“This is an attempt to silence honest and professional journalism,” Echo of Moscow, Russia’s best-known liberal radio station, said in a statement.

Smirnov’s jailing came after a night of police violence in central Moscow, where more than 1,000 people tried to protest Navalny’s prison sentence. They were met by an overwhelming show of police force — one Russian outlet reported that more than 8,000 police officers had been deployed — that flooded the grand squares and upmarket side streets near the Kremlin.

“We’ve woken up in a different country, one in which fascists have taken power,” Yevgeny Roizman, the former mayor of the city of Yekaterinburg and a Kremlin critic, wrote on Twitter. “They took over the country earlier, but they stopped hiding it yesterday.”

Police officers in Moscow were filmed swinging batons at pro-Navalny protesters who had their hands up, clubbing a journalist twice on the head and dragging people out of passing cars.

Across Russia, authorities have made more than 10,000 arrests in the past few weeks, according to OVD-Info, an activist group that tracks detentions at protests. Those jailed or under house arrest include most of Navalny’s closest allies inside the country and many of his key supporters in the regions.

The Kremlin reiterated Wednesday that it would not back down.

“There must not be any unsanctioned protest activity,” Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters. “Unsanctioned protests are cause for concern, confirming that the police are justified in their tough, legal actions.”

Still, supporters of Navalny see momentum on their side, and those allies who have managed to avoid jail called on Russians to be patient and to keep fighting. Navalny’s prominence is now far greater than it was just a month ago, with extensive coverage even on the state television news. And, even in prison, he may have a unique ability to unite Russia’s disparate opposition — while those allies who are in relative safety outside the country will continue to try to reach Russians online.

The Navalny team’s strategy is to build its reach and visibility while chipping away at Putin’s legitimacy through corruption investigations and election campaigns against the Kremlin. His allies say they will also call for more street protests.

Vladimir Ashurkov, one of Navalny’s top allies, said his team had long understood that Russia’s pro-democracy groups were too weak to force political change on their own timetable. But he said they were confident that change would come, with dissatisfaction building in the general public and among the elite.

“Our strategy is to be the best-organized political force when things start to change,” Ashurkov said in a telephone interview from London. “We don’t know when that will happen.”

He said he had discussed plans with Navalny to call for sanctions against Russian officials, state media figures and business tycoons close to Putin — which Ashurkov did in a letter to President Joe Biden last week.

“We have a plan for how we are going to organize our work and how we will constantly pressure the authorities for his release,” Ashurkov said of Navalny.

Navalny has repeatedly embarrassed Putin and his allies with investigative reports about corruption that were viewed many millions of times on YouTube. Authorities previously tried to contain Navalny with jail terms of a few weeks to avoid turning him into a political martyr.

“We are entering a new period of instability and uncertainty,” Ashurkov said. “But no one knows how close we are to the period we are preparing for — when liberalization begins.”

Ivan Zhdanov, director of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, wrote in an Instagram post to opposition supporters: “Don’t panic and don’t lose heart.”

Tatiana Stanovaya, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Moscow Center, described in a commentary the crackdown as the mark of a new phase in the Kremlin’s treatment of the anti-Putin opposition.

In years past, the Kremlin’s goal was to delegitimize the opposition in the eyes of the public and keep it out of official politics. Now, she said, it is being criminalized and cast as a national security threat.

At the same time, Putin’s critics are for the first time uniting around a single figure — Navalny.

“A time of great confrontation has arrived,” Stanovaya wrote. 
&nbsp;

A Russian court Wednesday sentenced the editor of a popular news website to 25 days in jail for retweeting a reference to an anti-Kremlin protest, the latest sign of an extraordinary crackdown on freedom of expression following the return to Russia last month of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

A Russian court Wednesday sentenced the editor of a popular news website to 25 days in jail for retweeting a reference to an anti-Kremlin protest, the latest sign of an extraordinary crackdown on freedom of expression following the return to Russia last month of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Until recently, President Vladimir Putin has mostly tolerated a vibrant landscape of independent online news outlets that took advantage of Russia’s uncensored internet to offer an alternative to the state-controlled television news. Similarly, Navalny’s allies and other opposition activists were rarely thrown in jail, an indication that the Kremlin saw them more as a nuisance than as a real threat. Watch | But all that has changed in the last three weeks. Navalny’s livestreamed, dramatic return to Russia after recovering from poisoning in Germany, and his report on Putin’s purported secret palace, viewed more than 100 million times on YouTube, have highlighted the stark threat that the internet poses to the Kremlin’s hold on public opinion. Navalny — who had never been forced to spend more than a few weeks in jail at a time — was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison Tuesday for violating his parole on a 2014 conviction that Europe’s top human rights court found politically motivated. Then, Wednesday, Sergey Smirnov — the editor of news site Mediazona, which covered Navalny’s Tuesday hearing in meticulous detail — received a jail sentence of 25 days. His offense: retweeting a joke by another Twitter user about how a musician pictured in a Navalny advertisement calling for protests looked similar to Smirnov. Smirnov’s retweet, according to court papers, “calls on a group of individuals of unlimited size to take part in an unauthorized protest on January 23, 2021.” Smirnov said he was simply retweeting a joke and was not calling on people to come to the rally, which he said he did not attend. “A retweet does not equal endorsement,” Smirnov told the judge at his hearing Wednesday, according to a reporter there. Mediazona, founded by members of punk rock group Pussy Riot, focuses on criminal justice and human rights issues and is one of Russia’s most popular news websites independent of Kremlin control. One of those founders, Pussy Riot’s Maria Alyokhina, is among the Navalny supporters put under house arrest after having been detained at a protest last month. “This is an attempt to silence honest and professional journalism,” Echo of Moscow, Russia’s best-known liberal radio station, said in a statement. Smirnov’s jailing came after a night of police violence in central Moscow, where more than 1,000 people tried to protest Navalny’s prison sentence. They were met by an overwhelming show of police force — one Russian outlet reported that more than 8,000 police officers had been deployed — that flooded the grand squares and upmarket side streets near the Kremlin. “We’ve woken up in a different country, one in which fascists have taken power,” Yevgeny Roizman, the former mayor of the city of Yekaterinburg and a Kremlin critic, wrote on Twitter. “They took over the country earlier, but they stopped hiding it yesterday.” Police officers in Moscow were filmed swinging batons at pro-Navalny protesters who had their hands up, clubbing a journalist twice on the head and dragging people out of passing cars. Across Russia, authorities have made more than 10,000 arrests in the past few weeks, according to OVD-Info, an activist group that tracks detentions at protests. Those jailed or under house arrest include most of Navalny’s closest allies inside the country and many of his key supporters in the regions. The Kremlin reiterated Wednesday that it would not back down. “There must not be any unsanctioned protest activity,” Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters. “Unsanctioned protests are cause for concern, confirming that the police are justified in their tough, legal actions.” Still, supporters of Navalny see momentum on their side, and those allies who have managed to avoid jail called on Russians to be patient and to keep fighting. Navalny’s prominence is now far greater than it was just a month ago, with extensive coverage even on the state television news. And, even in prison, he may have a unique ability to unite Russia’s disparate opposition — while those allies who are in relative safety outside the country will continue to try to reach Russians online. The Navalny team’s strategy is to build its reach and visibility while chipping away at Putin’s legitimacy through corruption investigations and election campaigns against the Kremlin. His allies say they will also call for more street protests. Vladimir Ashurkov, one of Navalny’s top allies, said his team had long understood that Russia’s pro-democracy groups were too weak to force political change on their own timetable. But he said they were confident that change would come, with dissatisfaction building in the general public and among the elite. “Our strategy is to be the best-organized political force when things start to change,” Ashurkov said in a telephone interview from London. “We don’t know when that will happen.” He said he had discussed plans with Navalny to call for sanctions against Russian officials, state media figures and business tycoons close to Putin — which Ashurkov did in a letter to President Joe Biden last week. “We have a plan for how we are going to organize our work and how we will constantly pressure the authorities for his release,” Ashurkov said of Navalny. Navalny has repeatedly embarrassed Putin and his allies with investigative reports about corruption that were viewed many millions of times on YouTube. Authorities previously tried to contain Navalny with jail terms of a few weeks to avoid turning him into a political martyr. “We are entering a new period of instability and uncertainty,” Ashurkov said. “But no one knows how close we are to the period we are preparing for — when liberalization begins.” Ivan Zhdanov, director of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, wrote in an Instagram post to opposition supporters: “Don’t panic and don’t lose heart.” Tatiana Stanovaya, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Moscow Center, described in a commentary the crackdown as the mark of a new phase in the Kremlin’s treatment of the anti-Putin opposition. In years past, the Kremlin’s goal was to delegitimize the opposition in the eyes of the public and keep it out of official politics. Now, she said, it is being criminalized and cast as a national security threat. At the same time, Putin’s critics are for the first time uniting around a single figure — Navalny. “A time of great confrontation has arrived,” Stanovaya wrote.

Website editor in Russia is jailed for sharing joke about Navalny protests

Lawyers for Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said on Tuesday they would appeal against the ruling of a Russian court which jailed him for 3.5 years.

Navalny's lawyer said the anti-corruption blogger would serve only two years and eight months in jail because of time he has already spent under house arrest.

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The court's decision to turn a 2014 suspended sentence into real jail time will see&nbsp;Navalny, a 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner who accuses the Kremlin of poisoning him last year, serve a lengthy prison term for the first time.

He was accused of violating parole conditions by refusing to check in with prison officials and was arrested when he flew back to Moscow on January 17 from Germany, where he spent months recovering from the poisoning.

Navalny&nbsp;said it was impossible to make the appointments while abroad, but the judge said he had skipped meetings prior to the poisoning.

The widely anticipated ruling, which followed nationwide protests calling for Navalny's release, is likely to further strain relations with the West, which is likely to consider imposing sanctions on Russia over its handling of the case.

Navalny, one of President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critics, was arrested last month after returning from Germany where he had been recovering from being poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent.

Tuesday's hearing focused on alleged parole violations over a suspended sentence in a 2014 embezzlement case Navalny says was fabricated.

Navalny, in a fiery speech to the court, alleged he was jailed because of Putin's concerns about him as a political rival, a suggestion the Kremlin has laughed off, referring to Navalny as a troublesome blogger without wide popular support.

'Pure cowardice'

After the ruling, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for&nbsp;Navalny's release, warning Washington and its allies would "hold Russia accountable for failing to uphold the rights of its citizens."

French President Emmanuel Macron called for his release, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel labelling the decision "far removed from any rule of law", while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called it "pure cowardice".&nbsp;

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, due to visit Moscow later this week, said it "runs counter to Russia's international commitments on rule of law and fundamental freedoms".

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the Western reaction as "disconnected from reality", adding: "There is no need to interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign state."

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets in Moscow and other Russian cities over the last two weekends to call for&nbsp;Navalny's release, prompting a massive police clampdown that saw several thousand people arrested.

Police detained more than 1,050 protests on Tuesday alone, mostly in Moscow, according to monitoring group OVD-Info.

Lawyers for Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said on Tuesday they would appeal against the ruling of a Russian court which jailed him for 3.5 years. Navalny's lawyer said the anti-corruption blogger would serve only two years and eight months in jail because of time he has already spent under house arrest.

Lawyers for Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said on Tuesday they would appeal against the ruling of a Russian court which jailed him for 3.5 years. Navalny's lawyer said the anti-corruption blogger would serve only two years and eight months in jail because of time he has already spent under house arrest. The court's decision to turn a 2014 suspended sentence into real jail time will see Navalny, a 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner who accuses the Kremlin of poisoning him last year, serve a lengthy prison term for the first time. He was accused of violating parole conditions by refusing to check in with prison officials and was arrested when he flew back to Moscow on January 17 from Germany, where he spent months recovering from the poisoning. Navalny said it was impossible to make the appointments while abroad, but the judge said he had skipped meetings prior to the poisoning. The widely anticipated ruling, which followed nationwide protests calling for Navalny's release, is likely to further strain relations with the West, which is likely to consider imposing sanctions on Russia over its handling of the case. Navalny, one of President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critics, was arrested last month after returning from Germany where he had been recovering from being poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent. Tuesday's hearing focused on alleged parole violations over a suspended sentence in a 2014 embezzlement case Navalny says was fabricated. Navalny, in a fiery speech to the court, alleged he was jailed because of Putin's concerns about him as a political rival, a suggestion the Kremlin has laughed off, referring to Navalny as a troublesome blogger without wide popular support. 'Pure cowardice' After the ruling, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for Navalny's release, warning Washington and its allies would "hold Russia accountable for failing to uphold the rights of its citizens." French President Emmanuel Macron called for his release, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel labelling the decision "far removed from any rule of law", while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called it "pure cowardice". European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, due to visit Moscow later this week, said it "runs counter to Russia's international commitments on rule of law and fundamental freedoms". Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the Western reaction as "disconnected from reality", adding: "There is no need to interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign state." Tens of thousands have taken to the streets in Moscow and other Russian cities over the last two weekends to call for Navalny's release, prompting a massive police clampdown that saw several thousand people arrested. Police detained more than 1,050 protests on Tuesday alone, mostly in Moscow, according to monitoring group OVD-Info.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's lawyer says will appeal against jail sentence

Kremlin is blaming 'Western powers' of meddling in Alexei Navalny's court-hearing. From being accused of interfering in other's affairs to now leveling the same accusation

Gravitas: 13 foreign diplomats attend Navalny hearing

The Kremlin on Wednesday defended its crackdown on protesters demanding the release of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who was handed a prison term of almost three years on Tuesday.

Navalny's allies have, however, vowed to continue putting pressure on the authorities even as protest monitors said that more than 10,000 people have been detained at recent nationwide rallies in support of President Vladimir Putin's loudest critic.

Tuesday's verdict spurred Navalny's supporters to take to the streets of the capital Moscow where riot police used batons to disperse the protesters who were detained en masse.

"The holding of unauthorised rallies raises concerns and justifies the tough actions of the police," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday.

Mass protests in more than one hundred cities across Russia were sparked by Navalny's arrest in a Moscow airport last month on arrival from Germany where he was recovering after being poisoned in August. The 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner was given a jail term of two years and eight months for violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence on embezzlement charges he claims were a pretext to silence him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-court-orders-kremlin-critic-navalny-to-prison-despite-outcry-us-and-uk-react-360954">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Russian court orders Kremlin critic Navalny to prison despite outcry</a>

In its most recent investigation, Navalny's team accused Putin of being gifted an opulent palace on the Black Sea coast in a video that garnered more than 100 million views on YouTube.

The report was seen as a rallying cry that spurred tens of thousands of demonstrators onto the street on consecutive weekends last month, with protester chants and signs referencing the investigation.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Navalny's arrest and the violent police crackdown on protesters have been met with condemnation by international rights groups and Western governments, including the United States, Britain and France.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/history-will-remember-putin-as-nothing-but-an-underpants-poisoner-navalny-361091">ALSO READ |&nbsp;History will remember Putin as nothing but an 'underpants poisoner': Navalny</a>

(with inputs from agencies)

The Kremlin on Wednesday defended its crackdown on protesters demanding the release of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who was handed a prison term of almost three years on Tuesday.

The Kremlin on Wednesday defended its crackdown on protesters demanding the release of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who was handed a prison term of almost three years on Tuesday. Navalny's allies have, however, vowed to continue putting pressure on the authorities even as protest monitors said that more than 10,000 people have been detained at recent nationwide rallies in support of President Vladimir Putin's loudest critic. Tuesday's verdict spurred Navalny's supporters to take to the streets of the capital Moscow where riot police used batons to disperse the protesters who were detained en masse. "The holding of unauthorised rallies raises concerns and justifies the tough actions of the police," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday. Mass protests in more than one hundred cities across Russia were sparked by Navalny's arrest in a Moscow airport last month on arrival from Germany where he was recovering after being poisoned in August. The 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner was given a jail term of two years and eight months for violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence on embezzlement charges he claims were a pretext to silence him. ALSO READ | Russian court orders Kremlin critic Navalny to prison despite outcry In its most recent investigation, Navalny's team accused Putin of being gifted an opulent palace on the Black Sea coast in a video that garnered more than 100 million views on YouTube. The report was seen as a rallying cry that spurred tens of thousands of demonstrators onto the street on consecutive weekends last month, with protester chants and signs referencing the investigation. Meanwhile, Navalny's arrest and the violent police crackdown on protesters have been met with condemnation by international rights groups and Western governments, including the United States, Britain and France. ALSO READ | History will remember Putin as nothing but an 'underpants poisoner': Navalny (with inputs from agencies)

Kremlin defends crackdown on Navalny supporters

A Moscow court on Tuesday ordered Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny to serve prison time for violating the terms of his probation while he was recuperating in Germany from nerve-agent poisoning.

Navalny had earlier denounced the proceedings as a vain attempt by the Kremlin to scare millions of Russians into submission.

The decision to turn a 2014 suspended sentence into real jail time will see Navalny serve a lengthy prison term for the first time.

According to AFP, Judge Natalya Repnikova ordered a suspended three-and-a-half-year sentence Navalny received in 2014 to be changed to time in a penal colony.

The 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner was arrested January 17 upon returning from his five-month convalescence in Germany from the attack, which he has blamed on the Kremlin. Russian authorities, however, deny any involvement.&nbsp;

In a fiery courtroom speech ahead of the ruling, Navalny accused Putin of trying to intimidate his critics and mocked the Russian leader over allegations the Novichok nerve agent used to poison him had been placed in his underwear.&nbsp;

"They are putting one person behind bars to scare millions," Navalny said.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Moscow and other Russian cities over the last two weekends to call for Navalny's release, prompting a massive police clampdown that saw several thousand people arrested.

It is likely to set off new protests after thousands joined nationwide demonstrations over the last two weekends, and to further inflame tensions with Western governments who have been demanding his release.

Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund (FBK) immediately called for supporters to protest in central Moscow.

"We're going to the centre of Moscow right now," it wrote on Twitter, urging supporters to join them.

Also, Navalny's arrest and the mass detentions have triggered a wave of condemnation from the West, with many leaders calling for his release and some urging new sanctions against Moscow.&nbsp;

To this end, the US condemned Tuesday's sentencing and&nbsp;demanded Russia free Navalny "immediately and unconditionally".

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, in a statement: "We reiterate our call for the Russian government to immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Navalny, as well as the hundreds of other Russian citizens wrongfully detained in recent weeks for exercising their rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly."

The UK has also reacted. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged Russia to release Navalny, calling a Moscow court order for him to serve jail time "perverse".

"The UK calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Alexey Navalny," Raab said in a statement.

"Today's perverse ruling, targeting the victim of a poisoning rather than those responsible, shows Russia is failing to meet the most basic commitments expected of any responsible member of the international community."

(with inputs)

A Moscow court on Tuesday ordered Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny to serve prison time for violating the terms of his probation while he was recuperating in Germany from nerve-agent poisoning.

A Moscow court on Tuesday ordered Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny to serve prison time for violating the terms of his probation while he was recuperating in Germany from nerve-agent poisoning. Navalny had earlier denounced the proceedings as a vain attempt by the Kremlin to scare millions of Russians into submission. The decision to turn a 2014 suspended sentence into real jail time will see Navalny serve a lengthy prison term for the first time. According to AFP, Judge Natalya Repnikova ordered a suspended three-and-a-half-year sentence Navalny received in 2014 to be changed to time in a penal colony. The 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner was arrested January 17 upon returning from his five-month convalescence in Germany from the attack, which he has blamed on the Kremlin. Russian authorities, however, deny any involvement. In a fiery courtroom speech ahead of the ruling, Navalny accused Putin of trying to intimidate his critics and mocked the Russian leader over allegations the Novichok nerve agent used to poison him had been placed in his underwear. "They are putting one person behind bars to scare millions," Navalny said. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Moscow and other Russian cities over the last two weekends to call for Navalny's release, prompting a massive police clampdown that saw several thousand people arrested. It is likely to set off new protests after thousands joined nationwide demonstrations over the last two weekends, and to further inflame tensions with Western governments who have been demanding his release. Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund (FBK) immediately called for supporters to protest in central Moscow. "We're going to the centre of Moscow right now," it wrote on Twitter, urging supporters to join them. Also, Navalny's arrest and the mass detentions have triggered a wave of condemnation from the West, with many leaders calling for his release and some urging new sanctions against Moscow. To this end, the US condemned Tuesday's sentencing and demanded Russia free Navalny "immediately and unconditionally". US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, in a statement: "We reiterate our call for the Russian government to immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Navalny, as well as the hundreds of other Russian citizens wrongfully detained in recent weeks for exercising their rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly." The UK has also reacted. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged Russia to release Navalny, calling a Moscow court order for him to serve jail time "perverse". "The UK calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Alexey Navalny," Raab said in a statement. "Today's perverse ruling, targeting the victim of a poisoning rather than those responsible, shows Russia is failing to meet the most basic commitments expected of any responsible member of the international community." (with inputs)

Russian court orders Kremlin critic Navalny to prison despite outcry; US and UK react

Russia witnessed its second round of anti-Putin protests over the weekend. At least 5000 people were detained. The crackdown by the Russian police is being condemned by leading world powers.

Gravitas: Second week of Anti-Putin protests: At least 5000 detained

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny told a Moscow court on Tuesday that the goals of the legal proceedings against him was to intimidate opponents of President Vladimir Putin, and scare millions.

"The main thing in this process is to intimidate a huge number of people, this is how it works. They are putting one person behind bars to scare millions," Navalny said at the hearing.

Navalny is facing up to three and a half years in a case that has sparked nationwide protests.

Navalny was arrested at the Russian border on January 17 for alleged parole violations after returning from Germany where he had been recovering from a nerve agent poisoning in Russia.

He accuses Putin of ordering his murder, which the Kremlin denies. It has, in turn, suggested that Navalny is a CIA asset, a charge he rejects, and has told the West to stay out of its domestic affairs.

Navalny watched Tuesday's hearing from inside a glass cage in the courtroom. Before proceedings began, he praised his wife, who was present after being fined the previous day for taking part in a protest to demand his release.

Moscow's state prison authority accuses Navalny of parole violations relating to a suspended sentence he had been serving in an embezzlement case he calls trumped up.

Navalny, who is already serving a 30-day detention sentence in connection with the same case, told the court that the whole country knew he had been poisoned and was in Germany at the end of last year.

"On what grounds are you saying you didn't know where I was? You're misleading the court," he told the prison service official, who told Navalny he should have got in touch to formally inform the service of his circumstances.

Navalny's supporters have staged two straight weekends of nationwide protests demanding he be freed, despite a massive show of police force, the threat of arrest, bitter cold and the pandemic.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny told a Moscow court on Tuesday that the goals of the legal proceedings against him was to intimidate opponents of President Vladimir Putin, and scare millions.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny told a Moscow court on Tuesday that the goals of the legal proceedings against him was to intimidate opponents of President Vladimir Putin, and scare millions. "The main thing in this process is to intimidate a huge number of people, this is how it works. They are putting one person behind bars to scare millions," Navalny said at the hearing. Navalny is facing up to three and a half years in a case that has sparked nationwide protests. Navalny was arrested at the Russian border on January 17 for alleged parole violations after returning from Germany where he had been recovering from a nerve agent poisoning in Russia. He accuses Putin of ordering his murder, which the Kremlin denies. It has, in turn, suggested that Navalny is a CIA asset, a charge he rejects, and has told the West to stay out of its domestic affairs. Navalny watched Tuesday's hearing from inside a glass cage in the courtroom. Before proceedings began, he praised his wife, who was present after being fined the previous day for taking part in a protest to demand his release. Moscow's state prison authority accuses Navalny of parole violations relating to a suspended sentence he had been serving in an embezzlement case he calls trumped up. Navalny, who is already serving a 30-day detention sentence in connection with the same case, told the court that the whole country knew he had been poisoned and was in Germany at the end of last year. "On what grounds are you saying you didn't know where I was? You're misleading the court," he told the prison service official, who told Navalny he should have got in touch to formally inform the service of his circumstances. Navalny's supporters have staged two straight weekends of nationwide protests demanding he be freed, despite a massive show of police force, the threat of arrest, bitter cold and the pandemic.

Russia aims to 'scare millions' through case against him, Navalny tells court

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption foundation has urged US President Joe Biden&nbsp;to impose sanctions on at least eight high profile Russian figures which the foundation says is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Navalny's foundation (FBK) said it had submitted a list of 35 people in total in a letter addressed to Biden with eight named on a ''priority shortlist''.The letter said that seven of the 35 individuals are already on US sanctions lists.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-interior-ministry-warns-citizens-to-not-join-pro-navalny-protests-360393/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The move comes ahead of nationwide protests planned this weekend in support of Navalny, who is being held in detention ahead of a court hearing next week&nbsp;on charges of violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence.&nbsp;

Russian police detained 5,021 people on Sunday&nbsp;at unauthorised rallies nationwide in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, the OVD-Info monitoring group said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/toilet-brushes-and-blue-pants-unusual-symbols-of-russias-protests-360362" hreflang="en">Toilet brushes and blue pants: Unusual symbols of Russia's protests</a>

'Harsh tactics'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Twitter condemned "the persistent use of harsh tactics against peaceful protesters and journalists by Russian authorities for a second week straight".

The Russian foreign ministry hit back, accusing the United States of&nbsp;"gross interference" in its affairs and of using "online platforms controlled by Washington" to promote the protests.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also said he deplored the "widespread detentions and disproportionate use of force" against protesters and journalists.

"Russia needs to comply with its international commitments," he added in a tweet.

Navalny, 44, was arrested on January&nbsp;17 after returning to Moscow from Germany where he had been recovering from a nerve agent poisoning in Russia last summer. He accuses President Vladimir Putin of ordering his murder, which the Kremlin denies.

His dramatic return to Moscow despite the obvious threat of arrest and the second straight weekend of protests at his jailing pose a challenge for Putin who has dominated the Russian political landscape for over two decades.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption foundation has urged US President Joe Biden to impose sanctions on at least eight high profile Russian figures which the foundation says is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption foundation has urged US President Joe Biden to impose sanctions on at least eight high profile Russian figures which the foundation says is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Navalny's foundation (FBK) said it had submitted a list of 35 people in total in a letter addressed to Biden with eight named on a ''priority shortlist''.The letter said that seven of the 35 individuals are already on US sanctions lists. The move comes ahead of nationwide protests planned this weekend in support of Navalny, who is being held in detention ahead of a court hearing next week on charges of violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence. Russian police detained 5,021 people on Sunday at unauthorised rallies nationwide in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, the OVD-Info monitoring group said. Also see: Toilet brushes and blue pants: Unusual symbols of Russia's protests 'Harsh tactics' US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Twitter condemned "the persistent use of harsh tactics against peaceful protesters and journalists by Russian authorities for a second week straight". The Russian foreign ministry hit back, accusing the United States of "gross interference" in its affairs and of using "online platforms controlled by Washington" to promote the protests. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also said he deplored the "widespread detentions and disproportionate use of force" against protesters and journalists. "Russia needs to comply with its international commitments," he added in a tweet. Navalny, 44, was arrested on January 17 after returning to Moscow from Germany where he had been recovering from a nerve agent poisoning in Russia last summer. He accuses President Vladimir Putin of ordering his murder, which the Kremlin denies. His dramatic return to Moscow despite the obvious threat of arrest and the second straight weekend of protests at his jailing pose a challenge for Putin who has dominated the Russian political landscape for over two decades.

Navalny's foundation calls on Biden to sanction Putin allies

Toilet brushes and blue pants: Unusual symbols of Russia's protests

Russian police detained Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, at an unauthorised protest in Moscow on Sunday.

She was among the thousands of people detained across Russia and blocked off the centre of Moscow on Sunday in a massive clampdown on protests demanding Navalny's release.

The OVD-Info monitor said 4,027 people had been detained on Sunday, after reporting more than 4,000 arrested at similar&nbsp;protests&nbsp;last weekend.&nbsp;

The number of detentions on Sunday hit 1,167 in Moscow and 862 in Saint Petersburg, it said, as the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;were coming to a close after a day that saw thousands rally in cities across the country.

Navalnaya was also detained at a similar protest in support of her husband last week.

Navalny was detained at a Moscow airport in mid-January after flying back to Russia from Germany where he was recovering from an August poisoning he blames on the Kremlin.

The 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner is being held in a Moscow detention centre and facing years of potential jail time in several different criminal cases, despite calls from Western governments for his release.

People have since protesting for Navalny's release. After rallies last week across the country, demonstrations were planned for Sunday as well.

In order to curb these protests, thousands of police in riot gear were deployed from Vladivostok in the Far East to Saint Petersburg on the Baltic Sea. In moves not seen in years in Moscow, police locked down the centre of the capital on Sunday, with hundreds lining the streets, central Metro stations closed and the movements of pedestrians restricted.

Protesters who had hoped to gather outside the headquarters of the FSB security service were instead scattered to various parts of the city as organisers made last-minute changes in locations.

Hundreds were marching through the city centre chanting "Freedom!" and "Putin is a thief!" as they headed towards the Matrosskaya Tishina prison where Navalny was being held.&nbsp;

Police followed the protesters, breaking up the crowds and playing pre-recorded messages on loudspeakers warning that the gathering was illegal because of coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalny-allies-take-to-the-streets-despite-crackdown-360395">Also read |&nbsp;Navalny allies take to the streets despite crackdown,</a>

Earlier protesters had rallied in cities including the Pacific port of Vladivostok, where several dozen gathered in a central square despite police closing it off ahead of the rally.

Several thousand were also reported to have protested in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk despite temperatures dropping to -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).

Meanwhile, the US embassy in Moscow condemned the arrests and blocking of the city centre in Moscow, saying in a tweet: "Russia must respect international human rights commitments."&nbsp;

Russian authorities issued several warnings against participating in the unauthorised rallies and threatened criminal charges against protesters.

Navalny is due in court in several cases next week, including on February 2 on charges of violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence.&nbsp;

His wife Yulia posted a picture of her family on Instagram on Sunday, urging supporters to make their voices heard.

This week several Navalny associates, including lawyer Lyubov Sobol and his brother Oleg, were placed under house arrest until late March pending charges for violating coronavirus restrictions by calling people to join protests.

Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh was detained late Saturday also over violating virus measures, the same day she was due to walk free after a nine-day jail term for violating protest laws.&nbsp;

Days after Navalny was taken into custody, his team released a video report alleging Putin had been gifted a $1.35 billion property on the Black Sea coast, garnering over 100 million views on YouTube.

The Kremlin has denied that the Russian president owns the opulent complex, which according to Navalny features an underground ice hockey arena, a private casino and vineyards.

Putin's former aide and billionaire businessman Arkady Rotenberg said Saturday he was the owner of the property and that he was building a hotel there.&nbsp;He is under Western sanctions.

(with inputs from agencies)

Russian police detained Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, at an unauthorised protest in Moscow on Sunday. She was among the thousands of people detained across Russia and blocked off the centre of Moscow on Sunday in a massive clampdown on protests demanding Navalny's release.

Russian police detained Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, at an unauthorised protest in Moscow on Sunday. She was among the thousands of people detained across Russia and blocked off the centre of Moscow on Sunday in a massive clampdown on protests demanding Navalny's release. The OVD-Info monitor said 4,027 people had been detained on Sunday, after reporting more than 4,000 arrested at similar protests last weekend. The number of detentions on Sunday hit 1,167 in Moscow and 862 in Saint Petersburg, it said, as the protests were coming to a close after a day that saw thousands rally in cities across the country. Navalnaya was also detained at a similar protest in support of her husband last week. Navalny was detained at a Moscow airport in mid-January after flying back to Russia from Germany where he was recovering from an August poisoning he blames on the Kremlin. The 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner is being held in a Moscow detention centre and facing years of potential jail time in several different criminal cases, despite calls from Western governments for his release. People have since protesting for Navalny's release. After rallies last week across the country, demonstrations were planned for Sunday as well. In order to curb these protests, thousands of police in riot gear were deployed from Vladivostok in the Far East to Saint Petersburg on the Baltic Sea. In moves not seen in years in Moscow, police locked down the centre of the capital on Sunday, with hundreds lining the streets, central Metro stations closed and the movements of pedestrians restricted. Protesters who had hoped to gather outside the headquarters of the FSB security service were instead scattered to various parts of the city as organisers made last-minute changes in locations. Hundreds were marching through the city centre chanting "Freedom!" and "Putin is a thief!" as they headed towards the Matrosskaya Tishina prison where Navalny was being held. Police followed the protesters, breaking up the crowds and playing pre-recorded messages on loudspeakers warning that the gathering was illegal because of coronavirus restrictions. Also read | Navalny allies take to the streets despite crackdown, Earlier protesters had rallied in cities including the Pacific port of Vladivostok, where several dozen gathered in a central square despite police closing it off ahead of the rally. Several thousand were also reported to have protested in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk despite temperatures dropping to -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). Meanwhile, the US embassy in Moscow condemned the arrests and blocking of the city centre in Moscow, saying in a tweet: "Russia must respect international human rights commitments." Russian authorities issued several warnings against participating in the unauthorised rallies and threatened criminal charges against protesters. Navalny is due in court in several cases next week, including on February 2 on charges of violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence. His wife Yulia posted a picture of her family on Instagram on Sunday, urging supporters to make their voices heard. This week several Navalny associates, including lawyer Lyubov Sobol and his brother Oleg, were placed under house arrest until late March pending charges for violating coronavirus restrictions by calling people to join protests. Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh was detained late Saturday also over violating virus measures, the same day she was due to walk free after a nine-day jail term for violating protest laws. Days after Navalny was taken into custody, his team released a video report alleging Putin had been gifted a $1.35 billion property on the Black Sea coast, garnering over 100 million views on YouTube. The Kremlin has denied that the Russian president owns the opulent complex, which according to Navalny features an underground ice hockey arena, a private casino and vineyards. Putin's former aide and billionaire businessman Arkady Rotenberg said Saturday he was the owner of the property and that he was building a hotel there. He is under Western sanctions. (with inputs from agencies)

Navalny's wife among thousands held as Russian police clamp down on protests

Russian Businessman and Vladimir Putin ally Arkady Rotenberg claimed that he owns a Black Sea coast property that Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny says costs over $1.5 billion and belongs to the Russian president Putin.

Russian Businessman claims to own 'Putin palace'

A Russian businessman has said he owns the huge palace in southern Russia, which jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny links to President Vladimir Putin. The Russian president has already denied ownership of the palace.

Arkady Rotenberg is Putin's former judo sparring partner. He sold his stake in gas pipeline construction firm Stroygazmontazh in 2019 for a sum which RBC business daily put at some 75 billion roubles ($990 million).

He was notably among the Russian officials and business executives blacklisted by the United States and other Western powers in the aftermath of Russia's annexation of Crimea in March 2014.

Navalny and his anti-corruption foundation had published a video in which they allege the opulent mansion belonged to the Russian leader. The video has been viewed more than 103 million times.

Rotenberg said he bought the palace two years ago.&nbsp;

"Now it will no longer be a secret, I am the beneficiary," Rotenberg said in a video published by Mash channel in Telegram. "There was a rather complicated facility, there were a lot of creditors, and I managed to become the beneficiary."

He gave no further financial details of the purchase or how it had been funded.

Navalny was remanded in custody for 30 days on January 18 for parole violations he says were trumped up and could face years in jail. He was arrested after flying back to Moscow from Germany, where he had been recovering from a nerve agent poisoning last August.

After Navalny's arrest thousands of people joined unsanctioned protests across Russia last Saturday to demand the Kremlin release Navalny from jail. His supporters plan to hold further protest rallies across Russia this Sunday. Authorities have said they are illegal and have vowed to break them up.

A Russian businessman has said he owns the huge palace in southern Russia, which jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny links to President Vladimir Putin. The Russian president has already denied ownership of the palace.

A Russian businessman has said he owns the huge palace in southern Russia, which jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny links to President Vladimir Putin. The Russian president has already denied ownership of the palace. Arkady Rotenberg is Putin's former judo sparring partner. He sold his stake in gas pipeline construction firm Stroygazmontazh in 2019 for a sum which RBC business daily put at some 75 billion roubles ($990 million). He was notably among the Russian officials and business executives blacklisted by the United States and other Western powers in the aftermath of Russia's annexation of Crimea in March 2014. Navalny and his anti-corruption foundation had published a video in which they allege the opulent mansion belonged to the Russian leader. The video has been viewed more than 103 million times. Rotenberg said he bought the palace two years ago. "Now it will no longer be a secret, I am the beneficiary," Rotenberg said in a video published by Mash channel in Telegram. "There was a rather complicated facility, there were a lot of creditors, and I managed to become the beneficiary." He gave no further financial details of the purchase or how it had been funded. Navalny was remanded in custody for 30 days on January 18 for parole violations he says were trumped up and could face years in jail. He was arrested after flying back to Moscow from Germany, where he had been recovering from a nerve agent poisoning last August. After Navalny's arrest thousands of people joined unsanctioned protests across Russia last Saturday to demand the Kremlin release Navalny from jail. His supporters plan to hold further protest rallies across Russia this Sunday. Authorities have said they are illegal and have vowed to break them up.

Putin's former aide says he owns palace which opposition links to Russian president

US President Joe Biden has called Russian President Vladimir Putin to immediately release the jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Biden speaks to Putin, calls for Alexei Navalny's release

US President Joe Biden called on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to release jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny during their phone call this week.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters on Friday that Biden pressed Putin on a number of issues, including alleged election interference in the 2020 election, Ukraine sovereignty, the massive SolarWind cyber hack, and Navalny.

The details about the phone call and what was discussed come at a time when Biden is adjusting US policy in a more robust way toward Russia after predecessor Donald Trump refused to take on Putin directly.

Police detained Navalny at a Moscow airport after he returned to Russia on January 17 from Germany. He had been recovering there from a near-fatal poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent in an attack he blamed on Russian security services and Putin.

The 44-year-old anti-graft campaigner is accused of violating probationary terms of his 2014 suspended sentence on fraud charges by not appearing at Russia's prison service for checks twice a month.

A Russian court on Thursday upheld a decision to detain him for 30 days.

On Thursday, Psaki had said Biden did not hold back in conveying his concerns about the actions of the Russian government during the call.

Earlier this week, a White House statement said the two leaders agreed to have their teams work urgently to complete the extension of the New START arms control pact between the United States and Russia by February 5, when the current deal expires. The arms control treaty limits the United States and Russia to deploying no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads each.

US President Joe Biden called on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to release jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny during their phone call this week. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters on Friday that Biden pressed Putin on a number of issues, including alleged election interference in the 2020 election, Ukraine sovereignty, the massive SolarWind cyber hack, and Navalny.

US President Joe Biden called on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to release jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny during their phone call this week. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters on Friday that Biden pressed Putin on a number of issues, including alleged election interference in the 2020 election, Ukraine sovereignty, the massive SolarWind cyber hack, and Navalny. The details about the phone call and what was discussed come at a time when Biden is adjusting US policy in a more robust way toward Russia after predecessor Donald Trump refused to take on Putin directly. Police detained Navalny at a Moscow airport after he returned to Russia on January 17 from Germany. He had been recovering there from a near-fatal poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent in an attack he blamed on Russian security services and Putin. The 44-year-old anti-graft campaigner is accused of violating probationary terms of his 2014 suspended sentence on fraud charges by not appearing at Russia's prison service for checks twice a month. A Russian court on Thursday upheld a decision to detain him for 30 days. On Thursday, Psaki had said Biden did not hold back in conveying his concerns about the actions of the Russian government during the call. Earlier this week, a White House statement said the two leaders agreed to have their teams work urgently to complete the extension of the New START arms control pact between the United States and Russia by February 5, when the current deal expires. The arms control treaty limits the United States and Russia to deploying no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads each.

Biden in conversation with Russia President Putin calls for Navalny release

A Russian court on Thursday upheld a decision to detain top opposition leader Alexei Navalny&nbsp;for 30 days after he returned to Moscow this month following a near-fatal poisoning.

Thursday's ruling came after Navalny's team called for fresh demonstrations on Sunday against Putin's 20-year rule.

Judge Musa Musayev of the Moscow Regional Court said a previous ruling by the Khimki City Court should "remain unchanged".

During the hearing, Navalny during the hearing slammed what he described as the "lawlessness" of the process.

"This is blatant lawlessness to intimidate myself and other people," Navalny told the court by video link.

After the ruling was handed down, Navalny said to the judge: "Everything was clear to me before the start of the court hearing, thank you."

His lawyers said Navalny would appeal against the ruling to keep him in custody, the Interfax news agency reported.

Police detained President Vladimir Putin's top domestic critic in a Moscow airport after he returned to Russia on January 17 from Germany. He had been recovering there from a near-fatal poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent in an attack he blamed on Russian security services and Putin.

The 44-year-old anti-graft campaigner is accused of violating probationary terms of his 2014 suspended sentence on fraud charges by not appearing at Russia's prison service for checks twice a month.

A makeshift court at a police station last week ordered Navalny placed in custody until February 15.&nbsp;He was then moved to Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina, a high-security detention centre.

A Russian court on Thursday upheld a decision to detain top opposition leader Alexei Navalny for 30 days after he returned to Moscow this month following a near-fatal poisoning.

A Russian court on Thursday upheld a decision to detain top opposition leader Alexei Navalny for 30 days after he returned to Moscow this month following a near-fatal poisoning. Thursday's ruling came after Navalny's team called for fresh demonstrations on Sunday against Putin's 20-year rule. Judge Musa Musayev of the Moscow Regional Court said a previous ruling by the Khimki City Court should "remain unchanged". During the hearing, Navalny during the hearing slammed what he described as the "lawlessness" of the process. "This is blatant lawlessness to intimidate myself and other people," Navalny told the court by video link. After the ruling was handed down, Navalny said to the judge: "Everything was clear to me before the start of the court hearing, thank you." His lawyers said Navalny would appeal against the ruling to keep him in custody, the Interfax news agency reported. Police detained President Vladimir Putin's top domestic critic in a Moscow airport after he returned to Russia on January 17 from Germany. He had been recovering there from a near-fatal poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent in an attack he blamed on Russian security services and Putin. The 44-year-old anti-graft campaigner is accused of violating probationary terms of his 2014 suspended sentence on fraud charges by not appearing at Russia's prison service for checks twice a month. A makeshift court at a police station last week ordered Navalny placed in custody until February 15. He was then moved to Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina, a high-security detention centre.

Kremlin critic Navalny to remain in detention ahead of hearing next month

Several allies of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny were taken into custody early on Thursday after police raided their respective apartments and offices ahead of planned demonstrations.&nbsp;

Navalny was arrested on his return from Germany where he had been covering from a poisoning attack.

The searches were connected to a criminal probe launched by the interior ministry over alleged violations of coronavirus restrictions during protests last week, Navalny's aides said. Police carried out at least 18 searches on Wednesday.

The opposition has called for fresh demonstrations on Sunday to demand freedom for Navalny. His lawyers intend to appeal against his arrest later on Thursday.

Ivan Zhdanov, the head of Navalny's FBK Anti-Corruption Foundation, said prominent aide Lyubov Sobol and Navalny's brother Oleg were detained for 48 hours as suspects.&nbsp;

Sobol's lawyer Vladimir Voronin said both she and Oleg Navalny were questioned by police during the night.&nbsp;

Searches were also carried out at the flat of Navalny's wife Yulia, and in the office of FBK, Navalny's organisation, which is known for its investigations into the wealth of Russia's elites.

Police also arrived at the home of Navalny's doctor Anastasia Vasilyeva, who was also detained for 48 hours.&nbsp;

In a video posted on Twitter by Vasilyeva's press secretary, the doctor is playing Beethoven on the piano as people in uniform arrive at the door.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of Russians across the country rallied last weekend in support of Navalny, who is awaiting a trial that could see him imprisoned for several years on charges of violating a 2014 suspended sentence.&nbsp;

Officials have also threatened to fine social media including Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for failing to delete posts urging young people to join illegal rallies.

Protests in Russia are banned if they are not approved by the authorities, as are calls for people under 18 to join in.

The opposition plans to hold more rallies on Sunday, which in Moscow will take place outside the headquarters of the FSB, the security agency that Navalny says targeted him in the near-fatal poisoning attack.

More than 3,900 people were detained last Saturday at the unsanctioned rallies, which have sparked a series of criminal investigations.&nbsp;

The Moscow prosecutor's office said it had sent out warnings ahead of Sunday's rally to six individuals and five internet platforms without naming them.

(with inputs from agencies)

Several allies of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny were taken into custody early on Thursday after police raided their respective apartments and offices ahead of planned demonstrations.

Several allies of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny were taken into custody early on Thursday after police raided their respective apartments and offices ahead of planned demonstrations. Navalny was arrested on his return from Germany where he had been covering from a poisoning attack. The searches were connected to a criminal probe launched by the interior ministry over alleged violations of coronavirus restrictions during protests last week, Navalny's aides said. Police carried out at least 18 searches on Wednesday. The opposition has called for fresh demonstrations on Sunday to demand freedom for Navalny. His lawyers intend to appeal against his arrest later on Thursday. Ivan Zhdanov, the head of Navalny's FBK Anti-Corruption Foundation, said prominent aide Lyubov Sobol and Navalny's brother Oleg were detained for 48 hours as suspects. Sobol's lawyer Vladimir Voronin said both she and Oleg Navalny were questioned by police during the night. Searches were also carried out at the flat of Navalny's wife Yulia, and in the office of FBK, Navalny's organisation, which is known for its investigations into the wealth of Russia's elites. Police also arrived at the home of Navalny's doctor Anastasia Vasilyeva, who was also detained for 48 hours. In a video posted on Twitter by Vasilyeva's press secretary, the doctor is playing Beethoven on the piano as people in uniform arrive at the door. Tens of thousands of Russians across the country rallied last weekend in support of Navalny, who is awaiting a trial that could see him imprisoned for several years on charges of violating a 2014 suspended sentence. Officials have also threatened to fine social media including Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for failing to delete posts urging young people to join illegal rallies. Protests in Russia are banned if they are not approved by the authorities, as are calls for people under 18 to join in. The opposition plans to hold more rallies on Sunday, which in Moscow will take place outside the headquarters of the FSB, the security agency that Navalny says targeted him in the near-fatal poisoning attack. More than 3,900 people were detained last Saturday at the unsanctioned rallies, which have sparked a series of criminal investigations. The Moscow prosecutor's office said it had sent out warnings ahead of Sunday's rally to six individuals and five internet platforms without naming them. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia detains Navalny allies after raids at apartments

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

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