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

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

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

Kremlin critic Navalny faces arrest as he flies back to Russia

A Russian judge was reportedly asked to put Kremlin’s fierce critic Alexei Navalny in jail, soon after he was poisoned by a Soviet era nerve agent called Novichok.

According to media reports, the critic is set to be sentenced in absentia for allegedly breaking the terms of a sentence he had been serving, and for other infractions. The court documents were seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-navalny-i-got-my-killer-to-confess-352451/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Last month, Russia’s Federal Prison Service (FSIN) ordered Navalny to immediately return from Germany, and to be report in Moscow or face jail time.

On December 30, Russian investigators &nbsp;claimed to have opened a new criminal case against Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Kremlin critic who was recently poisoned.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-opens-new-case-against-navalny-the-putin-critic-who-was-poisoned-in-august-353254" hreflang="en">Russia opens new case against Navalny, the Putin critic who was poisoned in August</a>

The investigators are accusing Navalny of fraudulently using public donations from organisations under him to fulfil his personal needs 
 
Right now, Navalny is in Germany, and has been there since a nerve agent was used to poison him in August in what is seen as a murder attempt. He recovered in Berlin itself.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-opens-criminal-probe-into-alexei-navalnys-ally-over-threat-352239" hreflang="en">Russia opens criminal probe into Alexei Navalny's ally over 'threat'</a>

Navalny is known as one of Putin’s fiercest critics. Russia had earlier stated how he is free to return home as he pleases, just like any other Russian citizen. Navalny has claimed that he intends to move back eventually. 
Russia denies the poisoning altogether, claiming there was no evidence of it. In addition, it has also denied involvement in his poisoning. In August, he collapsed on a plane after which he was airlifted to Germany.

Earlier, Putin had said that the US is plotting to discredit Putin by blaming the poisoning on him.

Putin also added that Navalny wasn’t important enough to become a target.

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

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

Russian judge reportedly asked to jail poisoned Putin critic Navalny

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

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

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

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

Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Monday hosted talks with&nbsp;Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and&nbsp;Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to resolve the&nbsp;Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

A&nbsp;Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement in November halted the six-week conflict between Azeri and ethnic Armenian forces, locking in territorial gains for Azerbaijan.

But tensions persist, with low-level sporadic violence, prisoners of war still held by both sides, and ambiguity about how a prospective transport corridor through the region will work.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-hosts-azeri-armenian-leaders-meet-in-moscow-for-talks-amid-peace-deal-356174/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan&nbsp;insisted Monday that key issues surrounding the conflict were in limbo and needed to be resolved immediately.

"Unfortunately, this conflict is still not settled," he told journalists after talks in the Kremlin that lasted nearly four hours.&nbsp;

Clashes over the mountainous region broke out in late September, reigniting fighting over the territory controlled for three decades by Armenia-backed separatists.&nbsp;

More than 6,000 people, including civilians, were killed before a Moscow-brokered peace agreement that saw Armenia cede swathes of territory it had controlled for decades to Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan said several issues remained unresolved including the question of the future status of Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

He also said that the meeting did not render a solution to the "most sensitive and painful question" of prisoners of war.&nbsp;

Armenia and Azerbaijan exchanged their first prisoners in early December, more than a month after the peace deal was signed.

However, it remains unclear how many more prisoners the two sides intend to exchange.&nbsp;

Joint working group

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, whose better-equipped army secured a victory, said on Monday that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict "remained in the past".&nbsp;

The three leaders issued a joint statement on the Kremlin website announcing the creation of a trilateral working group to oversee the "unblocking of all economic and transport links" in the region.&nbsp;

The group will be jointly chaired by deputy prime ministers from the three countries and will hold its first meeting before January 30, the statement said.&nbsp;

At the start of the meeting,&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;thanked the two leaders for their cooperation with Russia's mediation efforts aimed at "stopping the bloodshed, stabilising the situation and achieving a sustainable ceasefire".

Putin&nbsp;said over 48,000 people who fled Karabakh when the recent fighting broke out had returned since the peace deal came into force.&nbsp;

As part of the ceasefire agreement, Moscow deployed nearly 2,000 peacekeeping troops in the region. They will remain there for at least five years.

Russia has also set up a joint monitoring centre with Azerbaijan's ally Turkey to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire agreements.&nbsp;

The United States, France and Russia co-chair the so-called Minsk Group of negotiators that for years led talks on the Karabakh conflict but failed to achieve a lasting ceasefire.&nbsp;

Armenian separatists gained control of Karabakh following a post-Soviet war in the 1990s which left around 30,000 dead and displaced many Azerbaijanis.&nbsp;

Nagorno-Karabakh proclaimed its independence from Baku but its autonomy has not been recognised internationally, not even by Armenia.

&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

Putin to host meeting with Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders

In a first, the Russian President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel got on a phone call on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of jointly producing coronavirus vaccines.

"Issues of cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic were discussed with an emphasis on the possible prospects for joint production of vaccines," the Kremlin's statement read.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-salons-shut-down-in-germany-as-merkel-announces-another-covid-19-lockdown-349511">&nbsp;Schools, salons shut down in Germany as Merkel announces another COVID-19 lockdown</a>

The phone call came a few days after both the countries started mass&nbsp;vaccination drives, with Russia's Sputnik V vaccine and German's pharmaceutical company BioNTech's vaccine in partnership with Pfizer.

Russia's local vaccine, Sputnik V —&nbsp;named after the Soviet-era satellite — was hailed as the first vaccine as it was registered in August. The vaccine was registered far before the trials were started, which raised concerns about its efficacy at the time. Since then, however, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have taken a lead and have been approved by several countries.

The Putin-led country&nbsp;started a mass vaccination drive in early December, making the jab first available to high-risk groups including medics, teachers and the elderly. The local vaccine was also sent to&nbsp;Belarus, Serbia and Argentina, and also announced to send nearly 2.6 million doses to Bolivia if the production rate is satisfied.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-moscow-hires-first-women-train-drivers-after-decades-long-ban-354555">WATCH|</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-moscow-hires-first-women-train-drivers-after-decades-long-ban-354555/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While the information about an ongoing phone call was reported, the outcome of the same has not been revealed. The Kremlin only claimed that an agreement was reached to "continue contacts on the issue" between the health experts and concerned government officials of the two countries.

The heads of the two countries also discussed the settlement between&nbsp;Kiev and pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. The topic was discussed in length as it has been on a standstill since signing of peace accords in 2015.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-mutant-strain-in-india-total-20-test-positive-for-new-covid-variant-353259">UK mutant strain in India: Total 20 test positive for new Covid variant</a>

A total of 20 people who returned to India from the United Kingdom have tested positive for the new coronavirus variant so far | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-mutant-strain-in-india-total-20-test-positive-for-new-covid-variant-353259">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-approves-sale-of-3000-smart-bombs-worth-290-million-to-saudi-arabia-353281">Trump approves sale of 3,000 smart bombs worth $290 million to Saudi Arabia</a>

The United States has approved another $290 million precision-guided bomb sale to Saudi Arabia, according to a notice to Congress released Tuesday | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-approves-sale-of-3000-smart-bombs-worth-290-million-to-saudi-arabia-353281">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-court-jails-10-of-hong-kong-12-activists-two-teenagers-to-be-sent-back-353272">Chinese court jails 10 of 'Hong Kong 12' activists; two teenagers to be sent back</a>

A Chinese court Wednesday jailed 10 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists for up to three years over a bid by the group to flee the city by speedboat to seek sanctuary in Taiwan | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-court-jails-10-of-hong-kong-12-activists-two-teenagers-to-be-sent-back-353272">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-variant-hits-us-as-biden-vows-all-out-effort-353244">New coronavirus variant hits US as Biden vows all-out effort</a>

The first known US case of a highly infectious coronavirus variant has been detected in Colorado | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-variant-hits-us-as-biden-vows-all-out-effort-353244">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opens-new-case-against-navalny-the-putin-critic-who-was-poisoned-in-august-353254">Russia opens new case against Navalny, the Putin critic who was poisoned in August</a>

Russian investigators on Tuesday claimed to have opened a new criminal case against Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Kremlin critic who was recently poisoned | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opens-new-case-against-navalny-the-putin-critic-who-was-poisoned-in-august-353254">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-all-it-needs-to-vaccinate-millions-except-proof-its-vaccines-work-353301">China has all it needs to vaccinate millions, except proof its vaccines work</a>

Hospitals all over China have almost everything necessary for a mass vaccination drive: millions of doses | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-all-it-needs-to-vaccinate-millions-except-proof-its-vaccines-work-353301">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-love-wins-harry-and-meghan-say-in-2020-reflections-on-first-podcast-353245">'Love wins,' Harry and Meghan say in 2020 reflections on first podcast</a>

Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan on Tuesday thanked essential workers and offered encouragement to people who suffered during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic in their first podcast released on Spotify | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-love-wins-harry-and-meghan-say-in-2020-reflections-on-first-podcast-353245">READ MORE</a>

UK mutant strain in India: Total 20 test positive for new Covid variant A total of 20 people who returned to India from the United Kingdom have tested positive 

UK mutant strain in India: Total 20 test positive for new Covid variant A total of 20 people who returned to India from the United Kingdom have tested positive for the new coronavirus variant so far | READ MORE Trump approves sale of 3,000 smart bombs worth $290 million to Saudi Arabia The United States has approved another $290 million precision-guided bomb sale to Saudi Arabia, according to a notice to Congress released Tuesday | READ MORE Chinese court jails 10 of 'Hong Kong 12' activists; two teenagers to be sent back A Chinese court Wednesday jailed 10 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists for up to three years over a bid by the group to flee the city by speedboat to seek sanctuary in Taiwan | READ MORE New coronavirus variant hits US as Biden vows all-out effort The first known US case of a highly infectious coronavirus variant has been detected in Colorado | READ MORE Russia opens new case against Navalny, the Putin critic who was poisoned in August Russian investigators on Tuesday claimed to have opened a new criminal case against Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Kremlin critic who was recently poisoned | READ MORE China has all it needs to vaccinate millions, except proof its vaccines work Hospitals all over China have almost everything necessary for a mass vaccination drive: millions of doses | READ MORE 'Love wins,' Harry and Meghan say in 2020 reflections on first podcast Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan on Tuesday thanked essential workers and offered encouragement to people who suffered during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic in their first podcast released on Spotify | READ MORE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The United States of America and Russia are sparring over control of minerally rich&nbsp;Central&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;Republic.

For years, France and the United States maintained a strong presence in the Central African Republic (CAR)—until the end of military operations in 2016 and a withdrawal of forces in 2017. This disengagement turned out to be a major opportunity for Russia, which was seeking to advance its geopolitical and economic interests in the region.

Ever since, the Kremlin has rapidly expanded its influence by propping up CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra with presidential protection, military support, and the creation of a network of political allies to back the embattled leader. In exchange for this support, CAR has surrendered great parts of its sovereignty to pro-Kremlin security emissaries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-preparing-new-sanctions-to-impede-russias-nord-stream-2-pipeline-351943" hreflang="en">US preparing new sanctions to impede Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline</a>

Both US and Russia have their eyes on&nbsp;the Central African Republic,&nbsp;which is a landlocked country that has significant&nbsp;mineral&nbsp;deposits and other resources, such as diamonds, gold, uranium, and graphite, as well as significant quantities of arable land and lumber.

Russia has sent 300 military instructors to the&nbsp;Central&nbsp;African&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;at the request of the country's leadership to help counter a surge in rebel violence ahead of Sunday's election.

Officials and a security source in the&nbsp;Central&nbsp;African&nbsp;capital Bangui said earlier on Monday that Rwanda and Russia had dispatched troops and supplies.

The 300 Russian instructors coming at the request of Bangui authorities are to provide training to the national army.

They could bolster security forces and over 12,000 United Nations peacekeepers as armed rebel groups, some of whom fought one another in the country's prolonged conflict, have formed an alliance and are threatening to march on the capital.

"We are carefully following the unfolding situation in the&nbsp;Central&nbsp;African&nbsp;Republic," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. "We are seriously concerned that the events of recent days have led to a sharp deterioration in the security situation in this country."

The mineral-rich but deeply impoverished country has struggled to regain stability since 2013 when then-president Francois Bozize was ousted by a rebellion of mainly Muslim Seleka rebels.

The United States on Wednesday called for transparency and an end to violence after Russia said it had dispatched 300 military instructors to the&nbsp;Central&nbsp;African&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;ahead of elections.

"Our position has always been that countries that provide assistance -- military or otherwise -- should do so in a transparent and coordinated way and that this assistance should support the desire of the people of CAR for good governance and stability," a State Department spokesperson said when asked about Russia's role.

The State Department said it "deplores" the rising violence ahead of weekend elections, including rebels' brief seizure of the turbulent nation's fourth-largest town Bambari.

Moscow has led a diplomatic and financial offensive in the deeply troubled nation since 2018 in return for concessions to Russian companies to exploit the country's mineral wealth, especially gold and diamonds.

While the United States has been outspoken in criticizing Russia's role in conflicts in Ukraine, Libya, and Syria, it joined Moscow in a statement on the&nbsp;Central&nbsp;African&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;on Sunday that included former colonial power France.

The statement, also signed by the UN,&nbsp;African&nbsp;Union, European Union, and World Bank, condemned rising violence in CAR and called for free and peaceful elections.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Putin signs bill awarding former presidents lifetime immunity

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

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

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

Russia says not expecting 'anything good' from Biden administration

After harsh criticism and penalties from the European Union towards the Russian government, over the alleged poisoning of the opposition leader&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Russia has decided to impose travel bans on several EU representatives.

Kremlin has "decided to&nbsp;expand the list of representatives of EU member states and institutions who will be denied entry to the Russian Federation," Russia foreign ministry said.

The sanctions have come in after the Russian government summoned several senior diplomats from three countries of the European Union. These countries are the ones that supported the claims of Navalny being poisoned with Novichok by Kremlin in August.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-fsb-spy-admits-putting-poison-in-underwear-351485">WATCH|</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-fsb-spy-admits-putting-poison-in-underwear-351485/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Three countries named by Kremlin in this ban are Germany, France and Sweden, whose representatives were summoned by the Russian government in "connection with the introduction of EU anti-Russian sanctions".

This statement by the Russian authorities has come a day after Navalny claimed of tricking a Russian agent into admitting that the&nbsp;Federal Security Service (FSB) did in fact try to poison him by placing the poison in his underwear. However, these claims by Navalny were rubbished by the FSB officials who called these allegations as "fake" and on the other hand alleged him of taking&nbsp;foreign intelligence services' aid to make these allegations against Kremlin.

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said also labelled Navalny to be a "sick" man who has "delusions of persecution" and said he exhibits "traits of megalomania".

The Kremlin also took a hit at the opposition leader and said he suffers from&nbsp;psychological complexes surrounding authority and power.

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

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

Russia imposes travel ban on EU representatives over Navalny controversy

The analysis comes as the list of US agencies, private companies and other entities affected by the hacking campaign continues to increase.

What led to the worst cyber attack in the U.S.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny claimed on Monday that he tricked a spy agent into confessing that Novichok was applied on his underwear to poison him.&nbsp;

"I called my killer. He confessed everything," Navalny wrote on Twitter.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-cares-about-him-if-we-wanted-we-would-have-made-it-done-putin-on-navalny-poisoning-350514">Who cares about him, if we wanted, we would have made it done: Putin on Navalny poisoning</a>

Navalny in a blog post revealed how he disguised himself as an aide to Security Council chief Nikolai Patrushev when he called Konstantin Kudryavtsev, a member of Russia's domestic spy agency FSB.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ibqiet6Bg38" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He convinced the agent that he was an aide of FSB general and wanted an official report on the attempted poisoning.&nbsp;

Other than the blog post, Navalny also released an audio recording and a transcript of the call.&nbsp;

The alleged conversation took place hours after Bellingcat, an investigative website, released the details of Russian agents that were involved in the poisoning.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Kudryavtsev told Navalny that agent's colleagues had applied novichok to the "inner seams" of the latter's boxer shorts in the Siberian city of Tomsk.

The Russian opposition leader's health worsened suddenly in a flight from Siberia to Moscow in August.

He was initially hospitalised in the Russian city of Omsk before being shited to Berlin for treatment.&nbsp;

Following the report by Bellingcat, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that if he wanted, Navalny would be dead by now.&nbsp;

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny claimed on Monday that he tricked a spy agent into confessing that Novichok was applied on his underwear to poison him. "I called my killer.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny claimed on Monday that he tricked a spy agent into confessing that Novichok was applied on his underwear to poison him. "I called my killer. He confessed everything," Navalny wrote on Twitter. Also read | Who cares about him, if we wanted, we would have made it done: Putin on Navalny poisoning Navalny in a blog post revealed how he disguised himself as an aide to Security Council chief Nikolai Patrushev when he called Konstantin Kudryavtsev, a member of Russia's domestic spy agency FSB. × He convinced the agent that he was an aide of FSB general and wanted an official report on the attempted poisoning. Other than the blog post, Navalny also released an audio recording and a transcript of the call. The alleged conversation took place hours after Bellingcat, an investigative website, released the details of Russian agents that were involved in the poisoning. Kudryavtsev told Navalny that agent's colleagues had applied novichok to the "inner seams" of the latter's boxer shorts in the Siberian city of Tomsk. The Russian opposition leader's health worsened suddenly in a flight from Siberia to Moscow in August. He was initially hospitalised in the Russian city of Omsk before being shited to Berlin for treatment. Following the report by Bellingcat, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that if he wanted, Navalny would be dead by now.

Russian opposition leader Navalny says agent admits poison was put in his underwear

British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca on Monday signed a memorandum of cooperation with Russia's Gamaleya Institute, which developed Sputnik V,&nbsp;will sign a memorandum of intent on cooperation on Monday, the Kremlin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;hailed British drugmaker AstraZeneca's decision&nbsp;to test combining its own experimental COVID-19 vaccine with Russia's Sputnik V shot, as Moscow said the start of clinical trials was imminent.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-vladimir-putin-visits-foreign-intelligence-services-hq-hails-spies-351316/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Clinical trials, still underway, have shown Sputnik V has an efficacy rate of over 90 per cent, higher than that of AstraZeneca's own vaccine and similar to those of US&nbsp;rivals Pfizer and Moderna.

Putin praised Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca's chief executive, who had dialed in by video conference.

Alexander Gintsburg, the head of Gamaleya research center said "The trials are starting very soon, practically right now. They will not require any big investment and long time simply because the two technologies that underpin AstraZeneca's vaccine and Sputnik V are very similar."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-you-want-to-know-about-russias-coronavirus-vaccine-sputnik-v-319775">All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V'</a>

Meanwhile, Kirill Dmitriev, the head of RDIF, told the event that clinical trials combining the Russian and British vaccines would start soon in three countries.

He did not name the countries but mentioned some of them were in the Middle East and the former Soviet Union.

Dmitriev has previously said Russia believes the combination will boost the efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The cooperation between one of Britain's most valuable listed companies and the state-backed Russian research institute highlights the pressure to develop an effective shot to fight the pandemic, which has killed over 1.6 million people.

In Moscow, the move is seen as a long-awaited vote of confidence by a Western manufacturer in Sputnik V, which Russian authorities say is the target of a foreign-backed smear campaign.

Russia wants to produce the new vaccine jointly if it is proven to be effective.

Dmitriev, head of RDIF, which has financed and promoted Sputnik V, also announced on Monday that Russia believed Sputnik was highly effective against a new strain of the coronavirus found in Europe.

British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca on Monday signed a memorandum of cooperation with Russia's Gamaleya Institute, which developed Sputnik V, will sign a memorandum of intent on cooperation on Monday, the Kremlin said.

British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca on Monday signed a memorandum of cooperation with Russia's Gamaleya Institute, which developed Sputnik V, will sign a memorandum of intent on cooperation on Monday, the Kremlin said. Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed British drugmaker AstraZeneca's decision to test combining its own experimental COVID-19 vaccine with Russia's Sputnik V shot, as Moscow said the start of clinical trials was imminent. Clinical trials, still underway, have shown Sputnik V has an efficacy rate of over 90 per cent, higher than that of AstraZeneca's own vaccine and similar to those of US rivals Pfizer and Moderna. Putin praised Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca's chief executive, who had dialed in by video conference. Alexander Gintsburg, the head of Gamaleya research center said "The trials are starting very soon, practically right now. They will not require any big investment and long time simply because the two technologies that underpin AstraZeneca's vaccine and Sputnik V are very similar." Also see: All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V' Meanwhile, Kirill Dmitriev, the head of RDIF, told the event that clinical trials combining the Russian and British vaccines would start soon in three countries. He did not name the countries but mentioned some of them were in the Middle East and the former Soviet Union. Dmitriev has previously said Russia believes the combination will boost the efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The cooperation between one of Britain's most valuable listed companies and the state-backed Russian research institute highlights the pressure to develop an effective shot to fight the pandemic, which has killed over 1.6 million people. In Moscow, the move is seen as a long-awaited vote of confidence by a Western manufacturer in Sputnik V, which Russian authorities say is the target of a foreign-backed smear campaign. Russia wants to produce the new vaccine jointly if it is proven to be effective. Dmitriev, head of RDIF, which has financed and promoted Sputnik V, also announced on Monday that Russia believed Sputnik was highly effective against a new strain of the coronavirus found in Europe.

AstraZeneca signs memorandum of cooperation with Russia's Sputnik V to combine COVID-19 vaccine

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday hailed the country's "courageous" spies as he visited the headquarters of the Foreign Intelligence Service to mark its 100th birthday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits foreign intelligence services HQ, hails spies

A few days after the US alleged Russia of hacking into its systems of government departments, Russia's President Vladimir Putin has patted the back of the country's intelligence service.

Russia's&nbsp;SVR foreign intelligence service has completed 100 years of its establishment, and speaking on the occasion, Putin recognised the intelligence agency as an essential part of the country's security system and claimed it was a crucial assurance of Russia's&nbsp;"sovereign, democratic, independent development".

"I know what I'm talking about here," Putin said, in comments shared on the Kremlin website. "And I rate very highly the difficult professional operations that have been conducted."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pompeo-says-russians-engaged-in-the-massive-cyberattack-351025">WATCH|</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pompeo-says-russians-engaged-in-the-massive-cyberattack-351025/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The most serious attention must be paid to information security, to the fight against extremism and against corruption," he added.

This statement has come a few days after several government departments of the US observed a breach in their systems. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had alleged Russia's involvement in this major hack of the government's and Mircosoft's systems.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-link-as-trump-remains-mum-on-cyber-attack-us-authorities-scamper-to-investigate-350996">Russia link? As Trump remains mum on cyber attack, US authorities scamper to investigate</a>

Kremlin, however, has as usual denied these accusations and has maintained its stance on the allegations made against Russia on any hacking attack or breach of privacy in the West.

However, bypassing the accusation, Putin addressed the attendees of the&nbsp;Day of the Security Services Worker talked about the importance of developing the&nbsp;work of counterintelligence agencies. Putin, who was once a member of KGB, asked his fellow Russian spies to pay more attention to the risks being posed by&nbsp;conflicts "simmering" near the country's borders — referring to the ongoing clash&nbsp;Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, and anti-government protests in Belarus.

"I expect that the Foreign Intelligence Service will continue to respond flexibly to the highly changeable international context, actively participating in identifying and neutralising potential threats to Russia, and improving the quality of its analytical materials," Putin said

A few days after the US alleged Russia of hacking into its systems of government departments, Russia's President Vladimir Putin has patted the back of the country's intelligence service.

A few days after the US alleged Russia of hacking into its systems of government departments, Russia's President Vladimir Putin has patted the back of the country's intelligence service. Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service has completed 100 years of its establishment, and speaking on the occasion, Putin recognised the intelligence agency as an essential part of the country's security system and claimed it was a crucial assurance of Russia's "sovereign, democratic, independent development". "I know what I'm talking about here," Putin said, in comments shared on the Kremlin website. "And I rate very highly the difficult professional operations that have been conducted." WATCH| × "The most serious attention must be paid to information security, to the fight against extremism and against corruption," he added. This statement has come a few days after several government departments of the US observed a breach in their systems. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had alleged Russia's involvement in this major hack of the government's and Mircosoft's systems. Also read| Russia link? As Trump remains mum on cyber attack, US authorities scamper to investigate Kremlin, however, has as usual denied these accusations and has maintained its stance on the allegations made against Russia on any hacking attack or breach of privacy in the West. However, bypassing the accusation, Putin addressed the attendees of the Day of the Security Services Worker talked about the importance of developing the work of counterintelligence agencies. Putin, who was once a member of KGB, asked his fellow Russian spies to pay more attention to the risks being posed by conflicts "simmering" near the country's borders — referring to the ongoing clash Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, and anti-government protests in Belarus. "I expect that the Foreign Intelligence Service will continue to respond flexibly to the highly changeable international context, actively participating in identifying and neutralising potential threats to Russia, and improving the quality of its analytical materials," Putin said

Russian President Vladimir Putin appreciates spy agency after US hack controversy

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday blamed the United States for starting a new arms race, saying Moscow had been forced to develop hypersonic weapons in response.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin holds annual news conference

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he had "NOTHING to do" with any potential prosecution of President-Elect Joe Biden's son, Hunter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I have NOTHING to do with the potential prosecution of Hunter Biden, or the Biden family. It is just more Fake News. Actually, I find it very sad to watch!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1339585047481917441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Trump's tweet came just one day after Jeffrey Rosen, the incoming Acting Attorney General, declined to say in an interview with Reuters whether or not he would appoint a special counsel to investigate Hunter Biden and his foreign business dealings.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hunter-bidens-business-links-with-china-330056/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump, who leaves office on Jan. 20, has privately been mulling whether to pressure the Justice Department to appoint a special counsel for Hunter Biden, according to a person familiar with the matter.

According to a US Senate Committee report,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-trump-applauds-selfs-approach-towards-covid-calls-bidens-approach-anti-science-329852">Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;son Hunter was paid $50,000 a month to serve as the board of Burisma which is a Ukrainian natural gas company with a corrupt owner while his father was the US vice president&nbsp;to Democratic President Barack Obama.

The report said the Treasury records accessed by Chairman Grassley and Chairman Johnson showed Hunter<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-election-2020-facebook-removes-fake-pages-created-in-china-targeting-trump-biden-329641">&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;</a>and his family including his associates were involved in "potential criminal activity relating to transactions with Ukrainian, Russian, Kazakh and Chinese nationals."

On December 9, Hunter Biden disclosed his tax affairs were under investigation by the US&nbsp;Attorney for the District of Delaware.

However,&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied Trump's allegations saying&nbsp;that Joe Biden's son, Hunter did ''made very good money in Ukraine'' but Moscow is not aware of anything criminal about his&nbsp;past business.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he had "NOTHING to do" with any potential prosecution of President-Elect Joe Biden's son, Hunter. I have NOTHING to do with the potential prosecution of Hunter Biden, or the Biden family.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he had "NOTHING to do" with any potential prosecution of President-Elect Joe Biden's son, Hunter. I have NOTHING to do with the potential prosecution of Hunter Biden, or the Biden family. It is just more Fake News. Actually, I find it very sad to watch! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 17, 2020 × Trump's tweet came just one day after Jeffrey Rosen, the incoming Acting Attorney General, declined to say in an interview with Reuters whether or not he would appoint a special counsel to investigate Hunter Biden and his foreign business dealings. Trump, who leaves office on Jan. 20, has privately been mulling whether to pressure the Justice Department to appoint a special counsel for Hunter Biden, according to a person familiar with the matter. According to a US Senate Committee report, Joe Biden's son Hunter was paid $50,000 a month to serve as the board of Burisma which is a Ukrainian natural gas company with a corrupt owner while his father was the US vice president to Democratic President Barack Obama. The report said the Treasury records accessed by Chairman Grassley and Chairman Johnson showed Hunter Biden and his family including his associates were involved in "potential criminal activity relating to transactions with Ukrainian, Russian, Kazakh and Chinese nationals." On December 9, Hunter Biden disclosed his tax affairs were under investigation by the US Attorney for the District of Delaware. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied Trump's allegations saying that Joe Biden's son, Hunter did ''made very good money in Ukraine'' but Moscow is not aware of anything criminal about his past business.

Have nothing to do with potential prosecution of Hunter Biden: Donald Trump

The Russian President also called for all the citizens to get vaccinated against coronavirus. He also added that Russia needed time to increase capacity for vaccine production.

'Will get COVID vaccine when possible for my age group': Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he would receive the Sputnik V coronavirus jab once it is approved for people his age, praising the vaccine as safe and effective. &nbsp;

Putin -- at his annual end-of-year press conference -- said he had not been vaccinated yet, but "will definitely do so as soon as it becomes possible" according to expert advice.

The president held his annual press conference with a "Direct Line" session, and answered dozens of questions from journalists and ordinary people from around the country to mark the end of a turbulent year for Kremlin.

This year, Putin faced questions on his response to the coronavirus crisis, protests and wars in post-Soviet countries and the US cyberhack.

The Russian president has made few public appearances since the start of the Covid crisis, mostly telecommuting from a windowless room that critics have derided as his “bunker.”

"I am a fairly law-abiding person," Putin said, when asked if he had been inoculated against COVID-19 on Thursday.

"I listen to the recommendations of our specialists. So I haven't had the shot yet. But I will absolutely do it as soon as that becomes possible."

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, said in June that the Russian leader was protected from the coronavirus by special disinfection tunnels that anyone visiting his residence or meeting him in the Kremlin must pass through.

Putin is also regularly tested for the coronavirus, Peskov has said.

Russia has recorded more than 2.7 million infections and 49,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Data published this week found the Sputnik V vaccine, which Russian regulators approved in August after less than two months of human testing, to be 91.4% effective.

Putin further said he doesn’t want to comment on rumours regarding COVID-19 sources.

He said, “As for the origins of the coronavirus, there are a lot of rumours. I wouldn’t like to comment on this speaking to the whole country and the world, even more so since we don’t see any proof of any accusations against anyone."

“We should not now be looking for the guilty [parties], but join efforts to fight the issue, this will be the most appropriate direction of our cooperation," he emphasised.

(with inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he would receive the Sputnik V coronavirus jab once it is approved for people his age, praising the vaccine as safe and effective.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he would receive the Sputnik V coronavirus jab once it is approved for people his age, praising the vaccine as safe and effective. Putin -- at his annual end-of-year press conference -- said he had not been vaccinated yet, but "will definitely do so as soon as it becomes possible" according to expert advice. The president held his annual press conference with a "Direct Line" session, and answered dozens of questions from journalists and ordinary people from around the country to mark the end of a turbulent year for Kremlin. This year, Putin faced questions on his response to the coronavirus crisis, protests and wars in post-Soviet countries and the US cyberhack. The Russian president has made few public appearances since the start of the Covid crisis, mostly telecommuting from a windowless room that critics have derided as his “bunker.” "I am a fairly law-abiding person," Putin said, when asked if he had been inoculated against COVID-19 on Thursday. "I listen to the recommendations of our specialists. So I haven't had the shot yet. But I will absolutely do it as soon as that becomes possible." Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, said in June that the Russian leader was protected from the coronavirus by special disinfection tunnels that anyone visiting his residence or meeting him in the Kremlin must pass through. Putin is also regularly tested for the coronavirus, Peskov has said. Russia has recorded more than 2.7 million infections and 49,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Data published this week found the Sputnik V vaccine, which Russian regulators approved in August after less than two months of human testing, to be 91.4% effective. Putin further said he doesn’t want to comment on rumours regarding COVID-19 sources. He said, “As for the origins of the coronavirus, there are a lot of rumours. I wouldn’t like to comment on this speaking to the whole country and the world, even more so since we don’t see any proof of any accusations against anyone." “We should not now be looking for the guilty [parties], but join efforts to fight the issue, this will be the most appropriate direction of our cooperation," he emphasised. (with inputs from agencies)

Putin says will get vaccine when possible; won't comment on Covid-19 source

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called US sanctions against Ankara over its purchase of Russian missile defences an "open attack" on its sovereignty.

"What kind of an alliance is this? This decision is an open attack on our sovereignty," Erdogan said during a televised speech in Ankara.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-us-imposes-sanctions-on-turkey-350027/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Erdogan&nbsp;hit back on after the United States imposed sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of Russian ground-to-air defences and targeted the top Turkish defence development body, its president and three employees.

The move, focused on the defence sector, including Turkey's Defence Industries Directorate (SSB), has drawn a condemnation from NATO-ally Ankara and is likely to further strain&nbsp;Erdogan's relations with Western allies.

Erdogan&nbsp;said Turkey expects the United States to support it and not sanction it over its purchase of the missiles, and added he was upset that Washington went ahead with the sanctions process.

Neither sanctions from the United States nor the European Union would deter Turkey from defending its rights,&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;added in an address after a cabinet meeting.shortly before the announcement.

The sanctions target Turkey's top defence procurement and development body Presidency of Defence Industries, its chairman Ismail Demir and three other employees.

While limited to one company, they are still likely to weigh on the Turkish economy, analysts said, at a time when it is struggling with a coronavirus-induced slowdown and double-digit inflation.

Ankara acquired the Russian system in mid-2019 and says they pose no threat to its allies in the NATO military alliance. But Washington has long threatened sanctions and last year removed Turkey from an F-35 jet programme.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called US sanctions against Ankara over its purchase of Russian missile defences an "open attack" on its sovereignty.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called US sanctions against Ankara over its purchase of Russian missile defences an "open attack" on its sovereignty. "What kind of an alliance is this? This decision is an open attack on our sovereignty," Erdogan said during a televised speech in Ankara. Erdogan hit back on after the United States imposed sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of Russian ground-to-air defences and targeted the top Turkish defence development body, its president and three employees. The move, focused on the defence sector, including Turkey's Defence Industries Directorate (SSB), has drawn a condemnation from NATO-ally Ankara and is likely to further strain Erdogan's relations with Western allies. Erdogan said Turkey expects the United States to support it and not sanction it over its purchase of the missiles, and added he was upset that Washington went ahead with the sanctions process. Neither sanctions from the United States nor the European Union would deter Turkey from defending its rights, Erdogan added in an address after a cabinet meeting.shortly before the announcement. The sanctions target Turkey's top defence procurement and development body Presidency of Defence Industries, its chairman Ismail Demir and three other employees. While limited to one company, they are still likely to weigh on the Turkish economy, analysts said, at a time when it is struggling with a coronavirus-induced slowdown and double-digit inflation. Ankara acquired the Russian system in mid-2019 and says they pose no threat to its allies in the NATO military alliance. But Washington has long threatened sanctions and last year removed Turkey from an F-35 jet programme.

US sanctions over Russian defence system 'open attack against sovereignty', says Erdogan

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;on Tuesday accused Russia of&nbsp;continuing to "threaten Mediterranean stability" and sowing "chaos, conflict, and division" in countries around the region.

“All of these actions clearly demonstrate that if anyone is playing political games and trying to stall progress in regional conflicts, it is Russia, which only acts to advance its own interests to the detriment of the entire region,” Pompeo said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-urges-greece-turkey-to-resolve-mediterranean-row-pledges-support-330951">Pompeo urges Greece, Turkey to resolve Mediterranean row; pledges support</a>

In a statement on "Russian Influence in the Mediterranean," the outgoing Secretary of State blasted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over comments that the United States is playing political games in the Mediterranean region and turned the tables to say it is Russia that is undermining stability in Syria, Libya, and other countries.

Lavrov "again gets the facts wrong and attempts to rewrite history," Pompeo said, denouncing Moscow's actions.

His statement came the same day that Russian President Vladimir Putin finally congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden on his victory over Donald Trump in the November presidential election.

Russia maintains a sizable naval presence in the eastern Mediterranean and regularly conducts naval maneuvers in the area. It had conducted&nbsp;live-fire naval exercises in the region,&nbsp;where there are escalating tensions between Turkey and regional neighbors Greece and Cyprus over rights to offshore energy resources.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-impose-sanctions-on-turkey-over-russian-s-400-defense-system-349164">US to impose sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 defense system</a>

Russia, which is involved in energy projects across the region, has significantly strengthened its military, political and economic ties with Turkey in recent years. Moscow and Ankara are coordinating closely on their military presence in Syria, while Turkey has purchased Russia’s advanced S-400 missile defense system and broken ground on a Russian-built nuclear power plant on its southern coast.

The United States imposed sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of Russian ground-to-air defences and targeted the top Turkish defence development body, its president, and three employees.

The move, focused on the defence sector, including Turkey's Defence Industries Directorate (SSB), has drawn condemnation from NATO-ally Ankara and is likely to further strain Erdogan's relations with Western allies.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday accused Russia of continuing to "threaten Mediterranean stability" and sowing "chaos, conflict, and division" in countries around the region.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday accused Russia of continuing to "threaten Mediterranean stability" and sowing "chaos, conflict, and division" in countries around the region. “All of these actions clearly demonstrate that if anyone is playing political games and trying to stall progress in regional conflicts, it is Russia, which only acts to advance its own interests to the detriment of the entire region,” Pompeo said in a statement. Also read: Pompeo urges Greece, Turkey to resolve Mediterranean row; pledges support In a statement on "Russian Influence in the Mediterranean," the outgoing Secretary of State blasted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over comments that the United States is playing political games in the Mediterranean region and turned the tables to say it is Russia that is undermining stability in Syria, Libya, and other countries. Lavrov "again gets the facts wrong and attempts to rewrite history," Pompeo said, denouncing Moscow's actions. His statement came the same day that Russian President Vladimir Putin finally congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden on his victory over Donald Trump in the November presidential election. Russia maintains a sizable naval presence in the eastern Mediterranean and regularly conducts naval maneuvers in the area. It had conducted live-fire naval exercises in the region, where there are escalating tensions between Turkey and regional neighbors Greece and Cyprus over rights to offshore energy resources. Also read: US to impose sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 defense system Russia, which is involved in energy projects across the region, has significantly strengthened its military, political and economic ties with Turkey in recent years. Moscow and Ankara are coordinating closely on their military presence in Syria, while Turkey has purchased Russia’s advanced S-400 missile defense system and broken ground on a Russian-built nuclear power plant on its southern coast. The United States imposed sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of Russian ground-to-air defences and targeted the top Turkish defence development body, its president, and three employees. The move, focused on the defence sector, including Turkey's Defence Industries Directorate (SSB), has drawn condemnation from NATO-ally Ankara and is likely to further strain Erdogan's relations with Western allies.

Russia sowing 'chaos and conflict' in Mediterranean region, says Pompeo

The European Union imposed sanctions on Bortnikov in October, banning travel and freezing his assets, for his suspected role in Navalny’s poisoning.

Putin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned by Russian federal security team, report claims

vladimir-putin

Vladimir Putin, News on Vladimir Putin, stories on Vladimir Putin, articles on Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Putin stories at Wion, Vladimir Putin news, Vladimir Putin latest news

vladimir putin

Kremlin critic Navalny faces arrest as he flies back to Russia

Russian judge reportedly asked to jail poisoned Putin critic Navalny

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

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

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

Putin to host meeting with Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders

Putin to host meeting with Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Putin signs bill awarding former presidents lifetime immunity

Russia says not expecting 'anything good' from Biden administration

Russia imposes travel ban on EU representatives over Navalny controversy

What led to the worst cyber attack in the U.S.

Russian opposition leader Navalny says agent admits poison was put in his underwear

AstraZeneca signs memorandum of cooperation with Russia's Sputnik V to combine COVID-19 vaccine

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits foreign intelligence services HQ, hails spies

Russian President Vladimir Putin appreciates spy agency after US hack controversy