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.

<p>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;</p>

<p>"I called my killer. He confessed everything," Navalny wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

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<p>He convinced the agent that he was an aide of FSB general and wanted an official report on the attempted poisoning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other than the blog post, Navalny also released an audio recording and a transcript of the call.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The alleged conversation took place hours after Bellingcat, an investigative website, released the details of Russian agents that were involved in the poisoning.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
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.</p>

<p>The Russian opposition leader's health worsened suddenly in a flight from Siberia to Moscow in August.</p>

<p>He was initially hospitalised in the Russian city of Omsk before being shited to Berlin for treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the report by Bellingcat, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that if he wanted, Navalny would be dead by now.&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>Putin praised Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca's chief executive, who had dialed in by video conference.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>He did not name the countries but mentioned some of them were in the Middle East and the former Soviet Union.</p>

<p>Dmitriev has previously said Russia believes the combination will boost the efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Russia wants to produce the new vaccine jointly if it is proven to be effective.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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".</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pompeo-says-russians-engaged-in-the-massive-cyberattack-351025"><strong>WATCH|</strong></a></p>

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<p>"The most serious attention must be paid to information security, to the fight against extremism and against corruption," he added.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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</p>


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

<p>President Donald Trump said Thursday that he had "NOTHING to do" with any potential prosecution of President-Elect Joe Biden's son, Hunter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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!</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1339585047481917441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>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.</p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>On December 9, Hunter Biden disclosed his tax affairs were under investigation by the US&nbsp;Attorney for the District of Delaware.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>This year, Putin faced questions on his response to the coronavirus crisis, protests and wars in post-Soviet countries and the US cyberhack.</p>

<p>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.”</p>

<p>"I am a fairly law-abiding person," Putin said, when asked if he had been inoculated against COVID-19 on Thursday.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Putin is also regularly tested for the coronavirus, Peskov has said.</p>

<p>Russia has recorded more than 2.7 million infections and 49,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Putin further said he doesn’t want to comment on rumours regarding COVID-19 sources.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p><em><strong>(with inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>"What kind of an alliance is this? This decision is an open attack on our sovereignty," Erdogan said during a televised speech in Ankara.</p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The sanctions target Turkey's top defence procurement and development body Presidency of Defence Industries, its chairman Ismail Demir and three other employees.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Lavrov "again gets the facts wrong and attempts to rewrite history," Pompeo said, denouncing Moscow's actions.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

Russian President Vladimir Putin has finally congratulated Joe Biden for victory in US Election 2020. Putin's message came after electoral college confirmed Biden's win.

Russian President Vladimir Putin finally congratulates Joe Biden for victory in US Election 2020

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden for his victory in the US presidential election, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday. This comes in the aftermath of the state-by-state counting in the Electoral College vote which decides the winner in US presidential elections.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Kremlin had said that it would wait for the officials results to be announced before congratulating anybody, breaking from global tradition. A few days after the election (November 3), it became clear that Biden had won the presidency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/putin-said-to-have-2-identical-offices-1-in-moscow-the-other-at-the-beach-349812" hreflang="en">Putin said to have 2 identical offices: 1 in Moscow, the other at the beach</a></p>

<p>"For my part, I am ready for interaction and contact with you," Putin was cited as saying by the Kremlin in a statement.</p>

<p>"Putin wished the president-elect every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States, which have a special responsibility for global security and stability, could, despite their differences, really help to solve the many problems and challenges facing the world," the Kremlin said.</p>

<p>President-elect Joe Biden criticised Donald Trump on Monday after emerging victorious in the Electoral College. Biden said that the Republican and his allies attempted to constitution and the “will of the people” by not accepting the results.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/navalny-poisoning-putin-critic-survived-the-second-assassination-attempt-349605" hreflang="en">Navalny poisoning: Putin critic survived the second assassination attempt</a></p>

<p>"It's a position so extreme we've never seen it before. A position that refused to respect the will of the people refused to respect the rule of law, and refused to honour our constitution," Biden said in a speech after emerging victorious in the Electoral College.</p>

<p>"The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago. And we now know nothing, not even a pandemic or an abuse of power can extinguish that," Biden said.</p>

<p>"It is my sincere hope we never again see anyone subjected to the kind of threats and abuse we saw in this election," Biden added.</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden for his victory in the US presidential election, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday. This comes in the aftermath of the state-by-state counting in the Electoral College vote which decides the winner in US presidential elections.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden for his victory in the US presidential election, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday. This comes in the aftermath of the state-by-state counting in the Electoral College vote which decides the winner in US presidential elections. Earlier, the Kremlin had said that it would wait for the officials results to be announced before congratulating anybody, breaking from global tradition. A few days after the election (November 3), it became clear that Biden had won the presidency. Also read: Putin said to have 2 identical offices: 1 in Moscow, the other at the beach "For my part, I am ready for interaction and contact with you," Putin was cited as saying by the Kremlin in a statement. "Putin wished the president-elect every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States, which have a special responsibility for global security and stability, could, despite their differences, really help to solve the many problems and challenges facing the world," the Kremlin said. President-elect Joe Biden criticised Donald Trump on Monday after emerging victorious in the Electoral College. Biden said that the Republican and his allies attempted to constitution and the “will of the people” by not accepting the results. Also read: Navalny poisoning: Putin critic survived the second assassination attempt "It's a position so extreme we've never seen it before. A position that refused to respect the will of the people refused to respect the rule of law, and refused to honour our constitution," Biden said in a speech after emerging victorious in the Electoral College. "The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago. And we now know nothing, not even a pandemic or an abuse of power can extinguish that," Biden said. "It is my sincere hope we never again see anyone subjected to the kind of threats and abuse we saw in this election," Biden added.

Putin finally congratulates Joe Biden on election win, says ready for 'collaboration'

<p>MOSCOW — Political commentators saw signs of infighting among the elite. An opposition leader chalked it up to the Kremlin’s habit of lying. But for many who have been working from home for months, the report from a Russian news site just made perfect sense.</p>

<p>Investigative news outlet Proekt reported last week that President Vladimir Putin has built two identically appointed offices for video linkups, one at a government residence outside Moscow and the second on the warmed-up shores of the Black Sea, a traditional vacation area.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/navalny-poisoning-putin-critic-survived-the-second-assassination-attempt-349704/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The sight of Putin sitting in a sparsely furnished office, with a couple of beige armchairs, a Russian flag in the background, has become a familiar one on TV this year, as he has carried out official business tucked safely away from the coronavirus.</p>

<p>The confinement is atypical for Putin, usually a man of action during crises, showing up at floods or wildfires to console Russians and direct the responses.</p>

<p>And this time, as so many others have discovered, work from home has been a bit too confining, the report asserted. Although the article was based largely on anonymous sourcing and circumstantial evidence that could not be independently confirmed, it touched off a flurry of commentary in Moscow about the reported sleight of hand by Putin, a former spy.</p>

<p>The report cited public records of flights by presidential planes that seemed to contradict Kremlin statements about Putin’s whereabouts, as well as several unnamed sources said to have knowledge of the duplicate office in the Black Sea city of Sochi. The Kremlin denied the report.</p>

<p>Putin has access to a number of official residences, including the site outside Moscow, Novo-Ogaryovo, and a presidential retreat in Sochi, Bocharov Ruchey.</p>

<p>Before the pandemic, Putin worked frequently — and openly — in the Sochi residence, in an effort to promote the city’s tourism industry or to greet official visitors in a more relaxed setting. But the politics shifted with the pandemic, the Proekt report said.</p>

<p>“In such moments, in the Kremlin’s understanding, people should think the president is in the capital or close by,” working to combat the virus, which has hit Russia hard, and not spending time at a resort.</p>

<p>Ekaterina Schulmann, a political commentator for the Echo of Moscow radio station, said the report, coming on the heels of other articles revealing details of the personal lives of Putin’s inner circle and family members, is further evidence of the elite infighting that has broken out lately. In recent years, both leaks and smears with misinformation have been rare in Russian domestic politics.</p>

<p>Proekt, founded two years ago by a veteran reporter for Russian opposition and business newspapers, Roman Badanin, describes itself as a crowdfunded site for investigative reporting about Russia. Its exposés have leaned heavily on unnamed sources.</p>

<p>“We do what we do best — find what is hidden,” the site says of its mission. “We consider this important because almost no media remain in Russia taking on difficult and dangerous themes.”</p>

<p>The site is among several that have released a string of exposés in recent months about Putin’s family and his romantic life.</p>

<p>Schulmann suggested the articles are an effort to embarrass rival clans as the children of senior officials jockey for jobs in government or state corporations that are being vacated by an older generation of insiders.</p>

<p>Alexei Navalny, Russia’s leading opposition figure, who is recovering in Berlin from what the German government said was a nerve agent poisoning in Russia — something the Kremlin denies — wrote on Twitter his explanation of the reported duplicate offices.</p>

<p>Having the two offices, he wrote, was “absolutely Putin’s style — to lie even in the little things.”</p>

<p>Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said the presidential work spaces outside Moscow and in Sochi are not identical.</p>

<p>“This is not true,” he told journalists on a conference call Wednesday.</p>

<p>The Proekt report, Peskov said, was one of a series of recent exposés about Putin’s personal life that were an “information campaign, an information attack” on the president.</p>

<p>“The president has many offices and no identical offices,” Peskov said.</p>

<p>He challenged Proekt’s use of flight records to contradict official statements about Putin’s whereabouts. Presidential planes are at times based outside of Moscow, he said, but he declined to discuss specific flights, noting the movements of the head of state are classified for security reasons.</p>

<p>Putin has told the Russian news media that he has rejected plans to use subterfuge to protect his security. In February, he told the Tass news agency that, early in his tenure, he declined to use a body double to deceive potential assassins.</p>

<p>This year, verifying Putin’s whereabouts has only become more difficult as he has taken extraordinary precautions against the virus, even by the standards of other heads of state.</p>

<p>Russian journalists who cover the president in the Kremlin pool have seldom seen him up close since March, reporters have said. Visitors are required to quarantine for up to two weeks before coming within breathing distance. And even then, before meeting Putin, they have to walk through a disinfecting tunnel — a structure resembling an airport metal detector that sprays a fine mist of antiseptics.</p>

<p>The president has conducted so many televised meetings by video link that state television over the summer ran a special report on the site, noting the microphones and screens available for meetings — and identifying it as located at the government residence outside of Moscow, not by the seashore.</p>

<p>One site that republished the story, T Journal, elicited hundreds of comments from readers poring over photos of Putin, suited and seriously conducting state business, seated in similarly appearing offices. Some found signs of a ruse.</p>

<p>“The perspective is a little different,” one reader wrote, “but that wouldn’t explain the difference in the wall paneling.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


MOSCOW — Political commentators saw signs of infighting among the elite. An opposition leader chalked it up to the Kremlin’s habit of lying. But for many who have been working from home for months, the report from a Russian news site just made perfect sense.

MOSCOW — Political commentators saw signs of infighting among the elite. An opposition leader chalked it up to the Kremlin’s habit of lying. But for many who have been working from home for months, the report from a Russian news site just made perfect sense. Investigative news outlet Proekt reported last week that President Vladimir Putin has built two identically appointed offices for video linkups, one at a government residence outside Moscow and the second on the warmed-up shores of the Black Sea, a traditional vacation area. Watch | The sight of Putin sitting in a sparsely furnished office, with a couple of beige armchairs, a Russian flag in the background, has become a familiar one on TV this year, as he has carried out official business tucked safely away from the coronavirus. The confinement is atypical for Putin, usually a man of action during crises, showing up at floods or wildfires to console Russians and direct the responses. And this time, as so many others have discovered, work from home has been a bit too confining, the report asserted. Although the article was based largely on anonymous sourcing and circumstantial evidence that could not be independently confirmed, it touched off a flurry of commentary in Moscow about the reported sleight of hand by Putin, a former spy. The report cited public records of flights by presidential planes that seemed to contradict Kremlin statements about Putin’s whereabouts, as well as several unnamed sources said to have knowledge of the duplicate office in the Black Sea city of Sochi. The Kremlin denied the report. Putin has access to a number of official residences, including the site outside Moscow, Novo-Ogaryovo, and a presidential retreat in Sochi, Bocharov Ruchey. Before the pandemic, Putin worked frequently — and openly — in the Sochi residence, in an effort to promote the city’s tourism industry or to greet official visitors in a more relaxed setting. But the politics shifted with the pandemic, the Proekt report said. “In such moments, in the Kremlin’s understanding, people should think the president is in the capital or close by,” working to combat the virus, which has hit Russia hard, and not spending time at a resort. Ekaterina Schulmann, a political commentator for the Echo of Moscow radio station, said the report, coming on the heels of other articles revealing details of the personal lives of Putin’s inner circle and family members, is further evidence of the elite infighting that has broken out lately. In recent years, both leaks and smears with misinformation have been rare in Russian domestic politics. Proekt, founded two years ago by a veteran reporter for Russian opposition and business newspapers, Roman Badanin, describes itself as a crowdfunded site for investigative reporting about Russia. Its exposés have leaned heavily on unnamed sources. “We do what we do best — find what is hidden,” the site says of its mission. “We consider this important because almost no media remain in Russia taking on difficult and dangerous themes.” The site is among several that have released a string of exposés in recent months about Putin’s family and his romantic life. Schulmann suggested the articles are an effort to embarrass rival clans as the children of senior officials jockey for jobs in government or state corporations that are being vacated by an older generation of insiders. Alexei Navalny, Russia’s leading opposition figure, who is recovering in Berlin from what the German government said was a nerve agent poisoning in Russia — something the Kremlin denies — wrote on Twitter his explanation of the reported duplicate offices. Having the two offices, he wrote, was “absolutely Putin’s style — to lie even in the little things.” Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said the presidential work spaces outside Moscow and in Sochi are not identical. “This is not true,” he told journalists on a conference call Wednesday. The Proekt report, Peskov said, was one of a series of recent exposés about Putin’s personal life that were an “information campaign, an information attack” on the president. “The president has many offices and no identical offices,” Peskov said. He challenged Proekt’s use of flight records to contradict official statements about Putin’s whereabouts. Presidential planes are at times based outside of Moscow, he said, but he declined to discuss specific flights, noting the movements of the head of state are classified for security reasons. Putin has told the Russian news media that he has rejected plans to use subterfuge to protect his security. In February, he told the Tass news agency that, early in his tenure, he declined to use a body double to deceive potential assassins. This year, verifying Putin’s whereabouts has only become more difficult as he has taken extraordinary precautions against the virus, even by the standards of other heads of state. Russian journalists who cover the president in the Kremlin pool have seldom seen him up close since March, reporters have said. Visitors are required to quarantine for up to two weeks before coming within breathing distance. And even then, before meeting Putin, they have to walk through a disinfecting tunnel — a structure resembling an airport metal detector that sprays a fine mist of antiseptics. The president has conducted so many televised meetings by video link that state television over the summer ran a special report on the site, noting the microphones and screens available for meetings — and identifying it as located at the government residence outside of Moscow, not by the seashore. One site that republished the story, T Journal, elicited hundreds of comments from readers poring over photos of Putin, suited and seriously conducting state business, seated in similarly appearing offices. Some found signs of a ruse. “The perspective is a little different,” one reader wrote, “but that wouldn’t explain the difference in the wall paneling.”

Putin said to have 2 identical offices: 1 in Moscow, the other at the beach

<p>The agents of the Kremlin tried to poison outspoken Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny a second time after the first attempt failed, The Times newspaper reported.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-is-behind-the-crime-alexei-navalny-claims-in-interview-331654"><strong>Also read | 'Putin is behind the crime': Alexei Navalny claims in an interview</strong></a><br />
<br />
A second dose of poison was allegedly given to Navalny before he was flown to Berlin for further treatment, western intelligence sources told the British newspaper on Saturday.</p>

<p>Sources told The Times that the suspected state security agents tried to finish off the lawyer - leader of the Russian opposition Progress Party - before he could get to safety.</p>

<p>The anti-corruption activist made headlines around the world when fell ill on a flight from Siberia to Moscow in August after being targeted with the Novichok nerve agent.</p>

<p>Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's highest-profile critic, was airlifted to Germany in September this year&nbsp;after falling violently ill while travelling in Siberia.</p>

<p>Navalny has also gained support from western countries who are urging the Russian government to initiate a transparent and detailed investigation into this matter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The agents of the Kremlin tried to poison outspoken Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny a second time after the first attempt failed, The Times newspaper reported.

The agents of the Kremlin tried to poison outspoken Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny a second time after the first attempt failed, The Times newspaper reported. Also read | 'Putin is behind the crime': Alexei Navalny claims in an interview A second dose of poison was allegedly given to Navalny before he was flown to Berlin for further treatment, western intelligence sources told the British newspaper on Saturday. Sources told The Times that the suspected state security agents tried to finish off the lawyer - leader of the Russian opposition Progress Party - before he could get to safety. The anti-corruption activist made headlines around the world when fell ill on a flight from Siberia to Moscow in August after being targeted with the Novichok nerve agent. Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's highest-profile critic, was airlifted to Germany in September this year after falling violently ill while travelling in Siberia. Navalny has also gained support from western countries who are urging the Russian government to initiate a transparent and detailed investigation into this matter. (With inputs from agencies)

Navalny poisoning: Putin critic survived the second assassination attempt

<p>Russia's main opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned in August by an undercover hit squad working for Kremlin's spy agency, a report has claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The squad, which was working with FSB spy agency, was tracking Navalny since 2017 and the operation began when he decided to run against President Vladimir Putin in presidential elections, Bellingcat, an investigative website has said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/navalny-poisoning-putin-critic-survived-the-second-assassination-attempt-349704/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>It mentioned "voluminous" travel and telecoms data to back the claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In more than 30 destinations, the surveillance team followed him, Bellingcat said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalny-poisoning-putin-critic-survived-the-second-assassination-attempt-349605">Navalny poisoning: Putin critic survived the second assassination attempt</a></strong></p>

<p>The joint investigation between Bellingcat and The Insider also found that "FSB operatives from a clandestine unit specialized in working with poisonous substances shadowed Navalny" during his visits across Russia. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Pointing to the data collected for the investigation, the report also said that the "highest echelons of the Kremlin" approved Navalny's poisoning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These findings come at a time when another report by the Sunday Times of London has claimed that attempts were made to poison the Russian opposition leader again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It said when Navalny was undergoing treatment for poisoning in the Russian city Omsk, Kremlin agents tried to poison him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This was with a view to him being dead by the time he arrived in Berlin," a source was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Navalny liked survived due to the antidote atropine that was administered by the ambulance crew.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Russia's main opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned in August by an undercover hit squad working for Kremlin's spy agency, a report has claimed. The squad, which was working with FSB spy agency, was tracking Navalny since 2017 and the operation began when he decided to run against President Vladimir Putin in presidential elections, Bellingcat, an investigative website has said.

Russia's main opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned in August by an undercover hit squad working for Kremlin's spy agency, a report has claimed. The squad, which was working with FSB spy agency, was tracking Navalny since 2017 and the operation began when he decided to run against President Vladimir Putin in presidential elections, Bellingcat, an investigative website has said. Watch | It mentioned "voluminous" travel and telecoms data to back the claims. In more than 30 destinations, the surveillance team followed him, Bellingcat said. Also read | Navalny poisoning: Putin critic survived the second assassination attempt The joint investigation between Bellingcat and The Insider also found that "FSB operatives from a clandestine unit specialized in working with poisonous substances shadowed Navalny" during his visits across Russia. Pointing to the data collected for the investigation, the report also said that the "highest echelons of the Kremlin" approved Navalny's poisoning. These findings come at a time when another report by the Sunday Times of London has claimed that attempts were made to poison the Russian opposition leader again. It said when Navalny was undergoing treatment for poisoning in the Russian city Omsk, Kremlin agents tried to poison him. "This was with a view to him being dead by the time he arrived in Berlin," a source was quoted as saying. However, Navalny liked survived due to the antidote atropine that was administered by the ambulance crew.

Alexei Navalny was poisoned by Russia's spy agency: Report

<p>Russian space agency&nbsp;Roscosmos announced that it had successfully launched&nbsp;Angara-A5 heavy-lift&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;after a long hiatus of&nbsp;nearly six years.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="ru">Еще больше видео! Еще больше ракурсов!<br />
<br />
Смотрите новые видеокадры второго испытательного пуска тяжелой ракеты-носителя <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D0%90%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ангара</a>-А5 с космодрома <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D0%9F%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%B5%D1%86%D0%BA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Плесецк</a> 😎🚀<br />
<br />
Видео: <a href="https://twitter.com/mod_russia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mod_russia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fm7gXFPl31">pic.twitter.com/Fm7gXFPl31</a></p>
— РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) <a href="https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1338424680554917893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Angara rocket,&nbsp;first developed after the fall of the Soviet Union, blasted off&nbsp;with a mock payload from Plesetsk in northern Russia at 0550 GMT.</p>

<p>Twelve minutes and 28 seconds after the launch, "the orbital block consisting of the Breeze-M upper stage and the spacecraft's cargo mockup separated from the third stage of the carrier", Roscosmos said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-soyuz-spacecraft-takes-quickest-crew-trip-to-international-space-station-334731" hreflang="en">Russia's Soyuz spacecraft takes quickest crew trip to International Space Station</a></strong></p>

<p>Agency head Dmitry Rogozin welcomed the news on Twitter, posting a picture of the rocket and writing: "She flies, damn it!"</p>

<p>The mission, which continues work to certify the Angara to carry national security payloads, had already been delayed by several years due to manufacturing and quality control issues.</p>

<p>The only other launch of the heavy-class Angara rocket took place in late December 2014, while a test of a lighter class version of the rocket was conducted in July that year.</p>

<p>The Angara rockets -- named after a Siberian river flowing out of Lake Baikal -- are the first new family of launchers to be built after the collapse of the Soviet Union.</p>

<p>They are designed to replace the Proton rockets that date back to the 1960s and have suffered a series of embarrassing failures in recent years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin hopes the new launchers will revive Russia's space industry and reduce reliance on other former Soviet countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials say the heavy-class Angara rocket is more environmentally friendly than its predecessors because it is fuelled by oxygen and kerosene rather than hugely toxic heptyl.</p>

<p>Angara is a family of rockets developed by the Khrunichev State Research and Production Centre based around the Universalniy Raketniy Modul (URM) or Universal Rocket Module.</p>

<p>The URM-1 is a common booster used across the family of rockets, being employed as the first core stage of all Angara configurations, with additional units serving as side boosters on the larger versions of the rocket. Similarly, the URM-2 has been designed as a common second stage for the family, although it is not used on the smallest version of the rocket, Angara-1.</p>


Russian space agency Roscosmos announced that it had successfully launched Angara-A5 heavy-lift rocket after a long hiatus of nearly six years. Еще больше видео!

Russian space agency Roscosmos announced that it had successfully launched Angara-A5 heavy-lift rocket after a long hiatus of nearly six years. Еще больше видео! Еще больше ракурсов! Смотрите новые видеокадры второго испытательного пуска тяжелой ракеты-носителя #Ангара-А5 с космодрома #Плесецк 😎🚀 Видео: @mod_russia pic.twitter.com/Fm7gXFPl31 — РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) December 14, 2020 × Angara rocket, first developed after the fall of the Soviet Union, blasted off with a mock payload from Plesetsk in northern Russia at 0550 GMT. Twelve minutes and 28 seconds after the launch, "the orbital block consisting of the Breeze-M upper stage and the spacecraft's cargo mockup separated from the third stage of the carrier", Roscosmos said in a statement. Also see: Russia's Soyuz spacecraft takes quickest crew trip to International Space Station Agency head Dmitry Rogozin welcomed the news on Twitter, posting a picture of the rocket and writing: "She flies, damn it!" The mission, which continues work to certify the Angara to carry national security payloads, had already been delayed by several years due to manufacturing and quality control issues. The only other launch of the heavy-class Angara rocket took place in late December 2014, while a test of a lighter class version of the rocket was conducted in July that year. The Angara rockets -- named after a Siberian river flowing out of Lake Baikal -- are the first new family of launchers to be built after the collapse of the Soviet Union. They are designed to replace the Proton rockets that date back to the 1960s and have suffered a series of embarrassing failures in recent years. President Vladimir Putin hopes the new launchers will revive Russia's space industry and reduce reliance on other former Soviet countries. Officials say the heavy-class Angara rocket is more environmentally friendly than its predecessors because it is fuelled by oxygen and kerosene rather than hugely toxic heptyl. Angara is a family of rockets developed by the Khrunichev State Research and Production Centre based around the Universalniy Raketniy Modul (URM) or Universal Rocket Module. The URM-1 is a common booster used across the family of rockets, being employed as the first core stage of all Angara configurations, with additional units serving as side boosters on the larger versions of the rocket. Similarly, the URM-2 has been designed as a common second stage for the family, although it is not used on the smallest version of the rocket, Angara-1.

Russia successfully launches Angara heavy-lift rocket after long hiatus

<p>President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Tuesday allowing Russia's national legislation precedence over international treaties and rulings from international bodies in cases when they conflict with the Russian constitution.</p>

<p>The Kremlin has said that all Russia's obligations under international treaties remain in force and that Moscow remains fully committed to international law.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-begins-mass-covid-19-vaccinations-in-moscow-347787/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>According to the law, the country’s legislation would come with a provision “stating that the decisions of interstate bodies ... contradicting the constitution of the Russian Federation are not subject to execution in Russia”.</p>

<p>But the legislation has caused concern among some rights advocates in Russia, where hundreds of people appeal to the European Court of Human Rights every year seeking justice that they say they have been denied at home.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-submits-bill-to-grant-ex-presidents-immunity-from-prosecution-340857">Russia submits bill to grant ex-presidents immunity from prosecution</a></strong></p>

<p>Russia has had a very delicate relationship with rights groups, and this bill is expected to receive flak from activists and activist groups alike. In fact, every year, hundreds of Russians flock to the European Court of Human Rights in a bid to seek justice, which according to them, is unattainable at home.</p>

<p>Putin first toyed with the idea in January, during his state-of-the-nation address. It is one of an array of legal and constitutional amendments adopted this year including one allowing Putin to run again for president two more times when his current term comes to an end in 2024.</p>

<p>Another bill has been submitted&nbsp;to the Russian parliament that can grant ex-presidents immunity from criminal prosecution could be extended to any offences committed in their lifetimes, not merely while in office.</p>

<p>The draft legislation is being carefully parsed for clues as to what Putin, who has dominated Russian politics for more than two decades, plans to do in 2024.</p>

<p>Former presidents already enjoy lifetime immunity for crimes committed in the office under legislation adopted after Russia's first post-Soviet president, Boris Yeltsin, handed the reins of power to Putin at the turn of the century.</p>

<p>The new bill would also make it harder to revoke ex-presidents' expanded immunity.</p>

<p>It would require the upper house of parliament to vote overwhelmingly to revoke it on the strength of accusations by the lower house that the president had committed treason or another serious crime.</p>

<p>The bill will become law if the lower house votes to approve it in three readings, the upper house backs it, and Putin then signs it.</p>


President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Tuesday allowing Russia's national legislation precedence over international treaties and rulings from international bodies in cases when they conflict with the Russian constitution.

President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Tuesday allowing Russia's national legislation precedence over international treaties and rulings from international bodies in cases when they conflict with the Russian constitution. The Kremlin has said that all Russia's obligations under international treaties remain in force and that Moscow remains fully committed to international law. According to the law, the country’s legislation would come with a provision “stating that the decisions of interstate bodies ... contradicting the constitution of the Russian Federation are not subject to execution in Russia”. But the legislation has caused concern among some rights advocates in Russia, where hundreds of people appeal to the European Court of Human Rights every year seeking justice that they say they have been denied at home. Also read: Russia submits bill to grant ex-presidents immunity from prosecution Russia has had a very delicate relationship with rights groups, and this bill is expected to receive flak from activists and activist groups alike. In fact, every year, hundreds of Russians flock to the European Court of Human Rights in a bid to seek justice, which according to them, is unattainable at home. Putin first toyed with the idea in January, during his state-of-the-nation address. It is one of an array of legal and constitutional amendments adopted this year including one allowing Putin to run again for president two more times when his current term comes to an end in 2024. Another bill has been submitted to the Russian parliament that can grant ex-presidents immunity from criminal prosecution could be extended to any offences committed in their lifetimes, not merely while in office. The draft legislation is being carefully parsed for clues as to what Putin, who has dominated Russian politics for more than two decades, plans to do in 2024. Former presidents already enjoy lifetime immunity for crimes committed in the office under legislation adopted after Russia's first post-Soviet president, Boris Yeltsin, handed the reins of power to Putin at the turn of the century. The new bill would also make it harder to revoke ex-presidents' expanded immunity. It would require the upper house of parliament to vote overwhelmingly to revoke it on the strength of accusations by the lower house that the president had committed treason or another serious crime. The bill will become law if the lower house votes to approve it in three readings, the upper house backs it, and Putin then signs it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signs legislation to Trump international treaties

<p>Russia has signed an agreement with Sudan to establish a navy base in the African nation for at least 25 years.</p>

<p>The deal published on Tuesday on the official portal of government documents is being considered a part of Moscow's efforts to expand its global reach. In exchange for Sudan's permission to set up the base, Russia will provide Sudan with weapons and military equipment.</p>

<p>It allows Russia to simultaneously keep up to four navy ships, including nuclear-powered ones, in Port Sudan on the Red Sea. The agreement lasts for 25 years and could be automatically extended for 10-year periods if none of the parties objects to it.</p>

<p>The document states that the Russian navy base should help strengthen peace and stability in the region and isn't directed against any third parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of President Vladimir Putin's efforts to beef up the military, the Russian navy in recent years has revived the Soviet-era practice of constantly rotating its warships in the Mediterranean.</p>

<p>The Russian navy already has established a major presence in the Mediterranean, courtesy a naval base in the Syrian port of Tartus, currently the only such facility that Russia has outside the former Soviet Union.</p>


Russia has signed an agreement with Sudan to establish a navy base in the African nation for at least 25 years. The deal published on Tuesday on the official portal of government documents is being considered a part of Moscow's efforts to expand its global reach.

Russia has signed an agreement with Sudan to establish a navy base in the African nation for at least 25 years. The deal published on Tuesday on the official portal of government documents is being considered a part of Moscow's efforts to expand its global reach. In exchange for Sudan's permission to set up the base, Russia will provide Sudan with weapons and military equipment. It allows Russia to simultaneously keep up to four navy ships, including nuclear-powered ones, in Port Sudan on the Red Sea. The agreement lasts for 25 years and could be automatically extended for 10-year periods if none of the parties objects to it. The document states that the Russian navy base should help strengthen peace and stability in the region and isn't directed against any third parties. As part of President Vladimir Putin's efforts to beef up the military, the Russian navy in recent years has revived the Soviet-era practice of constantly rotating its warships in the Mediterranean. The Russian navy already has established a major presence in the Mediterranean, courtesy a naval base in the Syrian port of Tartus, currently the only such facility that Russia has outside the former Soviet Union.

Russia to establish navy base in Sudan for at least 25 years

Vladimir Putin signs law allowing Russian legislation to trump international treaties

<p>Kirill Shamalov, a Russian businessman who was married to Vladimir Putin’s daughter received an estimated $380m (£283m) stake in a Russian petrochemicals company for just $100, an investigation by Russia’s iStories investigative outlet has claimed.</p>

<p>Kirill Shamalov acquired 3.8% of petrochemicals producer Sibur through a web of offshore companies months after marrying Katerina Tikhonova in February 2013, iStories reported, citing private emails obtained through a massive data breach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kirill Shamalov, 38, married Mr Putin’s youngest daughter, Katerina Tikhonova, 34, in 2013.</p>

<p>After their marriage, the couple reportedly bought lavish homes in Russia and the south of France alongside expensive goods such as a 50,000 euro carpet and 5700 euro worth of Japanese books. Commenting on its findings, poisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny said that ‘it’s simple, Putin’s daughter gets married and the newlyweds receive a present of $380 million’.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Kirill Shamalov, a Russian businessman who was married to Vladimir Putin’s daughter received an estimated $380m (£283m) stake in a Russian petrochemicals company for just $100, an investigation by Russia’s iStories investigative outlet has claimed.

Kirill Shamalov, a Russian businessman who was married to Vladimir Putin’s daughter received an estimated $380m (£283m) stake in a Russian petrochemicals company for just $100, an investigation by Russia’s iStories investigative outlet has claimed. Kirill Shamalov acquired 3.8% of petrochemicals producer Sibur through a web of offshore companies months after marrying Katerina Tikhonova in February 2013, iStories reported, citing private emails obtained through a massive data breach. Kirill Shamalov, 38, married Mr Putin’s youngest daughter, Katerina Tikhonova, 34, in 2013. After their marriage, the couple reportedly bought lavish homes in Russia and the south of France alongside expensive goods such as a 50,000 euro carpet and 5700 euro worth of Japanese books. Commenting on its findings, poisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny said that ‘it’s simple, Putin’s daughter gets married and the newlyweds receive a present of $380 million’. (With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin’s son-in-law ‘bought $380m of shares for $100’

<p>Valery Solovey, a Russian conspiracy pundit&nbsp;who suggested earlier this week on a Moscow radio station that Putin was under pressure from his entourage to step down due to fears for his health, has been arrested.</p>

<p>According to the New York Post, Solovei said Putin would soon appoint a new prime minister who would be groomed to become his eventual successor.</p>

<p>On Sunday, local&nbsp;paper Fontanka announced that the political specialist had been confined for breaking the area's Covid avoidance laws – explicitly those requiring the wearing of veils – at what police say was an assembly for his 'Peremen' resistance development.</p>

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<p>As per reports, the occasion was upset by counter-dissidents, who tossed smoke bombs and dissipated pamphlets. Solovey was confined and taken to a close-by police headquarters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Solovei&nbsp;disclosed to Moscow's Novaya Gazeta paper from in a correctional facility that he was "simply strolling" past the social occasion, and that activists had moved toward him to pose inquiries. Solovey has been the source of a series of increasingly outlandish claims in recent months about Vladimir Putin, with him alleging as early as 2016 that the president would imminently stand down on health grounds. Up until this point, these expectations have neglected to emerge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nonetheless, that hasn't kept him from stirring theory in Western media, with sources including the UK's Daily Mail and the New York Post spreading his demand that the president had Parkinson's, and afterward that Putin had gone through mystery medical procedure for malignancy. Before, Solovey has said that he is an individual from a shadowy global association, more impressive than public governments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a meeting with a Ukrainian writer, he portrayed the gathering as "more grounded than the FSB [Russia's top security agency], more grounded than the SVR [Russia's fundamental unfamiliar insight agency], and more grounded than Russia's Military Intelligence (the GRU)." He noted, however, that it is "not a mysterious association," and has nothing to do with the Templars and Freemasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It stays not yet clear whether US and UK columnists – in the event that it suits their account to cover the episode – will become tied up with his most recent case that he incidentally turned out to stroll past a gathering of his allies that was being held in opposition to Covid-19 laws.</p>


Valery Solovey, a Russian conspiracy pundit who suggested earlier this week on a Moscow radio station that Putin was under pressure from his entourage to step down due to fears for his health, has been arrested.

Valery Solovey, a Russian conspiracy pundit who suggested earlier this week on a Moscow radio station that Putin was under pressure from his entourage to step down due to fears for his health, has been arrested. According to the New York Post, Solovei said Putin would soon appoint a new prime minister who would be groomed to become his eventual successor. On Sunday, local paper Fontanka announced that the political specialist had been confined for breaking the area's Covid avoidance laws – explicitly those requiring the wearing of veils – at what police say was an assembly for his 'Peremen' resistance development. View this post on Instagram A post shared by #ПЕРЕМЕН (@peremen_ru) As per reports, the occasion was upset by counter-dissidents, who tossed smoke bombs and dissipated pamphlets. Solovey was confined and taken to a close-by police headquarters. Solovei disclosed to Moscow's Novaya Gazeta paper from in a correctional facility that he was "simply strolling" past the social occasion, and that activists had moved toward him to pose inquiries. Solovey has been the source of a series of increasingly outlandish claims in recent months about Vladimir Putin, with him alleging as early as 2016 that the president would imminently stand down on health grounds. Up until this point, these expectations have neglected to emerge. Nonetheless, that hasn't kept him from stirring theory in Western media, with sources including the UK's Daily Mail and the New York Post spreading his demand that the president had Parkinson's, and afterward that Putin had gone through mystery medical procedure for malignancy. Before, Solovey has said that he is an individual from a shadowy global association, more impressive than public governments. In a meeting with a Ukrainian writer, he portrayed the gathering as "more grounded than the FSB [Russia's top security agency], more grounded than the SVR [Russia's fundamental unfamiliar insight agency], and more grounded than Russia's Military Intelligence (the GRU)." He noted, however, that it is "not a mysterious association," and has nothing to do with the Templars and Freemasons. It stays not yet clear whether US and UK columnists – in the event that it suits their account to cover the episode – will become tied up with his most recent case that he incidentally turned out to stroll past a gathering of his allies that was being held in opposition to Covid-19 laws.

Valery Solovey: Russian pundit who raised concerns about Putin's health, arrested

Russia has become the first country to start its inoculation drive. Medical workers and teachers, who are two high-risk groups, are among the first to get shots of COVID-19 vaccine.

Russia becomes first country to vaccinate citizens outside trials

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered mass COVID-19 vaccination to start next week in Russia.

Vladimir Putin orders mass vaccinations against COVID-19 from next week in Russia

<p>Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, the youngest woman ever elected to US Congress is back in news. Blame a magazine's expensive photoshoot in which the 31-year-old donned luxury clothing worth thousands of dollars raising several eyebrows. For someone who calls herself a 'Democratic Socialist', critics are questioning if AOC's&nbsp;photoshoot is just another example of 'Champagne Socialism'?</p>

<p>Affectionately known as AOC, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is Vanity Fair's latest cover star but on social media she is being called a hypocrite. The reason? A white silk suit from Aliette, an expensive polka dot Wales Bonner dress, a pair of black Christian Louboutin heels, a Loewe black suit worth USD 3000 which by the way she&nbsp;got to keep.</p>

<p>This may sound like a billionaire's bridal trousseau but in reality is a politician's designer wear for the Vanity Fair cover shoot. For those unaware, the total cost of Ocasio Cortez's&nbsp;outfits is more than USD 14,000.</p>

<p>AOC's high-end attire is shocking especially for a congresswoman bidding for re-election from the Bronx, the poorest congressional district in the US. The reason why Ocasio Cortez has opened a pandora's box is that she calls herself a 'Democratic Socialist'.</p>

<p>The philosophy of Democratic Socialism is rooted in a socially owned economy -&nbsp;one that does not address inequality by dressing in luxury brands or accepting designer gifts worth USD 3000. And perhaps this is exactly what champagne socialism is, that is, self-identified socialists leading lavish lifestyles.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
But AOC is not the&nbsp;only champagne socialist in the world. Several socialist and marxist leaders have led preppy lifestyles. Their way of life contradicts their political assertions. History bears testimony to Fidel Castro, the leader of the Cuban Revolution who overthrew Fulgencio Batista in 1959 to establish the equilibrium between the rich and the poor.</p>

<p>On the country, Castro ended up becoming a dictator famous for his love of luxury watches. Castro was so fond of the Rolex that he wore two on the same wrist. He even gifted one to his contemporary revolutionary Che Guevara. In fact, Castro's commie friend was often&nbsp;spotted showing off his submariner.</p>

<p>Venezuela's socialist government is also accused of hypocrisy. At a time when Venezuelans are struggling to feed themselves, President Nicolas Maduro's flashy living and dirty money has become an open secret. Be it money acquired through drug-trafficking of tons of cocaine, illicit gold and iron mining, Maduro government is using Socialism merely to cling on to power. Fraudulent oil sales, dishonest&nbsp;currency trading and cuts based on food and medicine imports are corrupt practices of a government that only calls itself socialist but in truth, is a gang of criminals.</p>

<p>Similar is the story of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin. The 68-year-old's flamboyant lifestyle is a shocker, to say the least for a former KGB spy residing in a country historically based on communism. He owns a palace on the Black Sea coast, a yacht worth over USD 345,000,000 and is a part-owner of the famous gas company Gazprom. Putin's love for wealth and expensive hobbies is no secret.</p>

<p>Also, the list of champagne socialists is a tad bit incomplete without the name of Jeremy Corbyn. The former leader of UK's Labour Party claims to be on the side of the workers but in reality, is an elite. His&nbsp;annual earnings of 2019 amounted to 142,000 pounds, something that got critics questioning his sanctimony. Going by Spears Magazine, Jeremy Corbyn's net worth stands at 3 million pounds. The magazine also reports that the British politician has claimed over 3 million pounds from the state over the last thirty years - that by the way is 1.5 million pounds more than the earnings of a normal MP. The bitter irony is that Corbyn has consistently tom-tommed about leading a frugal lifestyle.</p>

<p>As leaders who are trusted by the masses, it is not only a betrayal but also disappointing to see them do the very things they so fiercely oppose. If only politicians could practise what they preach.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)</strong></p>


Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, the youngest woman ever elected to US Congress is back in news. Blame a magazine's expensive photoshoot in which the 31-year-old donned luxury clothing worth thousands of dollars raising several eyebrows.

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, the youngest woman ever elected to US Congress is back in news. Blame a magazine's expensive photoshoot in which the 31-year-old donned luxury clothing worth thousands of dollars raising several eyebrows. For someone who calls herself a 'Democratic Socialist', critics are questioning if AOC's photoshoot is just another example of 'Champagne Socialism'? Affectionately known as AOC, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is Vanity Fair's latest cover star but on social media she is being called a hypocrite. The reason? A white silk suit from Aliette, an expensive polka dot Wales Bonner dress, a pair of black Christian Louboutin heels, a Loewe black suit worth USD 3000 which by the way she got to keep. This may sound like a billionaire's bridal trousseau but in reality is a politician's designer wear for the Vanity Fair cover shoot. For those unaware, the total cost of Ocasio Cortez's outfits is more than USD 14,000. AOC's high-end attire is shocking especially for a congresswoman bidding for re-election from the Bronx, the poorest congressional district in the US. The reason why Ocasio Cortez has opened a pandora's box is that she calls herself a 'Democratic Socialist'. The philosophy of Democratic Socialism is rooted in a socially owned economy - one that does not address inequality by dressing in luxury brands or accepting designer gifts worth USD 3000. And perhaps this is exactly what champagne socialism is, that is, self-identified socialists leading lavish lifestyles. But AOC is not the only champagne socialist in the world. Several socialist and marxist leaders have led preppy lifestyles. Their way of life contradicts their political assertions. History bears testimony to Fidel Castro, the leader of the Cuban Revolution who overthrew Fulgencio Batista in 1959 to establish the equilibrium between the rich and the poor. On the country, Castro ended up becoming a dictator famous for his love of luxury watches. Castro was so fond of the Rolex that he wore two on the same wrist. He even gifted one to his contemporary revolutionary Che Guevara. In fact, Castro's commie friend was often spotted showing off his submariner. Venezuela's socialist government is also accused of hypocrisy. At a time when Venezuelans are struggling to feed themselves, President Nicolas Maduro's flashy living and dirty money has become an open secret. Be it money acquired through drug-trafficking of tons of cocaine, illicit gold and iron mining, Maduro government is using Socialism merely to cling on to power. Fraudulent oil sales, dishonest currency trading and cuts based on food and medicine imports are corrupt practices of a government that only calls itself socialist but in truth, is a gang of criminals. Similar is the story of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin. The 68-year-old's flamboyant lifestyle is a shocker, to say the least for a former KGB spy residing in a country historically based on communism. He owns a palace on the Black Sea coast, a yacht worth over USD 345,000,000 and is a part-owner of the famous gas company Gazprom. Putin's love for wealth and expensive hobbies is no secret. Also, the list of champagne socialists is a tad bit incomplete without the name of Jeremy Corbyn. The former leader of UK's Labour Party claims to be on the side of the workers but in reality, is an elite. His annual earnings of 2019 amounted to 142,000 pounds, something that got critics questioning his sanctimony. Going by Spears Magazine, Jeremy Corbyn's net worth stands at 3 million pounds. The magazine also reports that the British politician has claimed over 3 million pounds from the state over the last thirty years - that by the way is 1.5 million pounds more than the earnings of a normal MP. The bitter irony is that Corbyn has consistently tom-tommed about leading a frugal lifestyle. As leaders who are trusted by the masses, it is not only a betrayal but also disappointing to see them do the very things they so fiercely oppose. If only politicians could practise what they preach. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

The problem with Champagne Socialism

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn't been vaccinated against the coronavirus yet, months after his daughter's inoculation.</p>

<p>Putin had, months ago, announced his country's Sputnik V as the "world's first" approved Covid-19 vaccine and said his own daughter had taken it.</p>

<p>Vaccine trials for the first group of volunteers aged 60 and over began on October 28.</p>

<p>The Kremlin said Tuesday that Putin cannot get a vaccine that has not yet finished the final stage of trials, even though the jab has already been given to some Russian frontline health care workers, teachers and several top level officials outside the clinical trials.</p>

<p>This news came on the same day that Sputnik V's developers published new information about the vaccine, touting it as effective, cheap and easy to transport.</p>

<p>Researchers said that analysis of data obtained 28 days after the first dose and seven days after the second dose suggests the Sputnik vaccine was 91.4% effective in preventing infections.</p>

<p>Putin first announced Russia's vaccine was approved for public use in August, even though at that point it had been tested only on several dozen subjects in a non-blind study. The announcement came before the start of Phase 3 trials.</p>

<p>Pfizer and Moderna reported similar efficacy rates -- 94.5% for Moderna and 95% for Pfizer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AstraZeneca announced on Monday that its experimental coronavirus vaccine has shown an average efficacy of 70%.</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn't been vaccinated against the coronavirus yet, months after his daughter's inoculation. Putin had, months ago, announced his country's Sputnik V as the "world's first" approved Covid-19 vaccine and said his own daughter had taken it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn't been vaccinated against the coronavirus yet, months after his daughter's inoculation. Putin had, months ago, announced his country's Sputnik V as the "world's first" approved Covid-19 vaccine and said his own daughter had taken it. Vaccine trials for the first group of volunteers aged 60 and over began on October 28. The Kremlin said Tuesday that Putin cannot get a vaccine that has not yet finished the final stage of trials, even though the jab has already been given to some Russian frontline health care workers, teachers and several top level officials outside the clinical trials. This news came on the same day that Sputnik V's developers published new information about the vaccine, touting it as effective, cheap and easy to transport. Researchers said that analysis of data obtained 28 days after the first dose and seven days after the second dose suggests the Sputnik vaccine was 91.4% effective in preventing infections. Putin first announced Russia's vaccine was approved for public use in August, even though at that point it had been tested only on several dozen subjects in a non-blind study. The announcement came before the start of Phase 3 trials. Pfizer and Moderna reported similar efficacy rates -- 94.5% for Moderna and 95% for Pfizer. AstraZeneca announced on Monday that its experimental coronavirus vaccine has shown an average efficacy of 70%.

Putin still hasn't taken Russia's vaccine, months after daughter's inoculation

Russian President Vladimir Putin is edging closer to lifetime immunity. The lower house of the Russian Parliament has supported a bill providing immunity to Russian presidents and their families from criminal prosecution after stepping down.

Today Tonight: Russia moves to protect President from prosecution

The Russian president on Wednesday urged the authorities to "pretend that all is well". During a government meeting, Mr Putin said: "The number of new cases is increasing ... and which is the most dangerous - the death rate is increasing."

President Vladimir Putin alarmed by rise in COVID-19 fatality rate in Russia

<p>Russia's lower house of parliament on Tuesday passed in its first reading a bill that would grant former presidents immunity once they leave office.</p>

<p>The legislation, published on the lower house State Duma website, is among constitutional amendments that were approved this summer in a nationwide vote and will allow President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;to again run for office when his fourth term ends in 2024.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-submits-bill-to-grant-ex-presidents-immunity-from-prosecution-340857">Russia submits bill to grant ex-presidents immunity from prosecution</a></strong></p>

<p>If passed, the bill grants former presidents and their families immunity from persecution for crimes committed during their lifetime. They will also be exempt from searches, arrests or questioning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, former presidents are only immune from persecution for crimes committed while in office.</p>

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<p>The State Duma on Tuesday approved the bill in the first of three readings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To be passed into law the bill will need approval from the upper house,&nbsp;the Federation Council,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Putin's signature.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under the bill, a former president could be stripped of immunity if accused of treason or other grave crimes and the charges are confirmed by the Supreme and Consitutional courts.</p>

<p>Then both chambers of parliament must support the motion by a two-thirds majority.</p>

<p>Lawmaker Pavel Krasheninnikov, one of the bill's authors, told state news agency RIA Novosti that the new legislation will not apply to Mikhail Gorbachev, who was president of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991.</p>

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<p>As&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;is still in office, Dmitry Medvedev -- who was head of state between 2008-2012 -- is Russia's only living former president.</p>

<p>The State Duma on Tuesday also passed in its first reading another bill that will grant ex-presidents a lifetime seat in the Federation Council, a position that also provides immunity from prosecution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bills have sparked rumours that&nbsp;Putin, 68, is planning to step down, but the Kremlin denied this saying he is in good health.</p>


Russia's lower house of parliament on Tuesday passed in its first reading a bill that would grant former presidents immunity once they leave office. The legislation, published on the lower house State Duma website, is among constitutional amendments that were approved this summer in a nationwide vote and will allow President Vladimir Putin to again run for office when his fourth term ends in 2024.

Russia's lower house of parliament on Tuesday passed in its first reading a bill that would grant former presidents immunity once they leave office. The legislation, published on the lower house State Duma website, is among constitutional amendments that were approved this summer in a nationwide vote and will allow President Vladimir Putin to again run for office when his fourth term ends in 2024. Also read: Russia submits bill to grant ex-presidents immunity from prosecution If passed, the bill grants former presidents and their families immunity from persecution for crimes committed during their lifetime. They will also be exempt from searches, arrests or questioning. Currently, former presidents are only immune from persecution for crimes committed while in office. The State Duma on Tuesday approved the bill in the first of three readings. To be passed into law the bill will need approval from the upper house, the Federation Council, and Putin's signature. Under the bill, a former president could be stripped of immunity if accused of treason or other grave crimes and the charges are confirmed by the Supreme and Consitutional courts. Then both chambers of parliament must support the motion by a two-thirds majority. Lawmaker Pavel Krasheninnikov, one of the bill's authors, told state news agency RIA Novosti that the new legislation will not apply to Mikhail Gorbachev, who was president of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991. × As Putin is still in office, Dmitry Medvedev -- who was head of state between 2008-2012 -- is Russia's only living former president. The State Duma on Tuesday also passed in its first reading another bill that will grant ex-presidents a lifetime seat in the Federation Council, a position that also provides immunity from prosecution. The bills have sparked rumours that Putin, 68, is planning to step down, but the Kremlin denied this saying he is in good health.

Russia's lower house of parliament approves bill to give Putin lifetime immunity

Vladimir Putin was already President for life, he now wants to be a President above the law. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you how Russia is planning to grant Putin immunity from prosecution for all crimes committed under his watch.

Gravitas: Putin to get lifetime immunity for all crimes

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