<p>Russian President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin on Friday called for agreement between his country and&nbsp;the United States to guarantee not to engage in cyber-meddling in each other's elections.</p>

<p>"(I propose)... exchanging guarantees of non-interference in each other's internal affairs, including electoral processes, including using information and communication technologies and high-tech methods," he said.</p>

<p>Putin statement comes&nbsp;ahead of the US&nbsp;presidential election on November&nbsp;3 when the relations between the two countries&nbsp;are at post-Cold War lows as the election looms.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-suspends-fake-russian-accounts-warns-of-us-election-hack-and-leak-threat-330151">Facebook suspends fake Russian accounts, warns of US election hack-and-leak threat</a></strong></p>

<p>US&nbsp;intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election with the aim of tilting it in Donald Trump's favour, including by hacking into the campaign of his rival Hillary Clinton. Moscow denies that charge.</p>

<p>Trump is currently campaigning for re-election against Democrat Joe Biden.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-hackers-targeted-us-conservative-think-tanks-says-microsoft-160628">Russian hackers targeted US conservative think tanks, says Microsoft</a></strong></p>

<p>"One of the main strategic challenges of our time is the risk of a large-scale confrontation in the digital sphere," Putin said in the Kremlin statement.</p>

<p>"We would like to once again appeal to the United States with a proposal to approve a comprehensive program of practical measures to reset our relations in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT)."</p>

<p>He proposed the two countries reach an agreement to prevent major cyberspace incidents, something he compared to a 1972 US-Soviet treaty reached at the height of the Cold War to prevent incidents at sea and in the air from escalating.</p>

<p>He also called for the two countries to fully restore communication lines between their respective agencies to discuss key international information on security issues.</p>

<p>Russia has denied it is attempting to interfere in the 2020 US&nbsp;campaign, despite evidence to the contrary.</p>

<p>Microsoft said two weeks ago that hackers linked to Russia, China and Iran were trying to spy on people tied to both Trump and Biden. Russia and China dismissed the allegations.</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday called for agreement between his country and the United States to guarantee not to engage in cyber-meddling in each other's elections.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday called for agreement between his country and the United States to guarantee not to engage in cyber-meddling in each other's elections. "(I propose)... exchanging guarantees of non-interference in each other's internal affairs, including electoral processes, including using information and communication technologies and high-tech methods," he said. Putin statement comes ahead of the US presidential election on November 3 when the relations between the two countries are at post-Cold War lows as the election looms. Also read: Facebook suspends fake Russian accounts, warns of US election hack-and-leak threat US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 US presidential election with the aim of tilting it in Donald Trump's favour, including by hacking into the campaign of his rival Hillary Clinton. Moscow denies that charge. Trump is currently campaigning for re-election against Democrat Joe Biden. Also read: Russian hackers targeted US conservative think tanks, says Microsoft "One of the main strategic challenges of our time is the risk of a large-scale confrontation in the digital sphere," Putin said in the Kremlin statement. "We would like to once again appeal to the United States with a proposal to approve a comprehensive program of practical measures to reset our relations in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT)." He proposed the two countries reach an agreement to prevent major cyberspace incidents, something he compared to a 1972 US-Soviet treaty reached at the height of the Cold War to prevent incidents at sea and in the air from escalating. He also called for the two countries to fully restore communication lines between their respective agencies to discuss key international information on security issues. Russia has denied it is attempting to interfere in the 2020 US campaign, despite evidence to the contrary. Microsoft said two weeks ago that hackers linked to Russia, China and Iran were trying to spy on people tied to both Trump and Biden. Russia and China dismissed the allegations.

Putin calls for agreement with US not to meddle in each other's elections

Russia has denied producing or researching nerve agents known as Novichok. Russia was once believed to possess thousands of tonnes of weaponised Novichok varieties and their precursors. Watch report.

Russia denies producing Novichok: West spreading misinformation

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday offered to provide its coronavirus vaccine free-of-cost&nbsp;to United Nations staff all over the world. He made the proposal during his pre-recorded address to United Nations General Assembly. Putin called Russian-developed coronavirus vaccine Sputnik-V 'safe, reliable and effective'</p>

<p>"Russia is ready to provide the UN with all the necessary qualified assistance, in particular, we are offering to provide our vaccine, free of charge, for the voluntary vaccination of the staff of the UN and its offices. We have received requests from our UN colleagues in this respect, and we will respond to those," said Putin.</p>

<p>Sputnik-V vaccine has been developed by Gamaleya Institute in Russia. The vaccine has cleared Phase-2 trials. It is yet to clear Phase-3.</p>

<p>Although there have been claims from the Russian side that Sputnik-V prompts sufficient antibody response against coronavirus infection, critics remain skeptical about the vaccine. Mass trials of Sputnik-V vaccine have not been carried out but high ranking officials and ministers in the Russian Government have been given doses.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-death-toll-in-united-states-passes-200000-trump-blames-china-at-unga-329553">COVID-19: Death toll in United States passes 200,000; Trump blames China at UNGA</a></strong></p>

<p>Putin's own daughter has also been administered the vaccine but which of his two daughters was given the vaccine was a mystery when the news broke.</p>

<p>In his UN speech, Putin said Russia was open to co-operation with respect to Sputnik-V vaccine.</p>

<p>"I would like to reiterate that we are completely open to partner relations and willing to cooperate. In this context, we are proposing to hold an online high-level conference shortly for countries interested in cooperation in the development of anti-coronavirus vaccines," he added</p>

<p>Putin outlined Russia`s active contribution to global and regional counter-COVID-19 efforts, saying the country provided assistance to most affected nations both bilaterally and within multilateral formats. He called on the need to "qualitatively strengthen" the capability of the World Health Organisation (WHO).</p>

<p>"...We first of all take into account the central coordinating role of the WHO, which is part of the UN system. We believe it essential to qualitatively strengthen WHO capability. This work has already begun, and Russia is genuinely motivated to engage in it," the Russian President remarked.</p>

<p><strong>(With agency inputs)</strong></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday offered to provide its coronavirus vaccine free-of-cost to United Nations staff all over the world. He made the proposal during his pre-recorded address to United Nations General Assembly.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday offered to provide its coronavirus vaccine free-of-cost to United Nations staff all over the world. He made the proposal during his pre-recorded address to United Nations General Assembly. Putin called Russian-developed coronavirus vaccine Sputnik-V 'safe, reliable and effective' "Russia is ready to provide the UN with all the necessary qualified assistance, in particular, we are offering to provide our vaccine, free of charge, for the voluntary vaccination of the staff of the UN and its offices. We have received requests from our UN colleagues in this respect, and we will respond to those," said Putin. Sputnik-V vaccine has been developed by Gamaleya Institute in Russia. The vaccine has cleared Phase-2 trials. It is yet to clear Phase-3. Although there have been claims from the Russian side that Sputnik-V prompts sufficient antibody response against coronavirus infection, critics remain skeptical about the vaccine. Mass trials of Sputnik-V vaccine have not been carried out but high ranking officials and ministers in the Russian Government have been given doses. Also Read | COVID-19: Death toll in United States passes 200,000; Trump blames China at UNGA Putin's own daughter has also been administered the vaccine but which of his two daughters was given the vaccine was a mystery when the news broke. In his UN speech, Putin said Russia was open to co-operation with respect to Sputnik-V vaccine. "I would like to reiterate that we are completely open to partner relations and willing to cooperate. In this context, we are proposing to hold an online high-level conference shortly for countries interested in cooperation in the development of anti-coronavirus vaccines," he added Putin outlined Russia`s active contribution to global and regional counter-COVID-19 efforts, saying the country provided assistance to most affected nations both bilaterally and within multilateral formats. He called on the need to "qualitatively strengthen" the capability of the World Health Organisation (WHO). "...We first of all take into account the central coordinating role of the WHO, which is part of the UN system. We believe it essential to qualitatively strengthen WHO capability. This work has already begun, and Russia is genuinely motivated to engage in it," the Russian President remarked. (With agency inputs)

Russia offers to give free coronavirus vaccine for UN staff across globe

<p>France President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday had strong words for Russain President Vladimir Putin and warned of consequences if Russia did not provide adequate explanation over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning. Macron called for "swift and flawless" clarification. He warned that France would not allow its red lines on the use of chemical weapons to be crossed.</p>

<p>"We will not tolerate the use of chemical weapons in Europe, in Russia or in Syria," Emmanuel Macron told the U.N. General Assembly.</p>

<p>"This clarification must be swift and flawless because we will enforce our red lines," Macron said.</p>

<p>Alexei Navalny, opponent and critic of Vladimir Putin was allegedly poisoned on August 20. It is suspected that he was poisoned before his flight from Tomsk to Moscow. He received medical care in Charite Hospital for several weeks and was discharged on Wednesday.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-hospital-releases-russian-leader-navalny-after-novichok-poisoning-329607">German hospital releases Russian leader Navalny after Novichok poisoning</a></strong><br />
<br />
Kremlin has denied any involvement in the incident with Alexei Navalny.</p>

<p>Navalny said in his blog that independent laboratories in Sweden, France and Bundeswehr had confirmed that there was Novichok in his body. Novichok is a Soviet-era nerve agent.</p>

<p>Charite Hospital, where he received treatment, said that "complete recovery" was possible for Alexei Navalny.</p>

<p><strong>(With inputs from Reuters)</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>


France President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday had strong words for Russain President Vladimir Putin and warned of consequences if Russia did not provide adequate explanation over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning.

France President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday had strong words for Russain President Vladimir Putin and warned of consequences if Russia did not provide adequate explanation over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning. Macron called for "swift and flawless" clarification. He warned that France would not allow its red lines on the use of chemical weapons to be crossed. "We will not tolerate the use of chemical weapons in Europe, in Russia or in Syria," Emmanuel Macron told the U.N. General Assembly. "This clarification must be swift and flawless because we will enforce our red lines," Macron said. Alexei Navalny, opponent and critic of Vladimir Putin was allegedly poisoned on August 20. It is suspected that he was poisoned before his flight from Tomsk to Moscow. He received medical care in Charite Hospital for several weeks and was discharged on Wednesday. Also Read | German hospital releases Russian leader Navalny after Novichok poisoning Kremlin has denied any involvement in the incident with Alexei Navalny. Navalny said in his blog that independent laboratories in Sweden, France and Bundeswehr had confirmed that there was Novichok in his body. Novichok is a Soviet-era nerve agent. Charite Hospital, where he received treatment, said that "complete recovery" was possible for Alexei Navalny. (With inputs from Reuters)

Navalny poisoning: Macron demands answers from Russia, warns of consequences

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has now alleged that Western laboratories has found the traces of Novichok found 'in & on' his body. The Putin critic even demanded that Moscow should return his clothes.

Russia: Navalny says Novichok found 'in & on' his body, his clothes are important evidence

In Russia, the chemist who was part Soviet's programme to develop the Novichok agent has apologised to prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny after Novichok traces found in his body.

Russia: Novichok developer apologises to Navalny after Novichok traces found in his body

<p>Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who was reportedly poisoned,&nbsp;is seen in a new picture where he is walking downstairs. He posted a photograph of himself on Instagram and said his path to recovery was "clear, although long."</p>

<p>He added he still has difficulties climbing stairs because his legs tremble.</p>

<p>Navalny, the leading opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, fell ill in Siberia last month and was airlifted to Berlin.&nbsp;The dissident is recovering in Germany but his press secretary has&nbsp;said that he intends to eventually return to Russia.</p>

<p>Germany says laboratory tests in three countries have determined he was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent, and Western governments have demanded an explanation from Russia.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFUAPu8llSO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Давайте расскажу, как идёт мое восстановление. Это уже ясная дорога, хоть и неблизкая. Все текущие проблемы вроде того, что телефон в моих руках бесполезен, как камень, а налить себе водички превращается в целый аттракцион, - сущая ерунда. Объясню. Совсем недавно я не узнавал людей и не понимал, как разговаривать. Каждое утро ко мне приходил доктор и говорил: Алексей, я принёс доску, давайте придумаем, какое на ней написать слово. Это приводило меня в отчаяние, потому что хоть я уже и понимал в целом, что хочет доктор, но не понимал, где брать слова. В каком месте головы они возникают? Где найти слово и как сделать так, чтобы оно что-то означало? Все это было решительно непонятно. Впрочем, как выразить своё отчаяние, я тоже не знал и поэтому просто молчал. И это я еще описываю поздний этап, который сам помню. Сейчас я парень, у которого дрожат ноги, когда он идёт по лестнице, но зато он думает: «о, это ж лестница! По ней поднимаются. Пожалуй, надо поискать лифт». А раньше бы просто тупо стоял и смотрел. Так что много проблем ещё предстоит решить, но потрясающие врачи университетской Берлинской клиники «Шарите» решили главную. Они превратили меня из «технически живого человека» в того, кто имеет все шансы снова стать Высшей Формой Существа Современного Общества, - человеком, который умеет быстро листать инстаграм и без размышлений понимает, где ставить лайки.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/navalny/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Алексей Навальный</a> (@navalny) on <time datetime="2020-09-19T09:09:24+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Sep 19, 2020 at 2:09am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Navalny&nbsp;had earlier&nbsp;posted a photograph of himself on his hospital bed in Berlin.</p>

<p>Navalny was pictured alongside his family in the photo, which was posted on his Instagram account on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Putin has, meanwhile,&nbsp;called the accusations of Kremlin involvement in the incident with Navalny "unfounded" and "inappropriate."</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFJwV0Dly0Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Привет, это Навальный. Скучаю по вам 😍. Я все ещё почти ничего не умею, но вот вчера смог целый день дышать сам. Вообще сам. Никакой посторонней помощи, даже простейший вентиль в горле не использовал. Очень понравилось. Удивительный, недооценённый многими процесс. Рекомендую</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/navalny/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Алексей Навальный</a> (@navalny) on <time datetime="2020-09-15T09:38:01+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Sep 15, 2020 at 2:38am PDT</time></p>
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Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who was reportedly poisoned, is seen in a new picture where he is walking downstairs. He posted a photograph of himself on Instagram and said his path to recovery was "clear, although long.

Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who was reportedly poisoned, is seen in a new picture where he is walking downstairs. He posted a photograph of himself on Instagram and said his path to recovery was "clear, although long." He added he still has difficulties climbing stairs because his legs tremble. Navalny, the leading opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, fell ill in Siberia last month and was airlifted to Berlin. The dissident is recovering in Germany but his press secretary has said that he intends to eventually return to Russia. Germany says laboratory tests in three countries have determined he was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent, and Western governments have demanded an explanation from Russia. View this post on Instagram Давайте расскажу, как идёт мое восстановление. Это уже ясная дорога, хоть и неблизкая. Все текущие проблемы вроде того, что телефон в моих руках бесполезен, как камень, а налить себе водички превращается в целый аттракцион, - сущая ерунда. Объясню. Совсем недавно я не узнавал людей и не понимал, как разговаривать. Каждое утро ко мне приходил доктор и говорил: Алексей, я принёс доску, давайте придумаем, какое на ней написать слово. Это приводило меня в отчаяние, потому что хоть я уже и понимал в целом, что хочет доктор, но не понимал, где брать слова. В каком месте головы они возникают? Где найти слово и как сделать так, чтобы оно что-то означало? Все это было решительно непонятно. Впрочем, как выразить своё отчаяние, я тоже не знал и поэтому просто молчал. И это я еще описываю поздний этап, который сам помню. Сейчас я парень, у которого дрожат ноги, когда он идёт по лестнице, но зато он думает: «о, это ж лестница! По ней поднимаются. Пожалуй, надо поискать лифт». А раньше бы просто тупо стоял и смотрел. Так что много проблем ещё предстоит решить, но потрясающие врачи университетской Берлинской клиники «Шарите» решили главную. Они превратили меня из «технически живого человека» в того, кто имеет все шансы снова стать Высшей Формой Существа Современного Общества, - человеком, который умеет быстро листать инстаграм и без размышлений понимает, где ставить лайки. A post shared by Алексей Навальный (@navalny) on Sep 19, 2020 at 2:09am PDT × Navalny had earlier posted a photograph of himself on his hospital bed in Berlin. Navalny was pictured alongside his family in the photo, which was posted on his Instagram account on Tuesday. Putin has, meanwhile, called the accusations of Kremlin involvement in the incident with Navalny "unfounded" and "inappropriate." View this post on Instagram Привет, это Навальный. Скучаю по вам 😍. Я все ещё почти ничего не умею, но вот вчера смог целый день дышать сам. Вообще сам. Никакой посторонней помощи, даже простейший вентиль в горле не использовал. Очень понравилось. Удивительный, недооценённый многими процесс. Рекомендую A post shared by Алексей Навальный (@navalny) on Sep 15, 2020 at 2:38am PDT ×

Kremlin critic Navalny pictured walking downstairs as he recovers from novichok poisoning

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 70th birthday and lauded his contribution to the strengthening of strategic partnership between India and Russia.</p>

<p>Modi expressed his warm appreciation for the gesture.</p>

<p>During the telephonic conversation, Modi thanked Putin for his personal commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with India, and said that he looked forward to welcoming President Putin in India for the next bilateral summit at a mutually convenient date.</p>

<p>Both leaders reiterated their strong commitment to further strengthen the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' between India and Russia, and expressed appreciation for the continued momentum in bilateral interactions despite the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In this context, they referred to the recent productive visits to Moscow by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.</p>

<p>PM Modi thanked Putin for the successful Russian Chairmanship of the SCO and BRICS this year. He conveyed his eagerness to participate in the forthcoming SCO and BRICS Summit later this year, as well as the Council of SCO Heads of Government to be hosted by India.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi, born on September 17 in 1950, turned 70 on Thursday.</p>

<p>Putin even wrote Modi a letter wishing him on his birthday.</p>

<p>In the letter to Modi, Putin said, “Kindly accept my heartfelt congratulations on your 70th birth anniversary.”</p>

<p>Praising Modi, Putin said his activity as India’s head of the government has earned him the well-deserved respect of compatriots and high international prestige. “Under your leadership India is successfully moving along the path of socio-economic, scientific and technical development,” he said.</p>

<p>“It is hard to overestimate your personal contribution to the strengthening of the special and privileged strategic partnership between our countries,” Putin noted in the letter uploaded on the website of the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.</p>

<p>The president said he values the kind, friendly relations that have developed between him and Modi.</p>

<p>“I look forward to continue constructive dialogue with you and work closely together on topical issues of the bilateral and international agenda. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you good health, happiness, well-being and every success,” he said.</p>

<p><em><strong>(with inputs)</strong></em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 70th birthday and lauded his contribution to the strengthening of strategic partnership between India and Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 70th birthday and lauded his contribution to the strengthening of strategic partnership between India and Russia. Modi expressed his warm appreciation for the gesture. During the telephonic conversation, Modi thanked Putin for his personal commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with India, and said that he looked forward to welcoming President Putin in India for the next bilateral summit at a mutually convenient date. Both leaders reiterated their strong commitment to further strengthen the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' between India and Russia, and expressed appreciation for the continued momentum in bilateral interactions despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, they referred to the recent productive visits to Moscow by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. PM Modi thanked Putin for the successful Russian Chairmanship of the SCO and BRICS this year. He conveyed his eagerness to participate in the forthcoming SCO and BRICS Summit later this year, as well as the Council of SCO Heads of Government to be hosted by India. Prime Minister Modi, born on September 17 in 1950, turned 70 on Thursday. Putin even wrote Modi a letter wishing him on his birthday. In the letter to Modi, Putin said, “Kindly accept my heartfelt congratulations on your 70th birth anniversary.” Praising Modi, Putin said his activity as India’s head of the government has earned him the well-deserved respect of compatriots and high international prestige. “Under your leadership India is successfully moving along the path of socio-economic, scientific and technical development,” he said. “It is hard to overestimate your personal contribution to the strengthening of the special and privileged strategic partnership between our countries,” Putin noted in the letter uploaded on the website of the Russian Embassy in New Delhi. The president said he values the kind, friendly relations that have developed between him and Modi. “I look forward to continue constructive dialogue with you and work closely together on topical issues of the bilateral and international agenda. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you good health, happiness, well-being and every success,” he said. (with inputs)

PM Modi, Putin reiterate commitment to further strengthen India-Russia ties in telephonic conversation

Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged a $1.5 billion loan to Belarus during a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko

Russia throws $1.5 billion credit lifeline to 'closest ally' Belarus

Talks between Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi have ended. The talks lasted more than 4 hours. Putin has promised a $1.5 billion loan to Lukashenko.

Fineprint: Putin Promises $1.5 billion loan to Lukashenko

In an effort to fight Vladimir Putin’s electoral machine, Navalny and his team have urged Russians to vote tactically by backing the strongest candidates

Regional Election in Russia: Pro-Kremlin party set to claim victory

<p>France's independent analysis has concluded that Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned with the Soviet-style nerve agent Novichok in an attempted assassination.</p>

<p>President Emmanuel Macron's office said in a statement on Monday: "The president expressed his deep concern over the criminal act perpetrated against Alexei Navalany and the imperative that all light be shed, without delay, on the circumstances and responsibilities of this attempted assassination."</p>

<p>According to the Elysee, Macron on Monday "expressed his full solidarity with Germany over the steps to be taken and the consequences to be drawn from the situation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president also urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to urgently shed light on Navalmy's "attempted murder", after French tests confirmed the use of the Novichok nerve agent, the Elysee said.</p>

<p>The German government had said earlier that laboratories in France and Sweden confirmed its own findings that Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.</p>

<p>Macron told Putin in telephone talks that it is "imperative that all light be shed, without delay, on the circumstances of this attempted murder and who is responsible," the French presidency said in a statement.</p>

<p>He also informed Putin that France's own analysis had confirmed Germany's conclusion that Navalny was poisoned by a Novichok nerve agent "in contravention of international norms on using chemical weapons."</p>

<p>France has been backing its ally Germany, which has already warned that blame for the poisoning will fall on Russian if it fails to explain what happened.</p>


France's independent analysis has concluded that Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned with the Soviet-style nerve agent Novichok in an attempted assassination.

France's independent analysis has concluded that Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned with the Soviet-style nerve agent Novichok in an attempted assassination. President Emmanuel Macron's office said in a statement on Monday: "The president expressed his deep concern over the criminal act perpetrated against Alexei Navalany and the imperative that all light be shed, without delay, on the circumstances and responsibilities of this attempted assassination." According to the Elysee, Macron on Monday "expressed his full solidarity with Germany over the steps to be taken and the consequences to be drawn from the situation." The president also urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to urgently shed light on Navalmy's "attempted murder", after French tests confirmed the use of the Novichok nerve agent, the Elysee said. The German government had said earlier that laboratories in France and Sweden confirmed its own findings that Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. Macron told Putin in telephone talks that it is "imperative that all light be shed, without delay, on the circumstances of this attempted murder and who is responsible," the French presidency said in a statement. He also informed Putin that France's own analysis had confirmed Germany's conclusion that Navalny was poisoned by a Novichok nerve agent "in contravention of international norms on using chemical weapons." France has been backing its ally Germany, which has already warned that blame for the poisoning will fall on Russian if it fails to explain what happened.

France's independent analysis concludes Navalny was poisoned; Macron speaks to Putin

<p>Russians vote on Sunday in dozens of local elections that will be scrutinised for signs of discontent with the ruling United Russia party following the suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.</p>

<p>Navalny, 44, had hoped to undermine United Russia’s grip on regional power and had urged his supporters to vote against it tactically before he fell gravely ill in what Germany and his allies say was an attempt to kill him last month.</p>

<p>United Russia, which backs President Vladimir Putin, dominates regional politics, but the elections come at a time of public frustration over years of falling wages and the government’s handling of the pandemic.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-election-eve-several-thousand-join-anti-kremlin-rally-in-russian-far-east-327063"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;On election eve, several thousand join anti-Kremlin rally in Russian Far East</strong></a></p>

<p>Seen as a dry run for next September’s parliament elections, the regional polls will elect 18 governors and an array of local parliaments and city councils.</p>

<p>Early voting began on Friday after authorities stretched out the elections over three days, a move criticised by independent election watchdog Golos which warned the longer period would make it harder for monitors to catch fraud at polling stations.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-police-seek-to-question-alexei-navalny-in-germany-326801"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Russian police seek to question Alexei Navalny in Germany</strong></a></p>

<p>Navalny’s allies have pressed ahead with the Kremlin critic’s “smart voting” strategy, naming more than a thousand politicians on the ballots they think can beat ruling party candidates and telling their supporters to vote for them.</p>

<p>The strategy aims to disrupt a political system that often bars the Kremlin’s staunchest foes from running, while allowing softer candidates from the parliamentary parties to compete. Navalny has been unable to set up his own party.</p>

<p>The anti-corruption campaigner also has dozens of allies running in elections for seats in the city councils of Novosibirsk and Tomsk in Siberia.</p>

<p>There have been some signs of anti-Kremlin discontent in the regions.</p>

<p>Mass rallies in the far eastern city of Khabarovsk show no sign of abating two months after they flared over the arrest of a popular local governor who defeated United Russia’s candidate in an election upset in 2018.</p>


Russians vote on Sunday in dozens of local elections that will be scrutinised for signs of discontent with the ruling United Russia party following the suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Russians vote on Sunday in dozens of local elections that will be scrutinised for signs of discontent with the ruling United Russia party following the suspected poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Navalny, 44, had hoped to undermine United Russia’s grip on regional power and had urged his supporters to vote against it tactically before he fell gravely ill in what Germany and his allies say was an attempt to kill him last month. United Russia, which backs President Vladimir Putin, dominates regional politics, but the elections come at a time of public frustration over years of falling wages and the government’s handling of the pandemic. Also read: On election eve, several thousand join anti-Kremlin rally in Russian Far East Seen as a dry run for next September’s parliament elections, the regional polls will elect 18 governors and an array of local parliaments and city councils. Early voting began on Friday after authorities stretched out the elections over three days, a move criticised by independent election watchdog Golos which warned the longer period would make it harder for monitors to catch fraud at polling stations. Also read: Russian police seek to question Alexei Navalny in Germany Navalny’s allies have pressed ahead with the Kremlin critic’s “smart voting” strategy, naming more than a thousand politicians on the ballots they think can beat ruling party candidates and telling their supporters to vote for them. The strategy aims to disrupt a political system that often bars the Kremlin’s staunchest foes from running, while allowing softer candidates from the parliamentary parties to compete. Navalny has been unable to set up his own party. The anti-corruption campaigner also has dozens of allies running in elections for seats in the city councils of Novosibirsk and Tomsk in Siberia. There have been some signs of anti-Kremlin discontent in the regions. Mass rallies in the far eastern city of Khabarovsk show no sign of abating two months after they flared over the arrest of a popular local governor who defeated United Russia’s candidate in an election upset in 2018.

Russians vote in local elections targeted by Kremlin critic Navalny

<p>Russia on Sunday voted in regional elections overshadowed by the poisoning of the main opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The Kremlin critic had been urging supporters to vote tactically to push out the ruling party backing President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p>Voters went to the polls on Sunday morning, wearing compulsory masks and gloves and undergoing temperature checks to protect against coronavirus infection in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk.</p>

<p>Navalny also has dozens of allies running for the city council in Siberia’s Novosibirsk, hoping to tap into frustrations with the ruling party after years of falling wages and a coronavirus lockdown that hit businesses.</p>

<p>The votes are among an array of local elections being held across Russia’s regions on Sunday.</p>

<p>It is rare for Navalny’s allies to be allowed to compete in elections and the 44-year-old was himself barred from taking part in Russia’s last presidential election in 2018.</p>

<p>The anti-corruption campaigner, who is now being treated in a hospital in Berlin, carved out a following on YouTube publishing videos alleging high-level graft among President Vladimir Putin’s allies and targeting the United Russia party.</p>

<p>In 41 of the country's 85 regions, Russians are voting for regional governors and lawmakers in regional and city legislatures as well as in several by-elections for national MPs.</p>

<p>The vote is seen as a key test of the Kremlin's control of local politics as the United Russia ruling party has seen a drop in popularity amid simmering public anger over falling incomes and economic woes.</p>

<p>Experts say the poisoning of Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition figure, can influence voters. After he was evacuated from Siberia to Berlin, German doctors said Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.</p>

<p>His associates believe the use of the banned chemical weapon shows only the Russian state could be responsible.</p>

<p>Navalny has sought to promote tactical voting, urging his supporters to back whichever is the strongest candidate to defeat the ruling party. He had been in Siberia to promote his "smart voting" campaign when he fell ill.</p>

<p>Berlin has demanded an explanation from Moscow after it said German doctors found the banned Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok in Navalny’s body. Russia says there is no solid evidence yet that Navalny was poisoned.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, elections in the country are for the first time being held over three days and some polling stations for early voting were open-air.</p>

<p>Early voting began on Friday and Sunday is the main polling day.</p>

<p>Several regions recorded large turnouts in two days of early voting, with over 50 percent of the electorate casting ballots early in the far eastern Jewish Autonomous Region and in Tatarstan.</p>

<p>The controversial three-day system was first used this summer for a national vote on constitutional amendments that made it possible for Putin to stay in power until 2036.</p>

<p>Tens of thousands have taken to the streets there for the past two months over the arrest of a popular governor who defeated an incumbent from the ruling party in 2018.</p>

<p>The case of the former Khabarovsk governor and the protest movement in Russia's neighbour Belarus have both sparked small-scale demonstrations in solidarity in Russian cities, suggesting there is potential for a protest vote.</p>

<p><em><strong>(with inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>


Russia on Sunday voted in regional elections overshadowed by the poisoning of the main opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The Kremlin critic had been urging supporters to vote tactically to push out the ruling party backing President Vladimir Putin.

Russia on Sunday voted in regional elections overshadowed by the poisoning of the main opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The Kremlin critic had been urging supporters to vote tactically to push out the ruling party backing President Vladimir Putin. Voters went to the polls on Sunday morning, wearing compulsory masks and gloves and undergoing temperature checks to protect against coronavirus infection in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk. Navalny also has dozens of allies running for the city council in Siberia’s Novosibirsk, hoping to tap into frustrations with the ruling party after years of falling wages and a coronavirus lockdown that hit businesses. The votes are among an array of local elections being held across Russia’s regions on Sunday. It is rare for Navalny’s allies to be allowed to compete in elections and the 44-year-old was himself barred from taking part in Russia’s last presidential election in 2018. The anti-corruption campaigner, who is now being treated in a hospital in Berlin, carved out a following on YouTube publishing videos alleging high-level graft among President Vladimir Putin’s allies and targeting the United Russia party. In 41 of the country's 85 regions, Russians are voting for regional governors and lawmakers in regional and city legislatures as well as in several by-elections for national MPs. The vote is seen as a key test of the Kremlin's control of local politics as the United Russia ruling party has seen a drop in popularity amid simmering public anger over falling incomes and economic woes. Experts say the poisoning of Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition figure, can influence voters. After he was evacuated from Siberia to Berlin, German doctors said Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. His associates believe the use of the banned chemical weapon shows only the Russian state could be responsible. Navalny has sought to promote tactical voting, urging his supporters to back whichever is the strongest candidate to defeat the ruling party. He had been in Siberia to promote his "smart voting" campaign when he fell ill. Berlin has demanded an explanation from Moscow after it said German doctors found the banned Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok in Navalny’s body. Russia says there is no solid evidence yet that Navalny was poisoned. Meanwhile, elections in the country are for the first time being held over three days and some polling stations for early voting were open-air. Early voting began on Friday and Sunday is the main polling day. Several regions recorded large turnouts in two days of early voting, with over 50 percent of the electorate casting ballots early in the far eastern Jewish Autonomous Region and in Tatarstan. The controversial three-day system was first used this summer for a national vote on constitutional amendments that made it possible for Putin to stay in power until 2036. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets there for the past two months over the arrest of a popular governor who defeated an incumbent from the ruling party in 2018. The case of the former Khabarovsk governor and the protest movement in Russia's neighbour Belarus have both sparked small-scale demonstrations in solidarity in Russian cities, suggesting there is potential for a protest vote. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia holds regional polls in shadow of Kremlin critic Navalny's poisoning

<p>Russian police on Friday said they would ask Germany to question Kremlin's opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is undergoing treatment in Berlin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development came after a German magazine reported on Thursday said that Navalny has made progress in his recovery and is able to speak again.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-condition-improves-russia-still-sees-no-ground-for-criminal-case-326588">Alexei Navalny's condition improves, Russia still sees no ground for criminal case</a></strong></p>

<p>It is being understood by Der Spiegel that "Navalny can speak again and can likely remember details about his collapse."</p>

<p>Germany says that Navalny, a well-known critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was poisoned by a soviet-style Novichok nerve agent, a claim denied by Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny's alleged poisoning has raised eyebrows in West, with experts questioning Moscow's role in an attempt to silence its most prominent critic.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said there was a "substantial chance" his poisoning was ordered by top Russian officials.</p>


Russian police on Friday said they would ask Germany to question Kremlin's opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is undergoing treatment in Berlin. The development came after a German magazine reported on Thursday said that Navalny has made progress in his recovery and is able to speak again.

Russian police on Friday said they would ask Germany to question Kremlin's opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is undergoing treatment in Berlin. The development came after a German magazine reported on Thursday said that Navalny has made progress in his recovery and is able to speak again. Also read | Alexei Navalny's condition improves, Russia still sees no ground for criminal case It is being understood by Der Spiegel that "Navalny can speak again and can likely remember details about his collapse." Germany says that Navalny, a well-known critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was poisoned by a soviet-style Novichok nerve agent, a claim denied by Moscow. Navalny's alleged poisoning has raised eyebrows in West, with experts questioning Moscow's role in an attempt to silence its most prominent critic. On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said there was a "substantial chance" his poisoning was ordered by top Russian officials.

Russian police seek to question Alexei Navalny in Germany

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<p>US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that there was "substantial chances" that a senior official in Kremlin ordered opposition leader Alexei Navalny's poisoning.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-nobel-peace-prize-nomination-a-testament-to-his-bold-diplomacy-and-vision-white-house-326386" hreflang="en">Trump's Nobel Peace Prize nomination a 'testament to his bold diplomacy and vision': White House</a></p>

<p>"I think people all around the world see this kind of activity for what it is," Pompeo said in a radio interview.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-calls-germanys-handling-of-requests-on-navalny-inappropriate-326313" hreflang="en">Russia calls Germany's handling of requests on Navalny 'inappropriate'</a></p>

<p>"And when they see the effort to poison a dissident, and they recognize that there is a substantial chance that this actually came from senior Russian officials, I think this is not good for the Russian people," he told conservative host Ben Shapiro.</p>

<p>Navalny has been the most visible critic within Russia of President Vladimir Putin and mysteriously got critically ill while taking a flight in Siberia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, he was flown for treatment to Germany, where doctors said he was poisoned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pompeo regurgitated that the United States and its European allies all wanted Russia to "hold those responsible for this accountable" and said Washington would also try to identify the perpetrators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's something that we'll take a look at, we'll evaluate, and we'll make sure we do our part to do whatever we can to reduce the risk that things like this happen again."</p>

<p>These remarks by the US Secretary of State come despite Trump's comment last week that he had seen no proof that Navalny was poisoned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump has sought warmer relations with Putin, although his administration has still pushed sanctions over Ukraine and other concerns.</p>

<p><em>(Inputs from AFP)</em></p>


US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that there was "substantial chances" that a senior official in Kremlin ordered opposition leader Alexei Navalny's poisoning.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said that there was "substantial chances" that a senior official in Kremlin ordered opposition leader Alexei Navalny's poisoning. Also read: Trump's Nobel Peace Prize nomination a 'testament to his bold diplomacy and vision': White House "I think people all around the world see this kind of activity for what it is," Pompeo said in a radio interview. Also read: Russia calls Germany's handling of requests on Navalny 'inappropriate' "And when they see the effort to poison a dissident, and they recognize that there is a substantial chance that this actually came from senior Russian officials, I think this is not good for the Russian people," he told conservative host Ben Shapiro. Navalny has been the most visible critic within Russia of President Vladimir Putin and mysteriously got critically ill while taking a flight in Siberia. Later, he was flown for treatment to Germany, where doctors said he was poisoned. Pompeo regurgitated that the United States and its European allies all wanted Russia to "hold those responsible for this accountable" and said Washington would also try to identify the perpetrators. "It's something that we'll take a look at, we'll evaluate, and we'll make sure we do our part to do whatever we can to reduce the risk that things like this happen again." These remarks by the US Secretary of State come despite Trump's comment last week that he had seen no proof that Navalny was poisoned. Trump has sought warmer relations with Putin, although his administration has still pushed sanctions over Ukraine and other concerns. (Inputs from AFP)

Alexei Navalny's poisoning likely by 'senior Russian officials': Mike Pompeo

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told an Italian newspaper earlier on Thursday that Putin had promised to set up an inquiry into the recent poisoning of his critic Alexei Navalny.

Putin vows to open inquiry into Alexei Navalny poisoning

<p>Unidentified attackers beat up an activist campaigning for hospitalised Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in the Urals city of Chelyabinsk, his colleagues said Thursday.</p>

<p>Alexei Baraboshkin, the local coordinator for Navalny, was "assaulted by unknown attackers" late Wednesday after receiving threats for several weeks, his campaign office wrote on Telegram.</p>

<p>It posted a picture of him with a bruised and bleeding eye.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-poisoning-likely-by-senior-russian-officials-mike-pompeo-326402"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;Alexei Navalny's poisoning likely by 'senior Russian officials': Mike Pompeo</strong></a></p>

<p>Navalny is being treated in Germany for poisoning with Novichok in an incident that has sparked international condemnation and the threat of sanctions against Russia.</p>

<p>The Kremlin critic was leading a nationwide tactical voting campaign aimed at pushing out the ruling party in polls this weekend for regional and local assemblies.</p>

<p>Doctors suspected the Chelyabinsk campaigner suffered a fractured skull and concussion, according to a medical document posted by his team, who said the attackers did not take his money or phone.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-calls-germanys-handling-of-requests-on-navalny-inappropriate-326313"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;Russia calls Germany's handling of requests on Navalny 'inappropriate'</strong></a></p>

<p>A police spokeswoman in Chelyabinsk said officers were carrying out a check after receiving a report from the hospital, the RIA Novosti state news agency reported.</p>

<p>Chelyabinsk residents on Sunday will vote for regional and municipal deputies.</p>

<p>Early voting will begin nationwide from Friday, in a move to reduce the coronavirus risk at polling stations, while opposition activists fear this will make it easier to falsify the results.</p>

<p>Regional campaigners for Navalny have reported numerous threats and acts of intimidation as well as regular searches of their homes and detentions by police.</p>


Unidentified attackers beat up an activist campaigning for hospitalised Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in the Urals city of Chelyabinsk, his colleagues said Thursday.

Unidentified attackers beat up an activist campaigning for hospitalised Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in the Urals city of Chelyabinsk, his colleagues said Thursday. Alexei Baraboshkin, the local coordinator for Navalny, was "assaulted by unknown attackers" late Wednesday after receiving threats for several weeks, his campaign office wrote on Telegram. It posted a picture of him with a bruised and bleeding eye. Also read| Alexei Navalny's poisoning likely by 'senior Russian officials': Mike Pompeo Navalny is being treated in Germany for poisoning with Novichok in an incident that has sparked international condemnation and the threat of sanctions against Russia. The Kremlin critic was leading a nationwide tactical voting campaign aimed at pushing out the ruling party in polls this weekend for regional and local assemblies. Doctors suspected the Chelyabinsk campaigner suffered a fractured skull and concussion, according to a medical document posted by his team, who said the attackers did not take his money or phone. Also read| Russia calls Germany's handling of requests on Navalny 'inappropriate' A police spokeswoman in Chelyabinsk said officers were carrying out a check after receiving a report from the hospital, the RIA Novosti state news agency reported. Chelyabinsk residents on Sunday will vote for regional and municipal deputies. Early voting will begin nationwide from Friday, in a move to reduce the coronavirus risk at polling stations, while opposition activists fear this will make it easier to falsify the results. Regional campaigners for Navalny have reported numerous threats and acts of intimidation as well as regular searches of their homes and detentions by police.

Campaigner for Kremlin critic Navalny beaten up

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who Germany says was poisoned by a weapons-grade Novichok nerve agent, is now out of a medically induced coma and reacting to speecH

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny out of induced coma

<p>The UN&nbsp;rights chief has urged Russia to conduct a&nbsp;&nbsp;"thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation" into the alleged poisoning of Putin's critic&nbsp;Alexei Navalny.</p>

<p>"The number of cases of poisoning, or other forms of targeted assassination, of current or former Russian citizens, either within Russia itself or on foreign soil, over the past two decades is profoundly disturbing," Michelle Bachelet said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-opposition-figure-navalny-who-was-poisoned-now-out-of-medically-induced-coma-325807"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Russia's opposition figure Navalny who was poisoned now out of medically induced coma</strong></a></p>

<p>Calling this a very serious crime, she said "it is incumbent on the Russian authorities to fully investigate who was responsible for this crime – a very serious crime that was committed on Russian soil."</p>

<p>Russia's ties with the west are suffering after&nbsp;Navalny's alleged poisoning&nbsp;case. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Monday, said the country will not rule out consequences for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project if Russia fails to thoroughly investigate the incident.</p>

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<p>The US President Donald Trump, too, had called it a serious crime, saying,&nbsp;"I would be very angry if that's the case."</p>

<p>The British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab had also said,&nbsp;“What is clear right now is that the Russian government has a very serious set of questions to answer."</p>

<p>However, Russia has denied all allegations since the beginning of the matter.&nbsp;"Attempts to somehow associate Russia with what happened are unacceptable to us, they are absurd," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Russian doctors had even blamed&nbsp;Navalny's condition on poor health and sleeping patterns.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Alexei Navalny&nbsp;came out of the medically induced coma on September 07, reported&nbsp;the hospital in Berlin where he is being treated.</p>


The UN rights chief has urged Russia to conduct a "thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation" into the alleged poisoning of Putin's critic Alexei Navalny.

The UN rights chief has urged Russia to conduct a "thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation" into the alleged poisoning of Putin's critic Alexei Navalny. "The number of cases of poisoning, or other forms of targeted assassination, of current or former Russian citizens, either within Russia itself or on foreign soil, over the past two decades is profoundly disturbing," Michelle Bachelet said in a statement. Also read: Russia's opposition figure Navalny who was poisoned now out of medically induced coma Calling this a very serious crime, she said "it is incumbent on the Russian authorities to fully investigate who was responsible for this crime – a very serious crime that was committed on Russian soil." Russia's ties with the west are suffering after Navalny's alleged poisoning case. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Monday, said the country will not rule out consequences for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project if Russia fails to thoroughly investigate the incident. × The US President Donald Trump, too, had called it a serious crime, saying, "I would be very angry if that's the case." The British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab had also said, “What is clear right now is that the Russian government has a very serious set of questions to answer." However, Russia has denied all allegations since the beginning of the matter. "Attempts to somehow associate Russia with what happened are unacceptable to us, they are absurd," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Russian doctors had even blamed Navalny's condition on poor health and sleeping patterns. Meanwhile, Alexei Navalny came out of the medically induced coma on September 07, reported the hospital in Berlin where he is being treated.

UN urges Russia to conduct transparent investigation of Navalny's poisoning

<p>US President Donald Trump might have broken his recent silence on Russia and the attack on Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny, but there has been no reaction on alleged Russian efforts to interfere in US politics. This despite Thursday's news that an intelligence bulletin issued by the Department of Homeland Security warned that Moscow is attempting to sow doubt about the integrity of the 2020 elections by amplifying false claims that mail-in voting resulting in widespread fraud.</p>

<p>Instead, Trump appeared starkly out of step with the leaders of Britain and Germany, who have expressed outrage at the attack on Navalny.</p>

<p>He called it "tragic" but emphasising that he has a good relationship with the Russian leader.</p>

<p>"I don't know exactly what happened. I think it's tragic. It's terrible; it shouldn't happen. We haven't had any proof yet, but I will take a look," Trump said on Friday in a news conference at the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to further questions on the matter he attempted to deflect to his favorite opponent, claiming that what China is doing is "far worse." And as he had done the night before at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, he stressed, "I do get along with President Putin."</p>

<p>Also, Trump did not make any mention of other provocations in recent weeks, including a collision between a Russian military convoy and a US armoured vehicle that injured seven American troops.</p>

<p>These were his first comments on Navalny since Germany said he had been poisoned with a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group -- the same substance the Kremlin used to poison ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the United Kingdom in March 2018.</p>

<p>In recent days, a Russian submarine suddenly surfaced off Alaska, and a US B-52 bomber was intercepted by a Russian Su-27 fighter over the Baltic Sea. The Russians followed the B-52 well into Danish airspace, committing a significant violation of the airspace of a NATO nation and US ally.</p>

<p>But at his Friday news conference, Trump claimed that he's "been tougher on Russia than anybody else by far."</p>

<p>Russia, on its part, has denied any wrongdoing in recent military encounters.</p>

<p>The White House has so far offered no explanation for the President's silence in the face of the repeated military provocations. But experts are unconvinced.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


US President Donald Trump might have broken his recent silence on Russia and the attack on Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny, but there has been no reaction on alleged Russian efforts to interfere in US politics.

US President Donald Trump might have broken his recent silence on Russia and the attack on Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny, but there has been no reaction on alleged Russian efforts to interfere in US politics. This despite Thursday's news that an intelligence bulletin issued by the Department of Homeland Security warned that Moscow is attempting to sow doubt about the integrity of the 2020 elections by amplifying false claims that mail-in voting resulting in widespread fraud. Instead, Trump appeared starkly out of step with the leaders of Britain and Germany, who have expressed outrage at the attack on Navalny. He called it "tragic" but emphasising that he has a good relationship with the Russian leader. "I don't know exactly what happened. I think it's tragic. It's terrible; it shouldn't happen. We haven't had any proof yet, but I will take a look," Trump said on Friday in a news conference at the White House. In response to further questions on the matter he attempted to deflect to his favorite opponent, claiming that what China is doing is "far worse." And as he had done the night before at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, he stressed, "I do get along with President Putin." Also, Trump did not make any mention of other provocations in recent weeks, including a collision between a Russian military convoy and a US armoured vehicle that injured seven American troops. These were his first comments on Navalny since Germany said he had been poisoned with a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group -- the same substance the Kremlin used to poison ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the United Kingdom in March 2018. In recent days, a Russian submarine suddenly surfaced off Alaska, and a US B-52 bomber was intercepted by a Russian Su-27 fighter over the Baltic Sea. The Russians followed the B-52 well into Danish airspace, committing a significant violation of the airspace of a NATO nation and US ally. But at his Friday news conference, Trump claimed that he's "been tougher on Russia than anybody else by far." Russia, on its part, has denied any wrongdoing in recent military encounters. The White House has so far offered no explanation for the President's silence in the face of the repeated military provocations. But experts are unconvinced.

Trump says he 'gets along' with Putin amid international criticism of Russian aggression

Russia praised its embattled ally Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s proposals for constitutional changes; Report is here, watch this video.

Russia backs Lukashenko’s constitution reform for Belarus

Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee passes away yesterday at the age of 84. He was remembered not only by Indian leaders and citizens but getting last tributes from global leaders. America's Former Vice President Joe Biden and nominee for President this year tweeted 'He was a devout Public servant'. Russian President Vladimir Putin also tweeted and said 'Pranab Mukherjee was Russia's friend'.

World leaders remember Pranab Mukherjee

<p>Belarusians chanted "Happy Birthday, you rat" and flew red-and-white opposition flags as they gathered near President Alexander Lukashenko 's residence on Sunday.</p>

<p>The president, in office for 26 years, has shown no inclination to step down despite protesters keeping up pressure on him to resign.</p>

<p>For the second weekend in a row he appeared in a black cap and carrying an automatic rifle while walking around his residence, according to a photo published by Russia 's RIA news agency.</p>

<p>Lukashenko, who turned 66 on Sunday, is struggling to contain weeks of protests and strikes since winning an August 9 election his opponents say was rigged. He denies electoral fraud and has said the protesters, whom he previously called "rats", are backed from abroad.</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin used a birthday phone call to invite Lukashenko to visit Moscow, a sign of the Kremlin 's willingness to back Lukashenko as he grapples with the unrest and the threat of new Western sanctions.</p>

<p>Tens of thousands of protesters streamed into central Minsk, carrying balloons, flowers and flags, in the afternoon. Belarus had a white-red-white flag for a brief period in the early 1990s and it has become a symbol of its anti-government protests.</p>

<p>Passing cars honked their horns in solidarity. Some women lay down in protest in front of a cordon of helmeted security forces.</p>

<p>Protesters then converged on Lukashenko 's residence, which was guarded by a wall of security forces carrying shields. A column of armoured military vehicles was seen driving towards the city centre.</p>

<p>Police made sporadic detentions throughout the day, bundling people into prisoner vans. At least 140 people were detained, the interior ministry said, according to RIA. Some protesters resisted arrest by what appeared to be plain-clothes officers, an eyewitness said.</p>

<p>Earlier on Sunday, video footage shared by local media showed women dressed in traditional dress laying several pumpkins in front of the main government building, a folk custom intended to signal the rejection of a suitor.</p>

<p>In a holiday atmosphere, the protesters occasionally sang songs. At one point, a man draped in a flag got down on one knee and made a marriage proposal to a woman who accepted with a hug and a kiss as bystanders cheered.</p>

<p>An aide to the president, Nikolai Latyshenok, ruled out holding talks with the opposition and said that, in his personal opinion, only around 20-30% of Belarusian society was against the president, Russian news agencies reported.</p>

<p>"It has been said many times, let 's decide everything peacefully," TASS cited him as saying.<br />
One of the country 's largest mobile operators, A1, said it had reduced the capacity of mobile internet bandwidth at the government 's request.</p>

<p>Belarus, meanwhile, is Russia 's closest ex-Soviet ally and its territory is an integral part of Moscow 's European defence strategy. Nevertheless, Lukashenko is seen in Moscow as a prickly partner.</p>

<p>In the biggest sign yet of Russia 's willingness to intervene to prop up Lukashenko, Putin said on Thursday the Kremlin had set up a "reserve police force" at Lukashenko 's request, although it would be deployed only if necessary.</p>

<p>"It was agreed to hold a meeting in Moscow in the coming weeks," the Kremlin said in a statement after the leaders ' call on Sunday.</p>

<p>The European Union is gearing up to impose new sanctions on Belarus. Lukashenko threatened on Friday to cut off European transit routes across his country in retaliation.</p>

<p>A onetime manager of a Soviet collective farm, Lukashenko has faced a wave of unrest including from sections of society normally seen as loyal, such as journalists from the tightly-controlled state media who quit and a sitting ambassador, who also resigned.</p>

<p>Hundreds of athletes, including Olympic medallists, published a demand for new elections in a sports website.</p>


Belarusians chanted "Happy Birthday, you rat" and flew red-and-white opposition flags as they gathered near President Alexander Lukashenko 's residence on Sunday.

Belarusians chanted "Happy Birthday, you rat" and flew red-and-white opposition flags as they gathered near President Alexander Lukashenko 's residence on Sunday. The president, in office for 26 years, has shown no inclination to step down despite protesters keeping up pressure on him to resign. For the second weekend in a row he appeared in a black cap and carrying an automatic rifle while walking around his residence, according to a photo published by Russia 's RIA news agency. Lukashenko, who turned 66 on Sunday, is struggling to contain weeks of protests and strikes since winning an August 9 election his opponents say was rigged. He denies electoral fraud and has said the protesters, whom he previously called "rats", are backed from abroad. Russian President Vladimir Putin used a birthday phone call to invite Lukashenko to visit Moscow, a sign of the Kremlin 's willingness to back Lukashenko as he grapples with the unrest and the threat of new Western sanctions. Tens of thousands of protesters streamed into central Minsk, carrying balloons, flowers and flags, in the afternoon. Belarus had a white-red-white flag for a brief period in the early 1990s and it has become a symbol of its anti-government protests. Passing cars honked their horns in solidarity. Some women lay down in protest in front of a cordon of helmeted security forces. Protesters then converged on Lukashenko 's residence, which was guarded by a wall of security forces carrying shields. A column of armoured military vehicles was seen driving towards the city centre. Police made sporadic detentions throughout the day, bundling people into prisoner vans. At least 140 people were detained, the interior ministry said, according to RIA. Some protesters resisted arrest by what appeared to be plain-clothes officers, an eyewitness said. Earlier on Sunday, video footage shared by local media showed women dressed in traditional dress laying several pumpkins in front of the main government building, a folk custom intended to signal the rejection of a suitor. In a holiday atmosphere, the protesters occasionally sang songs. At one point, a man draped in a flag got down on one knee and made a marriage proposal to a woman who accepted with a hug and a kiss as bystanders cheered. An aide to the president, Nikolai Latyshenok, ruled out holding talks with the opposition and said that, in his personal opinion, only around 20-30% of Belarusian society was against the president, Russian news agencies reported. "It has been said many times, let 's decide everything peacefully," TASS cited him as saying. One of the country 's largest mobile operators, A1, said it had reduced the capacity of mobile internet bandwidth at the government 's request. Belarus, meanwhile, is Russia 's closest ex-Soviet ally and its territory is an integral part of Moscow 's European defence strategy. Nevertheless, Lukashenko is seen in Moscow as a prickly partner. In the biggest sign yet of Russia 's willingness to intervene to prop up Lukashenko, Putin said on Thursday the Kremlin had set up a "reserve police force" at Lukashenko 's request, although it would be deployed only if necessary. "It was agreed to hold a meeting in Moscow in the coming weeks," the Kremlin said in a statement after the leaders ' call on Sunday. The European Union is gearing up to impose new sanctions on Belarus. Lukashenko threatened on Friday to cut off European transit routes across his country in retaliation. A onetime manager of a Soviet collective farm, Lukashenko has faced a wave of unrest including from sections of society normally seen as loyal, such as journalists from the tightly-controlled state media who quit and a sitting ambassador, who also resigned. Hundreds of athletes, including Olympic medallists, published a demand for new elections in a sports website.

Lukashenko gets birthday call from Putin, as tanks are seen in Minsk amid protests

Vladimir Putin faces criticism over the alleged poisoning of Alexei Navalny. But, he was seen driving a car on a highway. Alexander Lukashenko brandished a gun - as thousands rallied in Minsk. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about the leaders who face troubles, but remain defiant.

Gravitas: Despite their troubles, these leaders remain defiant

Russian President Vladimir Putin opened a newly constructed part of Tavrida road in the annexed Crimea on Thursday (August 27).

Putin drives car in annexed Crimea during rare trip outside Moscow

<p>Russian Kremlin's critic Alexei&nbsp;Navalny has been in the hospital for the past one week, since he was allegedly poisoned for being an active critic of the Russian leader Valdimir Putin.</p>

<p>Now that the critic is stable, some doctors have claimed that no trace of poison was found during his treatment. However, some German doctors disagree with this claim.</p>

<p>To put an end to the rumours and the controversies, Russia's&nbsp;Interior Ministry is launching an investigation into the hospitalisation of the opposition leader.</p>

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<p>Navalny was taken to the hospital after he was allegedly poisoned during a flight&nbsp;rom the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow.</p>

<p>While Russian doctors had claimed that there was no trace of poison, German doctors who treated&nbsp;Navalny later disagreed with the claim.</p>

<p>The Interior Ministry has, therefore, opened an investigation into the matter. The transportation unit of the Ministry is&nbsp;currently carrying out preliminary searches in the hotel room where&nbsp;Navalny stayed and the routes he took in the city. The video surveillance footage from the area will also be investigated.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-regrets-russias-lack-of-transparency-over-navalny-poisoning-case-323406"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;France regrets Russia's lack of 'transparency' over Navalny poisoning case</strong></a></p>

<p>As of now, the investigators have not found any drugs or any other potent substances from the hotel room. The Russian prosecutors have also asked Germany for Navalny's medical files from his treatment at the German clinic.</p>

<p>The investigation is a step towards Russia trying to clear the rumours around the critic's health, which can affect Moscow's relationship with the West.</p>

<p>French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, however,&nbsp;said on Thursday he was bemused by Russia not taking a transparent approach over the possible poisoning of Navalny.</p>


Russian Kremlin's critic Alexei Navalny has been in the hospital for the past one week, since he was allegedly poisoned for being an active critic of the Russian leader Valdimir Putin.

Russian Kremlin's critic Alexei Navalny has been in the hospital for the past one week, since he was allegedly poisoned for being an active critic of the Russian leader Valdimir Putin. Now that the critic is stable, some doctors have claimed that no trace of poison was found during his treatment. However, some German doctors disagree with this claim. To put an end to the rumours and the controversies, Russia's Interior Ministry is launching an investigation into the hospitalisation of the opposition leader. × Navalny was taken to the hospital after he was allegedly poisoned during a flight rom the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow. While Russian doctors had claimed that there was no trace of poison, German doctors who treated Navalny later disagreed with the claim. The Interior Ministry has, therefore, opened an investigation into the matter. The transportation unit of the Ministry is currently carrying out preliminary searches in the hotel room where Navalny stayed and the routes he took in the city. The video surveillance footage from the area will also be investigated. Also read: France regrets Russia's lack of 'transparency' over Navalny poisoning case As of now, the investigators have not found any drugs or any other potent substances from the hotel room. The Russian prosecutors have also asked Germany for Navalny's medical files from his treatment at the German clinic. The investigation is a step towards Russia trying to clear the rumours around the critic's health, which can affect Moscow's relationship with the West. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, however, said on Thursday he was bemused by Russia not taking a transparent approach over the possible poisoning of Navalny.

Russia starts investigating Alexei Navalny's alleged 'poisoning'

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<p>Doctors at the Siberian hospital that first treated Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny said on Monday that they had saved his life but that they had not found traces of poison in his system.</p>

<p>Navalny, a long-time opponent of President Vladimir Putin, fell gravely ill on Thursday after what his allies believe was a poisoning and was airlifted to Germany for treatment on Saturday.</p>

<p>"We saved his life with great effort and work," head doctor Alexander Murakhovsky told reporters at a news conference in the Siberian city of Omsk.</p>

<p>"If we had found some kind of poison that was somehow confirmed then it would have been a lot easier for us. It would have been a clear diagnosis, a clear condition and a well-known course of treatment," said Anatoly Kalinichenko, a senior doctor at the hospital.</p>

<p>The Russian doctors denied they had come under pressure from authorities while treating Navalny.</p>

<p>Navalny`s allies had accused doctors of holding up Navalny`s evacuation to Germany. The doctors initially said Navalny was not in a fit state to be transported there for treatment.</p>

<p>Jaka Bizilj, founder of Germany`s Cinema for Peace Foundation, told mass tabloid Bild over the weekend that Navalny, who is being treated in a German hospital, would survive.</p>

<p>He said: "Navalny will survive poison attack, but be incapacitated for months as a politician."</p>

<p>But Kira Yarmysh, Navalny`s spokeswoman, said that there were still no new details about the politician`s condition and that only she or the doctors treating him would be able to provide reliable information.</p>


Doctors at the Siberian hospital that first treated Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny said on Monday that they had saved his life but that they had not found traces of poison in his system.

Doctors at the Siberian hospital that first treated Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny said on Monday that they had saved his life but that they had not found traces of poison in his system. Navalny, a long-time opponent of President Vladimir Putin, fell gravely ill on Thursday after what his allies believe was a poisoning and was airlifted to Germany for treatment on Saturday. "We saved his life with great effort and work," head doctor Alexander Murakhovsky told reporters at a news conference in the Siberian city of Omsk. "If we had found some kind of poison that was somehow confirmed then it would have been a lot easier for us. It would have been a clear diagnosis, a clear condition and a well-known course of treatment," said Anatoly Kalinichenko, a senior doctor at the hospital. The Russian doctors denied they had come under pressure from authorities while treating Navalny. Navalny`s allies had accused doctors of holding up Navalny`s evacuation to Germany. The doctors initially said Navalny was not in a fit state to be transported there for treatment. Jaka Bizilj, founder of Germany`s Cinema for Peace Foundation, told mass tabloid Bild over the weekend that Navalny, who is being treated in a German hospital, would survive. He said: "Navalny will survive poison attack, but be incapacitated for months as a politician." But Kira Yarmysh, Navalny`s spokeswoman, said that there were still no new details about the politician`s condition and that only she or the doctors treating him would be able to provide reliable information.

Saved his life but didn't find traces of poison: Siberian doctors on Navalny

Critically ill Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny had moved to Germany early Saturday, after colleagues of the opposition politician accused Russian officials of trying to block his evacuation.

Russia: Vladimir Putin's opponent Navalny moves to Germany 'in coma' to receive medical care

The prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin is in a coma and on a ventilator after drinking tea that his supporters believe was poisoned.

Conflicting claims over Navalny's poisoning, Russia agrees for medical evacuation

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