Syria's war-ravaged northwest woke up to relative calm Friday, its skies free of warplanes for the first day in months, following a Russian-Turkish ceasefire deal.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group and sources in Idlib province said the truce that came into force at midnight appeared to be holding.

Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman reported "a complete absence of regime and Russian warplanes in the Idlib airspace".

He said an exchange of fire that did not cause any casualties took place before dawn but added that belligerents on Friday seemed to be observing the ceasefire.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-erdogan-seek-to-ease-syria-tensions-at-high-stakes-talks-284398">Putin, Erdogan seek to ease Syria tensions at high-stakes talks</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the two main foreign brokers in the nine-year-old conflict, reached a deal after hours of talks in Moscow on Thursday.

The agreement will create a security corridor along the key M4 highway in northern Syria, where Turkish and Russian forces will launch joint patrols later this month.

Putin told a joint news conference after the talks that the agreement would "serve as a good basis for ending fighting" in Idlib and for "stopping the suffering of the civilian population".

A Russian-backed government offensive on the last rebel bastion in the country has killed hundreds of civilians since December and displaced close to a million people.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-air-defence-responds-to-israeli-missiles-report-284433">Syrian air defence responds to 'Israeli missiles': Report</a>

The crisis it has sparked on Turkey's doorstep has been described by the United Nations as the worst humanitarian emergency yet since the start of the war in 2011.

Tensions had risen in recent weeks between Damascus and Turkey, which has had troops in northern Syria since 2016 and backs rebel groups.

A regime strike last month in Idlib resulted in the deaths of 34 Turkish soldiers, the heaviest loss of personnel for Ankara since its military intervention in Syria.

Turkey's reply has been bruising, with devastating drone and rocket strikes destroying regime positions and military equipment and killing dozens of government troops.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-russia-have-agreed-on-syria-ceasefire-from-midnight-president-erdogan-284594">Turkey, Russia have agreed on Syria ceasefire from midnight: President Erdogan</a>

The joint Russian-Turkish patrols will operate between the town of Tronba in Idlib and a village in Latakia province, a regime stronghold.

These patrols, which will mark the first time Russian and Turkish forces operate jointly in Idlib, are due to start on March 15.

On that day, the conflict which has killed close to 400,000 people and displaced half of the population of Syria, will enter its tenth year.

Syria's war-ravaged northwest woke up to relative calm Friday, its skies free of warplanes for the first day in months, following a Russian-Turkish ceasefire deal.

Syria's war-ravaged northwest woke up to relative calm Friday, its skies free of warplanes for the first day in months, following a Russian-Turkish ceasefire deal. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group and sources in Idlib province said the truce that came into force at midnight appeared to be holding. Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman reported "a complete absence of regime and Russian warplanes in the Idlib airspace". He said an exchange of fire that did not cause any casualties took place before dawn but added that belligerents on Friday seemed to be observing the ceasefire. Also read: Putin, Erdogan seek to ease Syria tensions at high-stakes talks Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the two main foreign brokers in the nine-year-old conflict, reached a deal after hours of talks in Moscow on Thursday. The agreement will create a security corridor along the key M4 highway in northern Syria, where Turkish and Russian forces will launch joint patrols later this month. Putin told a joint news conference after the talks that the agreement would "serve as a good basis for ending fighting" in Idlib and for "stopping the suffering of the civilian population". A Russian-backed government offensive on the last rebel bastion in the country has killed hundreds of civilians since December and displaced close to a million people. Also see: Syrian air defence responds to 'Israeli missiles': Report The crisis it has sparked on Turkey's doorstep has been described by the United Nations as the worst humanitarian emergency yet since the start of the war in 2011. Tensions had risen in recent weeks between Damascus and Turkey, which has had troops in northern Syria since 2016 and backs rebel groups. A regime strike last month in Idlib resulted in the deaths of 34 Turkish soldiers, the heaviest loss of personnel for Ankara since its military intervention in Syria. Turkey's reply has been bruising, with devastating drone and rocket strikes destroying regime positions and military equipment and killing dozens of government troops. Also read: Turkey, Russia have agreed on Syria ceasefire from midnight: President Erdogan The joint Russian-Turkish patrols will operate between the town of Tronba in Idlib and a village in Latakia province, a regime stronghold. These patrols, which will mark the first time Russian and Turkish forces operate jointly in Idlib, are due to start on March 15. On that day, the conflict which has killed close to 400,000 people and displaced half of the population of Syria, will enter its tenth year.

Rare calm in Syria's Idlib after ceasefire deal

The leaders of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-fighter-jet-downs-syrian-warplane-over-idlib-monitor-283993">Russia and Turkey meet in Moscow</a> on Thursday in a bid to ease tensions that have threatened to bring their two countries into direct conflict in Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would be looking for Russia's Vladimir Putin to agree to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-european-union-envoy-heads-to-turkey-for-syrian-refugee-talks-283921">rapid ceasefire in Idlib</a>, the northwestern province of Syria where Ankara is battling Moscow-backed regime forces.

Intense fighting has killed dozens of Turkish soldiers in Idlib in recent weeks, as Ankara for the first time launched a direct offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Erdogan upped the stakes last week, demanding<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/war-threatens-to-spill-beyond-syrias-borders-283794"> Europe support his efforts in Syria</a> and prompting a new migration crisis by opening Turkey's border with Greece to refugees and migrants.

"(I hope) there will be a ceasefire swiftly established" in Idlib, Erdogan said Wednesday ahead of the talks.

Ankara wants Assad's forces to cease an assault on Idlib, the last rebel stronghold in Syria, and pull back behind lines agreed under a 2018 deal with Russia brokered in Sochi.

Turkey has long backed certain rebel groups against Assad but its priority now is to stop another influx of refugees, as close to a million civilians in Idlib have been displaced by the regime's latest assault.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday the two leaders would discuss the causes and effects of the crisis and "joint measures" they could agree to defuse it.

But Moscow -- which launched an air campaign in support of Assad in 2015 -- will be keen to send a message that Turkey cannot stand in the way of Syria eventually retaking full control of its territory.

"There might be a ceasefire announced after the talks between Putin and Erdogan but it'll be for show," a Western diplomat told AFP.

"I believe Putin will tell Erdogan that's it for his actions in Syria."

Trading accusations

The Kremlin sees Russia's campaign in Syria as a key victory of Putin's foreign policy, with clout and military bases in the country that establish Moscow as a major player in the Middle East.

Experts say Putin is not looking for a full confrontation with NATO member Turkey but also will not back down.

"Victory in Syria has become a matter of prestige for Russia -- and for Putin personally," said Yury Barmin, a Middle East analyst at the Russian International Affairs Council.

Despite supporting opposing sides in the war, Russia and Turkey have worked closely to try to resolve the nine-year conflict and avoid direct confrontation between their forces.

But that relationship has been strained in recent days, with the two sides trading accusations of violating the Sochi deal, which created a buffer zone and allowed for the deployment of 12 Turkish observation posts.

Ankara says Russia is not fulfilling part of the deal that guaranteed no attacks on Idlib and the status quo on the ground.

Moscow says Turkey is violating the deal by supporting "illegal armed groups" and has accused Turkish forces of mingling with "terrorists" who are legitimate targets.

In the latest salvo on Wednesday, Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said "the fortified positions of terrorists have merged with the Turkish observation posts" deployed under the Sochi deal.

Migrants mass on border

Turkey said Wednesday that at least two more Turkish soldiers had been killed in Idlib, after 34 died in an air strike last week blamed on Damascus.

Turkey officially declared an operation against the Assad regime over the weekend, named "Spring Shield".

It has since downed three Syrian warplanes and killed dozens of regime soldiers and allied fighters -- mostly through drone strikes -- according to monitors.

Erdogan warned Europe on Wednesday that it must support Turkey's "political and humanitarian solutions in Syria" if it wants to avoid a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis.

Thousands of migrants have massed at the Turkish-Greek border since Erdogan gave them the green light to try to enter Europe, leading to clashes with Greek police.

Turkey hosts some four million refugees, most of them Syrians but also many Afghans and Iraqis, and Erdogan's move has sparked concern in Europe of a renewed influx of migrants.

The leaders of Russia and Turkey meet in Moscow on Thursday in a bid to ease tensions that have threatened to bring their two countries into direct conflict in Syria.

The leaders of Russia and Turkey meet in Moscow on Thursday in a bid to ease tensions that have threatened to bring their two countries into direct conflict in Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would be looking for Russia's Vladimir Putin to agree to a rapid ceasefire in Idlib, the northwestern province of Syria where Ankara is battling Moscow-backed regime forces. Intense fighting has killed dozens of Turkish soldiers in Idlib in recent weeks, as Ankara for the first time launched a direct offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Erdogan upped the stakes last week, demanding Europe support his efforts in Syria and prompting a new migration crisis by opening Turkey's border with Greece to refugees and migrants. "(I hope) there will be a ceasefire swiftly established" in Idlib, Erdogan said Wednesday ahead of the talks. Ankara wants Assad's forces to cease an assault on Idlib, the last rebel stronghold in Syria, and pull back behind lines agreed under a 2018 deal with Russia brokered in Sochi. Turkey has long backed certain rebel groups against Assad but its priority now is to stop another influx of refugees, as close to a million civilians in Idlib have been displaced by the regime's latest assault. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday the two leaders would discuss the causes and effects of the crisis and "joint measures" they could agree to defuse it. But Moscow -- which launched an air campaign in support of Assad in 2015 -- will be keen to send a message that Turkey cannot stand in the way of Syria eventually retaking full control of its territory. "There might be a ceasefire announced after the talks between Putin and Erdogan but it'll be for show," a Western diplomat told AFP. "I believe Putin will tell Erdogan that's it for his actions in Syria." Trading accusations The Kremlin sees Russia's campaign in Syria as a key victory of Putin's foreign policy, with clout and military bases in the country that establish Moscow as a major player in the Middle East. Experts say Putin is not looking for a full confrontation with NATO member Turkey but also will not back down. "Victory in Syria has become a matter of prestige for Russia -- and for Putin personally," said Yury Barmin, a Middle East analyst at the Russian International Affairs Council. Despite supporting opposing sides in the war, Russia and Turkey have worked closely to try to resolve the nine-year conflict and avoid direct confrontation between their forces. But that relationship has been strained in recent days, with the two sides trading accusations of violating the Sochi deal, which created a buffer zone and allowed for the deployment of 12 Turkish observation posts. Ankara says Russia is not fulfilling part of the deal that guaranteed no attacks on Idlib and the status quo on the ground. Moscow says Turkey is violating the deal by supporting "illegal armed groups" and has accused Turkish forces of mingling with "terrorists" who are legitimate targets. In the latest salvo on Wednesday, Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said "the fortified positions of terrorists have merged with the Turkish observation posts" deployed under the Sochi deal. Migrants mass on border Turkey said Wednesday that at least two more Turkish soldiers had been killed in Idlib, after 34 died in an air strike last week blamed on Damascus. Turkey officially declared an operation against the Assad regime over the weekend, named "Spring Shield". It has since downed three Syrian warplanes and killed dozens of regime soldiers and allied fighters -- mostly through drone strikes -- according to monitors. Erdogan warned Europe on Wednesday that it must support Turkey's "political and humanitarian solutions in Syria" if it wants to avoid a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis. Thousands of migrants have massed at the Turkish-Greek border since Erdogan gave them the green light to try to enter Europe, leading to clashes with Greek police. Turkey hosts some four million refugees, most of them Syrians but also many Afghans and Iraqis, and Erdogan's move has sparked concern in Europe of a renewed influx of migrants.

Putin, Erdogan seek to ease Syria tensions at high-stakes talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday submitted new proposed amendments to the country's Constitution that includes banning same-sex marriage.

These amendments include a mention of God and describe marriage as a heterosexual union.

According to the lower house of parliament's vice speaker, Pyotr Tolstoy, the draft amendment enshrines the mention of Russians' "faith in God" and states that marriage is between "a man and a woman".

Putin had introduced a law in 2013 that considers the "public promotion of homosexuality" as a crime. Not only that a gay couple cannot adopt a child in Russia, but only heterosexual couples can adopt children.

Putin has said he is not prejudiced against gay people but has asserted that homosexuality and gender fluidity are out of step with traditional Russian values.

Homosexuality was officially criminalized until 1993 in Russia and considered a mental illness until 1999.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday submitted new proposed amendments to the country's Constitution that includes banning same-sex marriage. These amendments include a mention of God and describe marriage as a heterosexual union.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday submitted new proposed amendments to the country's Constitution that includes banning same-sex marriage. These amendments include a mention of God and describe marriage as a heterosexual union. According to the lower house of parliament's vice speaker, Pyotr Tolstoy, the draft amendment enshrines the mention of Russians' "faith in God" and states that marriage is between "a man and a woman". Putin had introduced a law in 2013 that considers the "public promotion of homosexuality" as a crime. Not only that a gay couple cannot adopt a child in Russia, but only heterosexual couples can adopt children. Putin has said he is not prejudiced against gay people but has asserted that homosexuality and gender fluidity are out of step with traditional Russian values. Homosexuality was officially criminalized until 1993 in Russia and considered a mental illness until 1999.

Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks ban on gay marriage

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Russia on Thursday for a summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss the mounting tensions in Syria, his office said Monday.&nbsp;

"The president is due to pay a one-day visit to Russia on March 5," the Turkish presidency said in a statement.&nbsp;

Turkey confirmed on Sunday that it had launched a full military operation against Russian-backed Syrian forces following increasing clashes in the last rebel stronghold of Idlib.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-drones-kill-19-syrian-government-soldiers-as-tensions-soar-283645">Turkish drones kill 19 Syrian government soldiers as tensions soar</a>

Ankara, which backs Islamist fighters in the province, killed 19 Syrian soldiers in drone strikes on Sunday and downed two regime planes.&nbsp;

But it remains determined to avoid direct clashes with Moscow, with which it shares significant defense and trade ties.

Despite being on opposing sides of the conflict, Turkey and Russia have coordinated closely in the past.&nbsp;

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/refugees-stream-towards-greece-after-turkey-opens-gates-283696">Refugees stream towards Greece after Turkey opens gates</a>

They secured a deal in Sochi in 2018 that led to Turkey establishing 12 military observation posts in Idlib to prevent a Syrian offensive and a fresh flood of refugees into Turkish territory.&nbsp;

But Syria and Russia look increasingly determined to regain full control of the area and an offensive launched in December has displaced close to a million civilians, and seen increasing clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces.&nbsp;

The latest escalation followed the killing of 34 Turkish soldiers last week in an airstrike blamed on Damascus.

&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Russia on Thursday for a summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss the mounting tensions in Syria, his office said Monday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Russia on Thursday for a summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss the mounting tensions in Syria, his office said Monday. "The president is due to pay a one-day visit to Russia on March 5," the Turkish presidency said in a statement. Turkey confirmed on Sunday that it had launched a full military operation against Russian-backed Syrian forces following increasing clashes in the last rebel stronghold of Idlib. Also read: Turkish drones kill 19 Syrian government soldiers as tensions soar Ankara, which backs Islamist fighters in the province, killed 19 Syrian soldiers in drone strikes on Sunday and downed two regime planes. But it remains determined to avoid direct clashes with Moscow, with which it shares significant defense and trade ties. Despite being on opposing sides of the conflict, Turkey and Russia have coordinated closely in the past. Also see: Refugees stream towards Greece after Turkey opens gates They secured a deal in Sochi in 2018 that led to Turkey establishing 12 military observation posts in Idlib to prevent a Syrian offensive and a fresh flood of refugees into Turkish territory. But Syria and Russia look increasingly determined to regain full control of the area and an offensive launched in December has displaced close to a million civilians, and seen increasing clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces. The latest escalation followed the killing of 34 Turkish soldiers last week in an airstrike blamed on Damascus.

Turkish President Erdogan to meet Putin in Russia for Syria talks: Turkish presidency

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is playing up his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to steal key votes in Monday's election, but analysts are sceptical it will get him over the line.

Israel goes to the polls for the third time in less than a year after deadlocked polls last April and September.

Netanyahu is seeking to woo supporters of former ally Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the secular nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party who was born in Moldova and whose support base is largely from the former Soviet Union.

Lieberman emerged as kingmaker after last year's elections but ultimately refused to back either Netanyahu or centrist rival Benny Gantz.

The embattled premier is hoping a visit to Moscow and a warm welcome for Putin in Jerusalem earlier this year, along with election material in Russian, will help him gather the 61 seats necessary to form a viable coalition.

But Zeev Khanin, professor of political science at Bar-Ilan University near Tel Aviv, said Netanyahu's attempts to cosy up to Putin and capture the "Russian vote" were not working.

"The Russian immigrants are Israelis," he said, and while they might be attached to Russian culture, "they don't support Putin or any other Russian politician".

More than a million Jews from the former Soviet Union have migrated to Israel since the 1990s and now account for 12 per cent of the electorate.&nbsp;

Lieberman's list took 40.2 per cent of the Russian-speaking vote in last April's vote, while Netanyahu's Likud party took 26.7 per cent, according to a study by Khanin.

'Racist diatribes'

Lieberman, a former minister under Netanyahu, has long been a spokesman for the ex-Soviet community in Israel.

He is against state financing for Jewish Talmudic schools and wants immigrants from the former USSR to be able to receive a pension in Israel.

His list won eight of the Israeli parliament's 120 seats last September, including six such immigrants among the top 10 names on its ticket.

It also used campaign material in Russian to reach older immigrants who don't always speak Hebrew.

Alex Grinberg, a political commentator who himself is originally from Russia, said two categories of Russian immigrants voted for Lieberman.

"The older ones who don't understand Hebrew, but above all the youth, who grew up in Israel and feel like second-class citizens," he said.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, a scandal broke out after Yitzhak Yossef, Israel's Sephardic chief rabbi, who is close to the ultra-Orthodox party Shas, said some of the immigrants were "non-Jews, some of them communists" who "hate religion".

Lieberman has refused to join a coalition with Shas and another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, who are allies of Netanyahu's rightwing Likud.

"The racist diatribes against this (former Soviet) community coming from certain ultra-Orthodox rabbis have provoked a reaction that Lieberman is using in his campaign," Grinberg said.

The Putin factor

Likud has election posters in Russian, and Netanyahu has been playing up his "strong friendship" with the Russian president.

He welcomed Putin in Jerusalem in January, along with other foreign leaders, for the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Red Army's liberation of Auschwitz.

The pair inaugurated a monument commemorating the citizens and defenders of Leningrad during the Nazi siege of the city.

"The blockade (of Leningrad) and the Holocaust are things that can't be compared to anything else," Putin said at the time.

Over 600,000 people starved to death during the siege, including tens of thousands of Jewish residents, some of whom were also in the Soviet military.

Netanyahu also used his relationship with Putin in a case of a US-Israeli woman arrested in Russia last year and jailed for drug trafficking.

Moscow freed her shortly before Netanyahu met Putin at the Kremlin in late January.

But whether all this will be enough to convince voters to abandon Lieberman is anything but certain.&nbsp;

According to academic Khanin, Yisrael Beiteinu's campaign responds to Lieberman voters' security and social concerns, particularly regarding pensions.

"The core of Lieberman voters will stay faithful to him, despite Netanyahu's efforts," he said.

Political commentator Grinberg was also sceptical. "Russian voters' main political agenda is integration into Israeli society," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is playing up his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to steal key votes in Monday's election, but analysts are sceptical it will get him over the line.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is playing up his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to steal key votes in Monday's election, but analysts are sceptical it will get him over the line. Israel goes to the polls for the third time in less than a year after deadlocked polls last April and September. Netanyahu is seeking to woo supporters of former ally Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the secular nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party who was born in Moldova and whose support base is largely from the former Soviet Union. Lieberman emerged as kingmaker after last year's elections but ultimately refused to back either Netanyahu or centrist rival Benny Gantz. The embattled premier is hoping a visit to Moscow and a warm welcome for Putin in Jerusalem earlier this year, along with election material in Russian, will help him gather the 61 seats necessary to form a viable coalition. But Zeev Khanin, professor of political science at Bar-Ilan University near Tel Aviv, said Netanyahu's attempts to cosy up to Putin and capture the "Russian vote" were not working. "The Russian immigrants are Israelis," he said, and while they might be attached to Russian culture, "they don't support Putin or any other Russian politician". More than a million Jews from the former Soviet Union have migrated to Israel since the 1990s and now account for 12 per cent of the electorate. Lieberman's list took 40.2 per cent of the Russian-speaking vote in last April's vote, while Netanyahu's Likud party took 26.7 per cent, according to a study by Khanin. 'Racist diatribes' Lieberman, a former minister under Netanyahu, has long been a spokesman for the ex-Soviet community in Israel. He is against state financing for Jewish Talmudic schools and wants immigrants from the former USSR to be able to receive a pension in Israel. His list won eight of the Israeli parliament's 120 seats last September, including six such immigrants among the top 10 names on its ticket. It also used campaign material in Russian to reach older immigrants who don't always speak Hebrew. Alex Grinberg, a political commentator who himself is originally from Russia, said two categories of Russian immigrants voted for Lieberman. "The older ones who don't understand Hebrew, but above all the youth, who grew up in Israel and feel like second-class citizens," he said. Earlier this year, a scandal broke out after Yitzhak Yossef, Israel's Sephardic chief rabbi, who is close to the ultra-Orthodox party Shas, said some of the immigrants were "non-Jews, some of them communists" who "hate religion". Lieberman has refused to join a coalition with Shas and another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, who are allies of Netanyahu's rightwing Likud. "The racist diatribes against this (former Soviet) community coming from certain ultra-Orthodox rabbis have provoked a reaction that Lieberman is using in his campaign," Grinberg said. The Putin factor Likud has election posters in Russian, and Netanyahu has been playing up his "strong friendship" with the Russian president. He welcomed Putin in Jerusalem in January, along with other foreign leaders, for the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Red Army's liberation of Auschwitz. The pair inaugurated a monument commemorating the citizens and defenders of Leningrad during the Nazi siege of the city. "The blockade (of Leningrad) and the Holocaust are things that can't be compared to anything else," Putin said at the time. Over 600,000 people starved to death during the siege, including tens of thousands of Jewish residents, some of whom were also in the Soviet military. Netanyahu also used his relationship with Putin in a case of a US-Israeli woman arrested in Russia last year and jailed for drug trafficking. Moscow freed her shortly before Netanyahu met Putin at the Kremlin in late January. But whether all this will be enough to convince voters to abandon Lieberman is anything but certain. According to academic Khanin, Yisrael Beiteinu's campaign responds to Lieberman voters' security and social concerns, particularly regarding pensions. "The core of Lieberman voters will stay faithful to him, despite Netanyahu's efforts," he said. Political commentator Grinberg was also sceptical. "Russian voters' main political agenda is integration into Israeli society," he said.

Israel's Netanyahu tries to poach 'Russian vote' from old rival

<div>
Thousands rallied in central Moscow on Saturday to call on President Vladimir Putin not to stay in power indefinitely, in the first major protest by the Russian opposition since the Kremlin chief announced controversial plans to change the constitution.

The rally marked five years since the assassination of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, but its organisers also want the event to send a message to Putin after he proposed major constitutional changes.

Organisers, including the country's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, called for a mass turnout to show Putin that he must not consider staying in power by any means when his current mandate ends in 2024.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-used-a-body-double-says-russian-president-vladimir-putin-283289">Never used a body double, says Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>

Moscow authorities gave permission to the rally -- after a succession of demonstrations urging fair elections last summer were roughly dispersed -- and the street was packed by a flow of protesters, an AFP correspondent said.

"The Putin regime is a threat to humankind," said the slogan on one placard next to a portrait of Nemtsov.&nbsp;

"Putin's policies are based on total lies," said another, quoting the liberal politician who was on assassinated in central Moscow on February 27, 2015.

"Russia without Putin!" the crowds chanted repeatedly as they began marching.

The White Counter monitor which counts attendance at protests said 22,300 people took part in the march. The interior ministry said 8,000 took part.

'Stay in power by any means'

Putin, who has dominated Russia for two decades, in January unleashed a political storm, proposing an overhaul of the constitution, the first changes to the basic law since 1993.

Analysts see the plan as beginning preparations for succession when Putin's fourth presidential term ends in 2024, while the opposition says the Kremlin strongman wants to remain leader for life.

"I think that this is a crime, that it is mocking the constitution," said Semyon Pevzner, a pensioner aged 75. "The only aim is to stay in power by any means possible."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-trump-campaign-sues-new-york-times-over-russia-opinion-piece-283020">Trump campaign sues New York Times over Russia opinion piece</a>

Putin first came to power as prime minister in 1999 under Boris Yeltsin before becoming president in 2000. He served the maximum two consecutive terms between 2000 and 2008 before a four-year stint as prime minister.&nbsp;

He returned to the Kremlin in 2012 for a newly-expanded six-year mandate and was re-elected in 2018. But opponents fear he could remain Russia's number one even if the job of president nominally goes to someone else in 2024.

Kseniya Telmanova, a 21-year-old student, reflected that Putin had been president for her whole life, except her first few months. "Probably those were the best months of my life," she said, laughing. "The leaders should fear the fact they can lose power."

Russia is planning to hold a referendum on the constitutional amendments on April 22.

According to the Levada Center, an independent pollster, a quarter of Russians will back the constitutional proposals, while 56 per cent said they were still not sure why the changes were needed.

Forty-four per cent also said Putin should quit power in 2024, while 45 per cent said he should stay.

'Against political repression'

Around 2,000 people gathered for a similar demonstration in Russia's second city of Saint Petersburg on Saturday, clutching flowers, portraits of Nemtsov and banners reading "They feared you Boris".

"This is basically the only chance we have to go out and say that we are against what is going on in the country and against this police state," said Galina Zuiko, 55.

Nemtsov -- one of Putin's most vocal critics and a former deputy prime minister in the Yeltsin government -- was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin.

In 2017, a court found a former security force officer from Chechnya guilty of his murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Four other men were found guilty of involvement in the killing.

But Nemtsov's family and allies insist the authorities have failed to bring the masterminds to justice.

"We have not seen any major progress" in the probe, Navalny said in brief comments to pro-opposition channel TV Rain. "We will continue to turn out (every year) until this case is solved."

Protesters also urged authorities to release Russia's political prisoners, with a group of women holding a banner reading: "Mothers against political repression. Freedom to our children."

A number of people were jailed after tens of thousands rallied in Moscow last summer to demand fair elections, in the biggest upsurge of protests in the country for more than half a decade.
</div>

Thousands rallied in central Moscow on Saturday to call on President Vladimir Putin not to stay in power indefinitely, in the first major protest by the Russian opposition since the Kremlin chief announced controversial plans to change the constitution.

Thousands rallied in central Moscow on Saturday to call on President Vladimir Putin not to stay in power indefinitely, in the first major protest by the Russian opposition since the Kremlin chief announced controversial plans to change the constitution. The rally marked five years since the assassination of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, but its organisers also want the event to send a message to Putin after he proposed major constitutional changes. Organisers, including the country's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, called for a mass turnout to show Putin that he must not consider staying in power by any means when his current mandate ends in 2024. Also read: Never used a body double, says Russian President Vladimir Putin Moscow authorities gave permission to the rally -- after a succession of demonstrations urging fair elections last summer were roughly dispersed -- and the street was packed by a flow of protesters, an AFP correspondent said. "The Putin regime is a threat to humankind," said the slogan on one placard next to a portrait of Nemtsov. "Putin's policies are based on total lies," said another, quoting the liberal politician who was on assassinated in central Moscow on February 27, 2015. "Russia without Putin!" the crowds chanted repeatedly as they began marching. The White Counter monitor which counts attendance at protests said 22,300 people took part in the march. The interior ministry said 8,000 took part. 'Stay in power by any means' Putin, who has dominated Russia for two decades, in January unleashed a political storm, proposing an overhaul of the constitution, the first changes to the basic law since 1993. Analysts see the plan as beginning preparations for succession when Putin's fourth presidential term ends in 2024, while the opposition says the Kremlin strongman wants to remain leader for life. "I think that this is a crime, that it is mocking the constitution," said Semyon Pevzner, a pensioner aged 75. "The only aim is to stay in power by any means possible." Also see: Trump campaign sues New York Times over Russia opinion piece Putin first came to power as prime minister in 1999 under Boris Yeltsin before becoming president in 2000. He served the maximum two consecutive terms between 2000 and 2008 before a four-year stint as prime minister. He returned to the Kremlin in 2012 for a newly-expanded six-year mandate and was re-elected in 2018. But opponents fear he could remain Russia's number one even if the job of president nominally goes to someone else in 2024. Kseniya Telmanova, a 21-year-old student, reflected that Putin had been president for her whole life, except her first few months. "Probably those were the best months of my life," she said, laughing. "The leaders should fear the fact they can lose power." Russia is planning to hold a referendum on the constitutional amendments on April 22. According to the Levada Center, an independent pollster, a quarter of Russians will back the constitutional proposals, while 56 per cent said they were still not sure why the changes were needed. Forty-four per cent also said Putin should quit power in 2024, while 45 per cent said he should stay. 'Against political repression' Around 2,000 people gathered for a similar demonstration in Russia's second city of Saint Petersburg on Saturday, clutching flowers, portraits of Nemtsov and banners reading "They feared you Boris". "This is basically the only chance we have to go out and say that we are against what is going on in the country and against this police state," said Galina Zuiko, 55. Nemtsov -- one of Putin's most vocal critics and a former deputy prime minister in the Yeltsin government -- was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin. In 2017, a court found a former security force officer from Chechnya guilty of his murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Four other men were found guilty of involvement in the killing. But Nemtsov's family and allies insist the authorities have failed to bring the masterminds to justice. "We have not seen any major progress" in the probe, Navalny said in brief comments to pro-opposition channel TV Rain. "We will continue to turn out (every year) until this case is solved." Protesters also urged authorities to release Russia's political prisoners, with a group of women holding a banner reading: "Mothers against political repression. Freedom to our children." A number of people were jailed after tens of thousands rallied in Moscow last summer to demand fair elections, in the biggest upsurge of protests in the country for more than half a decade.

Opposition urges 'Russia without Putin' in rally for slain liberal

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted during an interview that he was offered to use a body double to make appearances in public for security reasons but said he declined the offer and never used one.&nbsp;

Putin said this during an interview with which aired on TASS news agency. &nbsp;

The President was shown a list of&nbsp;searches about Putin himself and one of which was entitled “Putin body double evidence”.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin has ruled Russia for more than 20 years. He is 67 years old and has been a KGB agent.&nbsp;

Putin also reaffirmed that he has continued to shun a personal mobile phone and feels "more comfortable" relying on protected communications means and may occasionally use an aide's phone.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted during an interview that he was offered to use a body double to make appearances in public for security reasons but said he declined the offer and never used one.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted during an interview that he was offered to use a body double to make appearances in public for security reasons but said he declined the offer and never used one. Putin said this during an interview with which aired on TASS news agency. The President was shown a list of searches about Putin himself and one of which was entitled “Putin body double evidence”. President Vladimir Putin has ruled Russia for more than 20 years. He is 67 years old and has been a KGB agent. Putin also reaffirmed that he has continued to shun a personal mobile phone and feels "more comfortable" relying on protected communications means and may occasionally use an aide's phone.

Never used a body double, says Russian President Vladimir Putin

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday vowed Turkey would not take the "smallest step back" in an<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-to-hold-syria-summit-with-russia-france-and-germany-282161"> escalating stand-off with Damascus and Russia</a> over the northern Syrian region of Idlib.

Meanwhile, a meeting between Erdogan and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, is expected to take place, the Turkish foreign minister, ahead of a possible summit including EU heavyweights Germany and France to find a political solution to the Idlib crisis.

"We will not take a smallest step back in Idlib, we will certainly push the regime outside the borders we designated, and ensure the return of the people to their homes," Erdogan told ruling party's lawmakers in parliament in Ankara.

As part of deals with Russia -- a key supporter of President Bashar al-Assad -- rebel backer Turkey has 12 observation posts in Idlib but several have come under fire from Assad forces.

Ankara has confirmed as many as 17 Turkish security personnel have been killed this month alone.

Erdogan bluntly warned the Syrian regime to "stop its attacks as soon as possible" and to pull back by the end of February.

"The time we have given to those who besieged our observation towers is running out," Erdogan said.

"We are planning to save those of our observation posts from the besiegers one way or another by the end of this month."

Erdogan added that "the biggest problem we currently have is that we cannot use the air space" over Idlib which is controlled by Russia.

"God willing, we will find a solution soon."

Advance of Assad forces

In recent weeks, Damascus backed by Russian air strikes has pressed a major offensive against the remaining territory held by jihadists and Turkish-backed rebels in Idlib.

In a statement read on public television, the Syrian army on Wednesday announced it had "regained control" of a dozen of areas in recent days, including&nbsp; Kafranbel in the south of Idlib, a town known to have been among the first to rebel against Damascus. &nbsp;

The army vowed to "liberate the territories of the Syrian Arab Republic from terrorism and its supporters."

Idlib hosts more than three million people -- half of them already displaced by violence elsewhere and the United Nations has warned against an imminent "bloodbath" amid the contiuing fighting.

Putin, Erdogan meeting?

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying on state-run TRT tv, that as a first step, "what President Erdogan and Putin have agreed is to come together at a bilateral format."

While backing opposite sides, Russia and Turkey have worked to end the conflict but strains have soared in recent weeks over Idlib.

The tensions are seen as the biggest threat to Ankara-Moscow ties since Turkey shot down a Russian warplane over Syria in November 2015.

The Kremlin indicated Tuesday however, that an Erdogan-Putin meeting was not on the cards, also saying that a tripartite summit with another regime ally Iran could be planned instead of a multilateral one with France and Germany.

A Russian delegation was due to hold another round of talks with Turkish officials in Ankara Wednesday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday vowed Turkey would not take the "smallest step back" in an escalating stand-off with Damascus and Russia over the northern Syrian region of Idlib.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday vowed Turkey would not take the "smallest step back" in an escalating stand-off with Damascus and Russia over the northern Syrian region of Idlib. Meanwhile, a meeting between Erdogan and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, is expected to take place, the Turkish foreign minister, ahead of a possible summit including EU heavyweights Germany and France to find a political solution to the Idlib crisis. "We will not take a smallest step back in Idlib, we will certainly push the regime outside the borders we designated, and ensure the return of the people to their homes," Erdogan told ruling party's lawmakers in parliament in Ankara. As part of deals with Russia -- a key supporter of President Bashar al-Assad -- rebel backer Turkey has 12 observation posts in Idlib but several have come under fire from Assad forces. Ankara has confirmed as many as 17 Turkish security personnel have been killed this month alone. Erdogan bluntly warned the Syrian regime to "stop its attacks as soon as possible" and to pull back by the end of February. "The time we have given to those who besieged our observation towers is running out," Erdogan said. "We are planning to save those of our observation posts from the besiegers one way or another by the end of this month." Erdogan added that "the biggest problem we currently have is that we cannot use the air space" over Idlib which is controlled by Russia. "God willing, we will find a solution soon." Advance of Assad forces In recent weeks, Damascus backed by Russian air strikes has pressed a major offensive against the remaining territory held by jihadists and Turkish-backed rebels in Idlib. In a statement read on public television, the Syrian army on Wednesday announced it had "regained control" of a dozen of areas in recent days, including Kafranbel in the south of Idlib, a town known to have been among the first to rebel against Damascus. The army vowed to "liberate the territories of the Syrian Arab Republic from terrorism and its supporters." Idlib hosts more than three million people -- half of them already displaced by violence elsewhere and the United Nations has warned against an imminent "bloodbath" amid the contiuing fighting. Putin, Erdogan meeting? Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying on state-run TRT tv, that as a first step, "what President Erdogan and Putin have agreed is to come together at a bilateral format." While backing opposite sides, Russia and Turkey have worked to end the conflict but strains have soared in recent weeks over Idlib. The tensions are seen as the biggest threat to Ankara-Moscow ties since Turkey shot down a Russian warplane over Syria in November 2015. The Kremlin indicated Tuesday however, that an Erdogan-Putin meeting was not on the cards, also saying that a tripartite summit with another regime ally Iran could be planned instead of a multilateral one with France and Germany. A Russian delegation was due to hold another round of talks with Turkish officials in Ankara Wednesday.

Erdogan rules out 'smallest step back' in Syria's Idlib

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Turkey's </a>vice-president on Saturday hit back at Russian accusations of failing to honour a 2018 deal by insisting it carried out its responsibilities in Syria's Idlib.

"Observation posts were set up and the regime had to stay outside of this area. Russia and Iran were to ensure the regime stayed outside, Turkey had responsibilities too, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Turkey </a>fulfilled these," Vice-President Fuat Oktay told NTV broadcaster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Turkey </a>has 12 observation posts in the northwestern province of Idlib after the 2018 agreement between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Russia </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Turkey </a>in Sochi to prevent a Damascus-led offensive.

Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Up to four of Turkey's posts are in Syrian regime-controlled territory, Turkish officials say.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Turkey </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Russia </a>have been embroiled in a war of words over Idlib as the Syrian regime backed by Moscow has intensified an assault, killing hundreds of civilians.

The Russian defence ministry said earlier this week Turkey did not separate "fighters from the moderate opposition from terrorists."

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar then said on Thursday force would be used against anyone who did not adhere to the ceasefire, including "radicals".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Turkey-Russia begin joint patrolling across Northern Syria</a>

Idlib is held by an array of rebels dominated by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist group, which is led by members of the country's former Al-Qaeda franchise.

The tensions began after 14 Turks were killed this month by regime shelling in Idlib.

Despite being on opposing sides, rebel supporter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Turkey </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Moscow </a>ally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Russia </a>have worked closely on Syria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Turkey </a>says it wants to stop the Damascus regime's "aggression" in a bid to stop the deaths of civilians and to prevent a wave of refugees fleeing to Turkey.

Turkey is already home to more than 3.6 million Syrian refugees. "Turkey cannot withstand another migration wave," Oktay said.

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> warned the regime to withdraw from Turkish-manned posts by the end of February, otherwise Ankara will "take matters into its own hands."

In recent days, Turkey has sent multiple military reinforcements to Idlib, and Hurriyet daily on Saturday reported that a 60-vehicle convoy carrying commandoes and armoured carriers was sent to beef up the Turkish posts.

Turkey's vice-president on Saturday hit back at Russian accusations of failing to honour a 2018 deal by insisting it carried out its responsibilities in Syria's Idlib.

Turkey's vice-president on Saturday hit back at Russian accusations of failing to honour a 2018 deal by insisting it carried out its responsibilities in Syria's Idlib. "Observation posts were set up and the regime had to stay outside of this area. Russia and Iran were to ensure the regime stayed outside, Turkey had responsibilities too, Turkey fulfilled these," Vice-President Fuat Oktay told NTV broadcaster. Turkey has 12 observation posts in the northwestern province of Idlib after the 2018 agreement between Russia and Turkey in Sochi to prevent a Damascus-led offensive. Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive Up to four of Turkey's posts are in Syrian regime-controlled territory, Turkish officials say. Turkey and Russia have been embroiled in a war of words over Idlib as the Syrian regime backed by Moscow has intensified an assault, killing hundreds of civilians. The Russian defence ministry said earlier this week Turkey did not separate "fighters from the moderate opposition from terrorists." Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar then said on Thursday force would be used against anyone who did not adhere to the ceasefire, including "radicals". Also read: Turkey-Russia begin joint patrolling across Northern Syria Idlib is held by an array of rebels dominated by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist group, which is led by members of the country's former Al-Qaeda franchise. The tensions began after 14 Turks were killed this month by regime shelling in Idlib. Despite being on opposing sides, rebel supporter Turkey and Moscow ally Russia have worked closely on Syria. Turkey says it wants to stop the Damascus regime's "aggression" in a bid to stop the deaths of civilians and to prevent a wave of refugees fleeing to Turkey. Turkey is already home to more than 3.6 million Syrian refugees. "Turkey cannot withstand another migration wave," Oktay said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned the regime to withdraw from Turkish-manned posts by the end of February, otherwise Ankara will "take matters into its own hands." In recent days, Turkey has sent multiple military reinforcements to Idlib, and Hurriyet daily on Saturday reported that a 60-vehicle convoy carrying commandoes and armoured carriers was sent to beef up the Turkish posts.

Turkey hits back at Moscow over Idlib claims

The UN Security Council endorsed a 55-point road map for ending the war in Libya on February 12 and condemned the recent increase in violence in the oil-rich North African country. The vote on the British-drafted resolution was 14-0, with Russia abstaining even though Russian President Vladimir Putin was one of the 12 leaders who agreed to the plan at a conference in Berlin on January 19. Watch report

UN votes to endorse road map to end war in Libya

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Kremlin </a>on Wednesday accused Turkey of failing to "neutralise terrorists" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Syria's </a>last rebel bastion Idlib as tensions escalate with Ankara over the protracted conflict.

Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Vladimir Putin</a>'s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Turkish side "had taken upon itself an obligation to neutralise terrorist groups" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Idlib </a>under an agreement between Ankara and Moscow from 2018.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-damascus-slams-moscow-over-idlib-massacre-280294">Erdogan threatens Damascus, slams Moscow over Idlib 'massacre'</a>

But "all these groups are mounting an attack on the Syrian army from Idlib and are acting aggressively towards Russian military installations", he told reporters.

"This is unacceptable and runs counter to the Sochi agreements," he said, referring to the 2018 deal between Russia and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-reinforces-troops-in-syrias-idlib-talks-with-russia-279554">Turkey</a>.

At the same time, Peskov sought to defend the Syrian army, saying it targeted "terrorists" and not civilians.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-reinforces-troops-in-syrias-idlib-talks-with-russia-279554">Turkey reinforces troops in Syria's Idlib</a>

He said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Kremlin </a>had no current plans to communicate with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad but said the two countries' armed forces were in contact.

In 2018, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Russia </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Turkey </a>agreed a memorandum to enforce a demilitarised zone in Syria's Idlib region from which "radical" fighters would be required to withdraw.

Russia insists, however, that groups of "terrorists" continue fighting in Idlib.

Despite being on opposite sides of the war, Damascus ally Moscow and rebel supporter Ankara have worked closely to resolve the conflict.

But recent deadly clashes between Syrian and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-damascus-slams-moscow-over-idlib-massacre-280294">Turkish forces</a> have put a major strain on the delicate relationship between President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-damascus-slams-moscow-over-idlib-massacre-280294">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> and Putin.

Earlier Wednesday, the two discussed de-escalation of the Syrian crisis by phone.

"The importance was noted of the full implementation of existing Russian-Turkish agreements including the Sochi memorandum," the Kremlin said after the Putin-Erdogan phone call.

Erdogan on Wednesday threatened to strike Syrian regime forces "everywhere" if his soldiers were harmed and accused Russia of committing "massacres" in Idlib.&nbsp;

He said Turkey would act "from now on regardless of the Sochi deal".

Syria's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Russia</a>-backed government forces launched an all-out assault on Idlib in December, retaking town after town. Hundreds of thousands have fled and hundreds of civilians have been killed.

The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Turkey of failing to "neutralise terrorists" in Syria's last rebel bastion Idlib as tensions escalate with Ankara over the protracted conflict.

The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Turkey of failing to "neutralise terrorists" in Syria's last rebel bastion Idlib as tensions escalate with Ankara over the protracted conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Turkish side "had taken upon itself an obligation to neutralise terrorist groups" in Idlib under an agreement between Ankara and Moscow from 2018. Also read: Erdogan threatens Damascus, slams Moscow over Idlib 'massacre' But "all these groups are mounting an attack on the Syrian army from Idlib and are acting aggressively towards Russian military installations", he told reporters. "This is unacceptable and runs counter to the Sochi agreements," he said, referring to the 2018 deal between Russia and Turkey. At the same time, Peskov sought to defend the Syrian army, saying it targeted "terrorists" and not civilians. Also read: Turkey reinforces troops in Syria's Idlib He said the Kremlin had no current plans to communicate with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad but said the two countries' armed forces were in contact. In 2018, Russia and Turkey agreed a memorandum to enforce a demilitarised zone in Syria's Idlib region from which "radical" fighters would be required to withdraw. Russia insists, however, that groups of "terrorists" continue fighting in Idlib. Despite being on opposite sides of the war, Damascus ally Moscow and rebel supporter Ankara have worked closely to resolve the conflict. But recent deadly clashes between Syrian and Turkish forces have put a major strain on the delicate relationship between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Putin. Earlier Wednesday, the two discussed de-escalation of the Syrian crisis by phone. "The importance was noted of the full implementation of existing Russian-Turkish agreements including the Sochi memorandum," the Kremlin said after the Putin-Erdogan phone call. Erdogan on Wednesday threatened to strike Syrian regime forces "everywhere" if his soldiers were harmed and accused Russia of committing "massacres" in Idlib. He said Turkey would act "from now on regardless of the Sochi deal". Syria's Russia-backed government forces launched an all-out assault on Idlib in December, retaking town after town. Hundreds of thousands have fled and hundreds of civilians have been killed.

Kremlin accuses Turkey of failing to 'neutralise terrorists' in Idlib

A youtube blogger from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Chechen </a>who was an outspoken critic of the country's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Ramzan Kadyrov</a>, was ''violently murdered'' in a French hotel's room.

According to French officials, the blogger's name was Imran Aliev and he ''suffered a violent death''.

Reportedly, he was stabbed repeatedly in the neck.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-youtuber-confess-of-faking-his-gfs-death-for-subscribers-277863">Canadian YouTuber confesses of faking his girlfriend's death for subscribers</a>

The 44-year-old ran a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-youtuber-confess-of-faking-his-gfs-death-for-subscribers-277863">YouTube </a>channel which frequently criticised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Chechen </a>regime which is backed by Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israeli-woman-pardoned-by-putin-flies-home-with-pm-netanyahu-277602">Vladimir Putin</a>.&nbsp;

The police believes that the victim knew his murderer.

They are hunting down the 35-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Chechen </a>man who police believe is the primary suspect.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/murder-of-anti-kremlin-war-reporter-shocks-russian-opposition-141014">Murder of anti-Kremlin war reporter shocks Russian opposition</a>

The police believes the motive behind the murder is political.

The knife found at the crime scene has been sent to a forensic laboratory for assessment.

The murder is warning to others and an attempt to intimidate anyone who criticizes 'Russian protégé' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Ramzan Kadyrov</a>, as per Mansur Sadulev, chairman of the Chechen Human Rights Association.

Kadyrov is known for his allegiance to Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israeli-woman-pardoned-by-putin-flies-home-with-pm-netanyahu-277602">Vladimir Putin</a>.

A youtube blogger from Chechen who was an outspoken critic of the country's President Ramzan Kadyrov, was ''violently murdered'' in a French hotel's room. According to French officials, the blogger's name was Imran Aliev and he ''suffered a violent death''.

A youtube blogger from Chechen who was an outspoken critic of the country's President Ramzan Kadyrov, was ''violently murdered'' in a French hotel's room. According to French officials, the blogger's name was Imran Aliev and he ''suffered a violent death''. Reportedly, he was stabbed repeatedly in the neck. Also read: Canadian YouTuber confesses of faking his girlfriend's death for subscribers The 44-year-old ran a YouTube channel which frequently criticised the Chechen regime which is backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The police believes that the victim knew his murderer. They are hunting down the 35-year-old Chechen man who police believe is the primary suspect. Also read: Murder of anti-Kremlin war reporter shocks Russian opposition The police believes the motive behind the murder is political. The knife found at the crime scene has been sent to a forensic laboratory for assessment. The murder is warning to others and an attempt to intimidate anyone who criticizes 'Russian protégé' Ramzan Kadyrov, as per Mansur Sadulev, chairman of the Chechen Human Rights Association. Kadyrov is known for his allegiance to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Outspoken Chechen blogger murdered 'violently' in French hotel

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-says-will-continue-to-strengthen-deep-friendship-with-india-277448">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on Thursday hailed US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/deal-signed-amid-trumps-impeachment-277533">Donald Trump</a>'s Middle East peace plan as a new opportunity after flying to Moscow to discuss it with President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-fund-in-vitro-fertilization-to-boom-to-battle-population-slump-277550">Vladimir&nbsp;Putin</a>.

"I think there's a new and perhaps unique opportunity here," said the Israeli premier, who stood alongside Trump at the White House when the plan was announced Tuesday and called it a victory for Israel.

Trump's plan angered Palestinians by proposing Israel retain control over Jerusalem as its "undivided capital" and giving the green light to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jared-kushner-meet-the-man-behind-middle-east-peace-plan-277295">Jared Kushner: Meet the man behind Middle-East peace plan</a>

"I'd like to speak to you and hear your insights and see how we can combine all our forces for security and peace," Netanyahu told&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;at the start of their Kremlin meeting.

"You're actually the first leader I'm speaking with after my visit to Washington about President Trump's Deal of the Century," he added.

The Russian leader did not mention the peace plan in his public remarks.

Watch:&nbsp;Trump's Middle East 'Peace Plan' rejected by Palestine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-middle-east-peace-plan-rejected-by-palestine-277357/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Netanyahu, facing graft charges, is contesting March elections and hoping the proposal will boost his re-election chances.

The March 2 vote is Israel's third in less than a year, with polls suggesting the prime minister's rightwing Likud is again neck-and-neck with the centrist Blue and White party led by ex-military chief Benny Gantz.

Netanyahu was visiting Russia on the same day that it released a young US-Israeli woman jailed for drug trafficking over a small amount of cannabis found in her luggage as she transited a Moscow airport.&nbsp;

Her case caused an outcry in Israel and her release came after Netanyahu pleaded her case with&nbsp;Putin, who issued a pardon.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday hailed US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan as a new opportunity after flying to Moscow to discuss it with President Vladimir Putin.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday hailed US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan as a new opportunity after flying to Moscow to discuss it with President Vladimir Putin. "I think there's a new and perhaps unique opportunity here," said the Israeli premier, who stood alongside Trump at the White House when the plan was announced Tuesday and called it a victory for Israel. Trump's plan angered Palestinians by proposing Israel retain control over Jerusalem as its "undivided capital" and giving the green light to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Also read: Jared Kushner: Meet the man behind Middle-East peace plan "I'd like to speak to you and hear your insights and see how we can combine all our forces for security and peace," Netanyahu told Putin at the start of their Kremlin meeting. "You're actually the first leader I'm speaking with after my visit to Washington about President Trump's Deal of the Century," he added. The Russian leader did not mention the peace plan in his public remarks. Watch: Trump's Middle East 'Peace Plan' rejected by Palestine Netanyahu, facing graft charges, is contesting March elections and hoping the proposal will boost his re-election chances. The March 2 vote is Israel's third in less than a year, with polls suggesting the prime minister's rightwing Likud is again neck-and-neck with the centrist Blue and White party led by ex-military chief Benny Gantz. Netanyahu was visiting Russia on the same day that it released a young US-Israeli woman jailed for drug trafficking over a small amount of cannabis found in her luggage as she transited a Moscow airport. Her case caused an outcry in Israel and her release came after Netanyahu pleaded her case with Putin, who issued a pardon.

Middle East peace plan a new opportunity: Netanyahu to Putin

Airstrikes&nbsp;killed 10 civilians near a bakery and a medical clinic in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/car-bombing-kills-7-in-syrias-rebel-held-azaz-monitor-276730">Syria</a>'s rebel-held Idlib region on Thursday, as government forces kept up a ground offensive.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Russian warplanes hit the Idlib province town of Ariha, but the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-fund-in-vitro-fertilization-to-boom-to-battle-population-slump-277550">Russian </a>defence ministry said its "aviation did not carry out any combat tasks in this area of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/car-bombing-kills-7-in-syrias-rebel-held-azaz-monitor-276730">Syria</a>."

The government and its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-fund-in-vitro-fertilization-to-boom-to-battle-population-slump-277550">Russian</a> allies have upped their deadly bombardment of Syria's last major rebel bastion, slowly chipping away at it from the south.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/car-bombing-kills-7-in-syrias-rebel-held-azaz-monitor-276730">Car bombing kills 7 in Syria's rebel-held Azaz</a>

Rebel-held territory has shrunk to just over half of Idlib province, along with slivers of neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia, following a series of government gains.

Early on Thursday, Russian airstrikes hit near a bakery and the Al-Shami clinic in Ariha which is now out of service, the Observatory said.

The monitor says it determines whose planes carried out strikes according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions.

Nearby, three entire buildings had collapsed and several vehicles were reduced to mangled wrecks.&nbsp;

Ground offensive 

The latest deaths bring to 21 the number of civilians killed by Russian airstrikes in Idlib since Wednesday, the Observatory said.

Earlier this month, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since a ceasefire it agreed with rebel supporter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/baby-born-as-earthquake-rocks-turkey-276939">Turkey</a> went into effect on January 12.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-pulled-from-rubble-as-turkey-quake-toll-hits-35-276666">Dozens pulled from rubble as Turkey quake toll hits 35</a>

But the truce has since become a dead letter and the number of reported Russian raids has risen sharply in an area dominated by jihadists of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance.&nbsp;

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-states-that-haftar-cannot-be-expected-to-respect-libya-truce-276633">Recep Tayyip Erdogan </a>accused Moscow&nbsp;on Wednesday of "not honouring" several deals intended to avert a broad military offensive in the area.

It was a rare critical remark from Erdogan, who has largely sought to keep good relations with Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vladimir-putin-a-brief-profile-of-the-russian-president-728">Vladimir Putin</a> since a 2016 rapprochement.

Thousands of Russian troops are deployed across Syria in support of the army, while a contingent of Russian private security personnel also operates on the ground.

Moscow's military intervention in 2015, four years into the Syrian conflict, helped keep <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/efforts-to-return-syrias-bashar-al-assad-to-arab-fold-amount-to-hollow-victory-for-autocrats-186828">President Bashar al-Assad</a> in power and started a long, bloody reconquest of territory lost to rebels in the early stages of the war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-air-strikes-in-syria-kill-12-civilians-monitor-275774">Russian air strikes in Syria kill 12 civilians</a>

Government forces pushed north from Maaret al-Numan, on Thursday towards the town of Saraqib, whose residents have mostly fled in the face of heavy bombardment.

The front line is now within five kilometres of the town, the Observatory said.&nbsp;

Both Maarat al-Numan and Saraqib lie on the key M5 highway connecting the capital Damascus to&nbsp;second city Aleppo.

The road has been in the government's sights as it seeks to revive a moribund economy ravaged by almost nine years of war.

Some 50 kilometres of the M5 remain outside regime control, the Britain-based Observatory said.

Airstrikes killed 10 civilians near a bakery and a medical clinic in Syria's rebel-held Idlib region on Thursday, as government forces kept up a ground offensive.

Airstrikes killed 10 civilians near a bakery and a medical clinic in Syria's rebel-held Idlib region on Thursday, as government forces kept up a ground offensive. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Russian warplanes hit the Idlib province town of Ariha, but the Russian defence ministry said its "aviation did not carry out any combat tasks in this area of Syria." The government and its Russian allies have upped their deadly bombardment of Syria's last major rebel bastion, slowly chipping away at it from the south. Also read: Car bombing kills 7 in Syria's rebel-held Azaz Rebel-held territory has shrunk to just over half of Idlib province, along with slivers of neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia, following a series of government gains. Early on Thursday, Russian airstrikes hit near a bakery and the Al-Shami clinic in Ariha which is now out of service, the Observatory said. The monitor says it determines whose planes carried out strikes according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions. Nearby, three entire buildings had collapsed and several vehicles were reduced to mangled wrecks. Ground offensive The latest deaths bring to 21 the number of civilians killed by Russian airstrikes in Idlib since Wednesday, the Observatory said. Earlier this month, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since a ceasefire it agreed with rebel supporter Turkey went into effect on January 12. Also read: Dozens pulled from rubble as Turkey quake toll hits 35 But the truce has since become a dead letter and the number of reported Russian raids has risen sharply in an area dominated by jihadists of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Moscow on Wednesday of "not honouring" several deals intended to avert a broad military offensive in the area. It was a rare critical remark from Erdogan, who has largely sought to keep good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin since a 2016 rapprochement. Thousands of Russian troops are deployed across Syria in support of the army, while a contingent of Russian private security personnel also operates on the ground. Moscow's military intervention in 2015, four years into the Syrian conflict, helped keep President Bashar al-Assad in power and started a long, bloody reconquest of territory lost to rebels in the early stages of the war. Also read: Russian air strikes in Syria kill 12 civilians Government forces pushed north from Maaret al-Numan, on Thursday towards the town of Saraqib, whose residents have mostly fled in the face of heavy bombardment. The front line is now within five kilometres of the town, the Observatory said. Both Maarat al-Numan and Saraqib lie on the key M5 highway connecting the capital Damascus to second city Aleppo. The road has been in the government's sights as it seeks to revive a moribund economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Some 50 kilometres of the M5 remain outside regime control, the Britain-based Observatory said.

Air strikes kill at least 10 in Syria's Idlib as government forces continue offensive

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-replaces-powerful-top-prosecutor-275496">Vladimir Putin</a> has announced the promotion&nbsp;of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to boost <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-submits-constitutional-amendment-package-to-parliament-275548">Russia</a>'s declining population.

He announced enhanced child benefits and payouts to families for every new baby to help the country "escape from the demographic trap."

"Russia's fate and its historic prospects depend on how many of us there are," the Russian President said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-replaces-powerful-top-prosecutor-275496">Vladimir Putin replaces powerful top prosecutor</a>

The country's&nbsp;population fell to 142.9 million in 2010 after the breakup of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mailbox-200-soviet-town-used-for-dumping-radioactive-waste-could-poison-millions-260158">Soviet Union</a> in 1991, when it was 148.3 million.

It is now back up to 146 million but is projected to fall again.

In a private clinic, the price of a cycle of in-vitro fertilisation starts at around 100,000 rubles, not including the costs of donor sperm and eggs.&nbsp;

This is more than three times the median monthly wage.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vladimir-putin-a-brief-profile-of-the-russian-president-728">Vladimir Putin: A brief profile of the Russian president</a>

But since 2013, the IVF procedure, which is the most effective fertility treatment with a success rate of around 30 percent, has largely been state-funded under a compulsory health insurance scheme.

Russia's current population of 146 million is predicted to fall by 4 to 12 million by 2035. Those in their 20s now were born during a massive slump in the birthrate amid economic uncertainties, so there are fewer people to become new parents.

In the first 10 months of last year, the population fell by almost 260,000 people, the steepest drop over the past 11 years.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/almost-half-of-young-russians-want-to-emigrate-report-208003">Almost half of young Russians want to emigrate: Report</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vladimir-putin-a-brief-profile-of-the-russian-president-728">Putin</a> has rolled out a number of policies aimed at encouraging people to have babies since coming to power in 2000.

This month, he called for the birthrate to go up to 1.7 children per woman by 2024, from the current figure of 1.5.

Fertility treatment is part of this strategy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-why-population-crisis-is-looming-over-global-economies-274909">Why population crisis is looming over global economies</a>

Nationwide, the number of state-financed IVF procedures per year rose from 46,000 to 78,000 between 2016 and 2018, according to the health ministry.

The goal is to reach 90,000 per year in 2024, which would make Russia a leader in the field, according to the figures of the Russian Association for Human Reproduction.

Russia has very liberal laws on reproductive rights. There are no age limits on assisted reproduction and it is open to single women and unmarried couples.

Annual numbers of abortions fell from 1.5 million to 567,000 between 2010 and 2018, according to the health ministry.&nbsp;

Despite the massive drop, abortion numbers still loom large in comparison to the annual birth rate of some 1.6 million babies.

Vladimir Putin has announced the promotion of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to boost Russia's declining population. He announced enhanced child benefits and payouts to families for every new baby to help the country "escape from the demographic trap.

Vladimir Putin has announced the promotion of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to boost Russia's declining population. He announced enhanced child benefits and payouts to families for every new baby to help the country "escape from the demographic trap." "Russia's fate and its historic prospects depend on how many of us there are," the Russian President said. Also read: Vladimir Putin replaces powerful top prosecutor The country's population fell to 142.9 million in 2010 after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, when it was 148.3 million. It is now back up to 146 million but is projected to fall again. In a private clinic, the price of a cycle of in-vitro fertilisation starts at around 100,000 rubles, not including the costs of donor sperm and eggs. This is more than three times the median monthly wage. Also see: Vladimir Putin: A brief profile of the Russian president But since 2013, the IVF procedure, which is the most effective fertility treatment with a success rate of around 30 percent, has largely been state-funded under a compulsory health insurance scheme. Russia's current population of 146 million is predicted to fall by 4 to 12 million by 2035. Those in their 20s now were born during a massive slump in the birthrate amid economic uncertainties, so there are fewer people to become new parents. In the first 10 months of last year, the population fell by almost 260,000 people, the steepest drop over the past 11 years. Also read: Almost half of young Russians want to emigrate: Report Putin has rolled out a number of policies aimed at encouraging people to have babies since coming to power in 2000. This month, he called for the birthrate to go up to 1.7 children per woman by 2024, from the current figure of 1.5. Fertility treatment is part of this strategy. Also read: Why population crisis is looming over global economies Nationwide, the number of state-financed IVF procedures per year rose from 46,000 to 78,000 between 2016 and 2018, according to the health ministry. The goal is to reach 90,000 per year in 2024, which would make Russia a leader in the field, according to the figures of the Russian Association for Human Reproduction. Russia has very liberal laws on reproductive rights. There are no age limits on assisted reproduction and it is open to single women and unmarried couples. Annual numbers of abortions fell from 1.5 million to 567,000 between 2010 and 2018, according to the health ministry. Despite the massive drop, abortion numbers still loom large in comparison to the annual birth rate of some 1.6 million babies.

Russia promotes In Vitro Fertilization to boom population slump

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-speeds-up-russian-political-shake-up-details-new-power-centre-275623">Kremlin</a> reacted with fury on Tuesday after Ukrainian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-president-zelensky-rejects-pms-resignation-275011">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> said Soviet collusion with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-hitlers-relationship-with-india-277103">Nazi </a>Germany led to the outbreak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-japanese-journalist-in-military-espionage-row-sources-277045">World War II</a>.

"We categorically disagree with this statement," President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-speeds-up-russian-political-shake-up-details-new-power-centre-275623">Vladimir Putin</a>'s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, accusing Zelensky of backing the "highly erroneous" position of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-polands-plan-to-discipline-judges-274146">Poland</a> on the historical events.

The Soviet collaboration with the Nazis remains highly sensitive in the ex-Soviet bloc and frequently crops up in political rhetoric.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-spies-hacked-ukrainian-energy-firm-at-center-of-trumps-impeachment-274153">&nbsp;Russian spies hacked Ukrainian energy firm at center of Trump impeachment</a>

Nazi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-woman-linked-to-islamic-state-returned-to-germany-264251">Germany</a> and the Soviet Union invaded and carved up Poland in September 1939 under a secret clause of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

The Nazi invasion prompted<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barnier-warns-european-union-and-britain-must-rebuild-after-brexit-276906"> Britain</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-3-cases-in-france-1-in-australia-us-expecting-more-cases-276474">France</a> to declare war on Germany.

While visiting Poland on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/auschwitz-survivors-to-sound-alarm-75-years-after-liberation-276907">Auschwitz</a> death camp, Zelensky said the Poles "were the first to feel the consequences of the criminal collusion of the totalitarian regimes".

"This led to the start of World War II and allowed the Nazis to launch the lethal Holocaust machine," he told a joint briefing with Poland's President Andrzej Duda.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/auschwitz-survivors-to-sound-alarm-75-years-after-liberation-276907">75 years after liberation, Auschwitz survivors return to Nazi death camp</a>

Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz, where the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-hitlers-relationship-with-india-277103">Nazis</a> killed more than 1.1 million people, most of them Jews.

Peskov said Zelensky's comment had offended "tens of millions" of citizens of Russia, Ukraine and other post-Soviet states that battled against Nazi troops.

"We do not accept this statement. We consider it erroneous and offensive from the point of view of our grandfathers' memory," he said.

Zelensky met Putin for the first time in December at a summit in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-christchurch-call-macron-ardern-host-paris-summit-219050">Paris</a> on resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the Russian parliament's upper house, accused Zelensky of betraying the Ukrainians who helped liberate Europe and delivering a blow to Russian-Ukrainian ties.

Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia's foreign intelligence service, told reporters that Zelensky was getting increasingly drawn towards ideas of Ukrainian nationalism.

Last month, Putin accused Poland of colluding with Hitler and contributing to the outbreak of World War II, sparking new tensions between Moscow and Warsaw.

The Kremlin reacted with fury on Tuesday after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Soviet collusion with Nazi Germany led to the outbreak of World War II.

The Kremlin reacted with fury on Tuesday after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Soviet collusion with Nazi Germany led to the outbreak of World War II. "We categorically disagree with this statement," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, accusing Zelensky of backing the "highly erroneous" position of Poland on the historical events. The Soviet collaboration with the Nazis remains highly sensitive in the ex-Soviet bloc and frequently crops up in political rhetoric. Also read: Russian spies hacked Ukrainian energy firm at center of Trump impeachment Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union invaded and carved up Poland in September 1939 under a secret clause of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The Nazi invasion prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany. While visiting Poland on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz death camp, Zelensky said the Poles "were the first to feel the consequences of the criminal collusion of the totalitarian regimes". "This led to the start of World War II and allowed the Nazis to launch the lethal Holocaust machine," he told a joint briefing with Poland's President Andrzej Duda. Also read: 75 years after liberation, Auschwitz survivors return to Nazi death camp Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz, where the Nazis killed more than 1.1 million people, most of them Jews. Peskov said Zelensky's comment had offended "tens of millions" of citizens of Russia, Ukraine and other post-Soviet states that battled against Nazi troops. "We do not accept this statement. We consider it erroneous and offensive from the point of view of our grandfathers' memory," he said. Zelensky met Putin for the first time in December at a summit in Paris on resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the Russian parliament's upper house, accused Zelensky of betraying the Ukrainians who helped liberate Europe and delivering a blow to Russian-Ukrainian ties. Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia's foreign intelligence service, told reporters that Zelensky was getting increasingly drawn towards ideas of Ukrainian nationalism. Last month, Putin accused Poland of colluding with Hitler and contributing to the outbreak of World War II, sparking new tensions between Moscow and Warsaw.

Ukraine leader's Nazi collusion comment enrages Moscow

Israel hosted the World Holocaust Forum, which more than 40 world leaders & royals attended. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the monument which is located in a central Jerusalem park, fulfills the aspiration to life and victory of Leningrad siege's victims. Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a visit to Israel, Putin unveiled a Jerusalem monument commemorating the victims and defenders of Leningrad during the Nazi siege of World War Two.

WION Dispatch: Israel hosts World Holocaust Forum

Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vladimir-putin-a-brief-profile-of-the-russian-president-728">Vladimir Putin</a> on Monday removed the powerful Prosecutor-General Yury Chaika and nominated a replacement, the Kremlin said.

Chaika, 68, who has served as the country's top prosecutor since 2006, "has been relieved of his position due to a transfer to another position," the Kremlin said in a statement, without providing further details.

His successor is expected to be Igor Krasnov, 43, currently deputy head of the Investigative Committee, a separate state agency that probes major crimes.

The Investigative Committee has repeatedly clashed with the Prosecutor-General's Office.&nbsp;

Putin on Monday submitted Krasnov's candidacy for consideration by the upper house of parliament, the Federation Council,&nbsp;the Kremlin said.

His candidacy is expected to be approved by lawmakers.

Chaika served as justice minister between 1999 and 2006.

In 2015, the anti-corruption foundation of leading Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny accused Chaika's two sons of illegally amassing large fortunes with the help of officials under their father's command.

Chaika dismissed the accusations.

Last week Putin proposed re-drafting the 1993 constitution, unleashing political upheaval in Russia and triggering the resignation of the government of his loyal lieutenant Dmitry Medvedev.&nbsp;

Medvedev has been replaced by former tax chief Mikhail Mishustin who is expected to propose a new government make-up this week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday removed the powerful Prosecutor-General Yury Chaika and nominated a replacement, the Kremlin said. Chaika, 68, who has served as the country's top prosecutor since 2006, "has been relieved of his position due to a transfer to another position," the Kremlin said in a statement, without providing further details.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday removed the powerful Prosecutor-General Yury Chaika and nominated a replacement, the Kremlin said. Chaika, 68, who has served as the country's top prosecutor since 2006, "has been relieved of his position due to a transfer to another position," the Kremlin said in a statement, without providing further details. His successor is expected to be Igor Krasnov, 43, currently deputy head of the Investigative Committee, a separate state agency that probes major crimes. The Investigative Committee has repeatedly clashed with the Prosecutor-General's Office. Putin on Monday submitted Krasnov's candidacy for consideration by the upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, the Kremlin said. His candidacy is expected to be approved by lawmakers. Chaika served as justice minister between 1999 and 2006. In 2015, the anti-corruption foundation of leading Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny accused Chaika's two sons of illegally amassing large fortunes with the help of officials under their father's command. Chaika dismissed the accusations. Last week Putin proposed re-drafting the 1993 constitution, unleashing political upheaval in Russia and triggering the resignation of the government of his loyal lieutenant Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev has been replaced by former tax chief Mikhail Mishustin who is expected to propose a new government make-up this week.

Vladimir Putin replaces powerful top prosecutor

An airstrike Saturday by Syrian regime ally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../russia-iran-shot-down-ukranian-passenger-plane -after-us-jets-were-seen-at-its-borders-275045">Russia</a> killed five civilians, including four members of the same family, in an opposition bastion in the country's northwest, a monitor said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said three children were among those killed after midnight Friday in the village of Bala in the jihadist-run Idlib region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Several civilians killed as Syrian government presses Idlib offensive</a>

"A man, his wife, and their two little girls were among those killed," said the head of the Britain-based monitoring group, Rami Abdel Rahman.

An AFP correspondent at a hospital in the area saw the bodies of two of the children wrapped up in thick winter blankets.

The strike created a massive crater of rubble near a two-storey home flanked by an empty outdoor swimming pool, the correspondent said.

A rescue worker found a stuffed toy cockerel inside the building.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-and-russian-jets-pound-idlib-province-274552/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Another first responder retrieved two slain rabbits.&nbsp;

The Observatory, which relies on sources inside Syria for its information, says it determines who carried out airstrikes according to flight patterns as well as aircraft and ammunition involved.

The Idlib region has witnessed an uptick in violence this week, as the Syrian government presses a deadly offensive despite a ceasefire arranged by its Russian ally and rebel-backer Turkey.

Home to three million people, the jihadist-run bastion is made up of a large part of the Idlib province, as well as slivers of the neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia provinces.

Idlib is run by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate.

Fighting there since Wednesday has killed 28 civilians including eight children, according to the Observatory.

It also took the lives of 58 pro-regime fighters and 67 fighters most of them jihadists, it added.

Violence in recent weeks has prompted hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes, exposing them to a harsh winter.

On Thursday, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since the start of a ceasefire it said went into effect on January 9. According to Turkey, the truce started on Sunday.

On Saturday, the Russian army deplored attacks led by HTS, describing them as "deliberate acts" designed to "undermine the ceasefire", according to Russian news agencies.

Turkey's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../tayyip-erdogan-calls-on-europe-to-support- turkeys-moves-in-libya-275097">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> has said he would discuss the latest attacks in northwestern Syria on Sunday with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Syria's war has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced more than half the country's population since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

An airstrike Saturday by Syrian regime ally Russia killed five civilians, including four members of the same family, in an opposition bastion in the country's northwest, a monitor said.

An airstrike Saturday by Syrian regime ally Russia killed five civilians, including four members of the same family, in an opposition bastion in the country's northwest, a monitor said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said three children were among those killed after midnight Friday in the village of Bala in the jihadist-run Idlib region. Also read: Several civilians killed as Syrian government presses Idlib offensive "A man, his wife, and their two little girls were among those killed," said the head of the Britain-based monitoring group, Rami Abdel Rahman. An AFP correspondent at a hospital in the area saw the bodies of two of the children wrapped up in thick winter blankets. The strike created a massive crater of rubble near a two-storey home flanked by an empty outdoor swimming pool, the correspondent said. A rescue worker found a stuffed toy cockerel inside the building. Another first responder retrieved two slain rabbits. The Observatory, which relies on sources inside Syria for its information, says it determines who carried out airstrikes according to flight patterns as well as aircraft and ammunition involved. The Idlib region has witnessed an uptick in violence this week, as the Syrian government presses a deadly offensive despite a ceasefire arranged by its Russian ally and rebel-backer Turkey. Home to three million people, the jihadist-run bastion is made up of a large part of the Idlib province, as well as slivers of the neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia provinces. Idlib is run by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. Fighting there since Wednesday has killed 28 civilians including eight children, according to the Observatory. It also took the lives of 58 pro-regime fighters and 67 fighters most of them jihadists, it added. Violence in recent weeks has prompted hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes, exposing them to a harsh winter. On Thursday, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since the start of a ceasefire it said went into effect on January 9. According to Turkey, the truce started on Sunday. On Saturday, the Russian army deplored attacks led by HTS, describing them as "deliberate acts" designed to "undermine the ceasefire", according to Russian news agencies. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he would discuss the latest attacks in northwestern Syria on Sunday with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Syria's war has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced more than half the country's population since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Russia strike kill five civilians in northwest Syria

More than a thousand opposition activists of various stripes marched in central Moscow on Sunday after President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-rejects-idea-of-soviet-style-lifelong-leaders-for-russia-while-addressing-war-veterans-275230">Vladimir Putin</a> proposed re-drafting the constitution, unleashing political upheaval.

Protesters mostly young anti-fascist activists chanted "Revolution" and "No to dictatorship" and some carried copies of the constitution.

The annual sanctioned march was called to commemorate the memory of lawyer Stanislav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova who were gunned down in Moscow by ultra-nationalists in 2009.

A number of independent local deputies including Yulia Galyamin and opposition-minded Russians joined the march, carrying copies of the constitution and chanting "Putin leave!".&nbsp;

Several people including a protester who carried a placard urging Putin to quit power were detained by police.

More than 1,400 people took part in the march, said the White Counter group which monitors political protests.

The march took place after Putin stunned the nation on Wednesday proposing sweeping amendments to the constitution, the first major changes to the country's basic law since it was adopted under Boris Yeltsin in 1993.&nbsp;

The move triggered the resignation of his government.

Many observers have said Putin's proposals are designed to ensure his grip on power after he leaves the Kremlin and his critics have accused him of orchestrating a "constitutional coup".

Sunday's turnout paled in comparison to the protests of last summer when tens of thousands took to the streets of Moscow to protest against the exclusion of opposition candidates from local elections, leading to wide-scale arrests and long jail terms for a number of demonstrators.

Local deputy Galyamina said it was important to protest against Putin's attempts to cling to power and change the constitution, calling them a "state coup."

Writing on Facebook, she said it was just the "beginning of a civil campaign" of resistance.

But Russia's top opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-authorities-raid-navalnys-office-270458">Alexei Navalny</a>&nbsp;said on Friday he did not support rallies in "defence of the cnstitution".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Что касается разнообразных предлагаемых акций "в защиту Конституции". 
Конституция РФ - омерзительна. В ней заложен механизм узурпации власти. По этой конституции у нас всё отняли - от выборов до пенсий - и дальше хотят отнимать. 
Не надо её защищать.
— Alexey Navalny (@navalny) <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny/status/1218144227894259718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The Russian constitution is abominable," he said on Twitter, adding it allowed authorities to usurp power.&nbsp;"No need to protect it."

Observers have said Putin's proposals have caught Kremlin critics off guard and managed to drive a new wedge between members of the Russian opposition.

More than a thousand opposition activists of various stripes marched in central Moscow on Sunday after President Vladimir Putin proposed re-drafting the constitution, unleashing political upheaval.

More than a thousand opposition activists of various stripes marched in central Moscow on Sunday after President Vladimir Putin proposed re-drafting the constitution, unleashing political upheaval. Protesters mostly young anti-fascist activists chanted "Revolution" and "No to dictatorship" and some carried copies of the constitution. The annual sanctioned march was called to commemorate the memory of lawyer Stanislav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova who were gunned down in Moscow by ultra-nationalists in 2009. A number of independent local deputies including Yulia Galyamin and opposition-minded Russians joined the march, carrying copies of the constitution and chanting "Putin leave!". Several people including a protester who carried a placard urging Putin to quit power were detained by police. More than 1,400 people took part in the march, said the White Counter group which monitors political protests. The march took place after Putin stunned the nation on Wednesday proposing sweeping amendments to the constitution, the first major changes to the country's basic law since it was adopted under Boris Yeltsin in 1993. The move triggered the resignation of his government. Many observers have said Putin's proposals are designed to ensure his grip on power after he leaves the Kremlin and his critics have accused him of orchestrating a "constitutional coup". Sunday's turnout paled in comparison to the protests of last summer when tens of thousands took to the streets of Moscow to protest against the exclusion of opposition candidates from local elections, leading to wide-scale arrests and long jail terms for a number of demonstrators. Local deputy Galyamina said it was important to protest against Putin's attempts to cling to power and change the constitution, calling them a "state coup." Writing on Facebook, she said it was just the "beginning of a civil campaign" of resistance. But Russia's top opposition leader Alexei Navalny said on Friday he did not support rallies in "defence of the cnstitution". Что касается разнообразных предлагаемых акций "в защиту Конституции". Конституция РФ - омерзительна. В ней заложен механизм узурпации власти. По этой конституции у нас всё отняли - от выборов до пенсий - и дальше хотят отнимать. Не надо её защищать. — Alexey Navalny (@navalny) January 17, 2020 × "The Russian constitution is abominable," he said on Twitter, adding it allowed authorities to usurp power. "No need to protect it." Observers have said Putin's proposals have caught Kremlin critics off guard and managed to drive a new wedge between members of the Russian opposition.

Russia: Activists take aim at Vladimir Putin in march against repression

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed sweeping changes to the country's political system that would shift powers away from the presidency in favour of parliament and the prime minister.

Putin's shake-up of Russian politics

Over the last 2 decades, there has been only one static feature in global politics. Russia's President Vladimir Putin has been the power centre in Russia. With the plans to rejig the country's constitution, Putin might consolidate his absolute power. WION's Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Big power play by Vladimir Putin?

The shake-up in Russian politics coincides with 20 years of Vladimir Putin in power. From KGB officer to a low profile official to Prime Ministership to Presidency, it has been quite a journey for Putin. This report explores Putin's many avatars.

Gravitas: The many avatars of Vladimir Putin

How does India view the changing political dynamics in Russia? How does India view it? India has a rich tradition of democracy. Will that reputation be hurt by siding with Putin? Is China the only thorn in India-Russia ties. On #WionEdit, Palki Sharma explores.

Wion Edit: Is China the only thorn in India-Russia ties?

Russian President Vladimir Putin nominated Mikhail Mishustin, a 53-year-old chief of the Russian Federal Tax Service for the position of Russian prime minister after Dmitry Medvedev resigned on January 15. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Putin appoints Mikhail Mishustin as PM of Russia

Key dates in President Vladimir Putin's life: 1952 - 2020

Russia: President Vladimir Putin accepted the resignation of his prime minister Wednesday after proposing constitutional amendments that could herald his intention to carve out a position that would let him stay at Russia's helm after his presidency ends.

Russian PM and government resign after Putin calls for constitution changes

The entire Russian government has resigned. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, along with his cabinet has called it quits. The comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to make major changes to the Russian constitution. WION's Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Russian government resigns as Putin proposes constitutional rejig

Russian President Vladimir Putin today proposed a referendum to give the Parliament more powers to choose the prime minister in a speech, a move which could have far-reaching consequences for the country's future.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-inaugurates-rail-route-to-annexed-crimea-269804">Also Read:&nbsp;Russian President Putin inaugurates rail route to annexed Crimea</a>

"I consider it necessary to conduct a vote by the country's citizens on an entire package of proposed amendments to the country's constitution," Putin said, adding, "We will be able to build a strong prosperous Russia only on the basis of respect for public opinion."

"Together we will certainly change life for the better," he added.

Putin, 67, is set to step down as president in 2024 with Russia set for parliamentary elections in 2021. Under the Russian constitution, a person cannot serve more than two successive presidential terms.

"Russia must remain a strong presidential republic," Putin said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-has-lied-about-poland-on-numerous-occasions-pm-mateusz-morawiecki-271197">Read More: President Putin has lied about Poland on numerous occasions, says PM Mateusz Morawiecki</a> 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
In December, during a marathon press conference, the Russian president had dropped broad hints that he might not seek another term in 2024.

"Your humble servant served two successive terms and then stepped down and had the constitutional right to return to the post of president," he said, adding, "but some of our political scientists and activists do not like this and maybe this could be removed, possibly."

“One thing that could be changed about these (presidential) terms is removing the clause about 'successive' (terms)," Putin said.

The Russian presidency was handed to Putin by Boris Yeltsin in 1999, the Russian leader served as president from 2000 to 2008 and then as premier from 2000 to 2012 and then returned as president in 2019.

Russian President Vladimir Putin today proposed a referendum to give the Parliament more powers to choose the prime minister in a speech, a move which could have far-reaching consequences for the country's future.

Russian President Vladimir Putin today proposed a referendum to give the Parliament more powers to choose the prime minister in a speech, a move which could have far-reaching consequences for the country's future. Also Read: Russian President Putin inaugurates rail route to annexed Crimea "I consider it necessary to conduct a vote by the country's citizens on an entire package of proposed amendments to the country's constitution," Putin said, adding, "We will be able to build a strong prosperous Russia only on the basis of respect for public opinion." "Together we will certainly change life for the better," he added. Putin, 67, is set to step down as president in 2024 with Russia set for parliamentary elections in 2021. Under the Russian constitution, a person cannot serve more than two successive presidential terms. "Russia must remain a strong presidential republic," Putin said. Read More: President Putin has lied about Poland on numerous occasions, says PM Mateusz Morawiecki In December, during a marathon press conference, the Russian president had dropped broad hints that he might not seek another term in 2024. "Your humble servant served two successive terms and then stepped down and had the constitutional right to return to the post of president," he said, adding, "but some of our political scientists and activists do not like this and maybe this could be removed, possibly." “One thing that could be changed about these (presidential) terms is removing the clause about 'successive' (terms)," Putin said. The Russian presidency was handed to Putin by Boris Yeltsin in 1999, the Russian leader served as president from 2000 to 2008 and then as premier from 2000 to 2012 and then returned as president in 2019.

Now, Putin proposes referendum to boost Russian parliament's powers

Russian spies hacked a Ukrainian energy company at the centre of the impeachment trial of US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bernie-sanders-said-no-woman-could-beat-donald-trump-in-2020-elizabeth-warren-274125">Donald Trump</a>, a cybersecurity firm said Monday.

Russia's GRU spy agency launched a "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-linked-hackers-stole-sensitive-information-microsoft-271217">phishing</a>" attack in November to access the email of Burisma Holdings employees, California cyber firm Area 1 Security said in a report.

"The timing of the GRU's campaign in relation to the 2020 US elections raises the spectre that this is an early warning of what we have anticipated since the successful cyberattacks undertaken during the 2016 US elections," Area 1 co-founders Oren J. Falkowitz and Blake Darche said in the eight-page document.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Here's a link to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Area1Security?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Area1Security</a> report on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/phishing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#phishing</a> of Burisma Holdings by the GRU <a href="https://t.co/oTEvMwmsjs">https://t.co/oTEvMwmsjs</a> <a href="https://t.co/XEmXumrww8">pic.twitter.com/XEmXumrww8</a>
— Oren J. Falkowitz (@orenfalkowitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/orenfalkowitz/status/1216874240848228352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Trump was impeached in December over allegations that he improperly pressured Ukraine to announce an investigation into Burisma and its links to former board member Hunter Biden, the son of the president's election rival Joe Biden.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-government-linked-hackers-targeting-anti-doping-authorities-sports-organizations-microsoft-258571">GRU</a> figured heavily in the Mueller report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign, which concluded that Russia hacked the Democratic Party and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shameful-for-uk-not-to-publish-russia-meddling-probe-clinton-261520">Hillary Clinton's</a> campaign to help Trump.

The president triggered wide alarm in Washington in July 2018 after he met President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-and-russias-putin-discuss-regional-global-issues-in-telephonic-conversation-274090">Vladimir Putin</a> in Helsinki and appeared to take at face value Putin's denials of Russian meddling.

In a July 2019 phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-demands-punishment-compensation-for-airliner-downed-by-iran-273583">Volodymyr Zelensky</a>, Trump pushed for Kiev to investigate a debunked Kremlin conspiracy theory that Biden, one of the Democrats most likely to challenge Trump for the White House in November, had tried to quash a graft probe of Burisma to protect his son.&nbsp;

The GRU, a military intelligence unit, got into the servers of Burisma Holdings, Area 1 said, although it is not clear what they found or what they were looking for.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Russians appear to be at it again. According to a new report, they’re hacking information that could be a prelude to more election interference in 2020. 
 
And again, it appears aimed to help Trump. 
 
We must reject foreign meddling. 
 
Americans should decide American elections. <a href="https://t.co/ipFsqq5yJz">https://t.co/ipFsqq5yJz</a>
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepAdamSchiff/status/1216921237009633281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The Russians appear to be at it again," tweeted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-prepared-to-testify-in-trump-impeachment-trial-john-bolton-272608">Adam Schiff</a>, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee who led Trump's impeachment investigation for the Democrats.

"According to a new report, they're hacking information that could be a prelude to more election interference in 2020. And again, it appears aimed to help Trump."

The report was released with Trump expected to stand trial in the Senate as early as this week on two articles of impeachment, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Russian spies hacked a Ukrainian energy company at the centre of the impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump, a cybersecurity firm said Monday. Russia's GRU spy agency launched a "phishing" attack in November to access the email of Burisma Holdings employees, California cyber firm Area 1 Security said in a report.

Russian spies hacked a Ukrainian energy company at the centre of the impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump, a cybersecurity firm said Monday. Russia's GRU spy agency launched a "phishing" attack in November to access the email of Burisma Holdings employees, California cyber firm Area 1 Security said in a report. "The timing of the GRU's campaign in relation to the 2020 US elections raises the spectre that this is an early warning of what we have anticipated since the successful cyberattacks undertaken during the 2016 US elections," Area 1 co-founders Oren J. Falkowitz and Blake Darche said in the eight-page document. Here's a link to the @Area1Security report on #phishing of Burisma Holdings by the GRU https://t.co/oTEvMwmsjs pic.twitter.com/XEmXumrww8 — Oren J. Falkowitz (@orenfalkowitz) January 14, 2020 × Trump was impeached in December over allegations that he improperly pressured Ukraine to announce an investigation into Burisma and its links to former board member Hunter Biden, the son of the president's election rival Joe Biden. The GRU figured heavily in the Mueller report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign, which concluded that Russia hacked the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton's campaign to help Trump. The president triggered wide alarm in Washington in July 2018 after he met President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki and appeared to take at face value Putin's denials of Russian meddling. In a July 2019 phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump pushed for Kiev to investigate a debunked Kremlin conspiracy theory that Biden, one of the Democrats most likely to challenge Trump for the White House in November, had tried to quash a graft probe of Burisma to protect his son. The GRU, a military intelligence unit, got into the servers of Burisma Holdings, Area 1 said, although it is not clear what they found or what they were looking for. The Russians appear to be at it again. According to a new report, they’re hacking information that could be a prelude to more election interference in 2020. And again, it appears aimed to help Trump. We must reject foreign meddling. Americans should decide American elections. https://t.co/ipFsqq5yJz — Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) January 14, 2020 × "The Russians appear to be at it again," tweeted Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee who led Trump's impeachment investigation for the Democrats. "According to a new report, they're hacking information that could be a prelude to more election interference in 2020. And again, it appears aimed to help Trump." The report was released with Trump expected to stand trial in the Senate as early as this week on two articles of impeachment, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Russian spies hacked Ukrainian energy firm at center of Trump impeachment

Turkey on Saturday asked Russia to convince eastern Libyan strongman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-haftar-forces-seize-large-parts-of-sirte-city-272759">Khalifa Haftar </a>to respect a ceasefire initiative by Ankara and Moscow that he has rejected.

Khalifa Haftar to respect a ceasefire initiative by Ankara and Moscow that he has rejected.&nbsp;

"We are waiting for our Russian friends to succeed in convincing Haftar," Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-will-retaliate-against-any-sanctions-ahead-of-us-vote-267704">Mevlut Cavusoglu</a> told a news conference.

In a statement read by his spokesman Ahmad al-Mesmari, Haftar claimed that a revival of the political process and the country's stability could only be assured by the "eradication of terrorist groups" and the dissolution of militia controlling Tripoli.

An adviser to Haftar later told AFP that Haftar's position did not amount to a rejection of the ceasefire initiative, but rather "conditions that must be fulfilled" ahead of any truce.

Haftar's forces in April launched an offensive against the capital, seat of the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/80000-syrian-migrants-marching-to-turkey-says-recep-erdogan-269633">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> and his Russian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-russia-makes-worlds-best-cheese-thanks-to-putins-sanctions-war-264952">Vladimir Putin</a> called for a ceasefire on Wednesday in Istanbul.

Cavusoglu accused "regional nations" -- a reference to Arab countries backing Haftar and also to France -- of opposing a ceasefire.

"France is looking for any means to sabotage any initiative of which is not party to," he said.

Turkey last week started deploying troops in Libya to back the GNA led by Fayez al-Sarraj.

Cavusoglu also said Saturday that a new ceasefire brokered by Ankara and Moscow was due to come into force at 0001 GMT Sunday in Idlib, the last rebel bastion in Syria's northwest.

"We hope that it will be lasting this time and that Russia will be able to control the regime forces," he said.

Russia is a key backer of the Syrian regime of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/efforts-to-return-syrias-bashar-al-assad-to-arab-fold-amount-to-hollow-victory-for-autocrats-186828">Bashar al-Assad</a>.

The Syrian conflict began in March 2011 and has claimed more than 380,000 lives and displaced millions.

Turkey on Saturday asked Russia to convince eastern Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar to respect a ceasefire initiative by Ankara and Moscow that he has rejected. Khalifa Haftar to respect a ceasefire initiative by Ankara and Moscow that he has rejected.

Turkey on Saturday asked Russia to convince eastern Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar to respect a ceasefire initiative by Ankara and Moscow that he has rejected. Khalifa Haftar to respect a ceasefire initiative by Ankara and Moscow that he has rejected. "We are waiting for our Russian friends to succeed in convincing Haftar," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a news conference. In a statement read by his spokesman Ahmad al-Mesmari, Haftar claimed that a revival of the political process and the country's stability could only be assured by the "eradication of terrorist groups" and the dissolution of militia controlling Tripoli. An adviser to Haftar later told AFP that Haftar's position did not amount to a rejection of the ceasefire initiative, but rather "conditions that must be fulfilled" ahead of any truce. Haftar's forces in April launched an offensive against the capital, seat of the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin called for a ceasefire on Wednesday in Istanbul. Cavusoglu accused "regional nations" -- a reference to Arab countries backing Haftar and also to France -- of opposing a ceasefire. "France is looking for any means to sabotage any initiative of which is not party to," he said. Turkey last week started deploying troops in Libya to back the GNA led by Fayez al-Sarraj. Cavusoglu also said Saturday that a new ceasefire brokered by Ankara and Moscow was due to come into force at 0001 GMT Sunday in Idlib, the last rebel bastion in Syria's northwest. "We hope that it will be lasting this time and that Russia will be able to control the regime forces," he said. Russia is a key backer of the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian conflict began in March 2011 and has claimed more than 380,000 lives and displaced millions.

Turkey asks Russia to convince Libyan general to accept truce

vladimir-putin

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

vladimir putin