Omar al-Tawil, a 15-year-old&nbsp;schoolboy in Damascus, is one of 24,000 Syrian&nbsp;youngsters now&nbsp;learning&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;at&nbsp;school&nbsp;after the country added the language of the government's most powerful ally to the curriculum.

Many&nbsp;young&nbsp;people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thank-god-for-assassination-for-syrians-in-idlib-killing-of-soleimani-a-victory-273458">Syria</a>, where Moscow intervened in 2015 to help President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-will-not-withdraw-from-army-posts-in-syrias-idlib-270861">Bashar al-Assad </a>win back territory, are eager to study&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;in order to travel to Russia or work in&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;companies they expect to appear in Syria in the future.

"At first we didn't understand anything and when we first heard the words we started to laugh, it was hard," said Tawil. "The teachers are helping us to love this language."

Radwan Rahhal, Coordinator of the Russian&nbsp;language in the Syrian Education Ministry, said demand for the classes outstrips supply.

"We have more than 24,000 students who are&nbsp;learning&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;and the number is increasing. But we cannot expand more than this in the meantime unless we have more teachers."

The Syrian Education Ministry added&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;as an&nbsp;optional second foreign language in&nbsp;schools after English or French in 2014. Graduates in&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;literature willing to teach it to attend special courses supervised by experts from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-demands-punishment-compensation-for-airliner-downed-by-iran-273583">Moscow</a>.

Russian&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-fully-respect-iraqs-sovereignty-says-irans-un-ambassador-after-ballistic-missile-strike-273064">Vladimir Putin</a> visited Syria on Tuesday for the second time since Moscow's decisive intervention and met Assad in Damascus.

Russian&nbsp;and Iranian support has helped Assad win back nearly all the territory lost to rebels who tried to overthrow him in a civil war that grew out of a crackdown on opposition protests nearly nine years ago.

Omar al-Tawil, a 15-year-old schoolboy in Damascus, is one of 24,000 Syrian youngsters now learning Russian at school after the country added the language of the government's most powerful ally to the curriculum.

Omar al-Tawil, a 15-year-old schoolboy in Damascus, is one of 24,000 Syrian youngsters now learning Russian at school after the country added the language of the government's most powerful ally to the curriculum. Many young people in Syria, where Moscow intervened in 2015 to help President Bashar al-Assad win back territory, are eager to study Russian in order to travel to Russia or work in Russian companies they expect to appear in Syria in the future. "At first we didn't understand anything and when we first heard the words we started to laugh, it was hard," said Tawil. "The teachers are helping us to love this language." Radwan Rahhal, Coordinator of the Russian language in the Syrian Education Ministry, said demand for the classes outstrips supply. "We have more than 24,000 students who are learning Russian and the number is increasing. But we cannot expand more than this in the meantime unless we have more teachers." The Syrian Education Ministry added Russian as an optional second foreign language in schools after English or French in 2014. Graduates in Russian literature willing to teach it to attend special courses supervised by experts from Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Syria on Tuesday for the second time since Moscow's decisive intervention and met Assad in Damascus. Russian and Iranian support has helped Assad win back nearly all the territory lost to rebels who tried to overthrow him in a civil war that grew out of a crackdown on opposition protests nearly nine years ago.

Syrian students opt to learn 'Russian' language at school for better future

Reactions have begun to pour in after Iran has admitted that it unintentionally brought down Ukrainian International Airlines airplane. As per the reports, the Ukrainian plane had flown close to a sensitive military site. The crash killed all 176 people who were on board including many Iranians and Canadians. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that the closure and the accountability needed. Russia has said that it is time for Iran to learn lessons from Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17). #WION #Iran #IranPlaneCrash

Downing of Ukrainian airplane by Iran was a human error?

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">killing</a> of a&nbsp;top&nbsp;general and turmoil in&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany.

Russia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-fully-respect-iraqs-sovereignty-says-irans-un-ambassador-after-ballistic-missile-strike-273064">Vladimir Putin</a> will hold talks with German Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angela-merkel-visits-auschwitz-for-first-time-266657">Angela Merkel</a> in Moscow on Saturday afternoon, her first visit since May 2018 when the two leaders met at Sochi on the Black Sea.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crimea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crimea</a>: The President watched the joint exercises of the Northern and Black Sea fleets <a href="https://t.co/ZusR628AYx">https://t.co/ZusR628AYx</a> <a href="https://t.co/DJn09l0VWe">pic.twitter.com/DJn09l0VWe</a>
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia_E/status/1215291712173694976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Putin visited Syria and Turkey this week and is keen to stress his role as a regional powerbroker.

German Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-plotting-imminent-action-threatening-hundreds-of-american-lives-pompeo-271975">Heiko Maas</a>, who will attend the talks, said a "key reason" for the&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;was the escalating crisis in&nbsp;Libya, where Germany is acting as a mediator in a conflict he has warned could become a "second Syria".

"We are involving Europe and those players who are influential there, for that we need Russia," Maas told Germany's NTV television. "For us, it's not too far to fly to Moscow to discuss that with Putin."

Merkel is to invite Putin to a Berlin conference on&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;later this month, diplomatic sources told reporters.

Putin and Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sports-has-emerged-as-battlefield-for-freedom-of-expression-270322">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> called for a ceasefire in&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;on Wednesday, although they are seen as supporting opposing sides in the conflict.

While Turkey has sent troops to support the UN-backed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-haftar-forces-seize-large-parts-of-sirte-city-272759">Tripoli</a> government, Moscow is accused of backing mercenaries supporting strongman Khalifa Haftar in his fight against the government.

Haftar said he would fight on despite the call for a ceasefire.

The Kremlin said last week that Saturday's talks would cover the "escalation of tensions" in the Middle East after the US killed&nbsp;top&nbsp;Iranian commander General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a drone strike close to Baghdad.

Putin warned the killing could "seriously aggravate the situation in the region".

Watch:&nbsp;Iran gives black box to Ukraine

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Iran, an ally of Moscow, responded with missile attacks on Iraq bases housing American troops.

While Germany condemned the tit-for-tat violence and urged Tehran to end a "spiral" of conflict, Putin said using force would "not contribute to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East".

Tehran has announced a further rollback on its commitment to a 2015 nuclear accord following the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018. Russia and Germany are among world powers still backing the deal.

The talks also come after a Ukrainian airliner crashed in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;on Wednesday killing all 176 onboard. Canada and the US have suggested&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;downed it with a missile, which Tehran denies.

The Kremlin said the talks would also cover the conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;

The war with Moscow-backed separatists broke out after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and has killed more than 13,000 people.

Putin in December held talks with Ukrainian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-given-important-data-on-iran-plane-crash-ukraine-foreign-minister-273408">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> in Paris in the "Normandy format" hosted by German and French leaders.

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Thanked <a href="https://twitter.com/HeikoMaas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HeikoMaas</a> for German support and sympathy after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ps752?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ps752</a> tragedy. During the phone call we agreed to cooperate for independent and transparent investigation. We discussed also "Minsk settlement". Waiting for news ater the meeting between Merkel and Putin on 11 January.
— Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPrystaiko/status/1215373166224330752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ukrainian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gets-access-to-crashed-planes-black-boxes-foreign-minister-273477">Vadym Prystaiko</a> tweeted on Friday that he had spoken to Maas about the Ukraine conflict and was "waiting for news" to emerge from the talks.

Political analysts in Kiev said they expected the topic to be overshadowed by&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;tensions, while Merkel could ask Putin to push Tehran for a transparent investigation of the plane crash.

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US killing of a top general and turmoil in Libya are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany.

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US killing of a top general and turmoil in Libya are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany. Russia's Vladimir Putin will hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Moscow on Saturday afternoon, her first visit since May 2018 when the two leaders met at Sochi on the Black Sea. #Crimea: The President watched the joint exercises of the Northern and Black Sea fleets https://t.co/ZusR628AYx pic.twitter.com/DJn09l0VWe — President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) January 9, 2020 × Putin visited Syria and Turkey this week and is keen to stress his role as a regional powerbroker. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who will attend the talks, said a "key reason" for the meeting was the escalating crisis in Libya, where Germany is acting as a mediator in a conflict he has warned could become a "second Syria". "We are involving Europe and those players who are influential there, for that we need Russia," Maas told Germany's NTV television. "For us, it's not too far to fly to Moscow to discuss that with Putin." Merkel is to invite Putin to a Berlin conference on Libya later this month, diplomatic sources told reporters. Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a ceasefire in Libya on Wednesday, although they are seen as supporting opposing sides in the conflict. While Turkey has sent troops to support the UN-backed Tripoli government, Moscow is accused of backing mercenaries supporting strongman Khalifa Haftar in his fight against the government. Haftar said he would fight on despite the call for a ceasefire. The Kremlin said last week that Saturday's talks would cover the "escalation of tensions" in the Middle East after the US killed top Iranian commander General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike close to Baghdad. Putin warned the killing could "seriously aggravate the situation in the region". Watch: Iran gives black box to Ukraine × Iran, an ally of Moscow, responded with missile attacks on Iraq bases housing American troops. While Germany condemned the tit-for-tat violence and urged Tehran to end a "spiral" of conflict, Putin said using force would "not contribute to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East". Tehran has announced a further rollback on its commitment to a 2015 nuclear accord following the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018. Russia and Germany are among world powers still backing the deal. The talks also come after a Ukrainian airliner crashed in Iran on Wednesday killing all 176 onboard. Canada and the US have suggested Iran downed it with a missile, which Tehran denies. The Kremlin said the talks would also cover the conflict in Ukraine. The war with Moscow-backed separatists broke out after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and has killed more than 13,000 people. Putin in December held talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris in the "Normandy format" hosted by German and French leaders. Thanked @HeikoMaas for German support and sympathy after #ps752 tragedy. During the phone call we agreed to cooperate for independent and transparent investigation. We discussed also "Minsk settlement". Waiting for news ater the meeting between Merkel and Putin on 11 January. — Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) January 9, 2020 × Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko tweeted on Friday that he had spoken to Maas about the Ukraine conflict and was "waiting for news" to emerge from the talks. Political analysts in Kiev said they expected the topic to be overshadowed by Iran tensions, while Merkel could ask Putin to push Tehran for a transparent investigation of the plane crash.

Libya and Iran top agenda in Merkel-Putin meeting

Russia: Iran must learn from MH17 crash

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Syria on Tuesday and met with officials including President Bashar Assad.

Putin's West Asia tour; Meets Syrian Prez, Iran's key ally Assad

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-back-libya-deployment-bill-but-troops-unlikely-for-now-271717">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> will host Russian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-president-vladimir-putin-scores-eight-goals-in-all-star-hockey-game-217675">Vladimir Putin</a> on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda.

Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a surprise visit to Syria his first to Damascus since the war began at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884">Qasem Soleimani</a> by the United States.&nbsp;

Russia's leader will seek to boost his credentials as a regional powerbroker at the symbolic opening of the TurkStream pipeline, which brings Russian gas to Turkey and southern Europe via the Black Sea.

TurkStream and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic allow Russia to increase gas supplies to Europe without having to rely on Ukraine.

But Moscow's increasing domination of European energy markets has worried the US, which last month sanctioned firms working on TurkStream and the almost completed Nord Stream 2.

The ceremony in Istanbul, due to start at 1200 GMT, reflects a dramatic improvement in ties between Russia and Turkey&nbsp;two countries seemingly on the verge of war less than five years ago after Turkey shot down a Russian jet.

They remain on opposing sides in the Syria conflict and could be on a collision course in Libya.

Last week, Turkey sent its first troops to help defend the UN-backed Tripoli government, which is under siege from strongman Khalifa Haftar.&nbsp;

Erdogan says 2,500 Russian mercenaries are among those supporting Haftar claims denied by Moscow.&nbsp;

But Russia so far seems unfazed by the Turkish deployment in Libya, said Mariana Belenkaia, of the Carnegie Centre in Moscow.

"The two countries will likely be tempted to share the Libyan burden," she said.&nbsp;

Syria remains a potential powder-keg for Erdogan and Putin's relationship.&nbsp;

Syrian government forces backed by Russia have ramped up bombardment of the last rebel strongholds in Idlib province in recent weeks, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing towards the Turkish border.&nbsp;

Erdogan has called for a truce in Idlib, following previous temporary halts to the fighting brokered with Russia in late 2018 and updated in August last year.

"Russia's demands are very simple," said Yury Barmin, of the Moscow Policy Group think tank, "Turkey must do more to eliminate terrorist cells in Idlib. The discussions will be around this idea."

Improved ties between the two countries have been facilitated by a number of major energy and defence deals Russia is building Turkey's first nuclear plant and provided a missile defence system.

Putin also earned goodwill in Turkey after his quick support for Erdogan following an attempted coup in July 2016.&nbsp;

The two men have developed a "strong personal relationship", according to Jana Jabbour of Sciences Po university in Paris, who adds that "their economic and energy plans are interdependent".

The TurkStream project, which was temporarily halted during a frosty patch in Russia-Turkey relations, includes two parallel pipelines of more than 900 kilometers (550 miles).

The pipeline links Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey and has already begun deliveries to Bulgaria. It is being extended towards Serbia, Hungary, and Austria.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda. Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a surprise visit to Syria his first to Damascus since the war began at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by the United States. Russia's leader will seek to boost his credentials as a regional powerbroker at the symbolic opening of the TurkStream pipeline, which brings Russian gas to Turkey and southern Europe via the Black Sea. TurkStream and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic allow Russia to increase gas supplies to Europe without having to rely on Ukraine. But Moscow's increasing domination of European energy markets has worried the US, which last month sanctioned firms working on TurkStream and the almost completed Nord Stream 2. The ceremony in Istanbul, due to start at 1200 GMT, reflects a dramatic improvement in ties between Russia and Turkey two countries seemingly on the verge of war less than five years ago after Turkey shot down a Russian jet. They remain on opposing sides in the Syria conflict and could be on a collision course in Libya. Last week, Turkey sent its first troops to help defend the UN-backed Tripoli government, which is under siege from strongman Khalifa Haftar. Erdogan says 2,500 Russian mercenaries are among those supporting Haftar claims denied by Moscow. But Russia so far seems unfazed by the Turkish deployment in Libya, said Mariana Belenkaia, of the Carnegie Centre in Moscow. "The two countries will likely be tempted to share the Libyan burden," she said. Syria remains a potential powder-keg for Erdogan and Putin's relationship. Syrian government forces backed by Russia have ramped up bombardment of the last rebel strongholds in Idlib province in recent weeks, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing towards the Turkish border. Erdogan has called for a truce in Idlib, following previous temporary halts to the fighting brokered with Russia in late 2018 and updated in August last year. "Russia's demands are very simple," said Yury Barmin, of the Moscow Policy Group think tank, "Turkey must do more to eliminate terrorist cells in Idlib. The discussions will be around this idea." Improved ties between the two countries have been facilitated by a number of major energy and defence deals Russia is building Turkey's first nuclear plant and provided a missile defence system. Putin also earned goodwill in Turkey after his quick support for Erdogan following an attempted coup in July 2016. The two men have developed a "strong personal relationship", according to Jana Jabbour of Sciences Po university in Paris, who adds that "their economic and energy plans are interdependent". The TurkStream project, which was temporarily halted during a frosty patch in Russia-Turkey relations, includes two parallel pipelines of more than 900 kilometers (550 miles). The pipeline links Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey and has already begun deliveries to Bulgaria. It is being extended towards Serbia, Hungary, and Austria.

Vladimir Putin visits Turkey to talk Libya, Syria and gas

Turkish&nbsp;Foreign Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-will-increase-military-support-to-libya-if-necessary-269588">Mevlut Cavusoglu</a> said on Monday that Turkey will put in efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States and had been in contact with both parties after the US forces&nbsp;killed the Iranian military commander the previous week.

Since the US&nbsp;killing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reaches-out-to-countries-in-west-asia-amid-us-iran-tensions-272367">Qasem Soleimani</a>, Tehran's most prominent military commander, Cavusoglu said he has held phone calls with his Iranian and US&nbsp;counterparts to discuss it.

Asked if Turkey would be open to mediate between Tehran and Washington, Cavusoglu said Turkey would support any steps to ease tensions in the region. "We will continue to work with other countries to solve this problem or de-escalate tensions in the coming days," he said.

The issue of Iran-US&nbsp;tensions would be on the agenda during Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-violates-international-law-272517">Vladimir Putin's</a> visit to Turkey on Wednesday, he said, adding President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-back-libya-deployment-bill-but-troops-unlikely-for-now-271717">Tayyip Erdogan</a> had discussed the issue with Iranian, French, Iraqi and Qatari counterparts.

"Our common concern is Iraq turning into a conflict zone for other, third-party countries. This is a very serious risk for Iraq and our region," Cavusoglu said. "Therefore, we will continue to do whatever we can to reduce the cycle of violence."

The United States last week killed Soleimani, the architect of Iran's growing influence in the Middle East, in an overnight attack in Baghdad authorized by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-updates-on-iran-general-qassem-soleimanis-death-272457">Donald Trump</a>.

Watch:&nbsp;Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran

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Iran has promised vengeance and on Friday condemned Trump as a "terrorist in a suit."

Iraq's parliament called on Sunday for the US&nbsp;and other foreign military forces to leave amid a growing backlash against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/should-iran-strike-us-will-quickly-strike-back-says-trump-272374">Soleimani's killing</a>, which has heightened fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

Cavusoglu said the parliament's decision was not binding, adding that Erdogan had urged his Iraqi counterpart to act with reason.

"The killing of Soleimani didn't just shift the balances in Iraq, it also did so in Iran. This may lead to radical groups gaining strength," he said.

Cavusoglu said he had also discussed the issue with his Russian, British, Qatari and Pakistani counterparts, and with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that Turkey will put in efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States and had been in contact with both parties after the US forces killed the Iranian military commander the previous week.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that Turkey will put in efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States and had been in contact with both parties after the US forces killed the Iranian military commander the previous week. Since the US killing of Qasem Soleimani, Tehran's most prominent military commander, Cavusoglu said he has held phone calls with his Iranian and US counterparts to discuss it. Asked if Turkey would be open to mediate between Tehran and Washington, Cavusoglu said Turkey would support any steps to ease tensions in the region. "We will continue to work with other countries to solve this problem or de-escalate tensions in the coming days," he said. The issue of Iran-US tensions would be on the agenda during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Turkey on Wednesday, he said, adding President Tayyip Erdogan had discussed the issue with Iranian, French, Iraqi and Qatari counterparts. "Our common concern is Iraq turning into a conflict zone for other, third-party countries. This is a very serious risk for Iraq and our region," Cavusoglu said. "Therefore, we will continue to do whatever we can to reduce the cycle of violence." The United States last week killed Soleimani, the architect of Iran's growing influence in the Middle East, in an overnight attack in Baghdad authorized by President Donald Trump. Watch: Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran × Iran has promised vengeance and on Friday condemned Trump as a "terrorist in a suit." Iraq's parliament called on Sunday for the US and other foreign military forces to leave amid a growing backlash against the Soleimani's killing, which has heightened fears of a wider Middle East conflict. Cavusoglu said the parliament's decision was not binding, adding that Erdogan had urged his Iraqi counterpart to act with reason. "The killing of Soleimani didn't just shift the balances in Iraq, it also did so in Iran. This may lead to radical groups gaining strength," he said. Cavusoglu said he had also discussed the issue with his Russian, British, Qatari and Pakistani counterparts, and with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu: Turkey in touch to ease tensions between with Iran and US

Greta Thunberg gave another example of her sense of humour when she changed her name to Sharon on Twitter on Friday when an actor recognised as Sharon on a gameshow.

British actress Amanda Henderson recently appeared on BBC's Celebrity Mastermind where she was asked about the 17-year-old climate activist.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-mocks-greta-on-twitter-michelle-obama-tells-thunberg-to-ignore-the-doubters-268320">After Trump mocks Greta on Twitter, Michelle Obama tells Thunberg to 'ignore the doubters'</a>

“The 2019 book entitled No One is Too Small To Make A Difference is a collection of speeches made by a Swedish climate change activist. What’s her name?” asked the game show host to Henderson.&nbsp;

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2020 is cancelled <a href="https://t.co/aGDZCTTQmb">pic.twitter.com/aGDZCTTQmb</a>
— Mark Smith (@marksmithstuff) <a href="https://twitter.com/marksmithstuff/status/1212817714265374721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The actress appeared quizzed and answered "Sharon".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-mocks-putins-kind-girl-jibes-on-twitter-253790">Greta Thunberg mocks Putin's 'kind girl' jibes on Twitter</a>

A clip of this question became viral on Twitter and has got more than 154,000 likes.&nbsp;

On Friday afternoon, the climate activist changed her name to Sharon, a day which also marked his birthday.
<img alt="Greta Thunberg Twitter bio" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="340991de-b4b9-4a1a-9c6c-a02916042b04" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_110388787_32dde7f6-fa77-49f8-ac90-b92517800589.jpg" />
This is not the first time Thunberg has had the last laugh on social media.&nbsp;

Last month, US President Donald Trump also tweeted that the Swedish activist needs to work on her anger management problemt and "then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill, Greta, Chill!" 
&nbsp; 
Responding to the US President, Thunberg edited her bio which then said "a teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Earlier too, Thunberg responded wittingly to the US President when he commented in a video: "She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future."

Thunberg changed her bio which said "A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future".&nbsp;

In October, Thunberg changed her bio to "a kind but poorly informed teenager" which is exactly how Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier described her.&nbsp;

Greta Thunberg gave another example of her sense of humour when she changed her name to Sharon on Twitter on Friday when an actor recognised as Sharon on a gameshow.

Greta Thunberg gave another example of her sense of humour when she changed her name to Sharon on Twitter on Friday when an actor recognised as Sharon on a gameshow. British actress Amanda Henderson recently appeared on BBC's Celebrity Mastermind where she was asked about the 17-year-old climate activist. Also read: After Trump mocks Greta on Twitter, Michelle Obama tells Thunberg to 'ignore the doubters' “The 2019 book entitled No One is Too Small To Make A Difference is a collection of speeches made by a Swedish climate change activist. What’s her name?” asked the game show host to Henderson. 2020 is cancelled pic.twitter.com/aGDZCTTQmb — Mark Smith (@marksmithstuff) January 2, 2020 × The actress appeared quizzed and answered "Sharon". Also read: Greta Thunberg mocks Putin's 'kind girl' jibes on Twitter A clip of this question became viral on Twitter and has got more than 154,000 likes. On Friday afternoon, the climate activist changed her name to Sharon, a day which also marked his birthday. This is not the first time Thunberg has had the last laugh on social media. Last month, US President Donald Trump also tweeted that the Swedish activist needs to work on her anger management problemt and "then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill, Greta, Chill!" Responding to the US President, Thunberg edited her bio which then said "a teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend". Earlier too, Thunberg responded wittingly to the US President when he commented in a video: "She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future." Thunberg changed her bio which said "A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future". In October, Thunberg changed her bio to "a kind but poorly informed teenager" which is exactly how Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier described her.

Greta Thunberg changes her name to 'Sharon' on Twitter after actress fails to recognise her

December 31 in History: From the oldest Greek newspaper to Vladimir Putin becoming acting President

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Russian President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-thanks-donald-trump-for-intelligence-that-foiled-attack-270901"> Vladimir Putin</a> discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday.

The official reason for the call, according to both sides, was for Putin to thank Trump for what White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said was "information the United States provided that helped foil a potential holiday terrorist attack in Russia."

No details were provided, but Russia said on Sunday it had thwarted attacks reportedly planned in St. Petersburg thanks to a tip from Washington.

Gidley said both presidents committed to continuing counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries.

"The presidents also discussed the state of relations between the United States and Russia and future efforts to support effective arms control," he said, an apparent reference to Trump's stated desire for a new nuclear arms control deal.

Watch |&nbsp;Putin thanks Trump for foiling New Year attacks

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Trump, on a two-week working vacation at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, has longed for strong US relations with Russia and complained that a US probe into whether his 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia had stymied him.

He has faced sweeping opposition to warmer ties with Russia from Republican and Democratic lawmakers troubled by Putin's annexation of Crimea and Russian support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, among other strains.

Some new tensions have arisen between the two countries.

Trump on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria’s Idlib province.

Syrian and Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of targets in Idlib, the last significant rebel pocket of Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture it.

In another potential strain, Russia joined with China on a draft proposal to the U.N. Security Council to seek a lifting of some U.N.-backed sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The Trump-Putin call came as the State Department announced Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Cyprus from Jan. 3-7.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the state of relations between their two countries in a phone call instigated by Putin, the White House said on Monday. The official reason for the call, according to both sides, was for Putin to thank Trump for what White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said was "information the United States provided that helped foil a potential holiday terrorist attack in Russia." No details were provided, but Russia said on Sunday it had thwarted attacks reportedly planned in St. Petersburg thanks to a tip from Washington. Gidley said both presidents committed to continuing counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries. "The presidents also discussed the state of relations between the United States and Russia and future efforts to support effective arms control," he said, an apparent reference to Trump's stated desire for a new nuclear arms control deal. Watch | Putin thanks Trump for foiling New Year attacks × Trump, on a two-week working vacation at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, has longed for strong US relations with Russia and complained that a US probe into whether his 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia had stymied him. He has faced sweeping opposition to warmer ties with Russia from Republican and Democratic lawmakers troubled by Putin's annexation of Crimea and Russian support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, among other strains. Some new tensions have arisen between the two countries. Trump on Thursday warned Russia, Syria and Iran against killing civilians in Syria’s Idlib province. Syrian and Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of targets in Idlib, the last significant rebel pocket of Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture it. In another potential strain, Russia joined with China on a draft proposal to the U.N. Security Council to seek a lifting of some U.N.-backed sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The Trump-Putin call came as the State Department announced Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Cyprus from Jan. 3-7.

Trump, Putin discussed Russia attack, arms control, relations: White House

Russia's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-against-trump-absolutely-on-made-up-grounds-putin-269164">Vladimir Putin </a>thanked US counterpart Donald Trump on Sunday for intelligence that helped in thwarting attacks planned in St' Petersburg, the Kremlin said. &nbsp;

The Russian president thanked Trump "for the transfer, through special services, of information allowing the prevention of terrorist acts in Russia," said a statement released by the president's office. Kremlin said that Putin expressed his gratitude through a phone call to the US president.&nbsp;

Kremlin's statement also added that Putin and Trump would continue the bilateral cooperation to tackle terrorism.

With the help of information shared by the US, the Federal Security Service (FSB) detained two Russians on December 27 on suspicion of plotting attacks during new New Year festivities in St. Petersburg, Russian news agencies said.&nbsp;

The reports said that the two detained were preparing a "terrorist act".

Moscow and Washington are at odds on most of the issues including Syria, allegations of Russia meddling 2016 US election, but Trump and Putin managed to maintain their personal ties.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

&nbsp;

Russia's President Vladimir Putin thanked US counterpart Donald Trump on Sunday for intelligence that helped in thwarting attacks planned in St' Petersburg, the Kremlin said.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin thanked US counterpart Donald Trump on Sunday for intelligence that helped in thwarting attacks planned in St' Petersburg, the Kremlin said. The Russian president thanked Trump "for the transfer, through special services, of information allowing the prevention of terrorist acts in Russia," said a statement released by the president's office. Kremlin said that Putin expressed his gratitude through a phone call to the US president. Kremlin's statement also added that Putin and Trump would continue the bilateral cooperation to tackle terrorism. With the help of information shared by the US, the Federal Security Service (FSB) detained two Russians on December 27 on suspicion of plotting attacks during new New Year festivities in St. Petersburg, Russian news agencies said. The reports said that the two detained were preparing a "terrorist act". Moscow and Washington are at odds on most of the issues including Syria, allegations of Russia meddling 2016 US election, but Trump and Putin managed to maintain their personal ties. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Vladimir Putin thanks Donald Trump for intelligence that foiled attack

Russia deployed its first regiment of hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles on Friday, the Defence Ministry said, a move which President Vladimir Putin has boasted puts his country in a class of its own. #Russia #VladimirPutin #HypersonicNuclearMissiles #WION

Russia claims to deploy first hypersonic nuclear missiles system called Avangard

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-inaugurates-rail-route-to-annexed-crimea-269804">President Vladimir Putin</a> on Friday that the country's first Avangard hypersonic missiles have been put into service, an official statement said.

Russian officials say the missile is highly manoeuvrable and reached the speed of Mach 27, or roughly 33,000 kilometres per hour, during tests.&nbsp;

Mach 1 is a unit of measurement equivalent to the speed of sound.&nbsp;

"The first missile regiment equipped with latest strategic missiles with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle entered service at 10 am Moscow time on December 27", the defence ministry said, according to Russian news agencies.

Also Watch:&nbsp;'Russia; only country in world' with hypersonic weapons claims Prez Putin

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No other details were immediately provided but defence officials have said that the first Avangard regiment is based in the Orenburg Region in the Urals.

A defence ministry spokesman declined immediate comment.

Moscow has said it showed US arms inspectors the Avangard missiles in November.

Putin unveiled images of the new weapon during his state of the nation address in 2018, saying it would defeat all existing missile defence systems.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-china-russia-start-joint-naval-drills-270575">Russia</a> has boasted of developing a number of "invincible" weapons that surpass existing systems and include Sarmat intercontinental missiles and Burevestnik cruise missiles.

This week Putin said that Russia was no longer playing a game of catch-up with the West on weapons development.&nbsp;

"This is a unique situation in our modern history: they are playing catch-up with us," he said.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin on Friday that the country's first Avangard hypersonic missiles have been put into service, an official statement said.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin on Friday that the country's first Avangard hypersonic missiles have been put into service, an official statement said. Russian officials say the missile is highly manoeuvrable and reached the speed of Mach 27, or roughly 33,000 kilometres per hour, during tests. Mach 1 is a unit of measurement equivalent to the speed of sound. "The first missile regiment equipped with latest strategic missiles with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle entered service at 10 am Moscow time on December 27", the defence ministry said, according to Russian news agencies. Also Watch: 'Russia; only country in world' with hypersonic weapons claims Prez Putin × No other details were immediately provided but defence officials have said that the first Avangard regiment is based in the Orenburg Region in the Urals. A defence ministry spokesman declined immediate comment. Moscow has said it showed US arms inspectors the Avangard missiles in November. Putin unveiled images of the new weapon during his state of the nation address in 2018, saying it would defeat all existing missile defence systems. Russia has boasted of developing a number of "invincible" weapons that surpass existing systems and include Sarmat intercontinental missiles and Burevestnik cruise missiles. This week Putin said that Russia was no longer playing a game of catch-up with the West on weapons development. "This is a unique situation in our modern history: they are playing catch-up with us," he said.

Russia says first Avangard hypersonic missiles enter service

By: Mallika Singh

Russia on Friday formally contested the four-year doping ban imposed on the country’s participation in all major sporting events including Tokyo 2020 after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-wada-report-shows-jump-in-global-doping-cases-269293">World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)</a> ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data on December 9.&nbsp;

The Russian Anti-Doping Agency in a letter to WADA sent a notice of disagreement for the sanctions, RUSADA director general Yury Ganus told reporters in Moscow.&nbsp;

"In accordance with established procedure, today we have sent a package of documents to WADA," said Ganus.&nbsp;

"The package contains a notice about disagreement with WADA sanctions."

Russia on December 19 had announced its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-to-appeal-against-wadas-four-year-doping-ban-269167">decision to appeal</a> against the imposed ban that bars Russian athletes from competing under the Russian flag.

"RUSADA will appeal against the WADA decision within 10 to 15 days," RUSADA supervisory board chairman Alexander Ivlev had declared.&nbsp;

Ganus also sent the anti-doping agency a letter citing his personal stance on the matter.&nbsp;

"I regret to inform you that all my attempts including attempts to introduce changes to the RUSADA notice have failed," said the letter.

Russia’s leadership including President Vladimir Putin as being “politically motivated” and contradictory to the Olympic Charter.&nbsp;

"If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag," Putin said during an annual end-of-year news conference, insisting that most of Russia's athletes were clean.

"If a majority of our athletes are clean how is it possible to slap sanctions against them for someone else's actions?" Putin added.&nbsp;

WADA’s executive committee unanimously issued a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-imposes-four-year-ban-on-russia-over-doping-data-manipulation-267195">ban against Russia</a> after its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions in a 26-page report declaring RUSADA to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic".

Russia is currently facing a four-year ban on participation in international sporting events. Russian athletes and their personnel support are only to be allowed to participate if they can prove that they are not associated with the Russian doping scandal, even then they will not be allowed to represent the Russian Federation.

Russia is also not be allowed to host or bid to host any major sporting events. If Russia had already won a bid, the hosting rights are to be transferred to another country unless "it is legally or practically impossible to do so." The ban has threatened Saint Petersburg's staging of three games and a quarter-final for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/euro-2020-qualifiers-with-20-out-of-24-berths-filled-england-france-italy-top-their-groups-263461">Euro 2020</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The appeal is the latest in Russia’s doping saga which is being dragged since 2015 which found more than 1000 Russian athletes being benefited from the state-supported doping program in the period of 2011-2015, a period that included 2014 winter Olympics that were held in Russia.

By: Mallika Singh Russia on Friday formally contested the four-year doping ban imposed on the country’s participation in all major sporting events including Tokyo 2020 after World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data on December 9.

By: Mallika Singh Russia on Friday formally contested the four-year doping ban imposed on the country’s participation in all major sporting events including Tokyo 2020 after World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data on December 9. The Russian Anti-Doping Agency in a letter to WADA sent a notice of disagreement for the sanctions, RUSADA director general Yury Ganus told reporters in Moscow. "In accordance with established procedure, today we have sent a package of documents to WADA," said Ganus. "The package contains a notice about disagreement with WADA sanctions." Russia on December 19 had announced its decision to appeal against the imposed ban that bars Russian athletes from competing under the Russian flag. "RUSADA will appeal against the WADA decision within 10 to 15 days," RUSADA supervisory board chairman Alexander Ivlev had declared. Ganus also sent the anti-doping agency a letter citing his personal stance on the matter. "I regret to inform you that all my attempts including attempts to introduce changes to the RUSADA notice have failed," said the letter. Russia’s leadership including President Vladimir Putin as being “politically motivated” and contradictory to the Olympic Charter. "If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag," Putin said during an annual end-of-year news conference, insisting that most of Russia's athletes were clean. "If a majority of our athletes are clean how is it possible to slap sanctions against them for someone else's actions?" Putin added. WADA’s executive committee unanimously issued a ban against Russia after its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions in a 26-page report declaring RUSADA to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic". Russia is currently facing a four-year ban on participation in international sporting events. Russian athletes and their personnel support are only to be allowed to participate if they can prove that they are not associated with the Russian doping scandal, even then they will not be allowed to represent the Russian Federation. Russia is also not be allowed to host or bid to host any major sporting events. If Russia had already won a bid, the hosting rights are to be transferred to another country unless "it is legally or practically impossible to do so." The ban has threatened Saint Petersburg's staging of three games and a quarter-final for Euro 2020. The appeal is the latest in Russia’s doping saga which is being dragged since 2015 which found more than 1000 Russian athletes being benefited from the state-supported doping program in the period of 2011-2015, a period that included 2014 winter Olympics that were held in Russia.

Russia officially challenges four year doping ban

Russia on Friday formally contested the four-year doping ban imposed on the country’s participation in all major sporting events including Tokyo 2020 after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-wada-report-shows-jump-in-global-doping-cases-269293">World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)</a> ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data on December 9.&nbsp;

The Russian Anti-Doping Agency in a letter to WADA sent a notice of disagreement for the sanctions, RUSADA director general Yury Ganus told reporters in Moscow.&nbsp;

"In accordance with established procedure, today we have sent a package of documents to WADA," said Ganus.&nbsp;

"The package contains a notice about disagreement with WADA sanctions."

Russia on December 19 had announced its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-to-appeal-against-wadas-four-year-doping-ban-269167">decision to appeal</a> against the imposed ban that bars Russian athletes from competing under the Russian flag.

"RUSADA will appeal against the WADA decision within 10 to 15 days," RUSADA supervisory board chairman Alexander Ivlev had declared.&nbsp;

Ganus also sent the anti-doping agency a letter citing his personal stance on the matter.&nbsp;

"I regret to inform you that all my attempts including attempts to introduce changes to the RUSADA notice have failed," said the letter.

Russia’s leadership including President Vladimir Putin as being “politically motivated” and contradictory to the Olympic Charter.&nbsp;

"If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag," Putin said during an annual end-of-year news conference, insisting that most of Russia's athletes were clean.

"If a majority of our athletes are clean how is it possible to slap sanctions against them for someone else's actions?" Putin added.&nbsp;

WADA’s executive committee unanimously issued a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-imposes-four-year-ban-on-russia-over-doping-data-manipulation-267195">ban against Russia</a> after its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions in a 26-page report declaring RUSADA to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic".

Russia is currently facing a four-year ban on participation in international sporting events. Russian athletes and their personnel support are only to be allowed to participate if they can prove that they are not associated with the Russian doping scandal, even then they will not be allowed to represent the Russian Federation.

Russia is also not be allowed to host or bid to host any major sporting events. If Russia had already won a bid, the hosting rights are to be transferred to another country unless "it is legally or practically impossible to do so." The ban has threatened Saint Petersburg's staging of three games and a quarter-final for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/euro-2020-qualifiers-with-20-out-of-24-berths-filled-england-france-italy-top-their-groups-263461">Euro 2020</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The appeal is the latest in Russia’s doping saga which is being dragged since 2015 which found more than 1000 Russian athletes being benefited from the state-supported doping program in the period of 2011-2015, a period that included 2014 winter Olympics that were held in Russia. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Russia on Friday formally contested the four-year doping ban imposed on the country’s participation in all major sporting events including Tokyo 2020 after World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data on December 9.

Russia on Friday formally contested the four-year doping ban imposed on the country’s participation in all major sporting events including Tokyo 2020 after World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data on December 9. The Russian Anti-Doping Agency in a letter to WADA sent a notice of disagreement for the sanctions, RUSADA director general Yury Ganus told reporters in Moscow. "In accordance with established procedure, today we have sent a package of documents to WADA," said Ganus. "The package contains a notice about disagreement with WADA sanctions." Russia on December 19 had announced its decision to appeal against the imposed ban that bars Russian athletes from competing under the Russian flag. "RUSADA will appeal against the WADA decision within 10 to 15 days," RUSADA supervisory board chairman Alexander Ivlev had declared. Ganus also sent the anti-doping agency a letter citing his personal stance on the matter. "I regret to inform you that all my attempts including attempts to introduce changes to the RUSADA notice have failed," said the letter. Russia’s leadership including President Vladimir Putin as being “politically motivated” and contradictory to the Olympic Charter. "If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag," Putin said during an annual end-of-year news conference, insisting that most of Russia's athletes were clean. "If a majority of our athletes are clean how is it possible to slap sanctions against them for someone else's actions?" Putin added. WADA’s executive committee unanimously issued a ban against Russia after its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions in a 26-page report declaring RUSADA to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic". Russia is currently facing a four-year ban on participation in international sporting events. Russian athletes and their personnel support are only to be allowed to participate if they can prove that they are not associated with the Russian doping scandal, even then they will not be allowed to represent the Russian Federation. Russia is also not be allowed to host or bid to host any major sporting events. If Russia had already won a bid, the hosting rights are to be transferred to another country unless "it is legally or practically impossible to do so." The ban has threatened Saint Petersburg's staging of three games and a quarter-final for Euro 2020. The appeal is the latest in Russia’s doping saga which is being dragged since 2015 which found more than 1000 Russian athletes being benefited from the state-supported doping program in the period of 2011-2015, a period that included 2014 winter Olympics that were held in Russia.

WION Fineprint: Vladimir Putin fires howitzer on Russia Orthodox Christmas

President Vladimir Putin said today that Russia is the only country in the world that has hypersonic weapons. #WION #Putin #Hypersonicweapons #Vladimir Putin

'Russia; only country in world' with hypersonic weapons claims Prez Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that his country is in possession of missiles that can travel faster than the speed of sound known as hypersonic missiles.

Putin's claim came after a crucial meeting with top security officials in Moscow on Tuesday.

The Russian president asserted that for the first time in the combined history of the former the Soviet Union and Russia, the country is leading the world in military technology.

"Neither the Soviet Union nor Russia has ever aimed to create threats to other countries. And we were catching up all the time," Putin said.

"Today, there is a unique situation in our new and contemporary history. We are being caught up. Not in any country of the world, there is a hypersonic weapon at all. All the more, nobody has hypersonic weapons of coast-to-coast range."&nbsp;

Putin said that hypersonic missiles have already been deployed in the Russian forces.&nbsp;

The missiles can be launched from MiG-31 fighter jets and can travel ten times faster than the speed of sound. Putin claimed the Kinzhal missiles can change course and altitude to escape interception.

The other missile system called the Avangard is scheduled to enter service later this month which the president claimed can travel twenty times faster than the speed of sound.

The United States in a statement said it had nothing to add to Putin's comments. In August, Pentagon chief Mark Esper had said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thaad-vs-s-400-india-dumps-us-picks-russian-defence-missile-system-169445">hypersonic weapons</a> were a priority of the US military amid fears of Russia's military technology.

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that his country is in possession of missiles that can travel faster than the speed of sound known as hypersonic missiles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that his country is in possession of missiles that can travel faster than the speed of sound known as hypersonic missiles. Putin's claim came after a crucial meeting with top security officials in Moscow on Tuesday. The Russian president asserted that for the first time in the combined history of the former the Soviet Union and Russia, the country is leading the world in military technology. "Neither the Soviet Union nor Russia has ever aimed to create threats to other countries. And we were catching up all the time," Putin said. "Today, there is a unique situation in our new and contemporary history. We are being caught up. Not in any country of the world, there is a hypersonic weapon at all. All the more, nobody has hypersonic weapons of coast-to-coast range." Putin said that hypersonic missiles have already been deployed in the Russian forces. The missiles can be launched from MiG-31 fighter jets and can travel ten times faster than the speed of sound. Putin claimed the Kinzhal missiles can change course and altitude to escape interception. The other missile system called the Avangard is scheduled to enter service later this month which the president claimed can travel twenty times faster than the speed of sound. The United States in a statement said it had nothing to add to Putin's comments. In August, Pentagon chief Mark Esper had said that hypersonic weapons were a priority of the US military amid fears of Russia's military technology.

Russia has deployed hypersonic missiles, says Putin

President Vladimir Putin Monday stood in the driver’s cabin of a train for the official opening of a railway bridge that links annexed Crimea to southern Russia. #Russia #SouthernRussia #Vladimir Putin #Crimea

Putin takes first train across Crimea bridge

Russia is hoping to complete free trade agreement between the Eurasian region and India in the year 2020, Russian Ambassador to India said on Monday.

Envoy Nikolai Kudashev also said that the leaders of both countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, are also expected to meet several times during the year.

"We are hopeful of completing the free trade agreement between the Eurasian region and India in the year 2020. We will also make progress in defence cooperation with greater possibilities of joint cooperation and localisation."

"India and Russia are starting a new level of energy security partnership with lucrative opportunity for Indian companies in the Russian arctic. Hoping for early conclusion of Eurasian-India next year," Kudashev also said.

Russia and India have been taking steps to improve their bilateral relations.&nbsp;

In September this year, PM Modi met President Putin in Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok during the 20th India Russia annual summit.

During that summit, key announcements were made on energy and a proposal has been made to have a full-fledged maritime route that serves as a link between Chennai and Vladivostok.

Describing Russia as a friend and a nation that has supported India, the Prime Minister had&nbsp;said that Russia has personally given importance to bolstering its strategic partnership with India.

Both sides agreed on a five-year road map in the energy sector with focus on Indian investment in Russian oil fields and transportation of energy to India and Russian investment in the downstream energy sector in India.&nbsp;

In November as well, both leaders had held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia is hoping to complete free trade agreement between the Eurasian region and India in the year 2020, Russian Ambassador to India said on Monday. Envoy Nikolai Kudashev also said that the leaders of both countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, are also expected to meet several times during the year.

Russia is hoping to complete free trade agreement between the Eurasian region and India in the year 2020, Russian Ambassador to India said on Monday. Envoy Nikolai Kudashev also said that the leaders of both countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, are also expected to meet several times during the year. "We are hopeful of completing the free trade agreement between the Eurasian region and India in the year 2020. We will also make progress in defence cooperation with greater possibilities of joint cooperation and localisation." "India and Russia are starting a new level of energy security partnership with lucrative opportunity for Indian companies in the Russian arctic. Hoping for early conclusion of Eurasian-India next year," Kudashev also said. Russia and India have been taking steps to improve their bilateral relations. In September this year, PM Modi met President Putin in Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok during the 20th India Russia annual summit. During that summit, key announcements were made on energy and a proposal has been made to have a full-fledged maritime route that serves as a link between Chennai and Vladivostok. Describing Russia as a friend and a nation that has supported India, the Prime Minister had said that Russia has personally given importance to bolstering its strategic partnership with India. Both sides agreed on a five-year road map in the energy sector with focus on Indian investment in Russian oil fields and transportation of energy to India and Russian investment in the downstream energy sector in India. In November as well, both leaders had held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. (With inputs from agencies)

'We hope to complete free trade agreement between Eurasia, India in 2020', says Russia envoy

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds his annual hours-long news conference attended by journalists from across the country. #Russia #PresidentPutin #Putin #RussianPresident

Russian President Putin holds annual news conference

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-to-announce-decision-on-appeal-against-wadas-doping-ban-269074">Russia's anti-doping agency</a> (RUSADA) on Thursday announced that is to appeal the four-year doping ban imposed on Russia’s participation in all major sporting events including Tokyo 2020 after World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data on December 9.&nbsp;

RUSADA supervisory board chairman Alexander Ivlev announced the decision that it disagreed with WADA’s sanctions which bars the country from competing under its flag, the anthem or colours and is to now refer the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Russia’s news agency TASS reported.&nbsp;

"RUSADA will appeal against the WADA decision within 10 to 15 days," Ivlev said.&nbsp;

After a meeting of the supervisory board, RUSADA formally rejected the prohibition as it was earlier denounced by Russia’s leadership including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-against-trump-absolutely-on-made-up-grounds-putin-269164">President Vladimir Putin</a> as being “politically motivated” and contradictory to the Olympic Charter.&nbsp;

RUSADA announcement is to coincide with Putin’s annual marathon press conference where he restated his stance on the issue, saying that Russian athletes should be allowed to compete under the Russian flag.

"If <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/britains-aggar-quits-wada-role-over-russia-scandal-268028">WADA</a> does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag," Putin said during an annual end-of-year news conference, insisting that most of Russia's athletes were clean.

"Any punishment should be individual," he added.

"If a majority of our athletes are clean how is it possible to slap sanctions against them for someone else's actions?"

WADA’s executive committee unanimously issued a ban against Russia after its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions in a 26-page report declaring RUSADA to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic".

The historical data which was handed over to WADA in January was found to have “several aggravating features” as hundreds of analytical findings had been removed and raw data and PDF files were found to be deleted.&nbsp;

Russia is currently facing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-imposes-four-year-ban-on-russia-over-doping-data-manipulation-267195">four-year ban</a> on participation in international sporting events. Russian athletes and their personnel support are only to be allowed to participate if they can prove that they are not associated with the Russian doping scandal, even then they will not be allowed to represent the Russian Federation.

Russia is also not be allowed to host or bid to host any major sporting events. If Russia had already won a bid, the hosting rights are to be transferred to another country unless "it is legally or practically impossible to do so." The ban has threatened Saint Petersburg's staging of three games and a quarter-final for Euro 2020.

The appeal&nbsp;is the latest in Russia’s doping saga which is being dragged since 2015 which found more than 1000 Russian athletes being benefited from the state-supported doping program in the period of 2011-2015, a period that included 2014 winter Olympics that were held in Russia.

Russia's anti-doping agency (RUSADA) on Thursday announced that is to appeal the four-year doping ban imposed on Russia’s participation in all major sporting events including Tokyo 2020 after World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data on December 9.

Russia's anti-doping agency (RUSADA) on Thursday announced that is to appeal the four-year doping ban imposed on Russia’s participation in all major sporting events including Tokyo 2020 after World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled to punish the country for manipulating laboratory data on December 9. RUSADA supervisory board chairman Alexander Ivlev announced the decision that it disagreed with WADA’s sanctions which bars the country from competing under its flag, the anthem or colours and is to now refer the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Russia’s news agency TASS reported. "RUSADA will appeal against the WADA decision within 10 to 15 days," Ivlev said. After a meeting of the supervisory board, RUSADA formally rejected the prohibition as it was earlier denounced by Russia’s leadership including President Vladimir Putin as being “politically motivated” and contradictory to the Olympic Charter. RUSADA announcement is to coincide with Putin’s annual marathon press conference where he restated his stance on the issue, saying that Russian athletes should be allowed to compete under the Russian flag. "If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag," Putin said during an annual end-of-year news conference, insisting that most of Russia's athletes were clean. "Any punishment should be individual," he added. "If a majority of our athletes are clean how is it possible to slap sanctions against them for someone else's actions?" WADA’s executive committee unanimously issued a ban against Russia after its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) called for the proposed sanctions in a 26-page report declaring RUSADA to be non-compliant after the data handed over by the tainted Moscow laboratory was found to be "neither complete nor fully authentic". The historical data which was handed over to WADA in January was found to have “several aggravating features” as hundreds of analytical findings had been removed and raw data and PDF files were found to be deleted. Russia is currently facing a four-year ban on participation in international sporting events. Russian athletes and their personnel support are only to be allowed to participate if they can prove that they are not associated with the Russian doping scandal, even then they will not be allowed to represent the Russian Federation. Russia is also not be allowed to host or bid to host any major sporting events. If Russia had already won a bid, the hosting rights are to be transferred to another country unless "it is legally or practically impossible to do so." The ban has threatened Saint Petersburg's staging of three games and a quarter-final for Euro 2020. The appeal is the latest in Russia’s doping saga which is being dragged since 2015 which found more than 1000 Russian athletes being benefited from the state-supported doping program in the period of 2011-2015, a period that included 2014 winter Olympics that were held in Russia.

Russia to appeal against WADA's four year doping ban

Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing year-end press conference in Moscow said that "nobody knows what causes climate change".

The press conference attended by nearly 18,000 journalists had Putin answer a number of questions. The Russian president while answering the question on climate change said: "Nobody knows the origins of global climate change," adding,"we know that in the history of our Earth there have been periods of warming and cooling and it could depend on processes in the universe."

"A small angle in the axis in the rotation of the Earth or its orbit around the Sun could push the planet into serious climate changes," he asserted. However, Putin added that "we must undertake maximum efforts to ensure that the climate does not change dramatically."

"For our country, this process is very serious," he said. "We will undertake efforts to minimise the consequences for our country," Putin said.

On Russia's ban from sports, Putin said that the country must compete under its flag at sports events despite the doping ban.

"If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag," Putin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing year-end press conference in Moscow said that "nobody knows what causes climate change". The press conference attended by nearly 18,000 journalists had Putin answer a number of questions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing year-end press conference in Moscow said that "nobody knows what causes climate change". The press conference attended by nearly 18,000 journalists had Putin answer a number of questions. The Russian president while answering the question on climate change said: "Nobody knows the origins of global climate change," adding,"we know that in the history of our Earth there have been periods of warming and cooling and it could depend on processes in the universe." "A small angle in the axis in the rotation of the Earth or its orbit around the Sun could push the planet into serious climate changes," he asserted. However, Putin added that "we must undertake maximum efforts to ensure that the climate does not change dramatically." "For our country, this process is very serious," he said. "We will undertake efforts to minimise the consequences for our country," Putin said. On Russia's ban from sports, Putin said that the country must compete under its flag at sports events despite the doping ban. "If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag," Putin said.

Nobody knows origins of global climate change: Putin in annual press conference

Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky has ridiculed a Russian TV channel for abruptly cancelling his popular comedy series after one evening, saying the show had its impact on "someone with a nuclear weapon."

Zelensky's "Servant of the People" premiered in Russia on Wednesday evening after a high-profile summit with Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But entertainment channel TNT, owned by Russian gas giant Gazprom, on Thursday said it would no longer air the series.

"I am very sorry," the show was scrapped, Zelensky said during a late-night talk show appearance on Thursday evening.

"You know, someone has a nuclear weapon, and someone has Servant of the People," the former comedian said, hinting at the protracted conflict between Ukraine and its former Soviet master Russia.

"They showed two episodes, and now all the people who had the opportunity to watch these two episodes will definitely watch (the rest) on YouTube," he said.

Servant of the People premiered in Ukraine in 2015 starring Zelensky as Vasyl Goloborodko, a history teacher who suddenly becomes president, roots out corruption, and takes on powerful oligarchs.

Zelensky, 41, was inaugurated in May after winning the election over incumbent Petro Poroshenko, capitalising on Ukrainians' despair over mainstream politics, the ongoing war with Kremlin-backed separatists and corruption.

Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky has ridiculed a Russian TV channel for abruptly cancelling his popular comedy series after one evening, saying the show had its impact on "someone with a nuclear weapon.

Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky has ridiculed a Russian TV channel for abruptly cancelling his popular comedy series after one evening, saying the show had its impact on "someone with a nuclear weapon." Zelensky's "Servant of the People" premiered in Russia on Wednesday evening after a high-profile summit with Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. But entertainment channel TNT, owned by Russian gas giant Gazprom, on Thursday said it would no longer air the series. "I am very sorry," the show was scrapped, Zelensky said during a late-night talk show appearance on Thursday evening. "You know, someone has a nuclear weapon, and someone has Servant of the People," the former comedian said, hinting at the protracted conflict between Ukraine and its former Soviet master Russia. "They showed two episodes, and now all the people who had the opportunity to watch these two episodes will definitely watch (the rest) on YouTube," he said. Servant of the People premiered in Ukraine in 2015 starring Zelensky as Vasyl Goloborodko, a history teacher who suddenly becomes president, roots out corruption, and takes on powerful oligarchs. Zelensky, 41, was inaugurated in May after winning the election over incumbent Petro Poroshenko, capitalising on Ukrainians' despair over mainstream politics, the ongoing war with Kremlin-backed separatists and corruption.

Ukraine leader ridicules Russian TV for scrapping his comedy show

The leaders of Russia and Ukraine agreed on Tuesday to exchange all remaining prisoners from the conflict in east Ukraine by the end of the year, but left thorny questions about the region's status for future talks.

The leaders of Russia and Ukraine agreed on Tuesday to exchange all remaining prisoners from the conflict in east Ukraine by the end of the year, but left thorny questions about the region's status for future talks. Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in their first face-to-face meeting, took part in nine hours of talks in Paris, brokered by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The conflict in eastern Ukraine that broke out in 2014 has killed more than 13,000 people, left a large swathe of Ukraine de facto controlled by Moscow-backed separatists and aggravated the deepest east-west rift since the Cold War. The body language between Putin and Zelenskiy, a comedian-turned-politician elected earlier this year on a promise to resolve the conflict, was chilly. There was no public handshake, and they avoided eye contact. Watch - Ukraine-Russia Summit: Zelensky and Putin to come face-to-face × But the talks did deliver specific commitments. A final communique set out the prisoner exchange and a renewed commitment to implement an existing ceasefire agreement in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region that has never fully taken hold as well as enhanced powers for international ceasefire monitors. The sides also said they had agreed, over the next four months, to work towards local elections in Donbass, a major stumbling block up to now. There were no details though on how the votes would be conducted, and Macron acknowledged there were still disagreements on the subject. "We have made progress on disengagement, prisoner exchanges, ceasefire and a political evolution," Macron said at a news conference at which Zelenskiy and Putin sat separated by Merkel and Macron. "We have asked our ministers in the coming four months to work on this." In addition, Zelenskiy said he and Putin had worked out the outline of an agreement that would allow the transit of Russian natural gas to continue across Ukrainian soil. He gave no details. A member of the Russian delegation said officials had been instructed to hammer out details. However, there was no definitive agreement on the political issues that stand in the way of resolving the conflict. These include the status of Donbass within Ukraine and who should de facto control the border between Donbass and Russia. Another round of talks in the so-called Normandy format, brokered by France and Germany, will be held within four months. Peace elusive Ukraine's industrial Donbass region spun out of Kiev's control in 2014, soon after street protests ousted a pro-Moscow leader in the Ukrainian capital and Russia sent in armed men to seize Ukraine's Black Sea Crimea region. A 2015 ceasefire deal was signed in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. But fighting still flares up in Donbass four years on, and a peace deal has been elusive. Monday's summit was the first time the four leaders have met under the Normandy format since 2016. Many Ukrainians are concerned about compromising with Russia. They see Putin as an aggressor seeking to restore the Kremlin's influence on the former Soviet republic and ruin Ukraine's aspiration for closer European ties. Protesters who have warned Zelenskiy about making concessions to Putin in Paris were camped outside the presidential administration in Kiev, watching the summit news conference on a big screen. Zelenskiy, who sparred verbally with Russian journalists at the news conference, said he had given no ground on Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity. He said he and Putin had disagreed on several issues. Asked who triumphed in their exchanges, Zelenskiy said: "I don't know who (beat) who. I think it would be appropriate to be diplomatic as we've just started talking. Let's say for now it's a draw." Putin, for his part, is unwilling to be seen to bend to outside pressure over eastern Ukraine, and he does not want to be seen to be leaving the Russian-speaking population of Donbass at the mercy of the Kiev government. He expressed only cautious hope for the peace talks. "All this gives us the grounds to suppose that the process is developing in the right direction," he said. Sticking to his cool tone, when he ended his remarks to journalists in Paris, Putin thanked Merkel and Macron warmly but offered no pleasantries to Zelenskiy.

Russia and Ukraine leaders, in first talks, agree to exchange prisoners

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Moscow had grounds to appeal a decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency to bar Russia from major sporting events, a move he said violated the Olympic charter.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Moscow had grounds to appeal a decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency to bar Russia from major sporting events, a move he said violated the Olympic charter. Russia was banned from the world's top sporting events for four years earlier on Monday, including the next summer and winter Olympics and the 2022 soccer World Cup, for tampering with doping tests. Putin, who was speaking in Paris after talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, said Russia would analyse a decision he said smacked of politics and was not in the interest of sport. The doping agency's executive committee acted after concluding that Moscow had planted fake evidence and deleted files linked to positive doping tests in laboratory data that could have helped identify drug cheats. The decision was a huge blow to the pride of a nation that has traditionally been a powerhouse in many sports but whose reputation has been tarnished by a series of doping scandals. Putin, at a news conference in the French presidency's Elysee Palace, said the WADA conclusions contained no complaints directed at Russia's national Olympic committee. "And if there are no complaints against it, then the country should compete under the national flag. That's written in the Olympic charter. That means that, in that aspect, the WADA decision violated the Olympic charter. We have all grounds to appeal," Putin said. "Any punishment should be individual, and should be linked to what has been done ... by one person or another. A punishment cannot be collective, and apply to people who have nothing to do with certain violations," he added. "If someone takes such a decision about collective punishment, I think there is every grounds to suppose that the basis for such decisions is not a care about the purity of international sport, but political considerations which have nothing to do with the interest of sport or the Olympic movement," Putin said.

Putin says Moscow could appeal Russia sports ban

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paralympics-malaysia-stripped-of-swim-worlds-after-israeli-ban-193220">Paralympics</a> boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/malaysia-stripped-of-world-para-swim-event-over-israel-stance-193562">Andrew Parsons </a>expressed disgust on Tuesday that Russian authorities had let down the country's clean athletes, after the World Anti-Doping Agency banned Russia for four years from major events, including the Tokyo Olympic Games.

WADA's executive committee acted on Monday after concluding that Moscow had planted fake evidence and deleted files linked to positive doping tests in laboratory data that could have helped identify drug cheats.

"Of course, we are disgusted with the fact that you have authorities tempering data," Parsons, a Brazilian, told Reuters in Tokyo on Tuesday.

"We were working really closely with the Russian Paralympic Committee for years now; from the point where we went with a blanket ban in the build-up to Rio (2016 Games), to the provisional reinstatement announced this year."

"So, to think that authorities let their athletes down, it is really disgusting. I think that is the right word.”

Whereas Wada is taking the lead this time, during the previous <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-could-face-olympic-ban-in-wada-decision-due-monday-266958">Russia ban</a> in 2016 the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) had taken its own decisions on whether to allow Russian athletes to compete.

The ban comes as a huge blow to Russian pride and President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russian-president-vladimir-putin-turns-67-254334">Vladimir Putin</a> said on Monday that Moscow might appeal the decision, as is their right within 21 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-imposes-four-year-ban-on-russia-over-doping-data-manipulation-267195">WADA</a>'s decision does leave the door open for "clean" Russian athletes to compete as individuals in Tokyo without their flag or anthem, as was the case when Russia was banned from the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games.

Although Parsons said any such decisions had to wait until after a possible Russian appeal, he appeared to agree that clean athletes shouldn't be punished.

"What we definitely want is for the guilty people to be punished in the hardest possible way," he said.

"This most probably doesn’t mean athletes.”

The decision not to impose a blanket ban was not uniformly welcomed. Travis Tygart, head of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, said the decision had only "emboldened Russia".

However, Ian Chesterman, the Australian Olympic Committee vice-president who will lead the Australian team at the Tokyo Olympics next year, said that WADA had sent a "powerful message" with the unprecedented ban.

"Every athlete deserves to compete with the confidence they are competing in a clean and fair environment. The fact that this was a systematic attempt to undermine fair sport makes it all the more galling and all the more offensive," he said.

Tokyo 2020 gave a lukewarm response to the news on Monday but the organising committee's president Yoshiro Mori appeared to suggest clean athletes should be allowed to compete, instead of blaming the greed of coaches.

"Unfortunately, I have to say it is more the coaches than the athletes themselves who lack in the awareness," NHK reported Mori as saying whilst at the UN General Assembly in New York.

Coaches were driven by their athletes breaking records and increasing their winnings, he said.

Paralympics boss Andrew Parsons expressed disgust on Tuesday that Russian authorities had let down the country's clean athletes, after the World Anti-Doping Agency banned Russia for four years from major events, including the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Paralympics boss Andrew Parsons expressed disgust on Tuesday that Russian authorities had let down the country's clean athletes, after the World Anti-Doping Agency banned Russia for four years from major events, including the Tokyo Olympic Games. WADA's executive committee acted on Monday after concluding that Moscow had planted fake evidence and deleted files linked to positive doping tests in laboratory data that could have helped identify drug cheats. "Of course, we are disgusted with the fact that you have authorities tempering data," Parsons, a Brazilian, told Reuters in Tokyo on Tuesday. "We were working really closely with the Russian Paralympic Committee for years now; from the point where we went with a blanket ban in the build-up to Rio (2016 Games), to the provisional reinstatement announced this year." "So, to think that authorities let their athletes down, it is really disgusting. I think that is the right word.” Whereas Wada is taking the lead this time, during the previous Russia ban in 2016 the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) had taken its own decisions on whether to allow Russian athletes to compete. The ban comes as a huge blow to Russian pride and President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Moscow might appeal the decision, as is their right within 21 days. WADA's decision does leave the door open for "clean" Russian athletes to compete as individuals in Tokyo without their flag or anthem, as was the case when Russia was banned from the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games. Although Parsons said any such decisions had to wait until after a possible Russian appeal, he appeared to agree that clean athletes shouldn't be punished. "What we definitely want is for the guilty people to be punished in the hardest possible way," he said. "This most probably doesn’t mean athletes.” The decision not to impose a blanket ban was not uniformly welcomed. Travis Tygart, head of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, said the decision had only "emboldened Russia". However, Ian Chesterman, the Australian Olympic Committee vice-president who will lead the Australian team at the Tokyo Olympics next year, said that WADA had sent a "powerful message" with the unprecedented ban. "Every athlete deserves to compete with the confidence they are competing in a clean and fair environment. The fact that this was a systematic attempt to undermine fair sport makes it all the more galling and all the more offensive," he said. Tokyo 2020 gave a lukewarm response to the news on Monday but the organising committee's president Yoshiro Mori appeared to suggest clean athletes should be allowed to compete, instead of blaming the greed of coaches. "Unfortunately, I have to say it is more the coaches than the athletes themselves who lack in the awareness," NHK reported Mori as saying whilst at the UN General Assembly in New York. Coaches were driven by their athletes breaking records and increasing their winnings, he said.

Paralympics chief 'disgusted' with Russia for letting down nation's clean athletes

Political Newbie Vs Veteran Leader in Ukraine-Russia Summit.

Ukraine-Russia Summit: Zelensky and Putin to come face-to-face

Russian leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vladimir-putin-a-brief-profile-of-the-russian-president-728">Vladimir Putin</a> will for the first time hold formal talks with Ukrainian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-says-ukraine-getting-tired-of-trump-scandal-263215">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> over the conflict in Ukraine's east on Monday, in a much-anticipated summit in Paris.

No comprehensive peace deal is expected from the afternoon meeting -- mediated by French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-defends-wake-up-call-for-nato-after-talks-with-chief-265115">Emmanuel Macron</a> and German Chancellor Angela Merkel — but diplomats hope that the exercise will help to boost trust between the two men.

Thousands have been killed and one million have fled their homes since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014 — kicking off a conflict that deepened Russia's estrangement from the West.

The separatists seized control of Donetsk and Lugansk regions shortly after Russia's annexation of Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula.

Diplomats have emphasised that the issue of Crimea — a seizure that gave Putin a popularity boost but led to international sanctions being imposed — is not on the table at the summit.&nbsp;

Kiev has made clear its determination to never give up the peninsula, which the international community still regards as part of Ukraine.

The Kremlin has sent signals that it is ready to work with Zelensky, who Putin has described as "likeable" and "sincere".&nbsp;

But Putin also will not want to return empty-handed and will be pushing for an easing of sanctions.

'Problem of trust'

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told the Funke newspaper group ahead of the summit "we have to do everything we can... to make progress in the Ukrainian peace process", and described the conflict as "a festering wound in Europe".

Maas praised Zelensky for bringing "new momentum" to the talks, adding that "to make progress with the next difficult steps, Russia needs to make a move too".

The goals of Monday's meeting include agreeing to disband illegal militias, the departure of foreign fighters from Donetsk and Lugansk and Ukraine taking back control over its border with Russia, according to a French presidential source.

"There remains the problem of trust between the parties. This needs to be created before we can move forward," said the source, who asked not to be named.&nbsp;

Also key is agreeing on a calendar for elections to be held in Donetsk and Lugansk under Ukrainian law with the two regions enjoying special status — an idea known as the Steinmeier Formula.

"If the summit meeting is to be meaningful, it should have a result, and the result should very much be on the Steinmeier Formula," said Gerhard Mangott, professor of international relations at Austria's Innsbruck University.

"It remains to be seen whether Ukraine is willing to give up some of its pre-conditions for implementing the Steinmeier Formula."

'Wound of war'

Monday's meeting is the first such summit in three years and seeks to implement accords signed in Minsk in 2015 that call for the withdrawal of heavy weapons, the restoration of Kiev's control over its borders, wider autonomy, and the holding of local elections.

The French presidential source said it was not just Putin's strategic calculations that had impeded the implementation of the Minsk accords but also the "difficulties in Ukraine due to public opinion, divisions and the fundamental wound caused by the war."

The summit is a hugely delicate event for everyone involved, but particularly for Zelensky, who is under pressure not to cede ground to the Kremlin.

For Macron, the summit is a centrepiece of an increasingly bold foreign policy he is driving despite troubles at home, where transport workers have been on strike for days in a dispute over pension reforms.

Macron, who shocked NATO allies this year by declaring the alliance brain dead, has made clear his belief that Europe needs a strategic partnership with Russia.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin will for the first time hold formal talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky over the conflict in Ukraine's east on Monday, in a much-anticipated summit in Paris.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin will for the first time hold formal talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky over the conflict in Ukraine's east on Monday, in a much-anticipated summit in Paris. No comprehensive peace deal is expected from the afternoon meeting -- mediated by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel — but diplomats hope that the exercise will help to boost trust between the two men. Thousands have been killed and one million have fled their homes since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014 — kicking off a conflict that deepened Russia's estrangement from the West. The separatists seized control of Donetsk and Lugansk regions shortly after Russia's annexation of Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula. Diplomats have emphasised that the issue of Crimea — a seizure that gave Putin a popularity boost but led to international sanctions being imposed — is not on the table at the summit. Kiev has made clear its determination to never give up the peninsula, which the international community still regards as part of Ukraine. The Kremlin has sent signals that it is ready to work with Zelensky, who Putin has described as "likeable" and "sincere". But Putin also will not want to return empty-handed and will be pushing for an easing of sanctions. 'Problem of trust' German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told the Funke newspaper group ahead of the summit "we have to do everything we can... to make progress in the Ukrainian peace process", and described the conflict as "a festering wound in Europe". Maas praised Zelensky for bringing "new momentum" to the talks, adding that "to make progress with the next difficult steps, Russia needs to make a move too". The goals of Monday's meeting include agreeing to disband illegal militias, the departure of foreign fighters from Donetsk and Lugansk and Ukraine taking back control over its border with Russia, according to a French presidential source. "There remains the problem of trust between the parties. This needs to be created before we can move forward," said the source, who asked not to be named. Also key is agreeing on a calendar for elections to be held in Donetsk and Lugansk under Ukrainian law with the two regions enjoying special status — an idea known as the Steinmeier Formula. "If the summit meeting is to be meaningful, it should have a result, and the result should very much be on the Steinmeier Formula," said Gerhard Mangott, professor of international relations at Austria's Innsbruck University. "It remains to be seen whether Ukraine is willing to give up some of its pre-conditions for implementing the Steinmeier Formula." 'Wound of war' Monday's meeting is the first such summit in three years and seeks to implement accords signed in Minsk in 2015 that call for the withdrawal of heavy weapons, the restoration of Kiev's control over its borders, wider autonomy, and the holding of local elections. The French presidential source said it was not just Putin's strategic calculations that had impeded the implementation of the Minsk accords but also the "difficulties in Ukraine due to public opinion, divisions and the fundamental wound caused by the war." The summit is a hugely delicate event for everyone involved, but particularly for Zelensky, who is under pressure not to cede ground to the Kremlin. For Macron, the summit is a centrepiece of an increasingly bold foreign policy he is driving despite troubles at home, where transport workers have been on strike for days in a dispute over pension reforms. Macron, who shocked NATO allies this year by declaring the alliance brain dead, has made clear his belief that Europe needs a strategic partnership with Russia.

Vladimir Putin set for landmark Paris talks on Ukraine conflict

Russian Foreign Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-foreign-minister-sergei-lavrov-to-visit-washington-us-confirms-267075"> Sergei Lavrov</a> will meet US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> during talks with his US&nbsp;counterpart in Washington on Tuesday, the Interfax news agency cited a Russian foreign ministry source as saying.

Lavrov's trip to Washington for talks with US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike Pompeo</a> comes as bilateral ties are at post-Cold War lows, strained over everything from alleged election meddling to the wars in Ukraine and Syria.

Time is also running out for the two sides to strike a deal that would replace or extend their New START nuclear arms treaty that is set to expire in February 2021.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vladimir-putin-a-brief-profile-of-the-russian-president-728">Vladimir Putin</a> last week offered the United States an extension on the deal without any pre-conditions or further discussion.

Russia's foreign ministry confirmed Lavrov's trip to Washington in a statement. It did not mention a meeting with Trump, but Interfax cited a foreign ministry source saying there would be such a meeting.

"We expect that (Lavrov) will be received by (Trump) and will hold talks with (Pompeo)," the source was quoted as saying.

There was no immediate response from the United States.

US&nbsp;intelligence agencies have said Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election campaign in order to tilt the vote in Trump's favor. Moscow has denied any interference.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet US President Donald Trump during talks with his US counterpart in Washington on Tuesday, the Interfax news agency cited a Russian foreign ministry source as saying.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet US President Donald Trump during talks with his US counterpart in Washington on Tuesday, the Interfax news agency cited a Russian foreign ministry source as saying. Lavrov's trip to Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo comes as bilateral ties are at post-Cold War lows, strained over everything from alleged election meddling to the wars in Ukraine and Syria. Time is also running out for the two sides to strike a deal that would replace or extend their New START nuclear arms treaty that is set to expire in February 2021. President Vladimir Putin last week offered the United States an extension on the deal without any pre-conditions or further discussion. Russia's foreign ministry confirmed Lavrov's trip to Washington in a statement. It did not mention a meeting with Trump, but Interfax cited a foreign ministry source saying there would be such a meeting. "We expect that (Lavrov) will be received by (Trump) and will hold talks with (Pompeo)," the source was quoted as saying. There was no immediate response from the United States. US intelligence agencies have said Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election campaign in order to tilt the vote in Trump's favor. Moscow has denied any interference.

Trump to meet Russia's foreign minister on Tuesday: Source

Russian forces have entered Raqqa, the former de facto capital of the Islamic State caliphate, in one of the starkest examples yet of how Moscow has filled the vacuum created by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a>'s decision to pull US&nbsp;forces from northern Syria.

Russian troops were shown in footage on the defence ministry's Zvezda TV channel shaking hands with Syrian children and unloading humanitarian aid bundles with the slogan "Russia is with you" from the back of trucks.

Raqqa was captured two years ago by US&nbsp;troops and their Kurdish-led Syrian allies in the biggest victory of Washington's campaign against Islamic State in Syria. But since Trump abruptly ordered a pull-out in October, Moscow has swiftly advanced into territory where US&nbsp;troops had operated.

Russia is a close battlefield ally of Syrian 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>'s government, which was invited by the Kurds into territory they controlled after Trump pulled his forces out of the way of a Turkish assault against Kurdish-held areas.

Russian troops in Raqqa were handing out humanitarian aid and its military doctors were offering residents medical attention, Vladimir Varnavsky, a defence ministry official, was quoted as saying by RIA news agency.

"Work in the city to get rid of the rubble and clear the area (of bombs or mines) is not yet complete and there is a shortage of clean water, medicine, and food," he said.

Russia last month set up a helicopter base an airport in a northeastern Syrian city and also landed forces at a sprawling airbase in the region that had been vacated by US&nbsp;forces.

Russia and Turkey are carrying out joint patrols along Syria's northern border with Turkey as part of a deal struck between Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vladimir-putin-a-brief-profile-of-the-russian-president-728">Vladimir Putin</a> and his Turkish counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-renews-syria-air-and-ground-operation-threat-253960">Tayyip Erdogan</a>.

After saying all US&nbsp;troops would leave northern Syria, Washington has left some behind for now at some bases but rolled back most of their operations.

&nbsp;

Russian forces have entered Raqqa, the former de facto capital of the Islamic State caliphate, in one of the starkest examples yet of how Moscow has filled the vacuum created by President Donald Trump's decision to pull US forces from northern Syria.

Russian forces have entered Raqqa, the former de facto capital of the Islamic State caliphate, in one of the starkest examples yet of how Moscow has filled the vacuum created by President Donald Trump's decision to pull US forces from northern Syria. Russian troops were shown in footage on the defence ministry's Zvezda TV channel shaking hands with Syrian children and unloading humanitarian aid bundles with the slogan "Russia is with you" from the back of trucks. Raqqa was captured two years ago by US troops and their Kurdish-led Syrian allies in the biggest victory of Washington's campaign against Islamic State in Syria. But since Trump abruptly ordered a pull-out in October, Moscow has swiftly advanced into territory where US troops had operated. Russia is a close battlefield ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, which was invited by the Kurds into territory they controlled after Trump pulled his forces out of the way of a Turkish assault against Kurdish-held areas. Russian troops in Raqqa were handing out humanitarian aid and its military doctors were offering residents medical attention, Vladimir Varnavsky, a defence ministry official, was quoted as saying by RIA news agency. "Work in the city to get rid of the rubble and clear the area (of bombs or mines) is not yet complete and there is a shortage of clean water, medicine, and food," he said. Russia last month set up a helicopter base an airport in a northeastern Syrian city and also landed forces at a sprawling airbase in the region that had been vacated by US forces. Russia and Turkey are carrying out joint patrols along Syria's northern border with Turkey as part of a deal struck between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan. After saying all US troops would leave northern Syria, Washington has left some behind for now at some bases but rolled back most of their operations.

Russian forces enter former Islamic State stronghold in Syria after US pullback

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