Russia will not immediately raise oil output after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-crackdown-on-irans-oil-exports-could-backfire-badly-with-serious-risks-to-global-economy-213229">United States ends sanctions waivers for buyers of Iranian crude</a> in May, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.

The United States announced this week that, in a bid to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero, it would from May 2 end US waivers that countries such as India, China, South Korea and Turkey currently have on buying Iranian crude.

"We have an agreement with OPEC to maintain production at a certain level and this agreement is in force until July," Putin told reporters on the sidelines of a summit in Beijing.

"I can't imagine how the world energy market will react" after the waivers end in May, Putin said.

But, he added, "none of our partners, including Saudi Arabia, is withdrawing from our agreements within OPEC."

Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter, has also said it had no immediate plans to raise oil output after the sanctions waivers end.

There had been speculation that Riyadh could step in to plug the gap left by the removal of Iranian crude.

Eight countries including China, India and Turkey had been given temporary waivers by the US when it reimposed sanctions on Iran last year.

The end of the exemptions sparked fears of supply shortages, pushing prices to near six-month highs.

Russia will not immediately raise oil output after the United States ends sanctions waivers for buyers of Iranian crude in May, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.

Russia will not immediately raise oil output after the United States ends sanctions waivers for buyers of Iranian crude in May, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday. The United States announced this week that, in a bid to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero, it would from May 2 end US waivers that countries such as India, China, South Korea and Turkey currently have on buying Iranian crude. "We have an agreement with OPEC to maintain production at a certain level and this agreement is in force until July," Putin told reporters on the sidelines of a summit in Beijing. "I can't imagine how the world energy market will react" after the waivers end in May, Putin said. But, he added, "none of our partners, including Saudi Arabia, is withdrawing from our agreements within OPEC." Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter, has also said it had no immediate plans to raise oil output after the sanctions waivers end. There had been speculation that Riyadh could step in to plug the gap left by the removal of Iranian crude. Eight countries including China, India and Turkey had been given temporary waivers by the US when it reimposed sanctions on Iran last year. The end of the exemptions sparked fears of supply shortages, pushing prices to near six-month highs.

Russia won't immediately raise oil output after Iran waivers end: Vladimir Putin

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rejects-un-arms-trade-treaty-says-revoking-predecessors-signature-213808">US President Donald Trump</a>'s proposals on nuclear arms disarmament is "not serious," a Kremlin spokesman said on Saturday.

Trump has ordered his administration to prepare a push for new arms-control agreements with Russia and China citing the cost of the 21st-century nuclear arms race, The Washington Post reported on Thursday citing administration officials.

"It would be ideal to clean up the whole world from the nuclear weapon...but on the other hand we would have been deprived of the deterrent factor," Dmitry Peskov told reporters on the sidelines of a summit on China's Belt and Road plan. "Don't forget about the deterrent factor, about the deterrent parity," he said.

Peskov also said Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held substantial talks and exchanged views on Syria, Venezuela and Libya when they met on Friday. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's proposals on nuclear arms disarmament is "not serious," a Kremlin spokesman said on Saturday. Trump has ordered his administration to prepare a push for new arms-control agreements with Russia and China citing the cost of the 21st-century nuclear arms race, The Washington Post reported on Thursday citing administration officials.

US President Donald Trump's proposals on nuclear arms disarmament is "not serious," a Kremlin spokesman said on Saturday. Trump has ordered his administration to prepare a push for new arms-control agreements with Russia and China citing the cost of the 21st-century nuclear arms race, The Washington Post reported on Thursday citing administration officials. "It would be ideal to clean up the whole world from the nuclear weapon...but on the other hand we would have been deprived of the deterrent factor," Dmitry Peskov told reporters on the sidelines of a summit on China's Belt and Road plan. "Don't forget about the deterrent factor, about the deterrent parity," he said. Peskov also said Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held substantial talks and exchanged views on Syria, Venezuela and Libya when they met on Friday.

Trump proposals on nuclear arms disarmament 'not serious': Russia

Maria Butina, the only <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-delays-sentencing-of-russian-agent-butina-199942">Russian arrested and convicted</a> in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Friday.

The leader of a small Russian gun rights group, Butina used her ties to the NRA firearms lobby to build a network of powerful Republican contacts.

"I humbly request forgiveness. I'm not this evil person depicted in the media," she told the court in Washington before she was sent down.

Butina was given the full term requested by prosecutors, however, after previously admitting one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without registering.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old faces another nine months in custody, having already served half her term.&nbsp;

Prosecutors said that although she worked openly and was not tied to any Russian intelligence agency, she was nevertheless a threat to the United States.

"I wanted a future here in international policy," she said, voice breaking. She added that she only wanted to work towards better US-Russian relations.

"If I had known to register as a foreign agent I would have done so," she told the court.

Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Friday.

Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Friday. The leader of a small Russian gun rights group, Butina used her ties to the NRA firearms lobby to build a network of powerful Republican contacts. "I humbly request forgiveness. I'm not this evil person depicted in the media," she told the court in Washington before she was sent down. Butina was given the full term requested by prosecutors, however, after previously admitting one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without registering. The 30-year-old faces another nine months in custody, having already served half her term. Prosecutors said that although she worked openly and was not tied to any Russian intelligence agency, she was nevertheless a threat to the United States. "I wanted a future here in international policy," she said, voice breaking. She added that she only wanted to work towards better US-Russian relations. "If I had known to register as a foreign agent I would have done so," she told the court.

Russian agent Maria Butina sentenced to 18 months in prison

North Korean leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-needs-security-guarantees-in-exchange-for-denuclearisation-says-putin-after-meeting-kim-213419">Kim Jong-un said during his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> peace and security on the Korean peninsula depend entirely on the future US attitude, North Korean state media KCNA said on Friday.

Kim's remarks were seen as keeping pressure on the United States to be more flexible in accepting Pyongyang's demands to ease sanctions, compared to the US stance during his unsuccessful second summit with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi in February.

The North Korean leader said at the time he would wait until the end of the year for the United States to become more flexible.

"The situation on the Korean peninsula and the region is now at a standstill and has reached a critical point where it may return to its original state as the US took a unilateral attitude in bad faith at the recent second DPRK-US summit talks," KCNA reported Kim as saying, using North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The DPRK will gird itself for every possible situation." Kim said.

Kim invited Putin to North Korea at a convenient time and Putin accepted, KCNA said.

There was no immediate comment on the summit from the US State Department but William Hagerty, the US ambassador to Japan, told a Washington think tank Kim’s contact with Russia and China was part of an effort to seek relief from international sanctions.

"The fact you see Kim Jong-un meeting with Vladimir Putin underscores the fact that the sanctions are working and the sanctions are putting extreme economic pressure on the North Korean regime," Hagerty said.

"What we see is an outreach to try to find a way to deal with it. There is a much simpler way to deal with it and that is to denuclearise," he said.

He said it was important the international community enforced UN sanctions against North Korea that were imposed because of Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes.

The first face-to-face talks between Putin and Kim, held on an island off the Russian Pacific city of Vladivostok on Thursday, did not appear to yield any major breakthrough.

The two leaders had an in-depth discussion on ways for their countries to promote strategic communication and tactical collaboration in the course of ensuring peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in the region, KCNA said.

Putin said he thought a deal on Pyongyang's nuclear programme was possible and that the way to get there was to move forward step by step in order to build trust.

But any US guarantees might need to be supported by the other nations involved in previous six-way talks on the nuclear issue, Putin said, which was seen as a way to use the summit to strengthen Russia's diplomatic clout as a global player.

Russia and North Korea agreed to take measures to further cooperate in trade, economy, science and technology, KCNA said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said during his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin peace and security on the Korean peninsula depend entirely on the future US attitude, North Korean state media KCNA said on Friday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said during his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin peace and security on the Korean peninsula depend entirely on the future US attitude, North Korean state media KCNA said on Friday. Kim's remarks were seen as keeping pressure on the United States to be more flexible in accepting Pyongyang's demands to ease sanctions, compared to the US stance during his unsuccessful second summit with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi in February. The North Korean leader said at the time he would wait until the end of the year for the United States to become more flexible. "The situation on the Korean peninsula and the region is now at a standstill and has reached a critical point where it may return to its original state as the US took a unilateral attitude in bad faith at the recent second DPRK-US summit talks," KCNA reported Kim as saying, using North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "The DPRK will gird itself for every possible situation." Kim said. Kim invited Putin to North Korea at a convenient time and Putin accepted, KCNA said. There was no immediate comment on the summit from the US State Department but William Hagerty, the US ambassador to Japan, told a Washington think tank Kim’s contact with Russia and China was part of an effort to seek relief from international sanctions. "The fact you see Kim Jong-un meeting with Vladimir Putin underscores the fact that the sanctions are working and the sanctions are putting extreme economic pressure on the North Korean regime," Hagerty said. "What we see is an outreach to try to find a way to deal with it. There is a much simpler way to deal with it and that is to denuclearise," he said. He said it was important the international community enforced UN sanctions against North Korea that were imposed because of Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes. The first face-to-face talks between Putin and Kim, held on an island off the Russian Pacific city of Vladivostok on Thursday, did not appear to yield any major breakthrough. The two leaders had an in-depth discussion on ways for their countries to promote strategic communication and tactical collaboration in the course of ensuring peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in the region, KCNA said. Putin said he thought a deal on Pyongyang's nuclear programme was possible and that the way to get there was to move forward step by step in order to build trust. But any US guarantees might need to be supported by the other nations involved in previous six-way talks on the nuclear issue, Putin said, which was seen as a way to use the summit to strengthen Russia's diplomatic clout as a global player. Russia and North Korea agreed to take measures to further cooperate in trade, economy, science and technology, KCNA said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says peace on Korean peninsula depends on US attitude: State media

Russian President Vladimir Putin has followed the launch of a new submarine intended to carry prospective underwater nuclear drones. Watch this video to know more.

Russia launches World's largest submarine 'Belgorod'

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to seek closer ties as they met face-to-face Thursday for the first time.

The meeting in Russia's Far Eastern city of Vladivostok came with Kim looking for support in his nuclear stand-off with Washington and Putin keen to put Moscow forward as a player in another <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/security-tight-around-venue-of-putin-kim-summit-213325">global flashpoint</a>.

In brief statements before heading into the talks, both leaders expressed their hopes for strengthening historic ties.

"I think it will be a very useful meeting in developing the relationship between the two countries, who have a long friendship and history, into a more stable and sound one," Kim said.

"As the world is focused on the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-russias-vladivostok-for-summit-with-putin-213181"> Korean peninsula</a>, I think we will hold a very meaningful dialogue."

Putin told Kim he supports ongoing efforts to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula and wants to boost economic ties.

"I am confident that your visit... will help us to better understand how we can resolve the situation on the Korean peninsula and what Russia can do to support the positive processes that are currently taking place," Putin said.

"In terms of bilateral relations, we have a lot to do to develop economic relations."

The meeting was Kim's first face-to-face talks with another head of state since returning from his Hanoi summit with US President Donald Trump, which broke down without a deal on North Korea's nuclear arsenal in February.

North Korean labourers&nbsp;

Among the issues likely to be on the table is the fate of some 10,000 North Korean labourers working in Russia and due to leave by the end of this year under sanctions.&nbsp;

Labour is one of North Korea's key exports and sources of cash. Pyongyang has reportedly asked Russia to continue to employ its workers after the deadline.

Kim, whose government has told the United Nations it is facing food shortfalls this year, will also be keen to see Moscow continue or boost its aid.

Russia has provided some $25 million in food aid to North Korea in recent years, according to the Kremlin. One delivery in March saw more than 2,000 tonnes of wheat supplied to the port of Chongjin, news agency TASS reported.

For Putin, the summit is a chance to push Russia's agenda of opposing US international influence.

In an interview with China's official People's Daily published on Thursday, Putin lashed out at "countries claiming sole global leadership".

"They carelessly trample on&nbsp;the&nbsp;norms and&nbsp;principles of&nbsp;international law, resort to&nbsp;blackmail, sanctions and&nbsp;pressure, and&nbsp;try to&nbsp;force their values and&nbsp;dubious ideals on&nbsp;entire countries and&nbsp;populations," said Putin, who is heading to China after the talks for another summit.

The Vladivostok meeting follows repeated invitations from Putin since Kim embarked on a series of diplomatic overtures last year.

Since March 2018, the formerly reclusive North Korean leader has held four meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, three with South Korea's Moon Jae-in, two with Trump and one with Vietnam's president.

At the meeting with Trump in Hanoi, the cash-strapped North demanded immediate relief from sanctions, but the talks broke up in disagreement over what Pyongyang was prepared to give up in return.

North Korea last week launched a blistering attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, insisting he be removed from the negotiations just hours after announcing it had carried out a new weapons test.

Pompeo said on Wednesday he expected "bumpy" talks ahead with Pyongyang but that he still hoped to reach a potentially landmark denuclearisation deal.

Soviet-era allies&nbsp;

Russia has already called for the sanctions to be eased, while the US has accused it of trying to help Pyongyang evade some of the measures -- accusations Russia denies.

The Kremlin has said the focus of Thursday's talks will be on finding "a political and diplomatic solution to the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula" but that no joint statement or signing of agreements was planned.

Moscow was a crucial backer of Pyongyang for decades and their ties go back to the founding of North Korea, when the Soviet Union installed Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung as a leader.

The USSR reduced funding to the North as it began to seek reconciliation with Seoul in the 1980s, but Pyongyang was hit hard by its demise in 1991. 
Soon after his first election as Russian president, Putin sought to normalise relations and met Kim Jong Il -- the current leader's father and predecessor -- three times, including a 2002 meeting also held in Vladivostok.

China has since cemented its role as the isolated North's most important ally, its largest trading partner and crucial fuel supplier, and analysts say Kim could be looking to balance Beijing's influence.

While ties between Moscow and Pyongyang have remained cordial, the last meeting between their leaders came in 2011, when Kim Jong Il told then-president Dmitry Medvedev that he was prepared to renounce nuclear testing.

His son has since overseen by far the country's most powerful blast to date, and launch of missiles which Pyongyang says are capable of reaching the entire US mainland.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to seek closer ties as they met face-to-face Thursday for the first time. The meeting in Russia's Far Eastern city of Vladivostok came with Kim looking for support in his nuclear stand-off with Washington and Putin keen to put Moscow forward as a player in another global flashpoint.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to seek closer ties as they met face-to-face Thursday for the first time. The meeting in Russia's Far Eastern city of Vladivostok came with Kim looking for support in his nuclear stand-off with Washington and Putin keen to put Moscow forward as a player in another global flashpoint. In brief statements before heading into the talks, both leaders expressed their hopes for strengthening historic ties. "I think it will be a very useful meeting in developing the relationship between the two countries, who have a long friendship and history, into a more stable and sound one," Kim said. "As the world is focused on the Korean peninsula, I think we will hold a very meaningful dialogue." Putin told Kim he supports ongoing efforts to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula and wants to boost economic ties. "I am confident that your visit... will help us to better understand how we can resolve the situation on the Korean peninsula and what Russia can do to support the positive processes that are currently taking place," Putin said. "In terms of bilateral relations, we have a lot to do to develop economic relations." The meeting was Kim's first face-to-face talks with another head of state since returning from his Hanoi summit with US President Donald Trump, which broke down without a deal on North Korea's nuclear arsenal in February. North Korean labourers Among the issues likely to be on the table is the fate of some 10,000 North Korean labourers working in Russia and due to leave by the end of this year under sanctions. Labour is one of North Korea's key exports and sources of cash. Pyongyang has reportedly asked Russia to continue to employ its workers after the deadline. Kim, whose government has told the United Nations it is facing food shortfalls this year, will also be keen to see Moscow continue or boost its aid. Russia has provided some $25 million in food aid to North Korea in recent years, according to the Kremlin. One delivery in March saw more than 2,000 tonnes of wheat supplied to the port of Chongjin, news agency TASS reported. For Putin, the summit is a chance to push Russia's agenda of opposing US international influence. In an interview with China's official People's Daily published on Thursday, Putin lashed out at "countries claiming sole global leadership". "They carelessly trample on the norms and principles of international law, resort to blackmail, sanctions and pressure, and try to force their values and dubious ideals on entire countries and populations," said Putin, who is heading to China after the talks for another summit. The Vladivostok meeting follows repeated invitations from Putin since Kim embarked on a series of diplomatic overtures last year. Since March 2018, the formerly reclusive North Korean leader has held four meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, three with South Korea's Moon Jae-in, two with Trump and one with Vietnam's president. At the meeting with Trump in Hanoi, the cash-strapped North demanded immediate relief from sanctions, but the talks broke up in disagreement over what Pyongyang was prepared to give up in return. North Korea last week launched a blistering attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, insisting he be removed from the negotiations just hours after announcing it had carried out a new weapons test. Pompeo said on Wednesday he expected "bumpy" talks ahead with Pyongyang but that he still hoped to reach a potentially landmark denuclearisation deal. Soviet-era allies Russia has already called for the sanctions to be eased, while the US has accused it of trying to help Pyongyang evade some of the measures -- accusations Russia denies. The Kremlin has said the focus of Thursday's talks will be on finding "a political and diplomatic solution to the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula" but that no joint statement or signing of agreements was planned. Moscow was a crucial backer of Pyongyang for decades and their ties go back to the founding of North Korea, when the Soviet Union installed Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung as a leader. The USSR reduced funding to the North as it began to seek reconciliation with Seoul in the 1980s, but Pyongyang was hit hard by its demise in 1991. Soon after his first election as Russian president, Putin sought to normalise relations and met Kim Jong Il -- the current leader's father and predecessor -- three times, including a 2002 meeting also held in Vladivostok. China has since cemented its role as the isolated North's most important ally, its largest trading partner and crucial fuel supplier, and analysts say Kim could be looking to balance Beijing's influence. While ties between Moscow and Pyongyang have remained cordial, the last meeting between their leaders came in 2011, when Kim Jong Il told then-president Dmitry Medvedev that he was prepared to renounce nuclear testing. His son has since overseen by far the country's most powerful blast to date, and launch of missiles which Pyongyang says are capable of reaching the entire US mainland.

Kim, Putin vow to seek closer ties at first talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin told North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday he expected his visit to Russia would help the two countries understand how to reach settlement over the Korean peninsula and develop bilateral ties.

N.Korea's Kim says he will coordinate views on peninsula issues with Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin told North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Thursday he expected his visit to Russia would help the two countries understand how to reach settlement over the Korean peninsula and develop bilateral ties.

Putin also said he welcomed Kim's efforts to normalise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/security-tight-around-venue-of-putin-kim-summit-213325">Pyongyang's relations </a>with the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met on Thursday in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-russias-vladivostok-for-summit-with-putin-213181">city of Vladivostok</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;the start of their first-ever talks.

Kim and Putin shook hands as they began the meeting in Russia's Far Eastern port city of Vladivostok.&nbsp;

Putin reportedly told Kim he wants to support 'positive' efforts on Korean peninsula

Russia and North Korea have 'a lot to do' to boost economic ties, Putin told Kim during the meeting to which Kim responded by saying looking to boost 'traditional ties' with Russia.

Pyongyang's nuclear programme among issues to feature in the talks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin told North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Thursday he expected his visit to Russia would help the two countries understand how to reach settlement over the Korean peninsula and develop bilateral ties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Thursday he expected his visit to Russia would help the two countries understand how to reach settlement over the Korean peninsula and develop bilateral ties. Putin also said he welcomed Kim's efforts to normalise Pyongyang's relations with the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met on Thursday in the city of Vladivostok at the start of their first-ever talks. Kim and Putin shook hands as they began the meeting in Russia's Far Eastern port city of Vladivostok. Putin reportedly told Kim he wants to support 'positive' efforts on Korean peninsula Russia and North Korea have 'a lot to do' to boost economic ties, Putin told Kim during the meeting to which Kim responded by saying looking to boost 'traditional ties' with Russia. Pyongyang's nuclear programme among issues to feature in the talks. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says to Kim he wants to support 'positive' efforts on Korean peninsula

Heavy security presence on Thursday at the Far East Federal University campus on Russky Island, in the city of Vladivostok, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Kim, making his first trip to Russia as North Korean leader, arrived at the train station in Vladivostok on Wednesday on board an armoured train -- his preferred mode of international transport.

The summit - the first ever between Putin and Kim - provides Pyongyang with an opportunity to seek support from a new quarter, Russia, and possible relief from the sanctions hurting its economy.

For the Kremlin, the summit is a chance to show it is a global diplomatic player, despite efforts by the United States and other Western states to isolate it.

Heavy security presence on Thursday at the Far East Federal University campus on Russky Island, in the city of Vladivostok, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Heavy security presence on Thursday at the Far East Federal University campus on Russky Island, in the city of Vladivostok, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Kim, making his first trip to Russia as North Korean leader, arrived at the train station in Vladivostok on Wednesday on board an armoured train -- his preferred mode of international transport. The summit - the first ever between Putin and Kim - provides Pyongyang with an opportunity to seek support from a new quarter, Russia, and possible relief from the sanctions hurting its economy. For the Kremlin, the summit is a chance to show it is a global diplomatic player, despite efforts by the United States and other Western states to isolate it.

Security tight around venue of Putin-Kim summit

Historic summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Leader of North Korea Kim Jong-un is underway in Vladivostok, Russia. Watch this video to know more.

Historic Putin-Kim summit underway in Vladivostok

Russia on Wednesday made it easier for people living in eastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-warns-of-threat-of-full-scale-war-with-russia-179864">Ukraine's separatist territories</a> to obtain Russian passports, drawing swift condemnation from Kiev only three days after it elected a new president.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin signed the decree aimed at residents of the unrecognised Donetsk and Lugansk republics that broke away from Kiev in 2014 and are governed by Moscow-backed rebels.

People living in the separatist regions will now be entitled to receive a Russian passport within three months of applying for one.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-tension-between-russia-and-ukraine-keeps-tourists-away-from-crimea-181930">conflict </a>between the Ukrainian government and breakaway rebels began after Moscow annexed Kiev's Crimea peninsula in 2014. The war has claimed some 13,000 lives.&nbsp;

Officials in Kiev slammed the move, saying the timing was aimed to destabilise Ukraine during a period of transition.&nbsp;

The country elected comedian Volodymyr Zelensky as president last weekend.&nbsp;

Due to be inaugurated by early June, Zelensky has pledged to "reboot" peace talks with the separatists that also involve Russia and the West.&nbsp;

'Knife in Ukraine's back'

Putin said the new law was "purely a humanitarian issue."&nbsp;

"We have no desire to create problems for the new Ukrainian authorities," he said during a meeting with lawmakers in Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;

The Russian leader added that people living in the rebel republics are "completely deprived of any civil rights".&nbsp;

"They cannot move normally, cannot realise their most elementary needs," he said.&nbsp;

According to a copy of the decree published on the Kremlin website, the law aimed to "protect rights" and was guided by "the norms of international law".

But Ukraine's foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin called the decision "the continuation of aggression and interference in our internal affairs."&nbsp;

He urged residents in eastern Ukraine not to take Russian passports.&nbsp;

"Russia has deprived you of the present, and now it is trespassing on your future," he wrote on Twitter. &nbsp;

Iryna Gerashchenko, the deputy speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, said Putin "always uses moments of uncertainty and transition periods to plunge another knife into Ukraine's back."&nbsp;

She said the move is a "gross violation" of peace agreements signed by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany in Minsk in 2015.&nbsp;

These aimed to put an end to the conflict but fighting has continued with no clear end in sight.

Zelensky, whose only previous political experience so far has been limited to playing the role of president in a TV show, won Sunday's vote with a landslide victory.&nbsp;

He has said he wants to "renew relations" with the residents of eastern Ukraine, saying "they are also Ukrainians".

The actor has announced plans to start a "powerful information war to end the conflict."&nbsp;

People living in eastern Ukraine mainly have access to Russian television channels.

On the campaign trail, Russian-speaking Zelensky criticised some of Kiev's anti-Moscow policies while saying he would keep Ukraine on a pro-Western course.&nbsp;

He has also said he would not resort to force to take back Crimea. &nbsp;

Russia's reaction to his win has been mixed, with the Kremlin refusing to congratulate him but others seeing an opportunity to improve ties.&nbsp;

Russia on Wednesday made it easier for people living in eastern Ukraine's separatist territories to obtain Russian passports, drawing swift condemnation from Kiev only three days after it elected a new president.

Russia on Wednesday made it easier for people living in eastern Ukraine's separatist territories to obtain Russian passports, drawing swift condemnation from Kiev only three days after it elected a new president. President Vladimir Putin signed the decree aimed at residents of the unrecognised Donetsk and Lugansk republics that broke away from Kiev in 2014 and are governed by Moscow-backed rebels. People living in the separatist regions will now be entitled to receive a Russian passport within three months of applying for one. The conflict between the Ukrainian government and breakaway rebels began after Moscow annexed Kiev's Crimea peninsula in 2014. The war has claimed some 13,000 lives. Officials in Kiev slammed the move, saying the timing was aimed to destabilise Ukraine during a period of transition. The country elected comedian Volodymyr Zelensky as president last weekend. Due to be inaugurated by early June, Zelensky has pledged to "reboot" peace talks with the separatists that also involve Russia and the West. 'Knife in Ukraine's back' Putin said the new law was "purely a humanitarian issue." "We have no desire to create problems for the new Ukrainian authorities," he said during a meeting with lawmakers in Saint Petersburg. The Russian leader added that people living in the rebel republics are "completely deprived of any civil rights". "They cannot move normally, cannot realise their most elementary needs," he said. According to a copy of the decree published on the Kremlin website, the law aimed to "protect rights" and was guided by "the norms of international law". But Ukraine's foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin called the decision "the continuation of aggression and interference in our internal affairs." He urged residents in eastern Ukraine not to take Russian passports. "Russia has deprived you of the present, and now it is trespassing on your future," he wrote on Twitter. Iryna Gerashchenko, the deputy speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, said Putin "always uses moments of uncertainty and transition periods to plunge another knife into Ukraine's back." She said the move is a "gross violation" of peace agreements signed by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany in Minsk in 2015. These aimed to put an end to the conflict but fighting has continued with no clear end in sight. Zelensky, whose only previous political experience so far has been limited to playing the role of president in a TV show, won Sunday's vote with a landslide victory. He has said he wants to "renew relations" with the residents of eastern Ukraine, saying "they are also Ukrainians". The actor has announced plans to start a "powerful information war to end the conflict." People living in eastern Ukraine mainly have access to Russian television channels. On the campaign trail, Russian-speaking Zelensky criticised some of Kiev's anti-Moscow policies while saying he would keep Ukraine on a pro-Western course. He has also said he would not resort to force to take back Crimea. Russia's reaction to his win has been mixed, with the Kremlin refusing to congratulate him but others seeing an opportunity to improve ties.

Russia eases citizenship rules in east Ukraine

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia's Pacific port city of Vladivostok on Wednesday for the first summit with Vladimir Putin, as Pyongyang seeks support in its nuclear deadlock with the United States.

The talks, organised in secret and announced at the last minute, will be Kim's first face-to-face meeting with another head of state since negotiations with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi collapsed in February.

Kim's armoured train arrived in the afternoon at the Tsarist-era train station in Vladivostok and he stepped out onto a red carpet before making his way outside to be received by an honour guard.&nbsp;

"I hope that this visit will be successful and useful," Kim told Russian television in the Russian town of Khasan where his train crossed the border.

"I hope that during the talks... I will be able to have concrete discussions on resolving situations on the Korean Peninsula and on the development of our bilateral relationship," Kim said.

Putin was due to arrive in Vladivostok on Thursday, then fly on after the talks for another summit in Beijing.

The North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) earlier reported Kim's departure by train, naming among his entourage foreign minister Ri Yong Ho.

The train crossed the Tumen river Wednesday and arrived in Khasan, where women in folk costumes welcomed Kim with bread and salt in a traditional greeting.

Kim's predecessors as leader, his father and grandfather, also stopped there on their trips to neighbouring Russia.&nbsp;

At Khasan station a small wooden building known as the House of Kim Il Sung commemorates Russian-Korean friendship.

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North Korean flags flying

Russian and North Korean flags were already flying on lamp posts Tuesday on Vladivostok's Russky island, where the summit is expected to take place at a university campus.&nbsp;

Kim plans to stay on in Vladivostok on Friday for a series of cultural events, including a ballet and a visit to the city's aquarium, Russian media reported.

The talks follow repeated invitations from Putin since Kim embarked on his diplomatic overtures last year.

Since March 2018, the formerly reclusive North Korean leader has held four meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, three with the South's Moon Jae-in, two with Trump and one with Vietnam's president.

Analysts say he is now looking for wider international support in his standoff with Washington, while Moscow is keen to inject itself into another global flashpoint. &nbsp;

In Hanoi, the cash-strapped North demanded immediate relief from the sanctions imposed on it over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, but the talks broke down in disagreement over what Pyongyang was prepared to give up in return.

North Korea last week launched a blistering attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, insisting he be removed from the negotiations just hours after announcing it had carried out a new weapons test.

Moscow has already called for the sanctions to be eased, while the US has accused it of trying to help Pyongyang evade some of the measures -- accusations Russia denies.

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told a briefing on Tuesday: "The focus will be on a political and diplomatic solution to the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula."&nbsp;

"Russia intends to help consolidate positive trends in every way," he said, but added that no joint statement or signing of agreements was planned.

KCNA did not mention whether Kim's wife Ri Sol Ju or his sister and close aide Kim Yo Jong were accompanying him.

Cold War ties

Moscow was a crucial backer of Pyongyang for decades and their ties go back to the founding of North Korea, when the Soviet Union installed Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung as leader.

The Soviet Union reduced funding to the North as it began to seek reconciliation with Seoul in the 1980s, but Pyongyang was hit hard by its demise in 1991.

Soon after his first election as Russian president, Putin sought to normalise relations and met Kim Jong Il -- the current leader's father and predecessor -- three times.&nbsp;

The first of those meetings was in Pyongyang in 2000, when Putin became the first Russian leader to visit the North.

China has since cemented its role as the isolated North's most important ally, its largest trading partner and crucial fuel supplier, and analysts say Kim could be looking to balance Beijing's influence.

While ties between Russia and the North have remained cordial, the last meeting between their leaders came in 2011, when Kim Jong Il told then-president Dmitry Medvedev that he was prepared to renounce nuclear testing.

His son has since overseen by far the country's most powerful blast to date, and the launch of missiles capable of reaching the entire US mainland.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia's Pacific port city of Vladivostok on Wednesday for the first summit with Vladimir Putin, as Pyongyang seeks support in its nuclear deadlock with the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia's Pacific port city of Vladivostok on Wednesday for the first summit with Vladimir Putin, as Pyongyang seeks support in its nuclear deadlock with the United States. The talks, organised in secret and announced at the last minute, will be Kim's first face-to-face meeting with another head of state since negotiations with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi collapsed in February. Kim's armoured train arrived in the afternoon at the Tsarist-era train station in Vladivostok and he stepped out onto a red carpet before making his way outside to be received by an honour guard. "I hope that this visit will be successful and useful," Kim told Russian television in the Russian town of Khasan where his train crossed the border. "I hope that during the talks... I will be able to have concrete discussions on resolving situations on the Korean Peninsula and on the development of our bilateral relationship," Kim said. Putin was due to arrive in Vladivostok on Thursday, then fly on after the talks for another summit in Beijing. The North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) earlier reported Kim's departure by train, naming among his entourage foreign minister Ri Yong Ho. The train crossed the Tumen river Wednesday and arrived in Khasan, where women in folk costumes welcomed Kim with bread and salt in a traditional greeting. Kim's predecessors as leader, his father and grandfather, also stopped there on their trips to neighbouring Russia. At Khasan station a small wooden building known as the House of Kim Il Sung commemorates Russian-Korean friendship. × North Korean flags flying Russian and North Korean flags were already flying on lamp posts Tuesday on Vladivostok's Russky island, where the summit is expected to take place at a university campus. Kim plans to stay on in Vladivostok on Friday for a series of cultural events, including a ballet and a visit to the city's aquarium, Russian media reported. The talks follow repeated invitations from Putin since Kim embarked on his diplomatic overtures last year. Since March 2018, the formerly reclusive North Korean leader has held four meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, three with the South's Moon Jae-in, two with Trump and one with Vietnam's president. Analysts say he is now looking for wider international support in his standoff with Washington, while Moscow is keen to inject itself into another global flashpoint. In Hanoi, the cash-strapped North demanded immediate relief from the sanctions imposed on it over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, but the talks broke down in disagreement over what Pyongyang was prepared to give up in return. North Korea last week launched a blistering attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, insisting he be removed from the negotiations just hours after announcing it had carried out a new weapons test. Moscow has already called for the sanctions to be eased, while the US has accused it of trying to help Pyongyang evade some of the measures -- accusations Russia denies. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told a briefing on Tuesday: "The focus will be on a political and diplomatic solution to the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula." "Russia intends to help consolidate positive trends in every way," he said, but added that no joint statement or signing of agreements was planned. KCNA did not mention whether Kim's wife Ri Sol Ju or his sister and close aide Kim Yo Jong were accompanying him. Cold War ties Moscow was a crucial backer of Pyongyang for decades and their ties go back to the founding of North Korea, when the Soviet Union installed Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung as leader. The Soviet Union reduced funding to the North as it began to seek reconciliation with Seoul in the 1980s, but Pyongyang was hit hard by its demise in 1991. Soon after his first election as Russian president, Putin sought to normalise relations and met Kim Jong Il -- the current leader's father and predecessor -- three times. The first of those meetings was in Pyongyang in 2000, when Putin became the first Russian leader to visit the North. China has since cemented its role as the isolated North's most important ally, its largest trading partner and crucial fuel supplier, and analysts say Kim could be looking to balance Beijing's influence. While ties between Russia and the North have remained cordial, the last meeting between their leaders came in 2011, when Kim Jong Il told then-president Dmitry Medvedev that he was prepared to renounce nuclear testing. His son has since overseen by far the country's most powerful blast to date, and the launch of missiles capable of reaching the entire US mainland.

North Korea's Kim arrives in Russia's Vladivostok for summit with Putin

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un arrived in Vladivostok on Wednesday in advance of a summit later this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Watch this video to know more.

Kim Jong-Un in Russia for talks

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un received a military welcome on Wednesday after arriving in the Russian Pacific city of Vladivostok ahead of a summit later this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

NKorea's Kim receives military honours ahead of summit with Putin

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will soon visit Russia to hold his first summit with President Vladimir Putin, a state media reported on Tuesday, confirming Russia's annoucemnet.

Kim "will soon pay a visit to the Russian Federation at the invitation" of Putin, North Korea's official KCNA news service said.

"They will have talks during this visit," the brief dispatch added.

However, the venue was not disclosed by the state media.

They are expected to meet in the eastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-vladivostok-could-be-possible-host-city-for-putin-kim-summit-211814">Russian port of Vladivostok</a>.

Last week, Russia said that Kim has accepted Putin's invitation and will Rusia in the second half of the April.

Putin has long expressed his readiness to meet with Kim.

The last summit between a Russian and North Korean head of state came in 2011, when Kim's father Kim Jong Il travelled to Siberia to meet Dmitry Medvedev, then Russia's president.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will soon visit Russia to hold his first summit with President Vladimir Putin, a state media reported on Tuesday, confirming Russia's annoucemnet.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will soon visit Russia to hold his first summit with President Vladimir Putin, a state media reported on Tuesday, confirming Russia's annoucemnet. Kim "will soon pay a visit to the Russian Federation at the invitation" of Putin, North Korea's official KCNA news service said. "They will have talks during this visit," the brief dispatch added. However, the venue was not disclosed by the state media. They are expected to meet in the eastern Russian port of Vladivostok. Last week, Russia said that Kim has accepted Putin's invitation and will Rusia in the second half of the April. Putin has long expressed his readiness to meet with Kim. The last summit between a Russian and North Korean head of state came in 2011, when Kim's father Kim Jong Il travelled to Siberia to meet Dmitry Medvedev, then Russia's president.

North Korea confirms Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia to meet Putin

Kim Jong Un and President Vladimir Putin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-confirms-kim-jong-uns-visit-to-russia-to-meet-putin-212783">will meet in Russia's Far East</a> on Thursday, the Kremlin said, as the North Korean leader looks to rebuild ties with an old ally amid a standoff with the United States.

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said the meeting -- the first between the two men -- would take place in the Pacific coast city of Vladivostok, before Putin heads to Beijing for another summit.

"The focus will be on a political and diplomatic solution to the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula," Ushakov told a briefing on Tuesday.

"Russia intends to help consolidate positive trends in every way," he said.&nbsp;

Anticipation for the summit had been building since the Kremlin announced last week the two men would meet by the end of April.&nbsp;

Russian and North Korean flags were already flying on lamp posts Tuesday on Vladivostok's Russky island, where the summit is expected to take place.&nbsp;

The talks follow repeated invitations from Putin since Kim last year embarked on a series of diplomatic overtures.&nbsp;

Since March 2018 the formerly reclusive North Korean leader has held four meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, three with the South's Moon Jae-in, two with US President Donald Trump and one with Vietnam's president.&nbsp;

Analysts say he is now looking for wider international support in his standoff with Washington.

At Kim's last summit with Trump in Hanoi in February, Pyongyang demanded immediate relief from sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.&nbsp;

But the talks broke down over what North Korea was prepared to give up in return.&nbsp;

Last week Pyongyang launched a blistering attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, demanding he be removed from the negotiations just hours after announcing it had carried out a new weapons test.

Moscow has called for the sanctions to be eased, while the US has accused it of trying to help Pyongyang evade some of the measures -- accusations Russia denies.

The summit will be the first between the two neighbours since Kim's father Kim Jong Il met Dmitry Medvedev in Russia eight years ago.

Ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, once its most important ally, go back decades.&nbsp;

The Soviet Union installed Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung as North Korea's leader and was a crucial backer and main aid provider to Pyongyang during the Cold War.&nbsp;

The USSR started to reduce funding to the North as it began to seek reconciliation with Seoul in the 1980s, and Pyongyang was hit hard by the demise of the Soviet Union.

China has since stepped in to become the isolated North's most important ally, its largest trading partner and crucial fuel supplier.

Analysts say that by reaching out to Russia Kim could be looking to balance Beijing's influence, while Putin is keen to project Russian influence in another global flashpoint.

Kim Jong Un and President Vladimir Putin will meet in Russia's Far East on Thursday, the Kremlin said, as the North Korean leader looks to rebuild ties with an old ally amid a standoff with the United States.

Kim Jong Un and President Vladimir Putin will meet in Russia's Far East on Thursday, the Kremlin said, as the North Korean leader looks to rebuild ties with an old ally amid a standoff with the United States. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said the meeting -- the first between the two men -- would take place in the Pacific coast city of Vladivostok, before Putin heads to Beijing for another summit. "The focus will be on a political and diplomatic solution to the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula," Ushakov told a briefing on Tuesday. "Russia intends to help consolidate positive trends in every way," he said. Anticipation for the summit had been building since the Kremlin announced last week the two men would meet by the end of April. Russian and North Korean flags were already flying on lamp posts Tuesday on Vladivostok's Russky island, where the summit is expected to take place. The talks follow repeated invitations from Putin since Kim last year embarked on a series of diplomatic overtures. Since March 2018 the formerly reclusive North Korean leader has held four meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, three with the South's Moon Jae-in, two with US President Donald Trump and one with Vietnam's president. Analysts say he is now looking for wider international support in his standoff with Washington. At Kim's last summit with Trump in Hanoi in February, Pyongyang demanded immediate relief from sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. But the talks broke down over what North Korea was prepared to give up in return. Last week Pyongyang launched a blistering attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, demanding he be removed from the negotiations just hours after announcing it had carried out a new weapons test. Moscow has called for the sanctions to be eased, while the US has accused it of trying to help Pyongyang evade some of the measures -- accusations Russia denies. The summit will be the first between the two neighbours since Kim's father Kim Jong Il met Dmitry Medvedev in Russia eight years ago. Ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, once its most important ally, go back decades. The Soviet Union installed Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung as North Korea's leader and was a crucial backer and main aid provider to Pyongyang during the Cold War. The USSR started to reduce funding to the North as it began to seek reconciliation with Seoul in the 1980s, and Pyongyang was hit hard by the demise of the Soviet Union. China has since stepped in to become the isolated North's most important ally, its largest trading partner and crucial fuel supplier. Analysts say that by reaching out to Russia Kim could be looking to balance Beijing's influence, while Putin is keen to project Russian influence in another global flashpoint.

North Korea's Kim will meet Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Russia's Far East, confirms Russia

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-election-poroshenko-concedes-defeat-congratulates-zelensky-212435&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiPtpW97-LhAhUq7XMBHU5dDT4QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0vYBzJDZpZwkulf53pbLe4">Ukraine's election </a>has catapulted Volodymyr Zelensky, a 41-year-old standup comedian and television star with no political experience, into the nation's top job.

As a leader of a country dependent on international aid and battling separatists,<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/as-comedian-eyes-presidency-ukraine-braces-for-uncertain-future-212184&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiPtpW97-LhAhUq7XMBHU5dDT4QFggUMAU&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Tc9WQEPRJrVL6K8SPc7eM"> Zelensky</a> will have to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, deep economic problems and possibly rebellious elites.

Here is a look at the main challenges facing Ukraine's sixth president:

War with separatists&nbsp;

Voters expect the new commander-in-chief to end a five-year war with Moscow-backed separatists in the industrial east.

The conflict has claimed some 13,000 lives since 2014 and is a huge burden on the economy and society.

Despite numerous attempts to staunch the bloodletting, the conflict regularly claims the lives of soldiers and civilians, and a solution is nowhere in sight.

Zelensky's rival Petro Poroshenko accused the comic of lacking the gravitas and stamina to stand up to Putin.

But analysts say Zelensky could use his outsider status to strike a political deal with the Kremlin, which has said it does not want to deal with Poroshenko.

"Zelensky will look for diplomatic solutions and try to avoid settling the conflict through military means," said Ukrainian political expert Mykola Davydyuk.

In a major faux pas during Friday's debate with Poroshenko, Zelensky called the separatists "rebels", sparking the military's anger.

"We do not have 'rebels'," Ukraine's General Staff said on Twitter. "We have Russian aggression."

Zelensky said he would not resort to force to take back Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

Struggling economy&nbsp;

After a popular uprising ousted a Kremlin-backed regime in 2014, the new Ukrainian government secured a $17.5 billion deal led by the International Monetary Fund to buttress the struggling economy.

But the disbursement of the funds has often been delayed as Poroshenko's government has struggled to push through reforms required by the IMF, including anti-corruption measures and raising household gas prices.

Zelensky said he will continue cooperating with the IMF and promised to do whatever is necessary to service the country's debt.

Analysts warn that he is facing a huge challenge as Ukraine's debt obligations peak in the next few years.

"In the next three years Ukraine will have to pay off more than $20 billion in state debt," said Oleksandr Parashchiy, head of research at Concorde Capital, a Kiev-based investment bank.&nbsp;

"It's not exactly clear where the money would come from."

Economic growth is also slowing down, added Parashchiy. "He'll have to do something with that, too."

Zelensky does not have a firm economic programme, though his team does include Poroshenko's former finance minister, Oleksandr Danylyuk.

The young president will also have to rein in oligarchs who wield huge influence and prove to supporters he is not in the employ of tycoon Igor Kolomoysky, whose channel broadcast his shows.

Hostile establishment&nbsp;

Zelensky will also have to demonstrate his ability to negotiate with various political forces to push through much-needed reforms.

He does not have a proper political party of his own and will likely face huge resistance in parliament where Poroshenko's faction has the most seats.

"It would be very hard for Zelensky to secure parliament's support," said Anatoliy Oktysyuk, an analyst with Democracy House, a Kiev-based think tank.

"He will have a hostile parliament on his hands."

Parliamentary elections are set to take place in October.

Poroshenko and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who was knocked out of the presidential race during the first round of voting last month, may be looking for revenge during the legislative polls.

Analyst Davydyuk said assembling the right team will be crucial for the neophyte president.&nbsp;

"The main challenge for Zelensky is neither the army nor the war with Russia," he said.

"It is putting together a team: who will be his chief of staff, his deputies, who will fill the key positions."

Analysts say Ukrainians expect radical change quickly so Zelensky will have to move fast before he faces a possible legitimacy crisis.

"Everyone will criticise him," Oktysyuk said. "I have a feeling Zelensky will soon fizzle out and everything might end with impeachment."

 
&nbsp;

Ukraine's election has catapulted Volodymyr Zelensky, a 41-year-old standup comedian and television star with no political experience, into the nation's top job.

Ukraine's election has catapulted Volodymyr Zelensky, a 41-year-old standup comedian and television star with no political experience, into the nation's top job. As a leader of a country dependent on international aid and battling separatists, Zelensky will have to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, deep economic problems and possibly rebellious elites. Here is a look at the main challenges facing Ukraine's sixth president: War with separatists Voters expect the new commander-in-chief to end a five-year war with Moscow-backed separatists in the industrial east. The conflict has claimed some 13,000 lives since 2014 and is a huge burden on the economy and society. Despite numerous attempts to staunch the bloodletting, the conflict regularly claims the lives of soldiers and civilians, and a solution is nowhere in sight. Zelensky's rival Petro Poroshenko accused the comic of lacking the gravitas and stamina to stand up to Putin. But analysts say Zelensky could use his outsider status to strike a political deal with the Kremlin, which has said it does not want to deal with Poroshenko. "Zelensky will look for diplomatic solutions and try to avoid settling the conflict through military means," said Ukrainian political expert Mykola Davydyuk. In a major faux pas during Friday's debate with Poroshenko, Zelensky called the separatists "rebels", sparking the military's anger. "We do not have 'rebels'," Ukraine's General Staff said on Twitter. "We have Russian aggression." Zelensky said he would not resort to force to take back Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. Struggling economy After a popular uprising ousted a Kremlin-backed regime in 2014, the new Ukrainian government secured a $17.5 billion deal led by the International Monetary Fund to buttress the struggling economy. But the disbursement of the funds has often been delayed as Poroshenko's government has struggled to push through reforms required by the IMF, including anti-corruption measures and raising household gas prices. Zelensky said he will continue cooperating with the IMF and promised to do whatever is necessary to service the country's debt. Analysts warn that he is facing a huge challenge as Ukraine's debt obligations peak in the next few years. "In the next three years Ukraine will have to pay off more than $20 billion in state debt," said Oleksandr Parashchiy, head of research at Concorde Capital, a Kiev-based investment bank. "It's not exactly clear where the money would come from." Economic growth is also slowing down, added Parashchiy. "He'll have to do something with that, too." Zelensky does not have a firm economic programme, though his team does include Poroshenko's former finance minister, Oleksandr Danylyuk. The young president will also have to rein in oligarchs who wield huge influence and prove to supporters he is not in the employ of tycoon Igor Kolomoysky, whose channel broadcast his shows. Hostile establishment Zelensky will also have to demonstrate his ability to negotiate with various political forces to push through much-needed reforms. He does not have a proper political party of his own and will likely face huge resistance in parliament where Poroshenko's faction has the most seats. "It would be very hard for Zelensky to secure parliament's support," said Anatoliy Oktysyuk, an analyst with Democracy House, a Kiev-based think tank. "He will have a hostile parliament on his hands." Parliamentary elections are set to take place in October. Poroshenko and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who was knocked out of the presidential race during the first round of voting last month, may be looking for revenge during the legislative polls. Analyst Davydyuk said assembling the right team will be crucial for the neophyte president. "The main challenge for Zelensky is neither the army nor the war with Russia," he said. "It is putting together a team: who will be his chief of staff, his deputies, who will fill the key positions." Analysts say Ukrainians expect radical change quickly so Zelensky will have to move fast before he faces a possible legitimacy crisis. "Everyone will criticise him," Oktysyuk said. "I have a feeling Zelensky will soon fizzle out and everything might end with impeachment."

From comic to commander-in-chief: challenges for new Ukraine leader

The Kremlin on Monday said it was "too early" to say whether it could work with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angela-merkel-pledges-support-to-ukraine-after-volodymyr-zelensky-win-212597">Volodymyr Zelensky</a>, the comedian who was elected to the Ukraine presidency in a weekend vote.

"It's too early to talk about President (Vladimir) Putin congratulating Mr Zelensky, or about the possibility of working together. It will only be possible to judge based on real actions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Peskov said Moscow "respects the choice of the Ukrainian people".&nbsp;

But he added that the fact that Ukrainian citizens living in Russia had been barred from participating in the vote "called into question the legitimacy of the election as a whole".&nbsp;

Ukraine and Russia have been at loggerheads since a 2014 Kiev uprising ousted a pro-Kremlin leader. Russia that year annexed Crimea and has backed separatists in a conflict in eastern Ukraine that has killed some 13,000 people.

Shortly after Zelensky's landslide victory on Sunday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said the new leadership could be "a chance for improving cooperation with our country".

However, he said he was under "no illusions" about the president-elect.

Zelensky, whose sole political experience so far has been limited to playing the role of president in a TV show, has vowed to stick to the pro-European course set by his predecessor.

He has said he will also try to improve ties with Moscow.

The Kremlin on Monday said it was "too early" to say whether it could work with Volodymyr Zelensky, the comedian who was elected to the Ukraine presidency in a weekend vote.

The Kremlin on Monday said it was "too early" to say whether it could work with Volodymyr Zelensky, the comedian who was elected to the Ukraine presidency in a weekend vote. "It's too early to talk about President (Vladimir) Putin congratulating Mr Zelensky, or about the possibility of working together. It will only be possible to judge based on real actions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Peskov said Moscow "respects the choice of the Ukrainian people". But he added that the fact that Ukrainian citizens living in Russia had been barred from participating in the vote "called into question the legitimacy of the election as a whole". Ukraine and Russia have been at loggerheads since a 2014 Kiev uprising ousted a pro-Kremlin leader. Russia that year annexed Crimea and has backed separatists in a conflict in eastern Ukraine that has killed some 13,000 people. Shortly after Zelensky's landslide victory on Sunday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said the new leadership could be "a chance for improving cooperation with our country". However, he said he was under "no illusions" about the president-elect. Zelensky, whose sole political experience so far has been limited to playing the role of president in a TV show, has vowed to stick to the pro-European course set by his predecessor. He has said he will also try to improve ties with Moscow.

Russia says 'too early' to say if can work with Ukraine's Zelensky

The two men vying to be Ukraine's next president traded insults in a raucous debate on Friday in front of thousands of supporters before an election that could put a comedian with no political experience in charge of a country at war.

The debate, held in a hulking football stadium, was one of the last opportunities for incumbent President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-presidential-polls-ukraines-poroshenko-says-his-only-opponent-is-vladimir-putin-206780&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjBkZW57d3hAhUUaI8KHVcZBLAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ZtZ319c5wCekXC-c6l9Xj">Petro Poroshenko</a> to try to overhaul a significant lead in the opinion polls enjoyed by his challenger <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/comedian-zelensky-in-bitter-battle-with-president-poroshenko-in-ukraine-polls-211924&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiAjMDL7d3hAhWMwI8KHd1FAT8QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2z1fexAyMQ1FoN7AQsnEYJ">Volodymyr Zelenskiy</a>, a comic.

The event was light on policy and heavy on theatrics with supporters cheering and booing their respective candidates and shouting "Shame" and "Go away" in a gladiatorial atmosphere.

At stake in Sunday's election is the leadership of a country on the frontline of the West's standoff with Moscow following 2014 protests that caused Poroshenko's Kremlin-backed predecessor to flee into exile, and foreshadowed Moscow's annexation of Crimea.

In a rare break from mutual mud-slinging, both men briefly knelt on stage at one point to honour the memory of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the country's simmering 5-year war with Russian-backed separatists.

Zelenskiy, 41, who plays a fictional president in a popular TV series, tried to cast Poroshenko, 53, as a rich out-of-touch leader who has overseen corruption and failed to end the war.

"I'm not a politician," Zelenskiy told Poroshenko. "I'm just an ordinary person who has come to break the system. I'm the result of your mistakes and promises."

He also questioned why living standards were in decline.

"How is it that Ukraine is the poorest country with the richest president?"

Standing in front of a Ukrainian flag surrounded by army veterans, Poroshenko tried to portray Zelenskiy as an inept draft-dodger who would be unable to defend the country against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"You'd be a weak head of state who would be unable to defend yourself from Putin's blows. I don't believe that Mr Volodymyr (Zelenskiy) dreams of handing over Ukraine, of dragging Ukraine back into the Russian empire, but Putin has such a dream."

Zelenskiy was a front for other people, said Poroshenko, accusing him of wanting to further Russian interests and those of Ihor Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's richest businessmen.

He also levelled accusations of financial wrongdoing against Zelenskiy to which the comedian hit back:

"I'm not at the prosecutor's office, I haven't done anything to find myself there, but maybe you'll have to meet with the prosecutor."

Zelenskiy has put Poroshenko on the backfoot by running an unorthodox campaign that eschewed traditional rallies and relied on quirky social media videos and comedy gigs.

The hour-long debate in the stadium, an unprecedented spectacle in Ukraine's modern history, came after Zelenskiy challenged Poroshenko to meet him there.

"I think this is the first and last time it'll be this way in the history of such debates. For them to be in a stadium? Never again. The atmosphere is just super," said Anya, a 25-year-old Zelenskiy supporter from the Poltava region.

"I loved it."

The two men vying to be Ukraine's next president traded insults in a raucous debate on Friday in front of thousands of supporters before an election that could put a comedian with no political experience in charge of a country at war.

The two men vying to be Ukraine's next president traded insults in a raucous debate on Friday in front of thousands of supporters before an election that could put a comedian with no political experience in charge of a country at war. The debate, held in a hulking football stadium, was one of the last opportunities for incumbent President Petro Poroshenko to try to overhaul a significant lead in the opinion polls enjoyed by his challenger Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a comic. The event was light on policy and heavy on theatrics with supporters cheering and booing their respective candidates and shouting "Shame" and "Go away" in a gladiatorial atmosphere. At stake in Sunday's election is the leadership of a country on the frontline of the West's standoff with Moscow following 2014 protests that caused Poroshenko's Kremlin-backed predecessor to flee into exile, and foreshadowed Moscow's annexation of Crimea. In a rare break from mutual mud-slinging, both men briefly knelt on stage at one point to honour the memory of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the country's simmering 5-year war with Russian-backed separatists. Zelenskiy, 41, who plays a fictional president in a popular TV series, tried to cast Poroshenko, 53, as a rich out-of-touch leader who has overseen corruption and failed to end the war. "I'm not a politician," Zelenskiy told Poroshenko. "I'm just an ordinary person who has come to break the system. I'm the result of your mistakes and promises." He also questioned why living standards were in decline. "How is it that Ukraine is the poorest country with the richest president?" Standing in front of a Ukrainian flag surrounded by army veterans, Poroshenko tried to portray Zelenskiy as an inept draft-dodger who would be unable to defend the country against Russian President Vladimir Putin. "You'd be a weak head of state who would be unable to defend yourself from Putin's blows. I don't believe that Mr Volodymyr (Zelenskiy) dreams of handing over Ukraine, of dragging Ukraine back into the Russian empire, but Putin has such a dream." Zelenskiy was a front for other people, said Poroshenko, accusing him of wanting to further Russian interests and those of Ihor Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's richest businessmen. He also levelled accusations of financial wrongdoing against Zelenskiy to which the comedian hit back: "I'm not at the prosecutor's office, I haven't done anything to find myself there, but maybe you'll have to meet with the prosecutor." Zelenskiy has put Poroshenko on the backfoot by running an unorthodox campaign that eschewed traditional rallies and relied on quirky social media videos and comedy gigs. The hour-long debate in the stadium, an unprecedented spectacle in Ukraine's modern history, came after Zelenskiy challenged Poroshenko to meet him there. "I think this is the first and last time it'll be this way in the history of such debates. For them to be in a stadium? Never again. The atmosphere is just super," said Anya, a 25-year-old Zelenskiy supporter from the Poltava region. "I loved it."

Ukrainian presidential candidates trade insults in rowdy stadium debate

Russia's Vladivostok was named as the possible host city for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-to-meet-putin-in-russia-in-late-april-211539">Russia-Noth Korea summit</a>, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

However, due to security reasons, the Russian authorities did not confirm the venue, where President Vladimir Putin will hold the upcoming summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;

The summit was announced on Thursday when Kremlin said that Kim has accepted Putin's invitation.

Kim will visit Russia in the second half of April.

This comes after North Korea recently announced that it had tested a new tactical weapon with a "powerful warhead" as denuclearisation talks with Washington appear to stall.&nbsp;

The last summit between a Russian and North Korean head of state came in 2011 when Kim's father Kim Jong Il travelled to Siberia to meet Dmitry Medvedev, then Russia's president.

Russia's Vladivostok was named as the possible host city for Russia-Noth Korea summit, news agency Reuters reported. However, due to security reasons, the Russian authorities did not confirm the venue, where President Vladimir Putin will hold the upcoming summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Russia's Vladivostok was named as the possible host city for Russia-Noth Korea summit, news agency Reuters reported. However, due to security reasons, the Russian authorities did not confirm the venue, where President Vladimir Putin will hold the upcoming summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The summit was announced on Thursday when Kremlin said that Kim has accepted Putin's invitation. Kim will visit Russia in the second half of April. This comes after North Korea recently announced that it had tested a new tactical weapon with a "powerful warhead" as denuclearisation talks with Washington appear to stall. The last summit between a Russian and North Korean head of state came in 2011 when Kim's father Kim Jong Il travelled to Siberia to meet Dmitry Medvedev, then Russia's president.

Russia's Vladivostok could be possible host city for Putin-Kim summit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-oversees-new-guided-weapon-test-state-media-211283">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> will visit Russia in late April for his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Moscow said Thursday.

"Following an invitation from Vladimir Putin... Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in the second half of April," the Kremlin said in a statement on its website.

The announcement comes after North Korea announced it had tested a new tactical weapon with a "powerful warhead", as denuclearisation talks with Washington appear to stall.&nbsp;

The Kremlin did not provide details on the exact date or location of the meeting, but Russian, South Korean and Japanese media earlier reported it would be in Russia's Far East.

Putin has long expressed his readiness to meet with Kim.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier Thursday that Fiona Hill, an advisor to US President Donald Trump, had been in Moscow for talks with her Russian counterpart Yuri Ushakov.

US special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun was also in Moscow, the State Department said.

A Pyongyang official was meanwhile seen inspecting a train station in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok, near Russia's border with North Korea, Russian state media reported.

Russia has relatively warm ties with the reclusive regime and provides some food aid.

The last summit between a Russian and North Korean head of state came in 2011, when Kim's father Kim Jong Il travelled to Siberia to meet Dmitry Medvedev, then Russia's president.

Kim Jong Il, who died shortly after the visit, told Medvedev his state was prepared to renounce nuclear testing.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in late April for his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Moscow said Thursday. "Following an invitation from Vladimir Putin.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in late April for his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Moscow said Thursday. "Following an invitation from Vladimir Putin... Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in the second half of April," the Kremlin said in a statement on its website. The announcement comes after North Korea announced it had tested a new tactical weapon with a "powerful warhead", as denuclearisation talks with Washington appear to stall. The Kremlin did not provide details on the exact date or location of the meeting, but Russian, South Korean and Japanese media earlier reported it would be in Russia's Far East. Putin has long expressed his readiness to meet with Kim. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier Thursday that Fiona Hill, an advisor to US President Donald Trump, had been in Moscow for talks with her Russian counterpart Yuri Ushakov. US special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun was also in Moscow, the State Department said. A Pyongyang official was meanwhile seen inspecting a train station in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok, near Russia's border with North Korea, Russian state media reported. Russia has relatively warm ties with the reclusive regime and provides some food aid. The last summit between a Russian and North Korean head of state came in 2011, when Kim's father Kim Jong Il travelled to Siberia to meet Dmitry Medvedev, then Russia's president. Kim Jong Il, who died shortly after the visit, told Medvedev his state was prepared to renounce nuclear testing.

North Korea's Kim to meet Putin in Russia in late April

Russian aluminium giant Rusal on Monday announced plans for its first investment in the United States since sanctions against the company were lifted.

The US sanctions, which targeted oligarchs close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, were imposed on Rusal last year and only removed in January after owner Oleg Deripaska divested and resigned his seat on the board.

Rusal on Monday said it would partner with US manufacturer Braidy Industries Inc "to establish a joint project in Ashland, Kentucky, USA to produce flat-rolled aluminium products for the US automotive industry".

The factory "will be the widest US-based cold rolling mill" and "will aid towards rebalancing the anticipated deficit of the auto body sheet in the US market," Rusal said in a statement.

Rusal, the world's largest aluminium maker outside of China, will hold a 40 per cent share in the project and be the exclusive supplier to the factory.&nbsp;

It will, therefore, be subject to the 10 per cent tariff on aluminium imports announced by US President Donald Trump last year.

Rusal will initially invest $200 million in the $1.7 billion projects, executives of both companies told S&amp;P Global Platts.

The company took a hit last year when Russian billionaire Deripaska was included the US Treasury's sanctions which sought to punish Putin's inner circle for Moscow's alleged interference in the politics of Western democracies.

The penalties were lifted against Rusal and two of Deripaska's other companies when he reduced his stakes in them, but sanctions remain on him personally, preventing others from doing business with him.

Deripaska was also mentioned frequently in the investigation by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian meddling in America's 2016 election, but he has not been charged.

He had been formerly involved in business with Paul Manafort, Trump's ex-campaign chairman who has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for financial and other crimes

Russian aluminium giant Rusal on Monday announced plans for its first investment in the United States since sanctions against the company were lifted. The US sanctions, which targeted oligarchs close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, were imposed on Rusal last year and only removed in January after owner Oleg Deripaska divested and resigned his seat on the board.

Russian aluminium giant Rusal on Monday announced plans for its first investment in the United States since sanctions against the company were lifted. The US sanctions, which targeted oligarchs close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, were imposed on Rusal last year and only removed in January after owner Oleg Deripaska divested and resigned his seat on the board. Rusal on Monday said it would partner with US manufacturer Braidy Industries Inc "to establish a joint project in Ashland, Kentucky, USA to produce flat-rolled aluminium products for the US automotive industry". The factory "will be the widest US-based cold rolling mill" and "will aid towards rebalancing the anticipated deficit of the auto body sheet in the US market," Rusal said in a statement. Rusal, the world's largest aluminium maker outside of China, will hold a 40 per cent share in the project and be the exclusive supplier to the factory. It will, therefore, be subject to the 10 per cent tariff on aluminium imports announced by US President Donald Trump last year. Rusal will initially invest $200 million in the $1.7 billion projects, executives of both companies told S&P Global Platts. The company took a hit last year when Russian billionaire Deripaska was included the US Treasury's sanctions which sought to punish Putin's inner circle for Moscow's alleged interference in the politics of Western democracies. The penalties were lifted against Rusal and two of Deripaska's other companies when he reduced his stakes in them, but sanctions remain on him personally, preventing others from doing business with him. Deripaska was also mentioned frequently in the investigation by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian meddling in America's 2016 election, but he has not been charged. He had been formerly involved in business with Paul Manafort, Trump's ex-campaign chairman who has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for financial and other crimes

Rusal invests in US aluminium mill after sanctions lifted

India is hopeful it will avoid US sanctions over its purchase of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-should-be-careful-while-acquiring-russias-s-400-triumf-air-defence-missile-cautions-us-congressman--140572">Russia's S-400 missile system</a>, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told.

New Delhi has been "heard and understood" by the US administration over its accord to buy the S-400 missile defence system for $5.2 billion, the minister said in an interview this week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-purchase-russias-s-400-air-defence-units-in-multi-billion-dollar-deal-7456">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> in October, defying US warnings of sanctions on countries buying Russian military equipment. The sanctions were part of measures to punish Moscow for its actions in Ukraine in 2014.

President Donald Trump's administration imposed sanctions on China's military last year over Beijing's purchase of the S-400 and other military hardware.&nbsp;

It has also warned NATO member Turkey of sanctions for buying the S-400, and has suspended Turkey's participation in a US jet programme.

Sitharaman told AFP that Washington has taken on board that India, bordering both Pakistan and China, needed arms from Russia, and others, to remain a "strong partner".&nbsp;

Negotiations with Moscow, a longstanding supplier to India's military, on the S-400 began before the US sanctions were introduced, she said.

"In the case of S-400 we have explained ourselves well... That has been heard and understood," Sitharaman said. "They have appreciated the point of view put forward."

Asked if she was confident that India would avoid sanctions, Sitharaman said,&nbsp;"Yes I hope so."

Cold water

Before the deal was inked, Washington poured cold water on India's efforts to obtain a waiver from the US Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Upgrades in arms systems "including the S-400 air and missile defence system" would be a particular focus for CAATSA, a US State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying by India's PTI news agency.&nbsp;

But Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, told a hearing in March that Washington wanted to "work through" the problem, calling India "an important emerging strategic partner."

He added however that India's contract with Russia has not been completed and that the US was "very keen to see (India) make an alternative choice (to the S-400) and we are working with them to provide potential alternatives."

China

Washington is in a tricky position with India. It wants to bolster ties with the Asian giant to counter China's assertiveness, a trend which has also rattled New Delhi.

In 2017 India and China had a military standoff over a Doklam claimed by both Beijing and Bhutan, a close ally of India.

Since then China and India have sought to patch up relations, including at a meeting between Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan, China in April 2018.

"Sometimes there are differences and you have a face-off," Sitharaman said. "But our attempt, particularly after the prime minister's Wuhan meet with the Chinese president, our attempt has been that these differences... cannot be allowed to become disputes."

But China has also made inroads in Sri Lanka and the Maldives -- countries that India considers to be in its sphere of influence -- through its One Belt, One Road Initiative (OBOR), also known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

India has particular concerns about a series of projects passing through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, a disputed territory which was the fuse for a new military flare-up between Pakistan and India in February.

China has also blocked efforts to put on UN sanctions blacklist the leader of a Pakistan-based militant group that claimed a suicide bombing in Kashmir's Pulwama district&nbsp;on February 14 that killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops.

New Delhi has reportedly declined a Chinese invitation to take part in an OBOR forum in China later this month.

"Areas which are ours legally, which are under illegal occupation of Pakistan, are the ones which are becoming part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor," Sitharaman said.

"So having made that position very clear, we have not participated in anything to do with OBOR, and we stick to that position," she said.

India is hopeful it will avoid US sanctions over its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile system, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told. New Delhi has been "heard and understood" by the US administration over its accord to buy the S-400 missile defence system for $5.

India is hopeful it will avoid US sanctions over its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile system, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told. New Delhi has been "heard and understood" by the US administration over its accord to buy the S-400 missile defence system for $5.2 billion, the minister said in an interview this week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin in October, defying US warnings of sanctions on countries buying Russian military equipment. The sanctions were part of measures to punish Moscow for its actions in Ukraine in 2014. President Donald Trump's administration imposed sanctions on China's military last year over Beijing's purchase of the S-400 and other military hardware. It has also warned NATO member Turkey of sanctions for buying the S-400, and has suspended Turkey's participation in a US jet programme. Sitharaman told AFP that Washington has taken on board that India, bordering both Pakistan and China, needed arms from Russia, and others, to remain a "strong partner". Negotiations with Moscow, a longstanding supplier to India's military, on the S-400 began before the US sanctions were introduced, she said. "In the case of S-400 we have explained ourselves well... That has been heard and understood," Sitharaman said. "They have appreciated the point of view put forward." Asked if she was confident that India would avoid sanctions, Sitharaman said, "Yes I hope so." Cold water Before the deal was inked, Washington poured cold water on India's efforts to obtain a waiver from the US Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Upgrades in arms systems "including the S-400 air and missile defence system" would be a particular focus for CAATSA, a US State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying by India's PTI news agency. But Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, told a hearing in March that Washington wanted to "work through" the problem, calling India "an important emerging strategic partner." He added however that India's contract with Russia has not been completed and that the US was "very keen to see (India) make an alternative choice (to the S-400) and we are working with them to provide potential alternatives." China Washington is in a tricky position with India. It wants to bolster ties with the Asian giant to counter China's assertiveness, a trend which has also rattled New Delhi. In 2017 India and China had a military standoff over a Doklam claimed by both Beijing and Bhutan, a close ally of India. Since then China and India have sought to patch up relations, including at a meeting between Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan, China in April 2018. "Sometimes there are differences and you have a face-off," Sitharaman said. "But our attempt, particularly after the prime minister's Wuhan meet with the Chinese president, our attempt has been that these differences... cannot be allowed to become disputes." But China has also made inroads in Sri Lanka and the Maldives -- countries that India considers to be in its sphere of influence -- through its One Belt, One Road Initiative (OBOR), also known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India has particular concerns about a series of projects passing through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, a disputed territory which was the fuse for a new military flare-up between Pakistan and India in February. China has also blocked efforts to put on UN sanctions blacklist the leader of a Pakistan-based militant group that claimed a suicide bombing in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 that killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops. New Delhi has reportedly declined a Chinese invitation to take part in an OBOR forum in China later this month. "Areas which are ours legally, which are under illegal occupation of Pakistan, are the ones which are becoming part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor," Sitharaman said. "So having made that position very clear, we have not participated in anything to do with OBOR, and we stick to that position," she said.

'Heard and understood' by US: Nirmala Sitharaman on S-400 missile deal with Russia

Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-putin-to-discuss-syria-in-moscow-208815">Putin and his Turkish counterpart</a> on Monday discussed a missile deal slammed by the US as well as closer military cooperation during a visit by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Moscow.

The two sides must "strengthen cooperation in the military-technical sphere," Putin told Erdogan as they met in the Kremlin.

"This regard first of all the completion of the contract to supply S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Turkey," he said.&nbsp;

"There are other promising projects on the agenda related to the supply of modern Russian military products to Turkey," Putin added.&nbsp;

NATO member Turkey's missile deal has tested its already soured relations with Washington.

The US has put a freeze on its joint F-35 fighter jet programme with Turkey in protest.&nbsp;

Last week, US acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said he was confident Turkey would drop the plan and buy the US Patriot system instead.&nbsp;

Erdogan has said the S-400s are needed to protect Turkey's borders. He said he turned to Russia because no acceptable US missile deal was available at the time. &nbsp;

The first S-400 delivery is expected in July.

The pair also discussed Syria, where they have backed opposite sides in the eight-year conflict but have been working closely to end the fighting.&nbsp;

Putin said they were unable to reach an agreement to set up a monitoring centre in Syria's jihadist-held Idlib region, agreed at a summit in Sochi in February.&nbsp;

"We have so far not been able to create the monitoring centre," Putin said. "But I am sure that we will do this." &nbsp;

Russia, which supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and rebel backer Turkey in September inked a buffer zone deal to prevent a massive regime offensive on the Idlib region, near the Turkish border.

On Sunday, 13 civilians died in bombing in Idlib.

Along with Iran, Russia and Turkey have positioned themselves as key foreign players in Syria's long-running war.

Erdogan is on his third visit to Russia since the beginning of this year.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart on Monday discussed a missile deal slammed by the US as well as closer military cooperation during a visit by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart on Monday discussed a missile deal slammed by the US as well as closer military cooperation during a visit by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Moscow. The two sides must "strengthen cooperation in the military-technical sphere," Putin told Erdogan as they met in the Kremlin. "This regard first of all the completion of the contract to supply S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Turkey," he said. "There are other promising projects on the agenda related to the supply of modern Russian military products to Turkey," Putin added. NATO member Turkey's missile deal has tested its already soured relations with Washington. The US has put a freeze on its joint F-35 fighter jet programme with Turkey in protest. Last week, US acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said he was confident Turkey would drop the plan and buy the US Patriot system instead. Erdogan has said the S-400s are needed to protect Turkey's borders. He said he turned to Russia because no acceptable US missile deal was available at the time. The first S-400 delivery is expected in July. The pair also discussed Syria, where they have backed opposite sides in the eight-year conflict but have been working closely to end the fighting. Putin said they were unable to reach an agreement to set up a monitoring centre in Syria's jihadist-held Idlib region, agreed at a summit in Sochi in February. "We have so far not been able to create the monitoring centre," Putin said. "But I am sure that we will do this." Russia, which supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and rebel backer Turkey in September inked a buffer zone deal to prevent a massive regime offensive on the Idlib region, near the Turkish border. On Sunday, 13 civilians died in bombing in Idlib. Along with Iran, Russia and Turkey have positioned themselves as key foreign players in Syria's long-running war. Erdogan is on his third visit to Russia since the beginning of this year.

Putin and Erdogan discuss S-400 missile deal

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday his country would forge ahead with the purchase of an air-defense system from Russia despite U.S. warnings that using the equipment would jeopardize Ankara’s role within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Turkey vows to buy Russian Missiles despite US warnings

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to&nbsp;in Moscow on Monday.

Erdogan mentioned earlier that during his visit he would discuss a Turkish military operation in Syria with Putin.

''Another part of our cooperation is that we are continuing our joint fight against terrorist groups that pose a threat to our region. This especially concerns the steps we already took and will be taking in Syrian direction," Erdogan said.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-margin-too-small-for-opposition-to-claim-istanbul-win-208771">Erdogan said that the margin of votes</a> between Istanbul's top two candidates was too small for the opposition to have claimed victory, as his ruling party seeks a full recount to deal with what he called "organised crime."

Last week's initial results showed a narrow mayoral victory for Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in the March 31 municipal elections.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to in Moscow on Monday. Erdogan mentioned earlier that during his visit he would discuss a Turkish military operation in Syria with Putin.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to in Moscow on Monday. Erdogan mentioned earlier that during his visit he would discuss a Turkish military operation in Syria with Putin. ''Another part of our cooperation is that we are continuing our joint fight against terrorist groups that pose a threat to our region. This especially concerns the steps we already took and will be taking in Syrian direction," Erdogan said. Meanwhile, Erdogan said that the margin of votes between Istanbul's top two candidates was too small for the opposition to have claimed victory, as his ruling party seeks a full recount to deal with what he called "organised crime." Last week's initial results showed a narrow mayoral victory for Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in the March 31 municipal elections.

Erdogan, Putin to discuss Syria in Moscow

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies and returned, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers after a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village.

Russia said it handed over the remains to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting Putin five days before he is to seek a fifth term in office in a difficult election.

Baumel was buried later Thursday at a military cemetery in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu, 69, is running in the April 9 vote despite facing potential corruption charges and experts said he hoped the Moscow visit will increase his chances of success on election day.

"Our military together with Syrian partners found the place of his burial," Putin said of Baumel.

"We are very happy that he will be able to receive the right military honours in his homeland.

Netanyahu added that Baumel's father was no longer alive. "His mother is around 100-years-old. Zachary also has a sister."

Neither Russia nor Israel have given details on how or where the remains were found.

Syrian state news agency SANA said Damascus had no details on the discovery of the corpse.&nbsp;

Putin said only that Syria -- with which Israel has technically been at war -- participated in the operation.&nbsp;

The return of the remains of soldiers missing in action is a highly important issue in Israel, which has fought repeated wars with its Arab neighbours since the state of Israel was established in 1948.

'Risking their lives'

The Russian defence ministry said it handed over Baumel's remains to Netanyahu in a ceremony at its headquarters.&nbsp;

A video released by the ministry showed the Israeli prime minister and Russian armed forces chief Valery Gerasimov laying flowers on a casket covered with an Israeli flag.&nbsp;

"I would like to thank you, on behalf of the people of Israel, on behalf of the soldiers of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces), and on behalf of the mothers and fathers of all our soldiers," Netanyahu said at the ceremony in remarks released by his office.

He also praised Russia's "enormous sacrifice" during World War II, including in "saving the Jewish people from the Nazi monster". &nbsp;

Putin said "it was not easy" for Russian special forces to find the remains, adding that "all the necessary genetic tests have been completed".

Putin said he valued Netanyahu's "attitude to the memory of Red Army soldiers", adding that Baumel shared the same fate as thousands of Soviet soldiers who went missing during World War II. &nbsp;

'We will not forget'

Baumel, who was born in the US in 1960 but immigrated to Israel, had been missing since what is known as the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in a Lebanese village of the same name near the Syrian border. Some 20 Israeli soldiers were killed.&nbsp;

Tank driver Baumel and two other soldiers, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz, had been listed as missing and presumed dead. The other two remain missing.

Netanyahu said he asked Putin two years ago to help in the search for the remains of the missing men.

"You personally responded and gave the order to help in this holy deed," he said, thanking the Russian leader.&nbsp;

"We will not forget this act, it will go down in history."

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies and returned, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies and returned, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers after a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village. Russia said it handed over the remains to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting Putin five days before he is to seek a fifth term in office in a difficult election. Baumel was buried later Thursday at a military cemetery in Jerusalem. Netanyahu, 69, is running in the April 9 vote despite facing potential corruption charges and experts said he hoped the Moscow visit will increase his chances of success on election day. "Our military together with Syrian partners found the place of his burial," Putin said of Baumel. "We are very happy that he will be able to receive the right military honours in his homeland. Netanyahu added that Baumel's father was no longer alive. "His mother is around 100-years-old. Zachary also has a sister." Neither Russia nor Israel have given details on how or where the remains were found. Syrian state news agency SANA said Damascus had no details on the discovery of the corpse. Putin said only that Syria -- with which Israel has technically been at war -- participated in the operation. The return of the remains of soldiers missing in action is a highly important issue in Israel, which has fought repeated wars with its Arab neighbours since the state of Israel was established in 1948. 'Risking their lives' The Russian defence ministry said it handed over Baumel's remains to Netanyahu in a ceremony at its headquarters. A video released by the ministry showed the Israeli prime minister and Russian armed forces chief Valery Gerasimov laying flowers on a casket covered with an Israeli flag. "I would like to thank you, on behalf of the people of Israel, on behalf of the soldiers of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces), and on behalf of the mothers and fathers of all our soldiers," Netanyahu said at the ceremony in remarks released by his office. He also praised Russia's "enormous sacrifice" during World War II, including in "saving the Jewish people from the Nazi monster". Putin said "it was not easy" for Russian special forces to find the remains, adding that "all the necessary genetic tests have been completed". Putin said he valued Netanyahu's "attitude to the memory of Red Army soldiers", adding that Baumel shared the same fate as thousands of Soviet soldiers who went missing during World War II. 'We will not forget' Baumel, who was born in the US in 1960 but immigrated to Israel, had been missing since what is known as the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in a Lebanese village of the same name near the Syrian border. Some 20 Israeli soldiers were killed. Tank driver Baumel and two other soldiers, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz, had been listed as missing and presumed dead. The other two remain missing. Netanyahu said he asked Putin two years ago to help in the search for the remains of the missing men. "You personally responded and gave the order to help in this holy deed," he said, thanking the Russian leader. "We will not forget this act, it will go down in history."

Putin says body of missing Israeli soldier found by Russian army

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers in a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village, and the return of his remains will bring to a close a highly sensitive case for Israelis.

Putin made the revelation at a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting Moscow five days before he is to seek a fifth term in office in a difficult election.

Netanyahu, 69, is running in the April 9 vote despite facing potential corruption charges and experts said he hopes the Moscow visit would increase his chances of success on election day.

"Our military together with Syrian partners found the place of his burial," Putin said of Baumel.

"We are very happy that he will be able to receive the right military honours in his homeland."

Netanyahu said Baumel would be laid to rest at a "very moving" ceremony in Israel later Thursday.&nbsp;

"Zachary's friends and family will take part," he said, adding that his family had been "very touched".

"His father is no longer alive, unfortunately," he added. "His mother is around 100 years old. Zachary also has a sister."

Neither Putin nor Israel have given details on how or where the remains were found.&nbsp;

Putin said only that Syria -- with which Israel has technically been at war -- participated in the operation.&nbsp;

'Risking their lives'

Netanyahu's spokesman posted photographs on Twitter showing a ceremony in the Russian defence ministry handing over the remains to Netanyahu on Thursday.

"Russia has handed over to Israel the remains of a member of a tank battalion, Zachary Baumel, missing for over 37 years," the ministry said in a statement.

The Israeli army had announced Wednesday that the body had already been recovered and returned to the country.

According to translated comments published on the Kremlin website, Netanyahu said, "Russian fighters, risking their lives, brought Zachary's remains to Israeli territory."&nbsp;

But Putin said Thursday: "The remains are with us and, in accordance with military tradition, we will send them to Israel with your participation."

Putin said "it was not easy" for Russian special forces to find the remains. He added that "all the necessary genetic tests have been completed".

He said he valued Netanyahu's "attitude to the memory of Red Army soldiers", adding that Baumel shared the same fate as thousands of Soviet soldiers who went missing during World War II. &nbsp;

'We will not forget this'

Baumel, who was born in the US in 1960 but immigrated to Israel, had been missing since what is known as the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in a Lebanese village of the same name near the Syrian border. Some 20 Israeli soldiers were killed in the fight.&nbsp;

Tank driver Baumel and two other soldiers, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz, had been listed as missing and presumed dead. The other two remain missing.

Netanyahu said he asked Putin two years ago to help in the search for the remains of the missing men.

"You personally responded and gave the order to help in this holy deed," he said, thanking the Russian leader.&nbsp;

"We will not forget this act, it will go down in history."

The return of the remains of soldiers missing in action is a highly important issue in Israel, which has fought repeated wars with its Arab neighbours since the state of Israel was established in 1948.

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers in a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village, and the return of his remains will bring to a close a highly sensitive case for Israelis.

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers in a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village, and the return of his remains will bring to a close a highly sensitive case for Israelis. Putin made the revelation at a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting Moscow five days before he is to seek a fifth term in office in a difficult election. Netanyahu, 69, is running in the April 9 vote despite facing potential corruption charges and experts said he hopes the Moscow visit would increase his chances of success on election day. "Our military together with Syrian partners found the place of his burial," Putin said of Baumel. "We are very happy that he will be able to receive the right military honours in his homeland." Netanyahu said Baumel would be laid to rest at a "very moving" ceremony in Israel later Thursday. "Zachary's friends and family will take part," he said, adding that his family had been "very touched". "His father is no longer alive, unfortunately," he added. "His mother is around 100 years old. Zachary also has a sister." Neither Putin nor Israel have given details on how or where the remains were found. Putin said only that Syria -- with which Israel has technically been at war -- participated in the operation. 'Risking their lives' Netanyahu's spokesman posted photographs on Twitter showing a ceremony in the Russian defence ministry handing over the remains to Netanyahu on Thursday. "Russia has handed over to Israel the remains of a member of a tank battalion, Zachary Baumel, missing for over 37 years," the ministry said in a statement. The Israeli army had announced Wednesday that the body had already been recovered and returned to the country. According to translated comments published on the Kremlin website, Netanyahu said, "Russian fighters, risking their lives, brought Zachary's remains to Israeli territory." But Putin said Thursday: "The remains are with us and, in accordance with military tradition, we will send them to Israel with your participation." Putin said "it was not easy" for Russian special forces to find the remains. He added that "all the necessary genetic tests have been completed". He said he valued Netanyahu's "attitude to the memory of Red Army soldiers", adding that Baumel shared the same fate as thousands of Soviet soldiers who went missing during World War II. 'We will not forget this' Baumel, who was born in the US in 1960 but immigrated to Israel, had been missing since what is known as the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in a Lebanese village of the same name near the Syrian border. Some 20 Israeli soldiers were killed in the fight. Tank driver Baumel and two other soldiers, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz, had been listed as missing and presumed dead. The other two remain missing. Netanyahu said he asked Putin two years ago to help in the search for the remains of the missing men. "You personally responded and gave the order to help in this holy deed," he said, thanking the Russian leader. "We will not forget this act, it will go down in history." The return of the remains of soldiers missing in action is a highly important issue in Israel, which has fought repeated wars with its Arab neighbours since the state of Israel was established in 1948.

Ukrainian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-poroshenko-launches-bid-for-second-term-as-president-193732">President Petro Poroshenko</a>, who launched his bid for a second five-year term on Tuesday, tweeted out a day later saying that his fight is against Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Poroshenko said that the people of Ukraine are his ally and that he isn't ashamed to say openly that his opponent is Putin.&nbsp;

"When asked who is my ally, with whom I am willing to unite and coordinate my actions, I answer - My ally is the Ukrainian people. Who is my opponent? I am not ashamed and say openly – my opponent is Putin," read his tweet.&nbsp;

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Коли запитують, хто є мій союзник, з ким я готовий об'єднуватися і координувати свої дії, я відповідаю: мій союзник є український народ. Хто є мій опонент? Я цього не соромлюся і кажу відкрито – цей опонент є Путін. <a href="https://t.co/aMpHw9IaVJ">pic.twitter.com/aMpHw9IaVJ</a>
— Петро Порошенко (@poroshenko) <a href="https://twitter.com/poroshenko/status/1110661603333152768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Tuesday Poroshenko launched his election bid in front of thousands of supporters. Presidential polls in Ukraine is predicted to be a tight electoral race.

"The feeling of deep responsibility before the country, before contemporaries, before past and future generations prompted me to decide to run again for the presidency," Poroshenko said.

Among his policy priorities, Poroshenko said Ukraine would apply to join the European Union by 2024 and that a special court to try corruption cases would be up and running this year, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Poroshenko, along with thousands of believers, took part on Saturday in a mass prayer for a&nbsp;free and fair election which will determine the&nbsp;country's next president on Sunday.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who launched his bid for a second five-year term on Tuesday, tweeted out a day later saying that his fight is against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who launched his bid for a second five-year term on Tuesday, tweeted out a day later saying that his fight is against Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a tweet, Poroshenko said that the people of Ukraine are his ally and that he isn't ashamed to say openly that his opponent is Putin. "When asked who is my ally, with whom I am willing to unite and coordinate my actions, I answer - My ally is the Ukrainian people. Who is my opponent? I am not ashamed and say openly – my opponent is Putin," read his tweet. Коли запитують, хто є мій союзник, з ким я готовий об'єднуватися і координувати свої дії, я відповідаю: мій союзник є український народ. Хто є мій опонент? Я цього не соромлюся і кажу відкрито – цей опонент є Путін. pic.twitter.com/aMpHw9IaVJ — Петро Порошенко (@poroshenko) March 26, 2019 × On Tuesday Poroshenko launched his election bid in front of thousands of supporters. Presidential polls in Ukraine is predicted to be a tight electoral race. "The feeling of deep responsibility before the country, before contemporaries, before past and future generations prompted me to decide to run again for the presidency," Poroshenko said. Among his policy priorities, Poroshenko said Ukraine would apply to join the European Union by 2024 and that a special court to try corruption cases would be up and running this year, news agency Reuters reported. Poroshenko, along with thousands of believers, took part on Saturday in a mass prayer for a free and fair election which will determine the country's next president on Sunday. (With inputs from Reuters)

Ahead of presidential polls, Ukraine's Poroshenko says his only opponent is Vladimir Putin

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Monday accused the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-urges-moscow-in-phone-call-to-cease-unconstructive-behavior-in-venezuela-205580">United States of plotting a "coup" against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a>, in a dispute over Russian military assistance for the crisis-hit country.

Lavrov said in a statement he had complained of "attempts by Washington to organise a coup d'etat in Venezuela" during a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The statement said such moves "constitute violations of the UN charter and undisguised interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state".

Pompeo earlier warned Russia that the United States will not "stand idly by" as Moscow inserts military personnel into Venezuela to support Maduro, a State Department statement said.

Russian state news agency Sputnik reported Sunday that two Russian military planes delivered troops and equipment to Venezuela over the weekend.

Lavrov did not comment on that report.

Pompeo said Russian military reinforcements were prolonging the political crisis in the South American country.

Venezuela is rich in oil but has plunged into economic crisis, suffering hyperinflation and shortages of food and basic goods.

Washington and its allies support Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and recognise his claim to be acting president in defiance of Maduro.

Socialist leader Maduro retains the support of Russia and China, US rivals who have offered him political and economic support.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Monday accused the United States of plotting a "coup" against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in a dispute over Russian military assistance for the crisis-hit country.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Monday accused the United States of plotting a "coup" against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in a dispute over Russian military assistance for the crisis-hit country. Lavrov said in a statement he had complained of "attempts by Washington to organise a coup d'etat in Venezuela" during a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The statement said such moves "constitute violations of the UN charter and undisguised interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state". Pompeo earlier warned Russia that the United States will not "stand idly by" as Moscow inserts military personnel into Venezuela to support Maduro, a State Department statement said. Russian state news agency Sputnik reported Sunday that two Russian military planes delivered troops and equipment to Venezuela over the weekend. Lavrov did not comment on that report. Pompeo said Russian military reinforcements were prolonging the political crisis in the South American country. Venezuela is rich in oil but has plunged into economic crisis, suffering hyperinflation and shortages of food and basic goods. Washington and its allies support Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and recognise his claim to be acting president in defiance of Maduro. Socialist leader Maduro retains the support of Russia and China, US rivals who have offered him political and economic support.

Russia accuses US of plotting 'coup' in Venezuela

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed controversial laws that allow courts to fine and briefly jail people for showing disrespect towards authorities, and block media for publishing "fake news".&nbsp;

Putin signed off on the legislation against the advice of human rights activists, who warned the laws amounted to censorship and would be abused to further crackdown on freedom of speech.

The law on disrespecting authorities backs punishment for "offending state symbols" and stipulates hefty fines and jail terms of 15 days for repeat offenders.

Another piece of legislation allows authorities to decide what amounts to "fake news" and gives a media watchdog the power to demand an outlet delete the information.

Websites that fail to comply would be blocked.

Fines could reach 1.5 million rubles (over $22,700) if the infraction leads to grave consequences like death or rioting.

Rights activists say that since first becoming president in 2000, Putin has gradually crushed freedoms in Russia, muzzling critics and bringing television under control.

The new legislation takes the crackdown on civil society to a whole new level, they say.

Critics say the legislation is vaguely worded and would have large scope for abuse, further complicating the difficult and sometimes deadly work of rights activists and opposition journalists in Russia.

The Kremlin is stepping up media control to counter a fall in Putin's approval rating amid mounting economic trouble, according to activists.&nbsp;

"These new prohibitions and punishments are not just a continuation of the repressive legislative and practical measures that began in 2012," Yuri Dzhibladze, president of the Centre for the Development of Democracy and Human Rights, told AFP.

"This is a completely new level which almost literally repeats the Soviet-era law about 'activities undermining the Soviet system' and 'anti-Soviet campaigning and propaganda'."

The authorities unleashed a major crackdown on dissenters after Putin returned to the Kremlin in 2012 in the face of mass protests.

"From now it will be police that will decide what fake news is and what's not," said Alexander Cherkasov of Memorial, a top rights group.&nbsp;

"This will lead to a violation of civil rights and freedoms."

'Hating in silence'

Moscow on Monday marked the fifth anniversary of Crimea's annexation from Ukraine, a move condemned by the West but celebrated by most Russians.

Mikhail Fedotov, the chairman of the Kremlin's human rights' council, told AFP that the legislation had "numerous flaws" and his group had asked the president to reject it.

Even the usually pliant media criticised the new laws.

"Authorities want people to hate in silence," mass-circulation tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets wrote ahead of the signing last week.

"The authorities' desire to gag their subjects is a very old, shameful and meaningless desire."

In 2018, Putin was elected to a historic fourth term in office with a record vote share amid increasing international isolation.

But the 66-year-old Russian president's popularity ratings have taken a beating due to a controversial pension age hike and falling living standards as a result of tough Western sanctions over Ukraine and other crises.

Last month Russian lawmakers backed a bill that could cut off the country's internet traffic from servers abroad, which critics say is a possible step towards an isolated network like in North Korea.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed controversial laws that allow courts to fine and briefly jail people for showing disrespect towards authorities, and block media for publishing "fake news".

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed controversial laws that allow courts to fine and briefly jail people for showing disrespect towards authorities, and block media for publishing "fake news". Putin signed off on the legislation against the advice of human rights activists, who warned the laws amounted to censorship and would be abused to further crackdown on freedom of speech. The law on disrespecting authorities backs punishment for "offending state symbols" and stipulates hefty fines and jail terms of 15 days for repeat offenders. Another piece of legislation allows authorities to decide what amounts to "fake news" and gives a media watchdog the power to demand an outlet delete the information. Websites that fail to comply would be blocked. Fines could reach 1.5 million rubles (over $22,700) if the infraction leads to grave consequences like death or rioting. Rights activists say that since first becoming president in 2000, Putin has gradually crushed freedoms in Russia, muzzling critics and bringing television under control. The new legislation takes the crackdown on civil society to a whole new level, they say. Critics say the legislation is vaguely worded and would have large scope for abuse, further complicating the difficult and sometimes deadly work of rights activists and opposition journalists in Russia. The Kremlin is stepping up media control to counter a fall in Putin's approval rating amid mounting economic trouble, according to activists. "These new prohibitions and punishments are not just a continuation of the repressive legislative and practical measures that began in 2012," Yuri Dzhibladze, president of the Centre for the Development of Democracy and Human Rights, told AFP. "This is a completely new level which almost literally repeats the Soviet-era law about 'activities undermining the Soviet system' and 'anti-Soviet campaigning and propaganda'." The authorities unleashed a major crackdown on dissenters after Putin returned to the Kremlin in 2012 in the face of mass protests. "From now it will be police that will decide what fake news is and what's not," said Alexander Cherkasov of Memorial, a top rights group. "This will lead to a violation of civil rights and freedoms." 'Hating in silence' Moscow on Monday marked the fifth anniversary of Crimea's annexation from Ukraine, a move condemned by the West but celebrated by most Russians. Mikhail Fedotov, the chairman of the Kremlin's human rights' council, told AFP that the legislation had "numerous flaws" and his group had asked the president to reject it. Even the usually pliant media criticised the new laws. "Authorities want people to hate in silence," mass-circulation tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets wrote ahead of the signing last week. "The authorities' desire to gag their subjects is a very old, shameful and meaningless desire." In 2018, Putin was elected to a historic fourth term in office with a record vote share amid increasing international isolation. But the 66-year-old Russian president's popularity ratings have taken a beating due to a controversial pension age hike and falling living standards as a result of tough Western sanctions over Ukraine and other crises. Last month Russian lawmakers backed a bill that could cut off the country's internet traffic from servers abroad, which critics say is a possible step towards an isolated network like in North Korea.

Vladimir Putin signs laws against 'disrespecting' authorities, fake news

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