Why The Submarine Fire Accident In Russia Is A Significant Development Three days after a Russian submarine caught fire, Russia says that it was nuclear-powered. Why is Russia maintaining secrecy? What was the mission of the submarine? And why it matters for India? Palki analyses the development.

Gravitas: Submarine fire accident: Why did Russia maintain secrecy?

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Rome Thursday for a lightning visit including talks with the pope and Italy's populist government, which has called for an easing of sanctions despite Moscow's ongoing crisis with the West.

Rome's historic centre is on security lockdown for the visit with 50 streets blocked to traffic and Italian media reporting that mobile phone signals could be scrambled.

Putin landed around an hour late at Fiumicino airport and his convoy drove into Rome and the Vatican City where he met the pope for closed-door talks.

Putin has arrived late for all three of their encounters, the last of which was in 2015 when the pope urged all parties to the conflict in Ukraine to make a "sincere effort" for peace.

Thursday's meeting comes a day before the pope receives leaders of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-to-meet-pope-in-shadow-of-ukraine-crisis-232987">Ukraine's Greek Catholic Church</a>.

Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine are mostly Russian Orthdodox, while those they fight are Orthodox and Greek Catholic.

Improved ties&nbsp;

Francis first met Putin in 2013, as the Roman Catholic Church sought to improve ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Only in 2009 did the Vatican and Moscow re-establish full diplomatic ties which were severed during Soviet times.

Relations have improved since the coming to power in the same year of Patriarch Kirill, who headed up the Russian Orthodox Church's diplomatic arm for years.

The Russian Orthodox Church has frequently accused the Catholic Church of proselytising in Russia, an Orthodox Christian country of 144 million.

The pope in 2016 held a historic meeting with Kirill in Cuba, the first encounter between the heads of the two largest Christian churches since Christianity split into Western and Eastern branches in the 11th Century&nbsp;-- an event known as "The Great Schism."

Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said on Wednesday that "for the time being a possible invitation for the pope to visit Russia is not on the agenda."

The pope and Putin were to discuss matters including "preserving Christian holy sites in Syria", the Kremlin said.

After meeting the pope, Putin will hold talks with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and President Sergio Mattarella.

Putin is being driven around in his six-metre-long (20-foot) armoured limo by a chauffeur who has been practising negotiating his way around the Eternal City's narrow streets. His talks with Italian leaders should be easier.

Far-right Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has often expressed admiration for Putin, and his coalition government advocates reviewing EU sanctions against Russia.&nbsp;

On the eve of the visit, Putin praised Salvini and his Lega party for having a "welcoming attitude" to Russia.

"They are pushing for a rapid abolition of the anti-Russian sanctions introduced by the US and the EU," Putin said in an interview with Corriere della Sera.

The US and EU have progressively imposed sanctions on Russia since its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Moscow's involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, including the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17.

Salvini has previously visited Moscow and been pictured in pro-Putin T-shirts.&nbsp;

When his party won most Italian votes in May's European elections, Salvini posted a photo of himself with&nbsp;a picture of Putin in the background.

"Men like him (Putin) who act in the interest of their own citizens, there should be dozens in this country", Salvini said last year.

The Kremlin says Putin wants to discuss Russia-EU relations, the situation in Syria, Ukraine and Libya and Iran's nuclear programme.

Sanctions revision 

An EU summit last month extended economic sanctions targeting whole sectors of the Russian economy, including its crucial oil and gas industry, until the end of 2019.

Italy has not vetoed the sanctions but the EU front appears less united thanks to Rome's pro-Russian overtures.

Salvini and fellow Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio will attend a dinner for Putin in the evening, after which the russian president will meet his old friend and former premier Silvio Berlusconi, known for his sex scandals and "bunga bunga" parties.

"We are bound by a friendship stretching back many years," Putin said in the Corriere interview, hailing "a politician of global stature".

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Rome Thursday for a lightning visit including talks with the pope and Italy's populist government, which has called for an easing of sanctions despite Moscow's ongoing crisis with the West.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Rome Thursday for a lightning visit including talks with the pope and Italy's populist government, which has called for an easing of sanctions despite Moscow's ongoing crisis with the West. Rome's historic centre is on security lockdown for the visit with 50 streets blocked to traffic and Italian media reporting that mobile phone signals could be scrambled. Putin landed around an hour late at Fiumicino airport and his convoy drove into Rome and the Vatican City where he met the pope for closed-door talks. Putin has arrived late for all three of their encounters, the last of which was in 2015 when the pope urged all parties to the conflict in Ukraine to make a "sincere effort" for peace. Thursday's meeting comes a day before the pope receives leaders of Ukraine's Greek Catholic Church. Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine are mostly Russian Orthdodox, while those they fight are Orthodox and Greek Catholic. Improved ties Francis first met Putin in 2013, as the Roman Catholic Church sought to improve ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. Only in 2009 did the Vatican and Moscow re-establish full diplomatic ties which were severed during Soviet times. Relations have improved since the coming to power in the same year of Patriarch Kirill, who headed up the Russian Orthodox Church's diplomatic arm for years. The Russian Orthodox Church has frequently accused the Catholic Church of proselytising in Russia, an Orthodox Christian country of 144 million. The pope in 2016 held a historic meeting with Kirill in Cuba, the first encounter between the heads of the two largest Christian churches since Christianity split into Western and Eastern branches in the 11th Century -- an event known as "The Great Schism." Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said on Wednesday that "for the time being a possible invitation for the pope to visit Russia is not on the agenda." The pope and Putin were to discuss matters including "preserving Christian holy sites in Syria", the Kremlin said. After meeting the pope, Putin will hold talks with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and President Sergio Mattarella. Putin is being driven around in his six-metre-long (20-foot) armoured limo by a chauffeur who has been practising negotiating his way around the Eternal City's narrow streets. His talks with Italian leaders should be easier. Far-right Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has often expressed admiration for Putin, and his coalition government advocates reviewing EU sanctions against Russia. On the eve of the visit, Putin praised Salvini and his Lega party for having a "welcoming attitude" to Russia. "They are pushing for a rapid abolition of the anti-Russian sanctions introduced by the US and the EU," Putin said in an interview with Corriere della Sera. The US and EU have progressively imposed sanctions on Russia since its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Moscow's involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, including the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17. Salvini has previously visited Moscow and been pictured in pro-Putin T-shirts. When his party won most Italian votes in May's European elections, Salvini posted a photo of himself with a picture of Putin in the background. "Men like him (Putin) who act in the interest of their own citizens, there should be dozens in this country", Salvini said last year. The Kremlin says Putin wants to discuss Russia-EU relations, the situation in Syria, Ukraine and Libya and Iran's nuclear programme. Sanctions revision An EU summit last month extended economic sanctions targeting whole sectors of the Russian economy, including its crucial oil and gas industry, until the end of 2019. Italy has not vetoed the sanctions but the EU front appears less united thanks to Rome's pro-Russian overtures. Salvini and fellow Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio will attend a dinner for Putin in the evening, after which the russian president will meet his old friend and former premier Silvio Berlusconi, known for his sex scandals and "bunga bunga" parties. "We are bound by a friendship stretching back many years," Putin said in the Corriere interview, hailing "a politician of global stature".

Putin meets pope, 'welcoming' populist govt during Italy trip

Russian officials have faced accusations of trying to cover up the full details of the accident that killed 14 sailors as they were carrying out what the defence ministry called a survey of the sea floor near the Arctic.

Vladimir Putin admits submarine hit by deadly fire was nuclear-powered

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-to-meet-pope-in-shadow-of-ukraine-crisis-232987">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> disclosed on Thursday for the first time that a secret military submarine hit by a fatal fire three days ago was nuclear-powered, prompting the defence minister to assure him its reactor had been safely contained.

Russian officials have faced accusations of trying to cover up the full details of the accident that killed 14 sailors as they were carrying out what the defence ministry called a survey of the sea floor near the Arctic.

Moscow's slow release of information about the incident has drawn comparisons with the opaque way the Soviet Union handled the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power station disaster, and another deadly submarine accident, the 2000 sinking of the nuclear-powered Kursk, which claimed 118 lives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/russia-joins-gulf-states-in-coaching-sudans-military-227032">Russia</a>, which says the details of the submarine involved in the latest accident are classified, said the fire took place on Monday, though it was only officially disclosed late on Tuesday.

Until Thursday there was also no official word on whether the vessel had a nuclear reactor, despite strong interest from neighbouring Norway.

Putin revealed that the submarine had been nuclear-powered by asking Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a Kremlin meeting about the reactor's condition after the fire.

"The nuclear reactor on the vessel is completely isolated," Shoigu told Putin, according to a Kremlin transcript. "All the necessary measures were taken by the crew to protect the reactor, which is in complete working order."

The fire erupted in the submarine's battery compartment, Shoigu added, and later spread.

Although the Kremlin publicised the meeting on Thursday morning, it was not immediately clear when the men had met.

"There has not been any formal communication from Russia to us about this," Per Strand, a director at the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, told Reuters when asked if it had been informed that the submarine was nuclear-powered.

"We understand they brought the situation under control quickly, under difficult conditions, and there was, as such, no nuclear incident that they were obligated to tell us about.

"Still, we would have been happy to have been informed of such incidents," he added.

Top-secret submarine

Russian servicemen attended a memorial service on Thursday in the port city of Kronstadt near St Petersburg in honour of the 14 dead submariners.

Held in the hulking Russian Orthodox Naval Cathedral of St Nicholas, sailors cradled lit candles and looked on as priests read out prayers and a choir chanted in the background.

Shoigu, a close Putin ally, told the president that the submarine, which authorities said had been operating in the Barents Sea area, would be fully repaired.

"Right now, we are assessing how long it will take, how much work there is, and how we can carry it out," he said.

Shoigu's ministry has released photographs of the deceased sailors, hailing them as "real patriots of the Motherland".

Separately, a photograph of a tribute to them circulated on social media which appeared to have been hung on the wall of a Russian military facility. Reuters could not immediately confirm its authenticity, but it said the men had served on board a deep-sea submersible known by the designation AS-31.

Russian media have previously reported, without official confirmation, that the vessel was designated as either AS-31 or AS-12 and is designed to carry out special operations at depths where regular submarines cannot operate.

The submarine is made up of a series of inter-connected spheres that allow it to resist water pressure at great depths. Western military experts have suggested it is capable of probing and possibly even severing undersea communications cables.

Putin ordered Shoigu to prepare posthumous state awards for the dead submariners. An official investigation into the accident, likely to be shrouded in secrecy, is already underway.

Russian President Vladimir Putin disclosed on Thursday for the first time that a secret military submarine hit by a fatal fire three days ago was nuclear-powered, prompting the defence minister to assure him its reactor had been safely contained.

Russian President Vladimir Putin disclosed on Thursday for the first time that a secret military submarine hit by a fatal fire three days ago was nuclear-powered, prompting the defence minister to assure him its reactor had been safely contained. Russian officials have faced accusations of trying to cover up the full details of the accident that killed 14 sailors as they were carrying out what the defence ministry called a survey of the sea floor near the Arctic. Moscow's slow release of information about the incident has drawn comparisons with the opaque way the Soviet Union handled the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power station disaster, and another deadly submarine accident, the 2000 sinking of the nuclear-powered Kursk, which claimed 118 lives. Russia, which says the details of the submarine involved in the latest accident are classified, said the fire took place on Monday, though it was only officially disclosed late on Tuesday. Until Thursday there was also no official word on whether the vessel had a nuclear reactor, despite strong interest from neighbouring Norway. Putin revealed that the submarine had been nuclear-powered by asking Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a Kremlin meeting about the reactor's condition after the fire. "The nuclear reactor on the vessel is completely isolated," Shoigu told Putin, according to a Kremlin transcript. "All the necessary measures were taken by the crew to protect the reactor, which is in complete working order." The fire erupted in the submarine's battery compartment, Shoigu added, and later spread. Although the Kremlin publicised the meeting on Thursday morning, it was not immediately clear when the men had met. "There has not been any formal communication from Russia to us about this," Per Strand, a director at the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, told Reuters when asked if it had been informed that the submarine was nuclear-powered. "We understand they brought the situation under control quickly, under difficult conditions, and there was, as such, no nuclear incident that they were obligated to tell us about. "Still, we would have been happy to have been informed of such incidents," he added. Top-secret submarine Russian servicemen attended a memorial service on Thursday in the port city of Kronstadt near St Petersburg in honour of the 14 dead submariners. Held in the hulking Russian Orthodox Naval Cathedral of St Nicholas, sailors cradled lit candles and looked on as priests read out prayers and a choir chanted in the background. Shoigu, a close Putin ally, told the president that the submarine, which authorities said had been operating in the Barents Sea area, would be fully repaired. "Right now, we are assessing how long it will take, how much work there is, and how we can carry it out," he said. Shoigu's ministry has released photographs of the deceased sailors, hailing them as "real patriots of the Motherland". Separately, a photograph of a tribute to them circulated on social media which appeared to have been hung on the wall of a Russian military facility. Reuters could not immediately confirm its authenticity, but it said the men had served on board a deep-sea submersible known by the designation AS-31. Russian media have previously reported, without official confirmation, that the vessel was designated as either AS-31 or AS-12 and is designed to carry out special operations at depths where regular submarines cannot operate. The submarine is made up of a series of inter-connected spheres that allow it to resist water pressure at great depths. Western military experts have suggested it is capable of probing and possibly even severing undersea communications cables. Putin ordered Shoigu to prepare posthumous state awards for the dead submariners. An official investigation into the accident, likely to be shrouded in secrecy, is already underway.

Vladimir Putin, after three days, says fire-hit Russian submarine was nuclear-powered

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an inquiry into an accident with a submarine, he told a meeting with his defence minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday (July 2).

Russia's Putin orders inquiry into accident with submarine

Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Pope Francis on Thursday, a day before Ukraine's Catholic leaders meet at the Vatican to discuss the crisis in their country, and amid speculation that the visit could be a prelude to the first trip by a pope to Russia.

Putin, who has met Francis twice before, is due to arrive at the Vatican in the early afternoon at the start of a lightning visit to Italy that will also include talks with Italian leaders.

Ukraine, which remains a difficult issue in relations between the Vatican and Russia, is expected to be a main topic of discussions in the official papal library in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.

When they last met in 2015, the pope urged Putin to make a "sincere and great effort" to achieve peace in Ukraine and help bring an end to fighting between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatist rebels in the East.

On Friday, leaders of Ukraine's Catholic Church and Vatican officials begin two days of meetings to discuss various problems in their country, a former Soviet republic.

Ukraine's religious world was made tense last year when the country's Orthodox Church, which for centuries effectively had been under control of the Russian Orthodox Church, declared its independence and set up a national Church.

Russia opposes the Ukrainian Orthodox Church having autocephalous, or self-governing status, saying the move had more political than religious motives.

Putin has aligned himself closely with the Russian Orthodox Church and has accused the government in Kiev of flagrantly meddling in the life of Orthodoxy in Ukraine.

Thursday's meeting between the pope and Putin will be their first since Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill met in 2016, a landmark step in healing the 1,000-year-old rift between the Western and Eastern branches of Christianity.

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, and Boris Yeltsin, the first president of post-Soviet Russia, had invited the late Pope John Paul to visit.

But a trip was not possible because of tensions between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church, the largest and most influential in world Orthodoxy, with 165 million of the world’s 250 million Orthodox Christians.

Apart from his meeting three years ago with Kirill, which was the first in history between a Roman Catholic pope and a Russian Orthodox patriarch, Francis has made a number of visits to countries with predominantly Orthodox populations.

The latest were to Romania and to Bulgaria and North Macedonia earlier this year.

From the Vatican, Putin will meet with Italy's prime minister and president and attend a conference on Italian-Russian dialogue at the foreign ministry.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Pope Francis on Thursday, a day before Ukraine's Catholic leaders meet at the Vatican to discuss the crisis in their country, and amid speculation that the visit could be a prelude to the first trip by a pope to Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Pope Francis on Thursday, a day before Ukraine's Catholic leaders meet at the Vatican to discuss the crisis in their country, and amid speculation that the visit could be a prelude to the first trip by a pope to Russia. Putin, who has met Francis twice before, is due to arrive at the Vatican in the early afternoon at the start of a lightning visit to Italy that will also include talks with Italian leaders. Ukraine, which remains a difficult issue in relations between the Vatican and Russia, is expected to be a main topic of discussions in the official papal library in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace. When they last met in 2015, the pope urged Putin to make a "sincere and great effort" to achieve peace in Ukraine and help bring an end to fighting between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatist rebels in the East. On Friday, leaders of Ukraine's Catholic Church and Vatican officials begin two days of meetings to discuss various problems in their country, a former Soviet republic. Ukraine's religious world was made tense last year when the country's Orthodox Church, which for centuries effectively had been under control of the Russian Orthodox Church, declared its independence and set up a national Church. Russia opposes the Ukrainian Orthodox Church having autocephalous, or self-governing status, saying the move had more political than religious motives. Putin has aligned himself closely with the Russian Orthodox Church and has accused the government in Kiev of flagrantly meddling in the life of Orthodoxy in Ukraine. Thursday's meeting between the pope and Putin will be their first since Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill met in 2016, a landmark step in healing the 1,000-year-old rift between the Western and Eastern branches of Christianity. Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, and Boris Yeltsin, the first president of post-Soviet Russia, had invited the late Pope John Paul to visit. But a trip was not possible because of tensions between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church, the largest and most influential in world Orthodoxy, with 165 million of the world’s 250 million Orthodox Christians. Apart from his meeting three years ago with Kirill, which was the first in history between a Roman Catholic pope and a Russian Orthodox patriarch, Francis has made a number of visits to countries with predominantly Orthodox populations. The latest were to Romania and to Bulgaria and North Macedonia earlier this year. From the Vatican, Putin will meet with Italy's prime minister and president and attend a conference on Italian-Russian dialogue at the foreign ministry.

Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet pope in shadow of Ukraine crisis

Norway's radiation authority said Tuesday that Moscow informed it there had been a gas explosion onboard a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fourteen-sailors-killed-in-russia-submersible-fire-ministry-232527">Russian sub on which a fire killed 14 crew</a> -- a claim Moscow strongly denied.

Moscow has revealed little about the incident or the vessel, claiming it was deep-water research submersible, but Russian media reports have said it was a secretive nuclear-powered mini-submarine.

"There has been a gas explosion, confirmed by the Russian authorities", Per Strand, director of the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA), told AFP.

"We are waiting for information from the Russian side about whether there was a reactor onboard the submarine," he told AFP, adding that NRPA had not noticed an increase in radiation levels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-seals-3-billion-deal-with-russia-to-lease-nuclear-powered-submarine-201867">Russia's defence ministry</a> quickly denied the claim.

"There were no notifications sent to the Norwegian side regarding the Russian science research deep water apparatus," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry earlier said that 14 Russian seamen were killed on Monday by inhaling poisonous fumes after a fire broke out on a submersible studying seafloor terrain in the far north.

However, the Novaya Gazeta newspaper cited sources as saying that the accident took place on a nuclear mini-submarine AS-12, also known as Losharik, which is capable of going to extreme depths.

Little is known about the AS-12, which was launched in 2003 and is designated for research, rescue and special military operations.

Of the 14 victims, seven were the highest rank given out in the Russian navy, suggesting that it was not an ordinary assignment. It is unknown how many were on board the sub.

The fire was put out and the vessel is now at a military base in the northern city of Severomorsk which is located on the Kola Peninsula above the Arctic Circle.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin ordered a full investigation to find what caused the "tragedy".

Norway's radiation authority said Tuesday that Moscow informed it there had been a gas explosion onboard a Russian sub on which a fire killed 14 crew -- a claim Moscow strongly denied.

Norway's radiation authority said Tuesday that Moscow informed it there had been a gas explosion onboard a Russian sub on which a fire killed 14 crew -- a claim Moscow strongly denied. Moscow has revealed little about the incident or the vessel, claiming it was deep-water research submersible, but Russian media reports have said it was a secretive nuclear-powered mini-submarine. "There has been a gas explosion, confirmed by the Russian authorities", Per Strand, director of the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA), told AFP. "We are waiting for information from the Russian side about whether there was a reactor onboard the submarine," he told AFP, adding that NRPA had not noticed an increase in radiation levels. Russia's defence ministry quickly denied the claim. "There were no notifications sent to the Norwegian side regarding the Russian science research deep water apparatus," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry earlier said that 14 Russian seamen were killed on Monday by inhaling poisonous fumes after a fire broke out on a submersible studying seafloor terrain in the far north. However, the Novaya Gazeta newspaper cited sources as saying that the accident took place on a nuclear mini-submarine AS-12, also known as Losharik, which is capable of going to extreme depths. Little is known about the AS-12, which was launched in 2003 and is designated for research, rescue and special military operations. Of the 14 victims, seven were the highest rank given out in the Russian navy, suggesting that it was not an ordinary assignment. It is unknown how many were on board the sub. The fire was put out and the vessel is now at a military base in the northern city of Severomorsk which is located on the Kola Peninsula above the Arctic Circle. President Vladimir Putin ordered a full investigation to find what caused the "tragedy".

Russia submarine fire: It was 'gas explosion', claims Norway as Moscow denies

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law suspending the Cold War-era INF Treaty. Putin announced in February that he would halt participation in the treaty after Washington's abrupt decision to pull out of the agreement.

Russia Suspends INF Treaty With United States

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vladimir-putin-replies-to-elton-johns-hypocrisy-comment-231519">Vladimir Putin</a> announced at the weekend that OPEC would extend oil production cuts, broadcasting a deal before the group had even met to approve it, the move angered some member nations.

They were dismayed at the leading role non-OPEC Russia, once seen as the group's rival in oil markets, was playing in shaping the group's policies.

But reality soon set in, and the acceptance that Moscow could help OPEC in its goal of propping up oil prices at a time when it is facing intensifying heat on another front: from US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-angry-about-khashoggi-murder-but-says-no-one-blames-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-231433">Donald Trump</a>.

Trump is putting unprecedented pressure on OPEC and its de-facto leader Saudi Arabia, demanding they pump more crude to drive down fuel prices - a key domestic issue for him as he seeks re-election next year.

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh initially expressed outrage about Russian President Putin's pre-announcement of the extended output cuts.

"OPEC is going to die with these processes," he declared on Monday morning before OPEC oil ministers met to effectively rubber-stamp a done deal, bemoaning the Russia-Saudi dominance of the group's affairs.

But by Monday evening, he had thrown his support behind the deal: "The meeting was good for Iran and we achieved what we wanted."

OPEC and Russia have become unlikely bedfellows, forging an "OPEC+" alliance to reduce global crude supply to counter soaring output from the United States and a weakening world economy.

It is a marriage of convenience as both want higher oil prices to shore up their finances, while the alliance could also strengthen OPEC's position in the face of Trump's demands.

"I don't think Russia is calling the shots," said Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih when asked if Putin was now OPEC's boss. "I think Russia's influence is welcome."

Iran's veteran OPEC governor Hossein Kazempour Ardebili concurred, echoing his boss Zanganeh's conciliatory tone.

"Russia is a big player. If it announced something in agreement with the rest of OPEC, this is most welcome," he said. "We are working together."

Iraq, which has overtaken Iran as OPEC's second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia and has taken its market share in Europe and Asia, also said Moscow's rising role was positive.

Such a chorus of approval is a sharp reversal for relations between OPEC and Russia that have been characterised by antipathy and distrust for decades.

Back in 2001, Russia agreed to cut production in tandem with OPEC but never delivered on its pledges and instead raised output. That severely damaged relations and other attempts at cooperation were unsuccessful - until the recent alliance.

In his book "Out of the Desert", former Saudi Oil Minister Ali al Naimi wrote that his 2014 meeting with Russian officials lasted just minutes. Upon learning Russia would not cut output, he gathered his papers and said: "I think the meeting is over."

Changing dynamics

Putin announced on Saturday that he had met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in Osaka and they had agreed to extend the OPEC+ production cuts.

Gary Ross, chief executive of Black Gold Investors, said that even if it was "indelicate" for Saudi Arabia to let Putin announce the deal, it showed the changing oil market dynamics.

"Trump has one interest – low oil prices. Putin wants higher prices," said Ross, a veteran OPEC watcher. "Putin is vitally important for OPEC. And it is still in Russia's best interest to cooperate with OPEC as half its budget comes from energy revenues."

Russia needs prices of $45-50 a barrel to balance its budget and its finances are stretched by U.S. sanctions imposed following its annexation of Crimea. Saudi Arabia needs an even higher price of $80. Benchmark Brent crude is currently in the region of $65 a barrel.

But just as the collaboration could lend Saudi Arabia some support against Trump, who has demanded Riyadh increase oil supply if it wants U.S. military support in its standoff with regional rival Iran, it also gives Putin more than extra revenues.

Good relations with Riyadh, an American ally, bolsters Moscow's clout in the Middle East, helps Putin's campaign in Syria and might even help mend relations with Washington, according to two sources in Russia's delegation to Vienna, where OPEC officials have been meeting.

Highlighting those intersecting roles, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak also serves as head of several Russian government commissions on trade and cooperation including with Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey and Qatar.

Iran's change in tone, in particular, illustrates the conflicting political and economic pressures it faces.

Tehran's falling production, due to U.S. sanctions reimposed and extended by Trump, has reduced its role within OPEC while increasing those of Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC Russia.

Iran's exports plummeted to 0.3 million barrels per day in June from as much as 2.5 million bpd in April 2018. Oil output in OPEC's exempt nations

But Iran is itself also looking to help from Russia, one of just a few countries that have offered to aid Tehran to counter the sanctions choking its oil trade and hammering its economy.

Two Russian energy industry sources said some work was being done to boost the Iranian economy but talks were slow and difficult, without giving details of the nature of the plans.

When Vladimir Putin announced at the weekend that OPEC would extend oil production cuts, broadcasting a deal before the group had even met to approve it, the move angered some member nations.

When Vladimir Putin announced at the weekend that OPEC would extend oil production cuts, broadcasting a deal before the group had even met to approve it, the move angered some member nations. They were dismayed at the leading role non-OPEC Russia, once seen as the group's rival in oil markets, was playing in shaping the group's policies. But reality soon set in, and the acceptance that Moscow could help OPEC in its goal of propping up oil prices at a time when it is facing intensifying heat on another front: from US President Donald Trump. Trump is putting unprecedented pressure on OPEC and its de-facto leader Saudi Arabia, demanding they pump more crude to drive down fuel prices - a key domestic issue for him as he seeks re-election next year. Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh initially expressed outrage about Russian President Putin's pre-announcement of the extended output cuts. "OPEC is going to die with these processes," he declared on Monday morning before OPEC oil ministers met to effectively rubber-stamp a done deal, bemoaning the Russia-Saudi dominance of the group's affairs. But by Monday evening, he had thrown his support behind the deal: "The meeting was good for Iran and we achieved what we wanted." OPEC and Russia have become unlikely bedfellows, forging an "OPEC+" alliance to reduce global crude supply to counter soaring output from the United States and a weakening world economy. It is a marriage of convenience as both want higher oil prices to shore up their finances, while the alliance could also strengthen OPEC's position in the face of Trump's demands. "I don't think Russia is calling the shots," said Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih when asked if Putin was now OPEC's boss. "I think Russia's influence is welcome." Iran's veteran OPEC governor Hossein Kazempour Ardebili concurred, echoing his boss Zanganeh's conciliatory tone. "Russia is a big player. If it announced something in agreement with the rest of OPEC, this is most welcome," he said. "We are working together." Iraq, which has overtaken Iran as OPEC's second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia and has taken its market share in Europe and Asia, also said Moscow's rising role was positive. Such a chorus of approval is a sharp reversal for relations between OPEC and Russia that have been characterised by antipathy and distrust for decades. Back in 2001, Russia agreed to cut production in tandem with OPEC but never delivered on its pledges and instead raised output. That severely damaged relations and other attempts at cooperation were unsuccessful - until the recent alliance. In his book "Out of the Desert", former Saudi Oil Minister Ali al Naimi wrote that his 2014 meeting with Russian officials lasted just minutes. Upon learning Russia would not cut output, he gathered his papers and said: "I think the meeting is over." Changing dynamics Putin announced on Saturday that he had met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in Osaka and they had agreed to extend the OPEC+ production cuts. Gary Ross, chief executive of Black Gold Investors, said that even if it was "indelicate" for Saudi Arabia to let Putin announce the deal, it showed the changing oil market dynamics. "Trump has one interest – low oil prices. Putin wants higher prices," said Ross, a veteran OPEC watcher. "Putin is vitally important for OPEC. And it is still in Russia's best interest to cooperate with OPEC as half its budget comes from energy revenues." Russia needs prices of $45-50 a barrel to balance its budget and its finances are stretched by U.S. sanctions imposed following its annexation of Crimea. Saudi Arabia needs an even higher price of $80. Benchmark Brent crude is currently in the region of $65 a barrel. But just as the collaboration could lend Saudi Arabia some support against Trump, who has demanded Riyadh increase oil supply if it wants U.S. military support in its standoff with regional rival Iran, it also gives Putin more than extra revenues. Good relations with Riyadh, an American ally, bolsters Moscow's clout in the Middle East, helps Putin's campaign in Syria and might even help mend relations with Washington, according to two sources in Russia's delegation to Vienna, where OPEC officials have been meeting. Highlighting those intersecting roles, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak also serves as head of several Russian government commissions on trade and cooperation including with Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey and Qatar. Iran's change in tone, in particular, illustrates the conflicting political and economic pressures it faces. Tehran's falling production, due to U.S. sanctions reimposed and extended by Trump, has reduced its role within OPEC while increasing those of Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC Russia. Iran's exports plummeted to 0.3 million barrels per day in June from as much as 2.5 million bpd in April 2018. Oil output in OPEC's exempt nations But Iran is itself also looking to help from Russia, one of just a few countries that have offered to aid Tehran to counter the sanctions choking its oil trade and hammering its economy. Two Russian energy industry sources said some work was being done to boost the Iranian economy but talks were slow and difficult, without giving details of the nature of the plans.

Under pressure from Donald Trump, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries embraces Vladimir Putin

Russia has agreed with Saudi Arabia to extend by six to nine months a deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudis-falih-says-oil-stocks-still-building-but-opec-to-act-if-needed-219637">OPEC </a>on reducing oil output, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vladimir-putin-replies-to-elton-johns-hypocrisy-comment-231519">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> said, as oil prices come under renewed pressure from rising US supplies and a slowing global economy.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Sunday that the deal would most likely be extended by nine months and no deeper reductions were needed.

Putin, speaking after talks with Saudi Crown Prince <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-doing-spectacular-job-donald-trump-231336">Mohammed bin Salman</a>, told a news conference the deal - which is due to expire on Sunday would be extended in its current form and with the same volumes.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and other producers, an alliance known as OPEC+, meet on July 1-2 to discuss the deal, which involves curbing oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd).

The United States, the world's largest oil producer ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia, is not participating in the pact.

"We will support the extension, both Russia and Saudi Arabia. As far as the length of the extension is concerned, we have yet to decide whether it will be six or nine months. Maybe it will be nine months," said Putin, who met the crown prince on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan.

Falih, arriving in Vienna for the OPEC+ talks, told reporters when asked about Saudi preferences: “I think most likely a nine-month extension.”

Asked about a deeper cut, Falih said: "I don’t think the market needs that."

“Demand is softening a little bit but I think it’s still healthy,” the Saudi minister said, adding that he expected the market to balance in the next six to nine months.

A nine-month extension would mean the deal runs out in March 2020. Russia's consent means the OPEC+ group may have a smooth meeting if OPEC's third-largest producer Iran also endorses the arrangement.

New US sanctions on Iran have reduced its exports to a trickle as Washington seeks to change what it calls a "corrupt" regime in Tehran. Iran has denounced the sanctions as illegal and says the White House is run by "mentally retarded" people.

Kirill Dmitriev, chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund who helped design the OPEC-Russia deal, said the pact in place since 2017 had lifted Russian budget revenues by more than 7 trillion roubles ($110 billion).

"The strategic partnership within OPEC+ has led to the stabilisation of oil markets and allows both to reduce and increase production depending on the market demand conditions, which contributes to the predictability and growth of investments in the industry," Dmitriev said.

Benchmark Brent crude has climbed more than 25% since the start of 2019. But prices could stall as a slowing global economy squeezes demand and US oil floods the market, a Reuters poll of analysts found.

Who needs an OPEC meeting

Falih said the new deal would help reduce global oil stocks, balance the market and spur investments in future energy supplies.

"The agreement confirms that the Saudi-Russian partnership paved the way to guarantee the interest of producers and consumers and the continued growth of the global economy," Falih tweeted.

That Russia and Saudi Arabia effectively announced the deal before the OPEC gatherings will likely anger smaller members of the organisation, who feel sidelined.

"Who needs an OPEC meeting?," one delegate said after learning about the headlines from the Russia-Saudi talks. Some delegates said Iran might still put up a fight on Monday.

Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak said he believed most OPEC members including Iran have already expressed support to extend the output-cutting deal.

He said it may be wise to extend the agreement by nine rather than six months to avoid raising output during weak seasonal demand.

"It might make sense to keep the deal in place during the winter period," he told reporters.

Russia has agreed with Saudi Arabia to extend by six to nine months a deal with OPEC on reducing oil output, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, as oil prices come under renewed pressure from rising US supplies and a slowing global economy.

Russia has agreed with Saudi Arabia to extend by six to nine months a deal with OPEC on reducing oil output, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, as oil prices come under renewed pressure from rising US supplies and a slowing global economy. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Sunday that the deal would most likely be extended by nine months and no deeper reductions were needed. Putin, speaking after talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, told a news conference the deal - which is due to expire on Sunday would be extended in its current form and with the same volumes. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and other producers, an alliance known as OPEC+, meet on July 1-2 to discuss the deal, which involves curbing oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd). The United States, the world's largest oil producer ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia, is not participating in the pact. "We will support the extension, both Russia and Saudi Arabia. As far as the length of the extension is concerned, we have yet to decide whether it will be six or nine months. Maybe it will be nine months," said Putin, who met the crown prince on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan. Falih, arriving in Vienna for the OPEC+ talks, told reporters when asked about Saudi preferences: “I think most likely a nine-month extension.” Asked about a deeper cut, Falih said: "I don’t think the market needs that." “Demand is softening a little bit but I think it’s still healthy,” the Saudi minister said, adding that he expected the market to balance in the next six to nine months. A nine-month extension would mean the deal runs out in March 2020. Russia's consent means the OPEC+ group may have a smooth meeting if OPEC's third-largest producer Iran also endorses the arrangement. New US sanctions on Iran have reduced its exports to a trickle as Washington seeks to change what it calls a "corrupt" regime in Tehran. Iran has denounced the sanctions as illegal and says the White House is run by "mentally retarded" people. Kirill Dmitriev, chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund who helped design the OPEC-Russia deal, said the pact in place since 2017 had lifted Russian budget revenues by more than 7 trillion roubles ($110 billion). "The strategic partnership within OPEC+ has led to the stabilisation of oil markets and allows both to reduce and increase production depending on the market demand conditions, which contributes to the predictability and growth of investments in the industry," Dmitriev said. Benchmark Brent crude has climbed more than 25% since the start of 2019. But prices could stall as a slowing global economy squeezes demand and US oil floods the market, a Reuters poll of analysts found. Who needs an OPEC meeting Falih said the new deal would help reduce global oil stocks, balance the market and spur investments in future energy supplies. "The agreement confirms that the Saudi-Russian partnership paved the way to guarantee the interest of producers and consumers and the continued growth of the global economy," Falih tweeted. That Russia and Saudi Arabia effectively announced the deal before the OPEC gatherings will likely anger smaller members of the organisation, who feel sidelined. "Who needs an OPEC meeting?," one delegate said after learning about the headlines from the Russia-Saudi talks. Some delegates said Iran might still put up a fight on Monday. Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak said he believed most OPEC members including Iran have already expressed support to extend the output-cutting deal. He said it may be wise to extend the agreement by nine rather than six months to avoid raising output during weak seasonal demand. "It might make sense to keep the deal in place during the winter period," he told reporters.

Russia agrees with Saudi Arabia to extend OPEC and oil output deal

Following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/elton-john-slams-russian-cuts-to-rocketman-gay-scenes-223462">the censorship on `Rocketman`</a>, singer Elton John released a statement responding to Russian president Vladimir Putin`s interview published in the Financial Times. 
 
The Russian distributors removed the intimate scenes between men from the musical biopic `Rocketman` screened in Russia on May 30. 
 
John accused Putin of `hypocrisy` when it comes to LGBTQ rights, reported Variety. 
 
"Dear President Putin, I was deeply upset when I read your recent interview in the Financial Times. I strongly disagree with your view that pursuing policies that embrace multicultural and sexual diversity are obsolete in our societies," wrote John. 
 
Putin answered questions on various topics such as the Syrian civil war, North Korean disarmament and the state of liberalism. "The liberal idea has become obsolete. It has come into conflict with the interests of the overwhelming majority of the population," said Putin in the interview. 
 
"Traditional values are more stable and more important for millions of people than this liberal idea," he claimed. 
 
Putin also responded to the anti-LGBTQ policies. "I am not trying to insult anyone because we have been condemned for our alleged homophobia. But we have no problem with LGBT persons. God forbid, let them live as they wish," he said. 
 
"But some things do appear excessive to us. They claim now that children can play five or six gender roles," he added. 
 
"Let everyone be happy, we have no problem with that. But this must not be allowed to overshadow the culture, traditions and traditional family values of millions of people making up the core population," he emphasised. 
 
John wrote in his response, "I find duplicity in your comment that you want LGBT people to `be happy` and that `we have no problem in that.` Yet Russian distributors chose to heavily censor my film `Rocketman` by removing all references to my finding true happiness through my 25-year relationship with David and the raising of my two beautiful sons. This feels like hypocrisy to me." 
 
"I am proud to live in a part of the world where our governments have evolved to recognise the universal human right to love whoever we want. And I`m truly grateful for the advancement in government policies that have legally supported and allowed my marriage to David. This has brought us both tremendous comfort and happiness," John ended the letter. 
 
Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the film`s screenplay has been penned by Lee Hall. Elton and his husband David have produced the film along with Lawrence Bender, Adam Bohling, David Reid, and Matthew Vaughn. 
 
The film was released on May 31.

Following the censorship on `Rocketman`, singer Elton John released a statement responding to Russian president Vladimir Putin`s interview published in the Financial Times.

Following the censorship on `Rocketman`, singer Elton John released a statement responding to Russian president Vladimir Putin`s interview published in the Financial Times. The Russian distributors removed the intimate scenes between men from the musical biopic `Rocketman` screened in Russia on May 30. John accused Putin of `hypocrisy` when it comes to LGBTQ rights, reported Variety. "Dear President Putin, I was deeply upset when I read your recent interview in the Financial Times. I strongly disagree with your view that pursuing policies that embrace multicultural and sexual diversity are obsolete in our societies," wrote John. Putin answered questions on various topics such as the Syrian civil war, North Korean disarmament and the state of liberalism. "The liberal idea has become obsolete. It has come into conflict with the interests of the overwhelming majority of the population," said Putin in the interview. "Traditional values are more stable and more important for millions of people than this liberal idea," he claimed. Putin also responded to the anti-LGBTQ policies. "I am not trying to insult anyone because we have been condemned for our alleged homophobia. But we have no problem with LGBT persons. God forbid, let them live as they wish," he said. "But some things do appear excessive to us. They claim now that children can play five or six gender roles," he added. "Let everyone be happy, we have no problem with that. But this must not be allowed to overshadow the culture, traditions and traditional family values of millions of people making up the core population," he emphasised. John wrote in his response, "I find duplicity in your comment that you want LGBT people to `be happy` and that `we have no problem in that.` Yet Russian distributors chose to heavily censor my film `Rocketman` by removing all references to my finding true happiness through my 25-year relationship with David and the raising of my two beautiful sons. This feels like hypocrisy to me." "I am proud to live in a part of the world where our governments have evolved to recognise the universal human right to love whoever we want. And I`m truly grateful for the advancement in government policies that have legally supported and allowed my marriage to David. This has brought us both tremendous comfort and happiness," John ended the letter. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the film`s screenplay has been penned by Lee Hall. Elton and his husband David have produced the film along with Lawrence Bender, Adam Bohling, David Reid, and Matthew Vaughn. The film was released on May 31.

Elton John responds to Vladimir Putin's LGBTQ rights comment after 'Rocketman' censorship

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that Elton John was "mistaken" about LGBT rights in Russia while praising the British singer as a musical genius.

Elton John said on Friday he was deeply upset by Putin's comment that liberal values were "obsolete" and had been rejected by the majority of people in Western nations.

He also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/elton-john-responds-to-vladimir-putins-lgbtq-rights-comment-after-rocketman-censorship-231391">accused Putin of hypocrisy</a> for saying that he wanted LGBT people to be happy after reports that gay scenes in 'Rocketman', the movie based on the singer's life, had been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/elton-john-responds-to-vladimir-putins-lgbtq-rights-comment-after-rocketman-censorship-231391">censored in Russia.</a>

"I have a lot of respect for him, he is a genius musician, we all enjoy his music, but I think he is mistaken," Putin said when asked about Elton John's comments in Osaka where he was attending a G20 summit.

Putin said Russian authorities had a "relaxed and unprejudiced" attitude towards LGBT people, but decisions about gender identity could only be made by adults and therefore minors need to be "left alone".

Russian law bans "propaganda of homosexuality among minors". 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that Elton John was "mistaken" about LGBT rights in Russia while praising the British singer as a musical genius.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that Elton John was "mistaken" about LGBT rights in Russia while praising the British singer as a musical genius. Elton John said on Friday he was deeply upset by Putin's comment that liberal values were "obsolete" and had been rejected by the majority of people in Western nations. He also accused Putin of hypocrisy for saying that he wanted LGBT people to be happy after reports that gay scenes in 'Rocketman', the movie based on the singer's life, had been censored in Russia. "I have a lot of respect for him, he is a genius musician, we all enjoy his music, but I think he is mistaken," Putin said when asked about Elton John's comments in Osaka where he was attending a G20 summit. Putin said Russian authorities had a "relaxed and unprejudiced" attitude towards LGBT people, but decisions about gender identity could only be made by adults and therefore minors need to be "left alone". Russian law bans "propaganda of homosexuality among minors".

Vladimir Putin replies to Elton John's 'hypocrisy' comment

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russia-to-start-talks-on-nuke-arms-control-vladimir-putin-231450">Russia's president</a> said on Saturday that Moscow would do all it could to improve relations with the United States that have been strained by years of diplomatic conflicts over Ukraine and accusations of Russian meddling in US elections.

Vladimir Putin was speaking at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-stops-short-of-denouncing-protectionism-warns-of-global-slowdown-231451">G20 summit in Osaka</a> where he met US President Donald Trump to discuss issues ranging from trade to disarmament. He also invited Trump to visit Moscow in May next year.

Trump confirmed that Putin had invited him to a ceremony to mark 75 years since Russia's World War Two defeat of the Nazis.

"He invited me and I said I would give it very serious consideration," Trump told a news conference after the summit.

Putin described the talks in Osaka as a "good meeting, business-like, pragmatic" and said the leaders agreed that two-way economic ties required improvement.

"I think we both understand that we need to somehow resolve the current situation," Putin said, adding that the two nations needed to "somehow find the strength to turn the page and move forward."

Asked during a news conference at the summit about the probability of more US&nbsp;sanctions against Russia, Putin said it was up to Washington to decide how best to build relations with Moscow.

Putin said he and Trump had discussed the election meddling allegations and the situation in Venezuela. But he gave no details.

Russia's president said on Saturday that Moscow would do all it could to improve relations with the United States that have been strained by years of diplomatic conflicts over Ukraine and accusations of Russian meddling in US elections.

Russia's president said on Saturday that Moscow would do all it could to improve relations with the United States that have been strained by years of diplomatic conflicts over Ukraine and accusations of Russian meddling in US elections. Vladimir Putin was speaking at the G20 summit in Osaka where he met US President Donald Trump to discuss issues ranging from trade to disarmament. He also invited Trump to visit Moscow in May next year. Trump confirmed that Putin had invited him to a ceremony to mark 75 years since Russia's World War Two defeat of the Nazis. "He invited me and I said I would give it very serious consideration," Trump told a news conference after the summit. Putin described the talks in Osaka as a "good meeting, business-like, pragmatic" and said the leaders agreed that two-way economic ties required improvement. "I think we both understand that we need to somehow resolve the current situation," Putin said, adding that the two nations needed to "somehow find the strength to turn the page and move forward." Asked during a news conference at the summit about the probability of more US sanctions against Russia, Putin said it was up to Washington to decide how best to build relations with Moscow. Putin said he and Trump had discussed the election meddling allegations and the situation in Venezuela. But he gave no details.

Moscow will do all it can to improve ties with US, says Russian President Vladimir Putin

Foreign ministers from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-donald-trump-confirms-wont-impose-new-tariffs-on-china-231445">United States</a> and Russia will begin talks over nuclear arms control but it may not lead to an extension of the START3 nuclear disarmament treaty, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.

"We have charged our respective foreign ministers with starting consultations on this subject... but we can not yet say whether this will lead to an extension of START3," Putin told reporters after a G20 summit in Osaka on Saturday.

Putin did not say when talks would begin.

START3 refers to a proposed agreement between the two nuclear powers for which negotiations broke down years ago.

Intended as a successor to previous agreements, it would have required them to lower their numbers of deployed nuclear weapons.

The two countries are currently covered by the New START treaty signed in 2010, which caps the number of nuclear warheads well below Cold War limits.

But it expires in 2021 and Putin has been calling on the United States to negotiate an extension, saying Washington's failure to do so is a threat to arms control.

Together with another agreement is known as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, New START is considered a centrepiece of superpower arms control.

Earlier this month, Putin said Russia was prepared to drop New START if the US continues to put off negotiations, warning of a "global catastrophe" if Washington works to dismantle the international arms control regime.

Moscow suspended participation in the INF treaty in March after President Donald Trump's White House announced it would ditch the key agreement for alleged Russian violations of the terms.

Foreign ministers from the United States and Russia will begin talks over nuclear arms control but it may not lead to an extension of the START3 nuclear disarmament treaty, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.

Foreign ministers from the United States and Russia will begin talks over nuclear arms control but it may not lead to an extension of the START3 nuclear disarmament treaty, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday. "We have charged our respective foreign ministers with starting consultations on this subject... but we can not yet say whether this will lead to an extension of START3," Putin told reporters after a G20 summit in Osaka on Saturday. Putin did not say when talks would begin. START3 refers to a proposed agreement between the two nuclear powers for which negotiations broke down years ago. Intended as a successor to previous agreements, it would have required them to lower their numbers of deployed nuclear weapons. The two countries are currently covered by the New START treaty signed in 2010, which caps the number of nuclear warheads well below Cold War limits. But it expires in 2021 and Putin has been calling on the United States to negotiate an extension, saying Washington's failure to do so is a threat to arms control. Together with another agreement is known as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, New START is considered a centrepiece of superpower arms control. Earlier this month, Putin said Russia was prepared to drop New START if the US continues to put off negotiations, warning of a "global catastrophe" if Washington works to dismantle the international arms control regime. Moscow suspended participation in the INF treaty in March after President Donald Trump's White House announced it would ditch the key agreement for alleged Russian violations of the terms.

US, Russia to start talks on nuke arms control: Vladimir Putin

US President Donald Trump told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday not to meddle in the US elections, appearing to make light of a scandal that had led to a two-year investigation into his campaign's contact with the Kremlin during the 2016 elections.

Asked by a reporter whether he would raise the issue during a bilateral meeting with Putin, Trump said: "Yes, of course, I will."

Trump then turned to Putin to give the directive twice while pointing at the Russian leader. Putin maintained a smile as the remark was interpreted for him.

Trump hailed his "very, very good relationship" with Russia's President Vladimir Putin as the two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the G20 meeting.

"It's a great honour to be with President Putin," said Trump, who last held face-to-face talks with the Russian leader in Helsinki in 2018.

"We have a very, very good relationship," Trump said.

Trump and Putin were heading into a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. It was the first time the two leaders have had a formal face-to-face meeting since a controversial high-profile summit in Helsinki last July.

The keenly awaited meeting between the pair has been overshadowed by a probe into Trump's relations with Russia and the controversy that erupted the last time he held talks with the Kremlin leader.

US President Donald Trump told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday not to meddle in the US elections, appearing to make light of a scandal that had led to a two-year investigation into his campaign's contact with the Kremlin during the 2016 elections.

US President Donald Trump told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday not to meddle in the US elections, appearing to make light of a scandal that had led to a two-year investigation into his campaign's contact with the Kremlin during the 2016 elections. Asked by a reporter whether he would raise the issue during a bilateral meeting with Putin, Trump said: "Yes, of course, I will." Trump then turned to Putin to give the directive twice while pointing at the Russian leader. Putin maintained a smile as the remark was interpreted for him. Trump hailed his "very, very good relationship" with Russia's President Vladimir Putin as the two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the G20 meeting. "It's a great honour to be with President Putin," said Trump, who last held face-to-face talks with the Russian leader in Helsinki in 2018. "We have a very, very good relationship," Trump said. Trump and Putin were heading into a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. It was the first time the two leaders have had a formal face-to-face meeting since a controversial high-profile summit in Helsinki last July. The keenly awaited meeting between the pair has been overshadowed by a probe into Trump's relations with Russia and the controversy that erupted the last time he held talks with the Kremlin leader.

US President Trump tells Putin: Don't meddle in US elections

US President Donald Trump made clear on Friday that trade was a top priority at a summit of leaders of Group of 20 nations, as Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned against rising protectionism and India and Russia defended multilateral trade rules.

Ahead of talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Trump said he would discuss trade, days after criticising the US-Japan security treaty and demanding New Delhi withdraw retaliatory tariffs.

"I think we’re going to have some very big things to announce. Very big trade deal. We’re doing some very big things with India in terms of trade, in terms of manufacturing," Trump said at the start of talks with Modi.

Trump also said he would discuss Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei with the Indian leader.

"We actually sell Huawei many of its parts," Trump said. "So we’re going to be discussing that and also how India fits in. And we’ll be discussing Huawei."

A White House official said Trump wanted to promote to Abe and Modi "a resilient quality secure infrastructure" — a reference to the US push with allies to keep the Chinese company out of next-generation telecoms networks.

Washington has pressed its allies to shun Huawei in their fifth generation, or 5G, networks on security grounds, but has also suggested it could be a factor in a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom Trump meets on Saturday.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker flagged the shadow cast by the US-China trade feud.

"The trade relations between China and the United States are difficult, they are contributing to the slowdown of the global economy," he told a news conference.

Xi also warned about the protectionist steps he said some developed countries were taking.

"All this is destroying the global trade order... This also impacts common interests of our countries, overshadows the peace and stability worldwide," Xi told a gathering of leaders of the BRICS grouping of nations on the sidelines of the G20 meet.

Defending world trade rules

Modi at the same meeting called for a focus on reforming the World Trade Organisation and Putin decried what he called efforts to destroy the Geneva-based body.

"We consider counter-productive any attempts to destroy WTO or to lower its role," Putin said.

The situation of the global economy was worrying as global trade was feeling the effect of "protectionism (and) politically motivated restrictions," he added.

Trump also flagged trade at the start of his talks with Abe.

"We're going to be talking about a lot of things and we're also going to be talking about a lot of trade," Trump said.

"I appreciate the fact that you're sending many automobile companies into Michigan and Ohio and Pennsylvania and North Carolina," referring to US states critical to his effort to win re-election next year.

Trump said the two leaders would also discuss Japanese purchases of US military equipment, although a Japanese official said later the topic did not come up.

Tokyo and Washington are engaged in difficult trade talks as Trump's administration seeks to lower the US trade deficit.

Japanese Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were to meet later in Osaka.

Abe welcomed Trump's visit, calling their frequent meetings "proof of the strong US-Japan alliance".

Trump renewed his criticism of the US-Japan security alliance this week as unbalanced.

"We will go in and we will protect them and we will fight with our lives and with our treasure," he said in an interview on Wednesday with Fox television.

"We will fight at all costs, right? But if we’re attacked, Japan doesn’t have to help us at all. They can watch it on a Sony television, the attack."

Under the decades-old US-Japan security treaty, the United States has committed to defending Japan, which renounced the right to wage war after its defeat in World War Two.

Japan in return provides military bases that Washington uses to project power deep into Asia, including the biggest concentration of US Marines outside the United States on Okinawa, and the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group at the Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo.

After the Trump-Abe talks, a Japanese official told reporters the leaders had agreed to accelerate trade talks and had agreed the alliance was stronger than ever.

Trump, praised German Chancellor Angela Merkel as a "great friend of mine" as well as trade between their two countries.

US President Donald Trump made clear on Friday that trade was a top priority at a summit of leaders of Group of 20 nations, as Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned against rising protectionism and India and Russia defended multilateral trade rules.

US President Donald Trump made clear on Friday that trade was a top priority at a summit of leaders of Group of 20 nations, as Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned against rising protectionism and India and Russia defended multilateral trade rules. Ahead of talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Trump said he would discuss trade, days after criticising the US-Japan security treaty and demanding New Delhi withdraw retaliatory tariffs. "I think we’re going to have some very big things to announce. Very big trade deal. We’re doing some very big things with India in terms of trade, in terms of manufacturing," Trump said at the start of talks with Modi. Trump also said he would discuss Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei with the Indian leader. "We actually sell Huawei many of its parts," Trump said. "So we’re going to be discussing that and also how India fits in. And we’ll be discussing Huawei." A White House official said Trump wanted to promote to Abe and Modi "a resilient quality secure infrastructure" — a reference to the US push with allies to keep the Chinese company out of next-generation telecoms networks. Washington has pressed its allies to shun Huawei in their fifth generation, or 5G, networks on security grounds, but has also suggested it could be a factor in a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom Trump meets on Saturday. European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker flagged the shadow cast by the US-China trade feud. "The trade relations between China and the United States are difficult, they are contributing to the slowdown of the global economy," he told a news conference. Xi also warned about the protectionist steps he said some developed countries were taking. "All this is destroying the global trade order... This also impacts common interests of our countries, overshadows the peace and stability worldwide," Xi told a gathering of leaders of the BRICS grouping of nations on the sidelines of the G20 meet. Defending world trade rules Modi at the same meeting called for a focus on reforming the World Trade Organisation and Putin decried what he called efforts to destroy the Geneva-based body. "We consider counter-productive any attempts to destroy WTO or to lower its role," Putin said. The situation of the global economy was worrying as global trade was feeling the effect of "protectionism (and) politically motivated restrictions," he added. Trump also flagged trade at the start of his talks with Abe. "We're going to be talking about a lot of things and we're also going to be talking about a lot of trade," Trump said. "I appreciate the fact that you're sending many automobile companies into Michigan and Ohio and Pennsylvania and North Carolina," referring to US states critical to his effort to win re-election next year. Trump said the two leaders would also discuss Japanese purchases of US military equipment, although a Japanese official said later the topic did not come up. Tokyo and Washington are engaged in difficult trade talks as Trump's administration seeks to lower the US trade deficit. Japanese Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were to meet later in Osaka. Abe welcomed Trump's visit, calling their frequent meetings "proof of the strong US-Japan alliance". Trump renewed his criticism of the US-Japan security alliance this week as unbalanced. "We will go in and we will protect them and we will fight with our lives and with our treasure," he said in an interview on Wednesday with Fox television. "We will fight at all costs, right? But if we’re attacked, Japan doesn’t have to help us at all. They can watch it on a Sony television, the attack." Under the decades-old US-Japan security treaty, the United States has committed to defending Japan, which renounced the right to wage war after its defeat in World War Two. Japan in return provides military bases that Washington uses to project power deep into Asia, including the biggest concentration of US Marines outside the United States on Okinawa, and the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group at the Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo. After the Trump-Abe talks, a Japanese official told reporters the leaders had agreed to accelerate trade talks and had agreed the alliance was stronger than ever. Trump, praised German Chancellor Angela Merkel as a "great friend of mine" as well as trade between their two countries.

Trump talks trade at G20, China's Xi warns against rising protectionism

PM Narendra Modi will be meeting US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin in Japan for Bilateral G20 Summit. Watch full video to know more.

PM Modi to meet Trump, Putin at G20 Summit

In the face of new sanctions levied against Iran, Russia has insisted that it will continue to support the country

Russia backs Iran on US sanctions

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit. He will be arriving in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-has-become-a-vital-forum-to-address-the-most-pressing-issues-brazil-ambassador-to-india-andre-aranha-correa-do-lago-230443">Osaka on 27th and on 28th and 29th</a>&nbsp;the Indian prime minister will take part in the G20 summit, his sixth since 2014 and first in his second term.

PM Modi's first bilateral on day one will be with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Japanese PM was the first foreign leader to congratulate PM Modi on phone on his re-election on May 23rd.

The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be visiting India later this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan.

Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining the New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement.&nbsp;

PM Modi will be taking part in more than ten bilaterals and pull-asides at the summit. He will be meeting US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron &nbsp;He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organization Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just two weeks ago.

The important trilaterals will also happen, the JAI meet - Japan, America, India grouping and RIC meet - Russia, India and China trilaterals. Besides this, a permanent fixture has been informal the BRICS Summit.

The informal meet between Modi-Xi during the informal BRICS summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major ice-breaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis.

New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money. Other than this climate change, counter-terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other focus for India.&nbsp;

The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between World's number 1 and number 2 economies - US and China and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body - world trade organization(WTO).

The annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse.

The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese Presidency is "human centred future society” and focus will be on a range of issues from Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence to Inclusive and Sustainable World and pressing issues like Energy and Environment, Global Health, Climate change and Marine plastic waste.&nbsp;

G20 emerged in the backdrop of Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of developing and developed countries.&nbsp;

After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape in its present forum and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit.

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit. He will be arriving in Osaka on 27th and on 28th and 29th the Indian prime minister will take part in the G20 summit, his sixth since 2014 and first in his second term. PM Modi's first bilateral on day one will be with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Japanese PM was the first foreign leader to congratulate PM Modi on phone on his re-election on May 23rd. The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be visiting India later this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan. Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining the New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement. PM Modi will be taking part in more than ten bilaterals and pull-asides at the summit. He will be meeting US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organization Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just two weeks ago. The important trilaterals will also happen, the JAI meet - Japan, America, India grouping and RIC meet - Russia, India and China trilaterals. Besides this, a permanent fixture has been informal the BRICS Summit. The informal meet between Modi-Xi during the informal BRICS summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major ice-breaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis. New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money. Other than this climate change, counter-terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other focus for India. The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between World's number 1 and number 2 economies - US and China and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body - world trade organization(WTO). The annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse. The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese Presidency is "human centred future society” and focus will be on a range of issues from Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence to Inclusive and Sustainable World and pressing issues like Energy and Environment, Global Health, Climate change and Marine plastic waste. G20 emerged in the backdrop of Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of developing and developed countries. After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape in its present forum and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi to leave for G20 Summit today; first bilateral meeting with Japan PM Shinzo Abe

Georgia's opposition continued protests on Sunday as thousands gathered in front of the parliament building in the center of Tbilisi. Watch the full video to know more.

Protest in Georgia continues for fourth day

Several thousand anti-government protesters took to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi for a fourth day on Sunday as tensions rose between Moscow and its ex-Soviet neighbour.

The Tbilisi protests erupted after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat last week, a hugely sensitive move for two countries whose ties remain strained after a brief war in 2008.

The rallies have quickly morphed into a broader movement against billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be calling the shots in Georgia as a leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party he founded.

Demonstrators have gathered in front of the imposing building of Georgia's parliament, flooding the capital's main Rustavi Avenue and blocking traffic.&nbsp;

Protest placards took aim at billionaire tycoon Ivanishvili and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who in response to the protests has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-orders-suspension-of-passenger-flights-from-russia-to-georgia-229392">banned Russian airlines from flying to Georgia</a> and Georgian air carriers travelling to Russia.

"Russia will not enslave my country again!" read one of the placards.

Chanting "Resign!" protesters marched at midnight towards the seat of the Georgian government which was encircled by a police cordon.

Waving Georgia's five-cross red-and-white flags, they sang the national anthem and -- before dispersing -- vowed to resume protest on Monday at 1500 GMT.

'Against Putinism'

In another sign of the tense atmosphere, dozens of riot police were deployed outside Ivanishvili's hilltop residence that overlooks Tbilisi, according to footage broadcast by Rustavi-2, a pro-opposition television channel earlier Sunday.

The Kremlin has branded the Tbilisi protests a "Russophobic provocation" and suspended air travel from July 8, in a move criticised by many Russians.

The protesters said they were against Putin and not ordinary Russians.

"We are fighting against Putinism," prominent Georgian novelist Lasha Bugadze said at the rally on Sunday.

"We've got no problems whatsoever with the Russian people, we are not xenophobes."

Ahead of planned parliamentary polls next year, the opposition is demanding electoral reform and snap elections, hoping to capitalise on discontent with the ruling party over its failure to kickstart a stagnant economy.&nbsp;

Opposition parties have also accused Ivanishvili of an "informal oligarch rule," eroding state institutions, and electoral fraud.

The first day of the protests saw a violent police crackdown that left 160 demonstrators and 80 police officers injured. More than 300 people were arrested.&nbsp;

Media reports said that several protesters –- including a 19-year-old girl -- that were hit by rubber bullets have lost their sight.

'Fed up'

The leader of Georgia's opposition Republican Party, Levan Berdzenishvili, told AFP that the appearance of a Russian MP in parliament's plenary chamber "was the last straw for Georgians, long frustrated over Ivanishvili's dysfunctional government and the backsliding of the country's democracy."

"Ordinary Georgians and political parties are united in their resolve to get rid of oligarchic rule," the veteran politician added.

"We are fed up, Russia's puppet Ivanishvili has usurped power in Georgia," said Kakha Vasadze, a 28-year-old musician.

Soso Gagoshvili, a 56-year-old chemist, said Ivanishvili must go. "Oligarchic rule has no place in the 21st century."

Relations between Georgia and its Soviet-era master Russia have long been fractured over Tbilisi's bid to join the European Union and NATO.&nbsp;

The confrontation culminated in a full-out war over Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in August 2008.

After the war, which claimed the lives of hundreds of soldiers and civilians from both sides, Moscow recognised South Ossetia and another separatist enclave, Abkhazia, as independent states where it then stationed permanent military bases.

Tbilisi and its Western allies have denounced the move as an "illegal military occupation."

The two regions constitute 20 per cent of Georgia's territory.

Several thousand anti-government protesters took to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi for a fourth day on Sunday as tensions rose between Moscow and its ex-Soviet neighbour.

Several thousand anti-government protesters took to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi for a fourth day on Sunday as tensions rose between Moscow and its ex-Soviet neighbour. The Tbilisi protests erupted after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat last week, a hugely sensitive move for two countries whose ties remain strained after a brief war in 2008. The rallies have quickly morphed into a broader movement against billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be calling the shots in Georgia as a leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party he founded. Demonstrators have gathered in front of the imposing building of Georgia's parliament, flooding the capital's main Rustavi Avenue and blocking traffic. Protest placards took aim at billionaire tycoon Ivanishvili and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who in response to the protests has banned Russian airlines from flying to Georgia and Georgian air carriers travelling to Russia. "Russia will not enslave my country again!" read one of the placards. Chanting "Resign!" protesters marched at midnight towards the seat of the Georgian government which was encircled by a police cordon. Waving Georgia's five-cross red-and-white flags, they sang the national anthem and -- before dispersing -- vowed to resume protest on Monday at 1500 GMT. 'Against Putinism' In another sign of the tense atmosphere, dozens of riot police were deployed outside Ivanishvili's hilltop residence that overlooks Tbilisi, according to footage broadcast by Rustavi-2, a pro-opposition television channel earlier Sunday. The Kremlin has branded the Tbilisi protests a "Russophobic provocation" and suspended air travel from July 8, in a move criticised by many Russians. The protesters said they were against Putin and not ordinary Russians. "We are fighting against Putinism," prominent Georgian novelist Lasha Bugadze said at the rally on Sunday. "We've got no problems whatsoever with the Russian people, we are not xenophobes." Ahead of planned parliamentary polls next year, the opposition is demanding electoral reform and snap elections, hoping to capitalise on discontent with the ruling party over its failure to kickstart a stagnant economy. Opposition parties have also accused Ivanishvili of an "informal oligarch rule," eroding state institutions, and electoral fraud. The first day of the protests saw a violent police crackdown that left 160 demonstrators and 80 police officers injured. More than 300 people were arrested. Media reports said that several protesters –- including a 19-year-old girl -- that were hit by rubber bullets have lost their sight. 'Fed up' The leader of Georgia's opposition Republican Party, Levan Berdzenishvili, told AFP that the appearance of a Russian MP in parliament's plenary chamber "was the last straw for Georgians, long frustrated over Ivanishvili's dysfunctional government and the backsliding of the country's democracy." "Ordinary Georgians and political parties are united in their resolve to get rid of oligarchic rule," the veteran politician added. "We are fed up, Russia's puppet Ivanishvili has usurped power in Georgia," said Kakha Vasadze, a 28-year-old musician. Soso Gagoshvili, a 56-year-old chemist, said Ivanishvili must go. "Oligarchic rule has no place in the 21st century." Relations between Georgia and its Soviet-era master Russia have long been fractured over Tbilisi's bid to join the European Union and NATO. The confrontation culminated in a full-out war over Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in August 2008. After the war, which claimed the lives of hundreds of soldiers and civilians from both sides, Moscow recognised South Ossetia and another separatist enclave, Abkhazia, as independent states where it then stationed permanent military bases. Tbilisi and its Western allies have denounced the move as an "illegal military occupation." The two regions constitute 20 per cent of Georgia's territory.

Georgian protesters slam 'Putinism', raise pressure on oligarch

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the suspension of Russian passenger flights to Georgia, this is after Georgia's Capital witnessed violent protests.

Georgia Unrest: Protests over Russian lawmaker's visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has temporarily banned passenger flights from Russia to Georgia, the Kremlin said on Friday following an outbreak of unrest in Tbilisi triggered by the visit of a Russian lawmaker.

The Kremlin said it was also recommending travel agencies suspend tours to Georgia from Russia.

Violence flared in the Georgian capital late on Thursday, where police used tear gas and rubber bullets to stop angry crowds storming parliament.

The crowds were angry about the visit of a Russian delegation led by Sergei Gavrilov, a member of Russia's lower house of parliament, who was taking part in an event designed to foster relations between Orthodox Christian lawmakers.

Hundreds of people, both protesters and police officers, were injured, some seriously, as demonstrators pushed against lines of riot police, threw bottles and stones, and grabbed shields, drawing a tough response.

Though ostensibly about how Georgia handles relations with Russia, with whom it fought and lost a brief war in 2008, opposition parties are seeking to seize the moment to press much wider and unrelated demands and called on people to take to the streets again on Friday evening.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili called Russia "an enemy and occupier" and suggested Moscow had helped trigger the protests, while the Kremlin on Friday blamed radical Georgian politicians for what it called "an anti-Russian provocation".

Russian President Vladimir Putin has temporarily banned passenger flights from Russia to Georgia, the Kremlin said on Friday following an outbreak of unrest in Tbilisi triggered by the visit of a Russian lawmaker.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has temporarily banned passenger flights from Russia to Georgia, the Kremlin said on Friday following an outbreak of unrest in Tbilisi triggered by the visit of a Russian lawmaker. The Kremlin said it was also recommending travel agencies suspend tours to Georgia from Russia. Violence flared in the Georgian capital late on Thursday, where police used tear gas and rubber bullets to stop angry crowds storming parliament. The crowds were angry about the visit of a Russian delegation led by Sergei Gavrilov, a member of Russia's lower house of parliament, who was taking part in an event designed to foster relations between Orthodox Christian lawmakers. Hundreds of people, both protesters and police officers, were injured, some seriously, as demonstrators pushed against lines of riot police, threw bottles and stones, and grabbed shields, drawing a tough response. Though ostensibly about how Georgia handles relations with Russia, with whom it fought and lost a brief war in 2008, opposition parties are seeking to seize the moment to press much wider and unrelated demands and called on people to take to the streets again on Friday evening. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili called Russia "an enemy and occupier" and suggested Moscow had helped trigger the protests, while the Kremlin on Friday blamed radical Georgian politicians for what it called "an anti-Russian provocation".

Vladimir Putin orders suspension of passenger flights from Russia to Georgia

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated his 66th birthday Saturday alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, who surprised him with ice cream, the Kremlin said in a statement. The two leaders met in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, where they were attending the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Chinese President Xi Jinping Gets A Special Gift From Putin

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