Russia

Trump and Putin talk on phone about arms control and COVID-19 economic recovery

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone Thursday and discussed arms control and economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Washington Times reports. Although this is the first time the two leaders have talked since allegations emerged that Russia had offered bounties for Afghan militants to kill US soldiers, neither the White House nor the Kremlin made mention of this issue in their statements about the call.

Russian Court Fines Virus-Denying Priest

A Russian court has fined an influential priest for publicly denying the existence of the new coronavirus and urging his followers to ignore government ordered lockdowns.

Russian Spies Try Stealing Coronavirus Vaccine Research

Western security services say Russian spies try to steal coronavirus research in several Western nations. Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned Friday that Russian hackers “almost certainly” operated as “part of Russian intelligence services.”

Anti-migration Hungary Reimposes Coronavirus Measures on Selected Foreigners

Hungary’s fiercely anti-migration government warned Sunday it would reimpose far-reaching coronavirus restrictions on people arriving from nations with a moderate or high number of coronavirus infections. The measures include mandatory two-week quarantines or bans and other limitations.

Iranian and Syrian regimes sign military agreement

Syria’s dictator Bashar Assad has signed a military cooperation agreement with Iran’s Islamic extremist regime, Algemeiner reports. The deal was concluded Wednesday, reportedly as part of an effort to increase Syria’s air defenses against “pressures by America.”

Russia says Turkey tested its S-400s on US F-16 jets

Turkey, a member of NATO, tested the Russian-made S-400 air defense system on US-made F-16 jets during a drill in November 2019, Russia’s state media TASS has reported. The use of the S-400 against the F-16s was already reported last year, but the new details from Russian media appear to cement the claim and infer that something more was going on in those tests.

France and Other Governments Pressured over Coronavirus Response

A French court has launched an inquiry into the alleged mishandling by the outgoing French government of the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement comes while elsewhere in Europe, and the former Soviet Union, tensions also rise over the way leaders deal with the crisis.

Russia’s Putin Can Rule Till 2036, Voters Say

Russia’s long-ruling President Vladimir Putin could remain in power until 2036 after voters backed controversial changes to the constitution, official results showed Wednesday.

India Tests New COVID-19 Vaccine on Humans in July

Bharat Biotech is now approved for human trials, and slated to start human vaccine testing for COVID-19 in July. It will be India’s first domestic pharmaceutical candidate to receive the go-ahead from the government’s drug regulator as cases are sky-rocketing in the 1.3 billion population.

EU extends sanctions on Russia

The European Union has decided to extend sanctions it imposed on Russia in 2014 following Russian military action against Ukraine. The decision to extend the economic measures was made by the Council of the European Union on June 29.

Poland’s President Facing Liberal Challenge In Sunday Poll

Poland’s right-wing president, Andrzej Duda, was seeking a second five-year term in an election amid controversy. Sunday’s poll was seen as a test whether voters share his plans of implementing a conservative agenda. His policies include judicial reforms that the European Union claims undermine democracy.

US-Russia Agree On Talks To Prevent News Arms Race

U.S. and Russian negotiators have agreed to continue talks on how to prevent a new nuclear arms race. Still, concerns remain over China’s opposition to being included in the negotiations.

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