Trump, Putin discuss arms control, Iran nukes in phone call
President Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday about arms control and recovering their economies from the coronavirus pandemic.
Putin
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.
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.
Russia votes to define marriage in constitution as between man and woman
Russians voted in favor of a referendum on Wednesday for a series of constitutional amendments, one of which would define marriage as between a man and a woman.
Russia Votes On Controversial Constitution Changes
Russia has begun a week-long vote on constitutional reforms that could allow President Vladimir Putin to rule until 2036.
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.
At a Time of Declining Popularity, Russia to Vote on Changes That Could Extend Putin’s Rule
Amid declining polls, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed a military parade on Wednesday, ahead of a vote that could pave the way for him to remain in office until 2036.
US-Russia Unfreeze Nuclear Talks Amid Cold War Tensions
The United States and Russia have restarted negotiations about their nuclear arsenals following a break of more than a year amid the worst military tensions between the two atomic superpowers since the Cold War. But the talks in Vienna, Austria, began Monday amid uncertainty over whether U.S. President Donald Trump wants to secure a nuclear arms control treaty in the last four months before presidential elections.
Putin Declares State of Emergency Following Oil Spill in Siberia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a state of emergency after a fuel tank at a Siberian power plant collapsed on Friday and spilled 20,000 tonnes of diesel oil into the Arctic Circle’s Ambarnaya river, BBC News reported. The oil spread around 12km (7.5 miles) from the plant, reportedly contaminating a 350 sq. km (135 sq. mile) area.
Russia Expands Possible Use Of Nuclear Arms
In a warning to Washington, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new nuclear policy that allows him to use atomic weapons even in response to a non-nuclear attack.
Putin: Nationwide Vote on Removal of Limits to Presidential Terms will be Held on July 1
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that a nationwide vote which could keep him in power until 2036 will now be held on July 1.
Russia Admits Higher COVID-19 Deathtoll Amid Journalist Detentions
Russian authorities claim more people have died of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 than they previously disclosed.
Chechen Leader Hospitalized With COVID-19
There was mounting uncertainty Saturday over the health of Chechen autocratic leader Ramzan Kadyrov after conflicting reports over whether he suffers from the coronavirus disease COVID-19.
Russia Mourns Coronavirus Patients Killed In Fire
Russia is mourning the death of at least five coronavirus patients who died early Tuesday when a fire broke out in a hospital in St. Petersburg. The tragedy in Russia’s second-largest city, followed two other deadly blazes at care facilities in Russia as it struggles to contain the coronavirus pandemic. These incidents overshadowed plans by Russian President Vladimir Putin to re-open the economy after an extended lockdown.
Coronavirus Overshadows Europe’s 75th Anniversary of War Liberation
Leaders of Europe attended subdued ceremonies over the weekend to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe while facing a perceived new war against an invisible enemy, the coronavirus.
Putin-Trump call focuses on coronavirus, arms control, oil
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed progress in combating the coronavirus pandemic along with arms control issues and oil prices in a phone call Thursday, the White House and the Kremlin said.
Russia, Pakistan Report Coronavirus Spike As Lockdown Protests Grow
Pakistan and Russia have reported their most significant one-day rise in new coronavirus infections. Their announcement Saturday came after some other countries and U.S. states where case numbers are stabilizing allowed businesses and public activities to reopen.
Saudi Arabia and Russia reach deal to end oil price war after pressure from Trump
Saudi Arabia and Russia ended their price war and are poised to deliver the oil production cut President Trump has been demanding in order to raise historically low prices that have damaged the U.S. shale industry.
Countries Fight Over Medical Supplies Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
As countries struggle to contain the new coronavirus outbreak, a global fight has emerged over dwindling medical supplies. The tensions even led to growing competition for medical goods between the United States and its traditional European allies. Take Germany. The local government in the German state and capital, Berlin, claims that 200,000 U.S.-made protective masks bound for Germany never arrived. Authorities say the shipment was ‘confiscated’ in Bangkok, Thailand.
Dutch Daily: ‘World Searching For Leader Amid Coronacrisis’
With roughly half the world in lockdown and many politicians weak or ill, the largest Dutch daily concludes in a headline: “World searching for LEADER.” De Telegraaf (The Telegraph) also expresses that “Nobody takes the lead in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.” Its commentator, Frank van Vliet, complained: “While the world is on fire, international politicians are running in one direction to put out their fire. No leader has taken the lead, and solidarity is lacking. They did not read author Alexander Dumas’ Three Musketeers because “one for all and all for one” has been replaced by “own people first.”