themoscowtimes--2020-12-16--U.S. Investigated Kara-Murza Poisoning as ‘Intentional’ Act – RFE/RL

Kara-Murza , 39 , says he was deliberately poisoned in Moscow in 2015 and 2017 as retaliation for his lobbying efforts to impose U.S. and EU sanctions against Russian officials accused of human rights abuses .
In both cases , Russian doctors said Kara-Murza had suffered the toxic effects of an “ unidentified substance ” and Russian authorities denied the poisonings .
“ The FBI is investigating this matter as a case of intentional poisoning , ” a June 2018 FBI summary report said , according to RFE/RL .
Citing Justice Department documents , RFE/RL reported that American doctors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2015 incident for evidence of a biotoxin or radioactive substance .
While Kara-Murza ’ s blood samples were tested independently by a leading U.S. weapons-research lab , most of the records were withheld from the activist and his lawyer `` for consultation with other agencies , '' RFE/RL reported .
Records released to Kara-Murza did not include test results for polonium and dioxin , only citing samples that had `` minimal volume , which ma [ de ] testing difficult and limited .
“ And while the documents released so far suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and urine for sophisticated poisons , to date they have provided no records or summaries related to the results of such tests , ” RFE/RL said .
The latest news follows the poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny with what Germany and other Western governments say was a Novichok nerve agent in August .
Kara-Murza ’ s lawyer Stephen Rademaker “ expressed frustration at Washington 's reticence regarding Kara-Murza 's case compared to Germany 's swift announcement of its conclusion in Navalny 's case , ” RFE/RL reported .

Kara-Murza, 39, says he was deliberately poisoned in Moscow in 2015 and 2017 as retaliation for his lobbying efforts to impose U.S. and EU sanctions against Russian officials accused of human rights abuses. In both cases, Russian doctors said Kara-Murza had suffered the toxic effects of an “unidentified substance” and Russian authorities denied the poisonings.
“The FBI is investigating this matter as a case of intentional poisoning,” a June 2018 FBI summary report said, according to RFE/RL.
Citing Justice Department documents, RFE/RL reported that American doctors and scientists tested Kara-Murza’s samples from the 2015 incident for evidence of a biotoxin or radioactive substance.
While Kara-Murza’s blood samples were tested independently by a leading U.S. weapons-research lab, most of the records were withheld from the activist and his lawyer "for consultation with other agencies," RFE/RL reported.
Records released to Kara-Murza did not include test results for polonium and dioxin, only citing samples that had "minimal volume, which ma[de] testing difficult and limited.
“And while the documents released so far suggest that U.S. authorities tested Kara-Murza's blood and urine for sophisticated poisons, to date they have provided no records or summaries related to the results of such tests,” RFE/RL said.
The latest news follows the poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny with what Germany and other Western governments say was a Novichok nerve agent in August.
Kara-Murza’s lawyer Stephen Rademaker “expressed frustration at Washington's reticence regarding Kara-Murza's case compared to Germany's swift announcement of its conclusion in Navalny's case,” RFE/RL reported.


themoscowtimes--2020-12-16--Russia Lost 5M Migrants During Pandemic

Russia Lost 5M Migrants During Pandemic

Almost half of all migrants living in Russia before the coronavirus pandemic have likely left the country this year , @ @ @ @ @ .
In a statement cited by the RBC news website , authorities said there are @ @ @ @ @ in Russia .
That number has been steadily declining since the start of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ ’ s borders , it explained .
In a normal year , anywhere between 9 @ @ @ @ @ based in Russia , the ministry said — meaning up to 5 million could have @ @ @ @ @ last few months .
Russia sealed its borders in the spring and currently only allows @ @ @ @ @ countries to enter after a partial reopening .

Almost half of all migrants living in Russia before the coronavirus pandemic have likely left the country this year, the Interior Ministry said Wednesday.
In a statement cited by the RBC news website, authorities said there are currently 6.3 million foreign citizens in Russia. That number has been steadily declining since the start of the pandemic and the closure of Russia’s borders, it explained.
In a normal year, anywhere between 9 and 11 million migrants are based in Russia, the ministry said — meaning up to 5 million could have left the country over the last few months.
Russia sealed its borders in the spring and currently only allows citizens from a handful of countries to enter after a partial reopening.


themoscowtimes--2020-12-16--Putin’s Cousin Forms New ‘Russia Without Corruption’ Party

President Vladimir Putin ’ s cousin has formed a new political party called “ Russia Without Corruption , ” the state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported .
Roman Putin is an entrepreneur , politician , former FSB officer and Putin ’ s first cousin , once removed .
He previously headed the “ People Against Corruption ” party , which was dissolved last month by the Russian Supreme Court for not participating in any elections for seven years .
The Russia Without Corruption party , which was founded at a congress in Moscow on Tuesday , plans to run in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnamed source close to the party told RIA Novosti .
The party ’ s name bears similarity to opposition leader Alexei Navalny ’ s Anti-Corruption Foundation , which publishes investigations into corruption among Russia ’ s elite .
Ahead of next year ’ s State Duma elections , Navalny has been promoting his strategy of “ Smart Voting ” that urges supporters to vote for the candidate with the highest chance of unseating pro-Kremlin incumbents .
Some analysts have linked the recent appearance of several new political parties to a Kremlin strategy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the ruling , pro-Kremlin United Russia party .

President Vladimir Putin’s cousin has formed a new political party called “Russia Without Corruption,” the state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported.
Roman Putin is an entrepreneur, politician, former FSB officer and Putin’s first cousin, once removed. He previously headed the “People Against Corruption” party, which was dissolved last month by the Russian Supreme Court for not participating in any elections for seven years.
The Russia Without Corruption party, which was founded at a congress in Moscow on Tuesday, plans to run in the 2021 State Duma elections, an unnamed source close to the party told RIA Novosti.
The party’s name bears similarity to opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, which publishes investigations into corruption among Russia’s elite. Ahead of next year’s State Duma elections, Navalny has been promoting his strategy of “Smart Voting” that urges supporters to vote for the candidate with the highest chance of unseating pro-Kremlin incumbents.
Some analysts have linked the recent appearance of several new political parties to a Kremlin strategy to divide opposition support amid record low popularity for the ruling, pro-Kremlin United Russia party.


themoscowtimes--2020-12-16--Steven Seagal’s Russian Account Blocked By Tax Authorities – Reports

American action star and Russian citizen Steven Seagal ’ s Russian bank account has been blocked by the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ the Moskva news agency reported Wednesday .
The Sberbank account was blocked in order to @ @ @ @ @ tax , penalty or fine , Moskva cited documents in the Bankinform database as saying @ @ @ @ @ told Moskva that the block was most likely a mistake .
Seagal received Russian citizenship @ @ @ @ @ Moscow ’ s envoy for Russian-U.S. humanitarian ties in 2018 .
The actor is an @ @ @ @ @ Putin , describing him as `` one of the great living world leaders '' in @ @ @ @ @ also has multiple sexual harassment allegations filed against him in his home country of the @ @

American action star and Russian citizen Steven Seagal’s Russian bank account has been blocked by the country’s Federal Tax Service, the Moskva news agency reported Wednesday.
The Sberbank account was blocked in order to ensure the collection of a tax, penalty or fine, Moskva cited documents in the Bankinform database as saying. A spokesperson for Seagal told Moskva that the block was most likely a mistake.
Seagal received Russian citizenship in 2016 and was appointed Moscow’s envoy for Russian-U.S. humanitarian ties in 2018.
The actor is an outspoken supporter of President Vladimir Putin, describing him as "one of the great living world leaders" in a 2014 interview.
Seagal also has multiple sexual harassment allegations filed against him in his home country of the U.S.


themoscowtimes--2020-12-16--Aeroflot Creates Quarantine Zone for Maskless Passengers

The changes came after the airline warned that it would deny boarding to maskless passengers as part of its tighter coronavirus control measures .
Aeroflot will allocate special seating for passengers who refuse to wear face masks on flights , a spokeswoman for Russia ’ s flagship carrier said Tuesday .
“ Dedicated seats are provided for passengers who refuse to use masks after the doors are closed , ” Interfax quoted Aeroflot spokeswoman Yulia Spivakova as telling reporters .
Spivakova warned that Aeroflot could kick off passengers unwilling to follow health guidelines , calling it a “ common global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an alleged Aeroflot document shared by the Baza Telegram channel , the maskless seats will be allocated on the last two rows on the right-hand side of economy cabins .
Aeroflot requires all passengers , including those with medical exemptions , to fully cover their mouth and nose with a medical mask throughout the entire flight .
Passengers are told to replace their masks every three hours or after every meal .
Russia grounded all international flights in late March as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the country .
Special evacuation flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , qualified-specialist and diplomatic flights have continued to operate .
In recent months , Russia has gradually resumed flights with a dozen countries it deemed safe for travel , including Britain , Turkey , the UAE and Switzerland .
Russia reinstated a nationwide mask mandate this fall amid its record-setting second wave of the pandemic .
Since the start of the outbreak , 2.7 million Russians have been infected and 48,000 have died from the virus , according to official data .

The changes came after the airline warned that it would deny boarding to maskless passengers as part of its tighter coronavirus control measures.
Aeroflot will allocate special seating for passengers who refuse to wear face masks on flights, a spokeswoman for Russia’s flagship carrier said Tuesday.
“Dedicated seats are provided for passengers who refuse to use masks after the doors are closed,” Interfax quoted Aeroflot spokeswoman Yulia Spivakova as telling reporters.
Spivakova warned that Aeroflot could kick off passengers unwilling to follow health guidelines, calling it a “common global practice and a necessary measure.”
According to an alleged Aeroflot document shared by the Baza Telegram channel, the maskless seats will be allocated on the last two rows on the right-hand side of economy cabins.
Aeroflot requires all passengers, including those with medical exemptions, to fully cover their mouth and nose with a medical mask throughout the entire flight.
Passengers are told to replace their masks every three hours or after every meal.
Russia grounded all international flights in late March as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the country. Special evacuation flights and government-authorized family reunification, medical treatment, qualified-specialist and diplomatic flights have continued to operate.
In recent months, Russia has gradually resumed flights with a dozen countries it deemed safe for travel, including Britain, Turkey, the UAE and Switzerland.
Russia reinstated a nationwide mask mandate this fall amid its record-setting second wave of the pandemic. Since the start of the outbreak, 2.7 million Russians have been infected and 48,000 have died from the virus, according to official data.


themoscowtimes--2020-12-16--Russian Activist Convicted Under ‘Repeat Protest’ Law Walks Free From Prison

Kotov , who was arrested during the summer 2019 Moscow election protests , was the second person ever to be prosecuted under the controversial law criminalizing `` repeated '' participation in unauthorized rallies .
A Moscow court cut the 35-year-old computer programmer ’ s four-year jail sentence to 18 months this spring .
Russian activist Konstantin Kotov was released from prison Wednesday after serving 18 months for “ multiple breaches ” of Russia ’ s protest law .
The OVD-Info police-monitoring website reported that Kotov walked free from a penal colony 100 kilometers east of Moscow in the dark early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists showed Kotov being met by his wife Anna Pavlikova , who herself had received a suspended sentence in a separate high-profile extremism case .
In late November , he was denied parole to be released on Dec. 7 because prison officials said he “ had not yet reformed , ” OVD-Info said .
It previously reported that prison administrators had subjected Kotov to reprimands and placed him in solitary confinement for minor infractions .
Kotov told MBKh Media he plans to continue his activism “ as soon as he understands what ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his senses.
” President Vladimir Putin said last December that he would look at Kotov ’ s case and instructed federal prosecutors a month later to review his prison sentence .

Kotov, who was arrested during the summer 2019 Moscow election protests, was the second person ever to be prosecuted under the controversial law criminalizing "repeated" participation in unauthorized rallies. A Moscow court cut the 35-year-old computer programmer’s four-year jail sentence to 18 months this spring.
Russian activist Konstantin Kotov was released from prison Wednesday after serving 18 months for “multiple breaches” of Russia’s protest law.
The OVD-Info police-monitoring website reported that Kotov walked free from a penal colony 100 kilometers east of Moscow in the dark early hours of Wednesday.
Footage shared by activists showed Kotov being met by his wife Anna Pavlikova, who herself had received a suspended sentence in a separate high-profile extremism case.
In late November, he was denied parole to be released on Dec. 7 because prison officials said he “had not yet reformed,” OVD-Info said. It previously reported that prison administrators had subjected Kotov to reprimands and placed him in solitary confinement for minor infractions.
Kotov told MBKh Media he plans to continue his activism “as soon as he understands what’s happening in the country and comes to his senses.”
His defense team had demanded that his sentence be annulled and that he be immediately released.
President Vladimir Putin said last December that he would look at Kotov’s case and instructed federal prosecutors a month later to review his prison sentence.
Amnesty International had declared Kotov a prisoner of conscience.


themoscowtimes--2020-12-16--Smog-Choked Russian City Appeals to Biden for Aid

In a video appeal , residents said Russian authorities routinely ignore their complaints that industrial emissions are getting worse every year , causing rising cases of cancer and suffocating the city in smoke .
Residents of Russia ’ s heavily polluted industrial city of Chelyabinsk are calling on U.S. President-elect Joe Biden to help them avoid “ ecological genocide.
” “ They ’ re taking away our natural right — the right to breathe clean air , ” Chelyabinsk environmental activist Valentina Volkova said .
Volkova told the Belsat broadcaster Tuesday that the activists have also sent a written version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow .
Residents chose Biden as the subject of the appeal in citywide polls , she said , noting that they ruled out appealing to President Vladimir Putin as a “ waste of time.
” In the appeal to Biden , Volkova decried plans by wealthy magnate Igor Altushkin to build a new copper processing plant , saying “ it will permanently kill the city.
” “ As you know , there ’ s a clear trend in the civilized world toward reducing the share of natural resources and increasing the share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But this process is reversed in our country.
” Volkova , flanked by a handful of supporters , framed the issue as a global environmental justice initiative .
“ Mr .
President , we live in different countries on opposite ends of the earth , but we live on the same planet Earth under the same skies , ” she addressed Biden .
“ It ’ s time to jointly decide how to tackle this serious ecological threat , ” Volkova said .

In a video appeal , residents said Russian authorities routinely ignore their complaints that industrial emissions are getting worse every year, causing rising cases of cancer and suffocating the city in smoke.
Residents of Russia’s heavily polluted industrial city of Chelyabinsk are calling on U.S. President-elect Joe Biden to help them avoid “ecological genocide.”
“They’re taking away our natural right — the right to breathe clean air,” Chelyabinsk environmental activist Valentina Volkova said.
Volkova told the Belsat broadcaster Tuesday that the activists have also sent a written version of the appeal to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
Residents chose Biden as the subject of the appeal in citywide polls, she said, noting that they ruled out appealing to President Vladimir Putin as a “waste of time.”
In the appeal to Biden, Volkova decried plans by wealthy magnate Igor Altushkin to build a new copper processing plant, saying “it will permanently kill the city.”
“As you know, there’s a clear trend in the civilized world toward reducing the share of natural resources and increasing the share of alternative energy,” she said. “But this process is reversed in our country.”
Volkova, flanked by a handful of supporters, framed the issue as a global environmental justice initiative.
“Mr. President, we live in different countries on opposite ends of the earth, but we live on the same planet Earth under the same skies,” she addressed Biden.
“It’s time to jointly decide how to tackle this serious ecological threat,” Volkova said.


themoscowtimes--2020-12-16--Troll Crackdown Exposes France-Russia Rivalry in Africa

The U.S. tech firm said on Tuesday it had closed down two Russian-linked networks of accounts and a third with `` links to individuals associated with French military '' for breaking its policy against foreign or government interference .
Facebook has exposed a curious battle for influence in Africa , with former colonial power France and former superpower Russia using fake accounts to engage , criticize and even befriend each other online .
While information warfare is nothing new , Facebook was still surprised to see two countries fighting head-on in a third region .
France , the former colonial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has thousands of troops deployed in the region to fight jihadists .
Russia has also stepped up its bid for sway in recent years with observers accusing it of using a notorious mercenary group called Wagner to fight in countries including Libya .
One of the networks shut down by Facebook was linked indirectly with shadowy Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin , accused by the West of running troll factories and Wagner — allegations he denies .
`` This was the first time our team found two campaigns — from France and Russia — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by befriending , commenting and criticizing the opposing side for being fake , '' wrote Facebook 's Nathaniel Gleicher and David Agranovich in a blog .
The networks `` used fake accounts as a central part of their operations to mislead people about who they are and what they are doing , and that was the basis for our action , '' Facebook said .
In its first reaction on Wednesday , the French army did not confirm any involvement but noted that such activity had become widespread .
In the Central African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have been seeing the rise of disinformation actions aimed at destabilizing the country , actions that we condemn , '' the defense ministry told AFP .
The ministry said it was not surprised by the conclusions published by Facebook , but `` we are not at this stage in a position to attribute any responsibility . ''
However , the French army has already acknowledged that social networks have become theaters of conflict .

The U.S. tech firm said on Tuesday it had closed down two Russian-linked networks of accounts and a third with "links to individuals associated with French military" for breaking its policy against foreign or government interference.
Facebook has exposed a curious battle for influence in Africa, with former colonial power France and former superpower Russia using fake accounts to engage, criticize and even befriend each other online.
While information warfare is nothing new, Facebook was still surprised to see two countries fighting head-on in a third region.
France, the former colonial power in large parts of Africa, has thousands of troops deployed in the region to fight jihadists.
Russia has also stepped up its bid for sway in recent years with observers accusing it of using a notorious mercenary group called Wagner to fight in countries including Libya.
One of the networks shut down by Facebook was linked indirectly with shadowy Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, accused by the West of running troll factories and Wagner — allegations he denies.
"This was the first time our team found two campaigns — from France and Russia — actively engage with one another, including by befriending, commenting and criticizing the opposing side for being fake," wrote Facebook's Nathaniel Gleicher and David Agranovich in a blog.
The networks "used fake accounts as a central part of their operations to mislead people about who they are and what they are doing, and that was the basis for our action," Facebook said.
New theaters of conflict
In its first reaction on Wednesday, the French army did not confirm any involvement but noted that such activity had become widespread.
In the Central African Republic "for many months now, we have been seeing the rise of disinformation actions aimed at destabilizing the country, actions that we condemn," the defense ministry told AFP.
The ministry said it was not surprised by the conclusions published by Facebook, but "we are not at this stage in a position to attribute any responsibility."
However, the French army has already acknowledged that social networks have become theaters of conflict.


themoscowtimes--2020-12-17--Putin Talks Coronavirus, Navalny Poisoning at Annual Marathon Press Conference

President Vladimir Putin 's annual press conference on Thursday focused heavily on the coronavirus pandemic that has hit Russia hard .
The event follows a tumultuous 12 months for the Kremlin that also included unrest across the post-Soviet world , ongoing protests in the Far East and the poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny .
Speaking to journalists via video-link from his official residence outside Moscow , Putin also fielded questions on the economy , foreign relations and whether he will run for president again in 2024 .
Here are his main quotes from the marathon press conference , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 54 minutes : On whether he has received the Sputnik V vaccine — “ I 'm quite law-abiding .
I 'll listen to the recommendations of specialists , so I 've not done it yet .
But I will definitely do it as soon as it 's possible .
I see no reason not to get vaccinated.
” [ Editors ’ note : Experts have warned that Sputnik V could be harmful for patients aged 60 and older . ]
— “ We ’ re lacking the equipment and hardware to produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the media investigation naming the FSB agents believed to be behind the Navalny poisoning — “ We know what this is .
This is not an investigation , but an attempt to legitimize materials from the American special services , ” Putin said , blaming the U.S. special services for “ pulling a trick to attack ” him personally .
— “ As for the patient at the Berlin hospital , this patient is supported by the U.S. special services.
” — “ As if we don ’ t know that [ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our security services know this of course ... Our security services keep on eye on him , but that doesn ’ t mean we have to poison him.
” — “ We did not poison him , who needs him ?
If someone wanted to poison him , they probably would have finished the job.
” — “ When his wife asked me , I immediately let her take him to Germany.
” On the recent investigation into his former son-in-law ’ s wealth — “ It is impossible to read [ investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just skimmed it.
” — “ Throughout , they write about the president 's son-in-law , the president 's son-in-law — but at the end they write that he is a former son-in-law.
” — “ It is not prohibited to have assets abroad ; only government workers are prohibited from having assets abroad .
The company in question is a private company.
” — “ Not one country was ready for [ a health crisis on ] such a scale .
Compared to the rest of the world , our healthcare system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — “ We learned from our friends and immediately gained time and closed the border .
We added 270,000 beds and built 40 treatment centers.
” — “ Up to 16 parties can take part in the election campaign next year .
They have very different points of view , but at the same time practically each of them acts from a patriotic position .
All have one goal : the well-being and development of the country.
” — `` Russia is one of the most open countries in the world .
Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States .
We will expand opportunities to achieve the main thing so that citizens in our country are confident in the transparency of elections . ''
— “ Russian hackers did not help Trump to be elected and did not interfere in the internal affairs of this great power .
This is a provocation and a reason for the deterioration of relations.
” — “ U.S.-Russia relations have become hostages of the internal [ U.S. ] political situation .
I hope Biden understands what is happening , he is an experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many things were impossible to do .
The foundations of our Constitution remain unchanged.
” — “ The Constitution was adopted in difficult conditions in 1993 .
Military tanks were firing at the Parliament , people died .
Our Constitution was adopted in these conditions .
This happened here , in Moscow .
The Constitution created the political basis for development ; however , some things needed to be amended.
” “ We held an all-Russia vote with a record number of people voting , which is essentially a referendum .
Russian citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Constitution.
” — “ Was it worth it or not to amend the Constitution ?
I have a universal rule .
You need to ask yourself : Will this be for the good of the country ?
If it is , then it 's worth doing .
I have not yet decided if I will run again in 2024 .
To do it or not to do it , I will see .
Stable development of the country is my priority.
” — “ Whether he gathered information from open sources or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is not being tried for his journalistic activity .
He is not a dissenting journalist who fights against power .
This is due to the long period of his work as an assistant or adviser to Rosgozin , when he worked in the government and at Roscosmos .
The investigation has nothing to do with journalistic activities in general.
” [ Editors ' note : Safronov worked at Roscosmos for two months before his arrest . ]
— “ You said he might have stumbled and that for this , he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is charged with espionage , treason ; the biggest sin that we have is betrayal .
Submitting information to a foreign intelligence service equals betrayal , whether he was doing it consciously or not .
He might have stumbled .
The court will have to determine the degree of public danger .
It is too early to talk about a pardon . ''
On protests in Khabarovsk over detained governor Sergei Furgal — “ Sergei Furgal is a representative of a well-known party that has supported him and still supports him .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was a man loyal to the authorities .
We did not have any problems with Furgal , he worked hard as the governor of his region .
However , he engaged in elimination of his competitors .
We are talking about murder — these are serious charges.
” — “ I understand the people who voted for him and were disappointed by the news of Furgal ’ s arrest ; however , this is not a political persecution , this is a criminal case.
” — “ Russian law enforcement agencies should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bearing responsibility for bad relations with the West — “ We are ready to investigate [ Navalny ’ s poisoning with Novichok ] .
We are ready to investigate with our allies , or let them come here and bring biological material .
If anyone has information that chemical weapons were used , give it to us .
We have not received an official conclusion about the use of Novichok.
” — “ I feel responsible for what is happening in Russia , including the return of the Crimean peninsula to Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you accepted the results , unlike the referendum results in Crimea .
Democracy must be recognized everywhere.
” — “ Compared to you [ the West ] , we are white and fluffy .
We heard you say NATO won ’ t expand east .
But you did .
NATO is approaching our borders .
We ’ re not supposed to respond ?
” — “ Was it us who withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty ?
But we have to answer .
Our partners withdrew from the treaty on long-range and medium-range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
[ The U.S. ] withdrew from the Open Skies Treaty .
What should we do in this regard ?
Will you , as a NATO member , fly over us and gather everything ?
” — “ You are smart people .
Why do you think that we are idiots who are incapable of analyzing obvious things ?
” — “ In terms of military spending , Russia is ranked 6th after the United States , China , Great Britain and France .
So who is white and fluffy and who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — “ It ’ s like Leopold the cat [ Soviet cartoon character ] used to say : 'Guys , let ’ s live in peace'.
” — “ The resolution of the situation in Donbass is directly dependent on Ukraine ’ s ruling elite.
” — “ They were not able to accomplish much ” since the Normandy summit in Paris last December , with many socioeconomic issues still unresolved despite a halt in fighting .
Putin said he thinks that ’ s due to the “ lack of political courage ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Officials in Kiev have stated publicly that they are not going to follow through on the Minsk agreement , which is backed by international law .
… Russia plans to increase its support in Donbass.
” — “ All the world leaders I 've worked with were well-trained people .
These people are dedicated to solving their nation ’ s problems .
There are no good or bad world leaders , there are just national interests .
I approach this the same way , I represent Russia ’ s national interests.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have coinciding interests in many areas .
I have a very warm , professional of course , friendly relationship with Xi.
” — “ We have opposing interests with [ Turkish President ] Erdogan right now .
However , he is a man of his word ; he is a man who does not wiggle his tail.
” This story is being updated .

President Vladimir Putin's annual press conference on Thursday focused heavily on the coronavirus pandemic that has hit Russia hard.
The event follows a tumultuous 12 months for the Kremlin that also included unrest across the post-Soviet world, ongoing protests in the Far East and the poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny.
Speaking to journalists via video-link from his official residence outside Moscow, Putin also fielded questions on the economy, foreign relations and whether he will run for president again in 2024.
Here are his main quotes from the marathon press conference, which clocked in at a cool 4 hours and 54 minutes:
On whether he has received the Sputnik V vaccine
— “I'm quite law-abiding. I'll listen to the recommendations of specialists, so I've not done it yet. But I will definitely do it as soon as it's possible. I see no reason not to get vaccinated.” [Editors’ note: Experts have warned that Sputnik V could be harmful for patients aged 60 and older.]
— “We’re lacking the equipment and hardware to produce the necessary number of vaccines.”
On the media investigation naming the FSB agents believed to be behind the Navalny poisoning
— “We know what this is. This is not an investigation, but an attempt to legitimize materials from the American special services,” Putin said, blaming the U.S. special services for “pulling a trick to attack” him personally.
— “As for the patient at the Berlin hospital, this patient is supported by the U.S. special services.”
— “As if we don’t know that [the U.S. special services] trace locations? Our security services know this of course... Our security services keep on eye on him, but that doesn’t mean we have to poison him.”
— “We did not poison him, who needs him? If someone wanted to poison him, they probably would have finished the job.”
— “When his wife asked me, I immediately let her take him to Germany.”
On the recent investigation into his former son-in-law’s wealth
— “It is impossible to read [investigations] about my loved ones, I just skimmed it.”
— “Throughout, they write about the president's son-in-law, the president's son-in-law — but at the end they write that he is a former son-in-law.”
— “It is not prohibited to have assets abroad; only government workers are prohibited from having assets abroad. The company in question is a private company.”
On Russia's coronavirus response
— “Not one country was ready for [a health crisis on] such a scale. Compared to the rest of the world, our healthcare system turned out to be more effective.”
— “We learned from our friends and immediately gained time and closed the border. We added 270,000 beds and built 40 treatment centers.”
On the 2021 State Duma elections
— “Up to 16 parties can take part in the election campaign next year. They have very different points of view, but at the same time practically each of them acts from a patriotic position. All have one goal: the well-being and development of the country.”
— "Russia is one of the most open countries in the world. Foreign observers are prohibited in certain states in the United States. We will expand opportunities to achieve the main thing so that citizens in our country are confident in the transparency of elections."
On alleged Russian election interference
— “Russian hackers did not help Trump to be elected and did not interfere in the internal affairs of this great power. This is a provocation and a reason for the deterioration of relations.”
— “U.S.-Russia relations have become hostages of the internal [U.S.] political situation. I hope Biden understands what is happening, he is an experienced person.”
On Russia’s constitutional changes
— “Before recently, many things were impossible to do. The foundations of our Constitution remain unchanged.”
— “The Constitution was adopted in difficult conditions in 1993. Military tanks were firing at the Parliament, people died. Our Constitution was adopted in these conditions. This happened here, in Moscow. The Constitution created the political basis for development; however, some things needed to be amended.”
“We held an all-Russia vote with a record number of people voting, which is essentially a referendum. Russian citizens became the authors of amendments to the Russian Constitution.”
On 2024
— “Was it worth it or not to amend the Constitution? I have a universal rule. You need to ask yourself: Will this be for the good of the country? If it is, then it's worth doing. I have not yet decided if I will run again in 2024. To do it or not to do it, I will see. Stable development of the country is my priority.”
On jailed ex-journalist Ivan Safronov
— “Whether he gathered information from open sources or not, that's the consequence. He is not being tried for his journalistic activity. He is not a dissenting journalist who fights against power. This is due to the long period of his work as an assistant or adviser to Rosgozin, when he worked in the government and at Roscosmos. The investigation has nothing to do with journalistic activities in general.” [Editors' note: Safronov worked at Roscosmos for two months before his arrest.]
— “You said he might have stumbled and that for this, he could be forgiven. In general, he is charged with espionage, treason; the biggest sin that we have is betrayal. Submitting information to a foreign intelligence service equals betrayal, whether he was doing it consciously or not. He might have stumbled. The court will have to determine the degree of public danger. It is too early to talk about a pardon."
On protests in Khabarovsk over detained governor Sergei Furgal
— “Sergei Furgal is a representative of a well-known party that has supported him and still supports him. I had a good relationship with him. He was a man loyal to the authorities. We did not have any problems with Furgal, he worked hard as the governor of his region. However, he engaged in elimination of his competitors. We are talking about murder — these are serious charges.”
— “I understand the people who voted for him and were disappointed by the news of Furgal’s arrest; however, this is not a political persecution, this is a criminal case.”
— “We shouldn’t make exceptions for any political parties.”
— “Russian law enforcement agencies should extricate themselves from political influences.”
On bearing responsibility for bad relations with the West
— “We are ready to investigate [Navalny’s poisoning with Novichok]. We are ready to investigate with our allies, or let them come here and bring biological material. If anyone has information that chemical weapons were used, give it to us. We have not received an official conclusion about the use of Novichok.”
— “I feel responsible for what is happening in Russia, including the return of the Crimean peninsula to Russia. When the Kosovo referendum was held, you accepted the results, unlike the referendum results in Crimea. Democracy must be recognized everywhere.”
— “Compared to you [the West], we are warm and cuddly. We heard you say NATO won’t expand east. But you did. NATO is approaching our borders. We’re not supposed to respond?”
— “Was it us who withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty? But we have to answer. Our partners withdrew from the treaty on long-range and medium-range missiles. Did we come out? No. [The U.S.] withdrew from the Open Skies Treaty. What should we do in this regard? Will you, as a NATO member, fly over us and gather everything?”
— “You are smart people. Why do you think that we are idiots who are incapable of analyzing obvious things?”
— “In terms of military spending, Russia is ranked 6th after the United States, China, Great Britain and France. So who is warm and cuddly and who is aggressive? Certainly not us.”
— “It’s like Leopold the cat [Soviet cartoon character] used to say: 'Guys, let’s live in peace'.”
On the eastern Ukraine conflict
— “The resolution of the situation in Donbass is directly dependent on Ukraine’s ruling elite.”
— “They were not able to accomplish much” since the Normandy summit in Paris last December, with many socioeconomic issues still unresolved despite a halt in fighting. Putin said he thinks that’s due to the “lack of political courage” in the Ukrainian ruling class.
— “Officials in Kiev have stated publicly that they are not going to follow through on the Minsk agreement, which is backed by international law. … Russia plans to increase its support in Donbass.”
On other world leaders
— “All the world leaders I've worked with were well-trained people. These people are dedicated to solving their nation’s problems. There are no good or bad world leaders, there are just national interests. I approach this the same way, I represent Russia’s national interests.”
— “When it comes to China, we have coinciding interests in many areas. I have a very warm, professional of course, friendly relationship with Xi.”
— “We have opposing interests with [Turkish President] Erdogan right now. However, he is a man of his word; he is a man who does not wiggle his tail.”
This story is being updated.