Vladimir putin

Russian President Vladamir Putin has signed a key deal with Saudi Arabia during his first visit to the country for a decade.  The deal, aimed at stabilising global oil prices and seeking to calm regional tensions with Iran, was signed yesterday.  Putin's visit follows attacks on Saudi oil installations that Saudi Arabia and the United States have blamed on Iran, an ally of Moscow. Following talks between Putin and Saudi King Salman, the two countries signed some 20 agreements and contracts worth billions of dollars on aerospace, culture, health, advanced technology and agriculture. Key among the deals was the agreement to bolster cooperation among the so-called OPEC+ countries - the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries plus 10 non-members of the cartel. Russian President Vladamir Putin (pictured with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) has signed a key deal with Saudi Arabia during his first visit to the country for a decade The deal, aimed at … [Read more...] about Saudi King rolls out red carpet for Vladimir Putin as Russian President starts first visit for a decade amid rising tensions between kingdom and Moscow’s ally Iran

Donald Trump’s decision to give the green light – now seemingly turning amber – for Turkey to enter northern Syria has produced a torrent of criticism from European capitals to Washington Republicans, all pointing out that Ankara’s move will revive Islamic State, cause untold civilian deaths and land the US with an indelible reputation across the Middle East as an unreliable ally. But the west has been losing traction in Syria over the past two years, and it may be the reaction of Russia and Iran, who have forces on the ground in Syria, that will most concern the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Their reaction may also reveal more about the long-term future of Syria’s eight-year civil war. So far both Tehran and Moscow have urged Erdoğan to show restraint, but they will also see opportunities amid the chaos created by Trump’s impulsiveness. At its simplest, the Russian president, Vladmir Putin, who is seeking to embed Russia’s … [Read more...] about Syria: Erdoğan’s eyes more likely to be on Putin than Trump

Vladimir Putin has said the Turkish invasion into northern Syria could set free thousands of Isis fighters currently under Kurdish control and their potential escape is “a real threat for us”. Speaking at a meeting of leaders of ex-Soviet states in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, Putin said he was not sure that Turkey could prevent the escape of prisoners as it presses ahead with an offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria. “It’s a zone where Isis fighters are concentrated, they are still being held by Kurdish military groups,” said Putin. “Now the Turkish army is going in, the Kurds are leaving these camps, and the Isis fighters inside can just escape. I’m not sure if the Turkish army can take [the fighters] under their control.” Kurdish forces continue to guard large detention camps in northern Syria where thousands of suspected Isis fighters and other prisoners are held. Putin’s remarks are a measured criticism … [Read more...] about Putin: Turkish invasion of Syria could release thousands of Isis fighters

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected allegations that Moscow meddled in France's presidential election. Speaking after talks with new French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles, he also defended a March meeting with Macron's presidential rival, far-right leader Marine Le Pen. It came at the same press conference where President Macron's extraordinarily attacked two Russian media outlets, Russia Today and Sputnik, which he claims acted as 'propaganda' organs during his election campaign. Scroll down for video  Speaking after a meeting with new French President Emmanuel Macron (right), Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) rejected claims Moscow meddled in the country's election Putin (pictured with Macron) also defended a March meeting with Macron's presidential rival, far-right leader Marine Le Pen.  Earlier today, Putin said he and Macron agreed to discuss pursuing closer cooperation on anti-terror efforts After the meeting and press … [Read more...] about Macron launches extraordinary attack on Russian state media while Putin denies meddling in the French election during the leaders’ tense first meeting

Damage done to an Iranian oil tanker struck by two suspected missile strikes off the coast of Saudi Arabia has been revealed in new images. Images released yesterday by Iran's National Iranian Oil Tanker Company (NITC) showed two gaping holes in the side of the vessel. For the first time the alleged damage done to the Iranian-flagged tanker showed the square-shaped impacts just above the water line of the Sabiti. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Saudi Arabia today, where he will seal oil agreements as well as use his influence to defuse rising tensions in the Gulf. The meeting with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman comes following attacks on Saudi oil installations that Riyadh and the US have blamed on Iran, an ally of Moscow. Oil will be 'the main topic of discussion' between the leaders, Russian political analyst Fydor Lukyanov said, as a deal between the 24 members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is due to … [Read more...] about Gaping holes in the side of Iranian oil tanker that was hit by two missiles are revealed for the first time, as Putin heads to Saudi Arabia to calm rising tensions between the countries