January 2021 – THE OVAL CIRCLE

Russia

More than 100 detained in Moscow as police move to break up unsanctioned protests by supporters of jailed activist Alexey Navalny

Posted on January 31, 2021January 31, 2021By Editor

Supporters of jailed Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny have taken to the streets again on Sunday to demand his release from prison. Police have detained more than 100 people at unsanctioned rallies in central Moscow. … Read More >More than 100 detained in Moscow as police move to break up unsanctioned protests by supporters of jailed activist Alexey Navalny

Russia

Small-scale protests in Russia’s Far East & larger gatherings in Siberia begin day of pro-Alexey Navalny demonstrations (VIDEOS)

Posted on January 31, 2021January 31, 2021By Editor

Supporters of jailed opposition figure Alexey Navalny are again staging protests in cities across Russia on Sunday. One of the first events was in far eastern Vladivostok, where a crowd gathered on the frozen waters of Amur Bay. … Read More >Small-scale protests in Russia’s Far East & larger gatherings in Siberia begin day of pro-Alexey Navalny demonstrations (VIDEOS)

Russia

Pro-western liberal, anti-migrant nationalist, or political opportunist: Who exactly is Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny?

Posted on January 31, 2021January 31, 2021By Editor

After his alleged poisoning, accusations that the Kremlin was responsible, then his immediate arrest on returning home, Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny is enjoying notoriety like never before. But who is he, exactly? … Read More >Pro-western liberal, anti-migrant nationalist, or political opportunist: Who exactly is Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny?

Russia

‘I’m the beneficiary,’ Russian billionaire Rotenberg says about large Black Sea property dubbed ‘Putin’s palace’

Posted on January 31, 2021January 31, 2021By Editor

Russian construction mogul Arkady Rotenberg says he’s the beneficiary of an extensive property on the Black Sea coast, which has been widely touted by Alexey Navalny and Western media as a secret residence of Vladimir Putin. … Read More >‘I’m the beneficiary,’ Russian billionaire Rotenberg says about large Black Sea property dubbed ‘Putin’s palace’

Russia

Russian court rejects appeal for Alexey Navalny to be released – opposition figure will remain behind bars until trial

Posted on January 31, 2021January 31, 2021By Editor

A court has returned opposition figure Alexey Navalny to prison to await trial for allegedly breaching the terms of a suspended sentence for fraud, as his supporters prepare for a fresh wave of protests across Russia. … Read More >Russian court rejects appeal for Alexey Navalny to be released – opposition figure will remain behind bars until trial

Russia

Siberian woman dubbed Russia’s ‘most beautiful police officer’ sues service in bid to win back her badge & gun

Posted on January 31, 2021January 31, 2021By Editor

With her blonde hair and an assault rifle, one Siberian police officer arrested hearts online. But now the woman once dubbed Russia’s most beautiful cop is suing her former department for firing her from the service. … Read More >Siberian woman dubbed Russia’s ‘most beautiful police officer’ sues service in bid to win back her badge & gun

Russia

Majority of Russians now support nationwide vaccination against Covid-19 as opposition to government’s plan shrinks, poll reveals

Posted on January 31, 2021January 31, 2021By Editor

As Russia rolls out its domestically produced Covid-19 vaccines, the director of polling company VCIOM has revealed that more than half of all Russians are in favor of mass inoculation against coronavirus. … Read More >Majority of Russians now support nationwide vaccination against Covid-19 as opposition to government’s plan shrinks, poll reveals

Russia

A done deal: Following agreement with Biden, law extending New START nuclear treaty with US for 5 years signed into law by Putin

Posted on January 31, 2021January 31, 2021By Editor

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill extending the New START nuclear arms reduction agreement, the Kremlin has announced. Should his US counterpart Joe Biden follow suit, the treaty will remain in force until 2026. … Read More >A done deal: Following agreement with Biden, law extending New START nuclear treaty with US for 5 years signed into law by Putin

Tehran says Biden administration must remove crippling sanctions if they want Iran to cut enhanced enrichment program

Posted on January 31, 2021January 31, 2021By Editor

Iran’s foreign minister said the country won’t accept US demands to reverse the acceleration of its nuclear program, adding that Washington should make the first move and remove sanctions, as it was the party that left the JCPOA. … Read More >Tehran says Biden administration must remove crippling sanctions if they want Iran to cut enhanced enrichment program

‘Absurd claims’: S. Korea’s presidential office dismisses opposition reports that govt planned to build nuclear plant in N. Korea

Posted on January 31, 2021January 31, 2021By Editor

The South Korean government has hit back at the opposition, dismissing claims it moved to close its own nuclear plant earlier than scheduled in order to build one in North Korea. … Read More >‘Absurd claims’: S. Korea’s presidential office dismisses opposition reports that govt planned to build nuclear plant in N. Korea