Putin to hold dialogue with people on June 20; US leaves open trade talks with China

Online dialogue with Russian President Putin will take place on June 20

The Kremlin Press Service said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual online dialogue with the people will take place on June 20. This is the 17th dialogue of the Russian leader to answer many issues of concern to the people.

Russian citizens can ask questions to the head of state by phone, SMS, MMS, as well as via the program's website or a dedicated application. In addition, questions are accepted via the social networks “V-Kontakte” and “Odnoklassnhiky”. During the live broadcast, users of the applications “Moscow-Putiny” and “OK Live” can connect directly to the studio.

US leaves open trade negotiations with China

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on June 8 that the US is still open to trade talks with China, but any potential deal will have to wait until the two countries' leaders meet later this month. This is seen as a move by the US to try to cool down trade tensions and wait for a positive signal from China.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Fukuoka, Japan, Mnuchin warned that the US would pursue tariffs if no agreement was reached, and hoped for major progress at the meeting between the two countries' leaders at the G20. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet at the G20 summit taking place from June 28 to 29 in Osaka, Japan.

“Increased shelling of Donbass since Zelensky appeared”

A Ukrainian artillery battery in the Donbass war zone. Photo: Novorossia

In an interview with Sputnik, the head of the Donetsk People's Republic, Denis Pushilin, stated that since Vladimir Zelensky came to power in Kiev, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of violations of the ceasefire agreement in Donbass. "I remember clearly that shelling from the Ukrainian side has increased since the new President Zelensky took office," Pushilin said.

According to Mr. Pushilin, "Zelensky has little prestige" in the Ukrainian military. Mr. Pushilin added that "on this level Zelensky has little influence" and has to defend himself. Mr. Pushilin also said that Zelensky's statements during the election campaign and after taking office "have been different".

India offers $8,000 reward to find missing transport plane carrying 13 people

An-32 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Photo: IAF.

The Indian Air Force and the Arunachal Pradesh state government on June 8 announced a reward of 550,000 rupees (nearly 8,000 USD) for village leaders to organize searches for the AN-32 military transport aircraft that went missing on June 3 with 13 people on board, including 8 crew members and 5 soldiers.

The Soviet-made aircraft went missing near the Chinese border and so far, aerial searches, satellite surveys and attempts to pick up the plane’s signals have failed. In addition to using satellites from the Indian Space Research Organisation and other high-tech assets, ground teams have also been scouring the Mechuka jungles for the missing aircraft.

Information leak, Malaysia bans phones, digital devices in government meetings

Leaks of secrets in government meetings in Malaysia are at an alarming level. Photo: STRAITS TIMES

The ban applies to devices ranging from mobile phones, tablets to smart watches, smart pens, cameras, camcorders, and voice recorders, according to Malaysia's The Star newspaper. "This is essential because the uncontrolled use of these devices in government agencies can pose negative risks and compromise security. It also violates the Official Secrets Act 1972," said Sanusi Sidek, head of Malaysia's national security agency.

The ban is said to have been in place since the beginning of this year at meetings discussing important issues such as national security, budget, defense, foreign affairs and high-level meetings in ministries, departments and government agencies. In addition, digital devices are also banned at meetings discussing government operations.