Новости за 17.03.2018

Russians began voting in a presidential election on Sunday set to give Vladimir Putin a commanding victory that could only be blemished if large numbers do not bother taking part because the result is so predictable.

Russia was on Saturday set to elect Vladimir Putin to a historic fourth Kremlin term, as the country faces increasing isolation over a spy poisoning in Britain and a fresh round of US sanctions.

"The only suspense is what the turnout will be" - FRANCE 24 journalist Francois Picard.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Saturday that the upcoming World Cup will not be a "war," as Russian authorities and Vladimir Putin are committed to ensuring safety amid fears of fan clashes.

The death of a one-year-old boy during a shootout brought new horror Saturday to Rio de Janeiro, already reeling from the brazen murder of a human rights activist.

US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country "must do more" against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday.

Eddie Jones said England's losing streak was a necessary part of their development ahead of the World Cup after a third straight defeat saw Ireland clich a Grand Slam at Twickenham on Saturday.

A former Iranian vice president and chief-of-staff of hardline ex-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was arrested on Saturday, the website of the Tehran prosecutor said.

Leigh Halfpenny hit a hat-trick of penalties to help Wales secure second place in the Six Nations after a hard-fought 14-13 victory over France on Saturday.

The leaders of Serbia and Kosovo are set to meet in Brussels next week for the first time in more than a year as part of re-launched EU-sponsored talks on normalising ties.

Johnny Sexton felt a bit part player in the 2009 Grand Slam Irish winning side but on Saturday the masterly fly-half basked in the glory of his country's 2018 sweep.

Salomon Kalou broke Hamburg hearts as he came off the bench to secure a 2-1 victory for Hertha Berlin on Saturday.

Pope Francis has sent a letter to the Argentine people asking them to defend life, at a time when the Congress of the South American country is considering a bill to decriminalize abortion.

France's Johann Zarco dramatically snatched pole on Saturday for MotoGP's season-opening race in Qatar setting a track lap record time of 1 min 53.680 sec.

Rodrigo and Simone Zaza scored for Valencia in a 3-1 win over Alaves on Saturday that lifted them above defending champions Real Madrid and into third place in La Liga.

North Korean officials wrapped up a third day of talks Saturday with Swedish counterparts with no indication their efforts had cleared the way for a mooted nuclear summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

Ireland sealed just their third Grand Slam of all-time with a 24-15 win against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

A coalition of Venezuelan opposition groups organized rallies across the country on Saturday to protest May 20 presidential elections it considers fraudulent and to demand "free and transparent" elections at a future date.

Johnny Sexton felt a bit part player in the 2009 Grand Slam Irish winning side but on Saturday the masterly fly-half basked in the glory of his country's 2018 sweep.

Crystal Palace boosted their bid for Premier League survival with a crucial 2-0 win at Huddersfield, but West Bromwich Albion look destined for relegation after an agonising 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday.

Italy's Vincenzo Nibali of the Bahrain team made a late solo break and held off a desperate chase from the pack to win the first big classic of the season the Milan-San Remo on Saturday.

Ireland beat England 24-15 to complete a Six Nations Grand Slam at Twickenham on Saturday.

France exile Teddy Thomas scored two second half tries as Racing 92 fought back to beat local rival Stade Francais 28-22 at the U Arena on Saturday.

North Korea's foreign minister and his Swedish counterpart concluded on Saturday three days of discussions focused on reaching a peaceful solution to the nuclear stand-off on the Korean peninsula.

The British Council, whose activities in Russia were suspended by the Kremlin on Saturday, is a registered charity that uses education and culture to spread British soft power internationally.