Russian President Vladimir Putin says North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has won the latest standoff with the west over the regime's nuclear and missile programs. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Putin also described Kim as a shrewd and mature leader. He added that Kim had achieved his strategic goal by acquiring a nuclear warhead and a global-range missile. The glowing statement by the Russian president comes a day after the two Koreas held talks aimed at defusing tensions.

Putin's power shakes US Congress

The US Congress has published a report titled "Putin's Asymmetrical Assault on Democracy in Russia and Europe: Implications for U.S. National Security." The report says that the United States may not have enough time to prepare for the "Russian intervention" in the midterm congressional elections that will take place in 2018 and the presidential election in 2020. Action must be taken immediately.

www.pravdareport.com/world/americas/11-01-2018/139672-putin_power-0/