Kremlin accuses US of meddling after 3,500 protesters detained

The Kremlin on Jan. 24 accused the United States of interfering in Russia's domestic affairs and downplayed the scale of the weekend's protests when tens of thousands rallied in support of jailed opposition politician Alexei Navalny.

More than 3,500 demonstrators were detained in protests across the country on Jan. 23, with several injured in clashes with police in Moscow, following Navalny's call to rally against President Vladimir Putin's 20-year rule.

The West has widely condemned the "harsh tactics" used against demonstrators, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian saying on Jan. 24 the mass arrest of protesters was "an intolerable affront" and a "slide towards authoritarianism".

Polish President Andrzej Duda has called for the European Union to step up sanctions against Russia over the treatment of Navalny, the Financial Times reported on Jan. 24.

"The only way to (avoid conflict) is to force international law to be observed. The only way to do this without rifles, cannons and bombs is via sanctions," Duda told the FT.

The Polish leader also said EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell should re-consider plans to visit Russia next month unless Navalny is released.

EU foreign ministers are due to consider their response to Navalny's detention on Monday, with Borrell saying the "next steps" will be discussed.

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Jan. 24 accused the U.S. embassy of interfering in Russia's domestic affairs after the mission distributed a "demonstration alert" to U.S. citizens in Russia recommending they avoid protests.

"Of course, these publications are inappropriate," Peskov told a state TV channel. "And of course indirectly, they are absolutely an interference in our domestic affairs...