Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that countries he terms "unfriendly" agree to a scheme under which they would open accounts at Gazprombank and pay in roubles.

A separatist group, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) based in southwestern Balochistan province bordering Afghanistan and Iran, claimed responsibility for the blast.

The eight-metre (27-ft) bronze statue depicted a Ukrainian and Russian worker on a plinth, holding aloft together a Soviet order of friendship.

"We want to give many thanks to all the nation of Israel, to the government of Israel, for helping us while we can fight against the Russians, in this difficult war," said one fighter in Hebrew.

The Prime Minister's statement comes days after reports that he spent NIS 87,700 (nearly $27,000) of taxpayer money per month on the delivery of takeout meals, cleaning and workers

Western allies have called for the release of Osman Kavala after a Turkish court found him guilty of attempting to overthrow the government.

The two survivors, Chaim Victor Tayar and Silvia (whose full identity cannot be shared), served in the operational core of the Mossad.

Memorial events, commemorations, talks with Holocaust survivors and a workshop for the children of survivors will take place in the communities across the US on Holocaust Remembrance Day.