Moscow says 16 candidates file to run for president

Sixteen candidates have filed to run for Russia's presidency next year, including a former negotiator for the Ukraine conflict and a hardline nationalist turned Kremlin critic. The Central Elections Commission confirmed that the ballot will also be held in four Ukrainian regions partially occupied by Russian forces and in the annexed Crimean peninsula. Candidates must file applications by December 27 and gather thousands of signatures from supporters to secure a place on the ballot.