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Moldova takes unprecedented security measures ahead of Merkel’s visit

Vehicular traffic in Moldova will be rerouted the day before the visit

CHISINAU, August 17 (Itar-Tass) —— The Moldovan government has taken unprecedented security measures ahead of the August 22 visit of German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel to Chisinau.

“Every measure is being taken to ensure the security of the high-ranking guest. About 2,000 policemen will be ensuring law and order in the city on that day,” Moldovan Interior Minister Dorin Recean told reporters on Friday. Dozens of Moldovan and German security service agents will protect the German chancellor and snipers will take positions on tall buildings. All the sewer wells have been welded along the route of the Merkel motorcade.

Vehicular traffic in Moldova will be rerouted the day before the visit, Recean said. Hence, Moldovan citizens are asked to use public transport or to choose bypasses in order not to enter the city center.

Bombs with power of 13 kilos of trotyle found in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria

An active accomplice of bandits was detained in the search operation and gave confessing testimony

West reluctant to punish those responsible for Nord Stream blasts — Russian diplomat

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Russian Economy Ministry expects trade balance surplus to decline

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Russian athletes to play at next Chessboxing World Championship under national flag

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Cooperation of Serbia, Russia in military-technical sphere at highest level — president

Earlier, Aleksandar Vucic expressed his admiration for Russian technology several times

One more suspect in Crocus City Hall terror attack arrested — police

The detention was reported earlier by the media, which said that police had captured Tajik national Djumokhon Kurbonov

Over 60% of Russian companies continue using Microsoft services

57% of companies replaced at least one foreign service with a Russian one over the past few years, the analysts noted

Pelosi's remarks about US protesters undemocratic, Russian diplomat says

On April 25, US police said at least 127 people were arrested during large-scale protests on American university campuses against Israeli actions in the Palestinian enclave

US effectively dooms Ukraine by its new decisions, Russian envoy says

"The American aid won’t save Zelensky. New weapons will be destroyed, and the special military operation goals will be achieved," Anatoly Antonov stressed

Charles III to return to public duties soon — Buckingham Palace

The king, 75, and queen will host their majesties the emperor and empress of Japan for a state visit in June, according to the palace

Moscow reports 1,773 daily coronavirus hospitalizations

The capital city has the highest number of coronavirus cases nationwide, according to official statistics

Russia's response to seizure of frozen assets in US to have no timeframe — chief delegate

Konstantin Gavrilov emphasized that the US will have to be brought to account for this decision

Blinken’s visit to China meant to shatter Russian-Chinese ties — senior Russian diplomat

"I think that Beijing understands this perfectly well and will not even pretend being ready to reach any agreements with the Americans to the detriment of Russia’s interests," Sergey Ryabkov said

Abrams tanks easy targets for drones — Russian expert

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Russian troops wipe out military train with Western armaments in DPR over past day

Russian troops improved their tactical position and repelled eight Ukrainian army counterattacks in the Avdeyevka area over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Kiev may use ATACMS missiles to hit Crimean Bridge — Russian defense ministry official

Russian military will do its utmost to repel such attacks, Apty Alaudinov said

Russian troops destroy 89 Ukrainian UAVs, 5 boats in Kherson area over past day

"Battlegroup Dnepr units conducted active counterbattery warfare and destroyed enemy drones, manpower and equipment on the right bank of the Dnieper River," Governor Vladimir Saldo said

Russia warns US, NATO against harming its security — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that "the level of nuclear risks have risen dramatically as a result of the West’s destructive policy, which is fraught with a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers"

Istanbul accords could have stopped hostilities in Ukraine — German newspaper

The deal still looks advantageous even after two years of war, Welt am Sonntag said

US can send Ukraine Patriot air defense systems currently deployed in other regions

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan added that the his country had doubled artillery production in order to help Kiev

Hungary sees Ukraine conflict entering new phase, NATO involvement rising

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Insurers refuse to pay compensation for Nord Stream — Russian envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya stressed that insurers conclude on their own that the "explosion at the gas pipelines was made using an explosive devices, willfully and due to political motives," thereby confirming its terroristic nature

Russian diplomat accuses US of facilitating chemical warfare in Ukraine

According to Russian Permanent Representative to the OPCW Vladimir Tarabrin, Russian troops have repeatedly recorded incidents where the Ukrainian army’s used chemical weapons, including riot control agents as means of warfare

Putin calls impending formation of new cabinet ‘crucial step’

The Russian leader pointed out that it is important to ensure stability and transparency in the Russian socio-political system

Russia ready to cooperate with all interested partners to ensure security — Putin

The Russian leader expressed confidence that the the 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues "will bolster cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples"

EU remains unreliable partner for Russia for now — Lavrov

Moscow hopes that Brussels will pay attention to its vital interests in the end, Russia's top diplomat said

Erdogan moves back from May 9 his trip to US — report

The report hasn’t been officially confirmed

Poland practices transfer of mechanized brigade to Lithuania's Suwalki Corridor area

The exercise under the classified Orsha plan involves 1,500 military personnel from Lithuania's Zemaitija Motorized Infantry Brigade, Poland's 15th Mechanized Brigade, allied US and Portuguese units, as well as about 200 pieces of military equipment

Gagauzia against Chisinau’s policy of severing ties with Russia

According to Yevgenia Gutsul, Gagauzia has never experienced such pressure from Chisinau

Ukraine had to negotiate agreements with Russia with ‘three masters’ — Russian envoy

"It is very difficult to negotiate with those who are unable to make decisions, even if they want, they can’t, and only act as a side to a difficult conflict," Vladimir Medinsky explained

Press review: NATO flexes muscles near Russian border and South China Sea runs hot

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Russia to hold next international security meeting in 2025 — top security official

The date and location will be announced later

Russia appreciates Bolivia’s push to defend sovereignty, Lavrov says

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Russia grateful to DPRK for unconditional support of special operation in Ukraine — MFA

Ivan Zhelokhovtsev said that the agreements that were reached during the DPRK leader's visit to Russia represent "evidence of the mutual desire of the sides to consistently implement and expand the rich heritage" that was passed down from previous generations

Ukraine’s army leaves first defensive line in Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR

The Ukrainian military has suffered heavy casualties among personnel and military hardware in that community, Igor Kimakovsky said

Erdogan’s May 9 visit to US postponed to more convenient date — Foreign Ministry

"The high-level dialogue between Turkey and the US will continue," the spokesman Oncu Keceli said

Better situation for peace in Ukraine, threats to Belarus: new statements by Lukashenko

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Zelensky's presidential powers to expire May 21 — Ukrainian legislator

Alexander Dubinsky argues that the only situation where the president can continue to fulfill his duties after the expiration of his term is the period until the president-elected takes office

DPRK supports Russia in defending sovereignty, security — ambassador

The North Korean ambassador Sin Hong Chol praised the "sincere and excellent friendly relations" between Russian President Vladimir Putin and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un

SCO expects Belarus to join the organization very soon — Shoigu

The Russian defense chief is certain that "this is an important moment in strengthening security in the SCO space"

US nukes in Poland to become target for Russia should confrontation with NATO occur — MFA

"The impression is that Warsaw is maniacally seeking to attract even more attention from military planners in the Russian General Staff," Maria Zakharova added

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Russia’s natural population decline shrinks by 24% yoy in January-August — statistics

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There is confirmed evidence of his connections with French secret services

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Serbia’s military neutrality unchanged despite buying jets from France — Defense Ministry

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Russian defense minister dismisses his deputy Ivanov

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"ALBA can be among the founders of a new world, a new international multipolar order," the Venezuelan president stressed

Venezuela interested in Russia's participation in gold mining — official

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Palestinian death toll in Gaza increases to over 34,300 — health officials

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Chances of Baku-Yerevan conflict settlement higher than ever, Scholz says

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Iran announces establishment of Basij voluntary naval force

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Press review: Belarus' new national security strategy and Russia, US butt heads at UN

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West bends sanctions rules when it suits them — Kremlin

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Musk concurs that civil war looming in West

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Putin signs law on holding World Friendship Games

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Global community changing tune about how Ukraine conflict started — security official

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US stops hiding true purpose of sanctions on Moscow, Russian envoy says

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Armenian police arrests people protesting against demarcation with Azerbaijan

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Staff shortage cannot be covered by labor migration — Putin

Labor productivity requires a significant increase in all sectors of the economy, the President stressed

Russia vetoes US-backed UNSC resolution on banning nuclear weapons in outer space

The resolution gained 13 votes

Russian national Petrov arrested in Cyprus to appeal to Supreme Court — lawyer

On April 25, the court in Nicosia ruled to extradite Artur Petrov to the United States

Ship receives damage in missile attack off Yemeni coast — UKMTO

The Master has reported two attacks

Network of international conspirators plotted Crocus terrorist attack — watchdog

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Swiss conference on Ukraine undermines European security — Russian diplomat

In Maxim Buyakevich words, neither the talks nor their outcome can change the existing political and territorial realities

Putin’s trip to China will rivet world’s attention, Kremlin spokesman predicts

The countries will jointly announce the time of this trip, Dmitry Peskov said

International cooperation needed to investigate Nord Stream incidents — Russian diplomat

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EAEU trade turnover reaches record high level of $8.7 bln in 2023 — Russian Prime Minister

The trade turnover between Russia and Belarus reached 4 trillion rubles ($43.8 bln)

UN bound to stay as unique world organization — Russian ambassador

"If the UN did not exist, it should have been created," Vasily Nebenzya said

Israel eliminates one of al-Jamaa al-Islamiya commanders in Lebanon — IDF

The strike was conducted by Israel Air Force’s aircraft in the area of Meidoun in Lebanon

US-oriented structures try to reformat security system in Asia-Pacific region

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu underlined that this is being done by strengthening "military-political structures such as QUAD, AUKUS and the US-Japan-Philippines triad"

Russia has many questions for UN chief, Russia’s envoy says

Vasily Nebenzya said that he has "good personal relations" with the secretary general

Russian aerospace forces hit two terrorists base in Syria’s Homs governorate

Yury Popov, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, also said that one shelling attack on the positions of government forces was reported in the Idlid de-escalation zone from positions of the Jabhat al-Nusra

Medvedev warns that Russia’s default may entail Europe’s default

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council added that the European Union’s financial system is not very stable and people are losing confidence

About 20% of weapons sent to Kiev end up on black market – Russia’s UN mission

Dmitry Polyansky said that some of the weapons supplied to Kiev are "in the darknet, which means that it is available to anyone"

NATO bears direct responsibility for Ukraine crisis — Chinese Foreign Ministry

Spokesman Wang Wenbin stressed that China was not providing weapons to the conflicting parties and strictly controlled dual-use goods, including the export of drones

Lithuania’s prime minister warns US may curtail aid to Ukraine

Ingrida Simonyte called for getting ready for such a turn of events right away, and not just watch and wait

Miguel Salgado’s ‘Shame’ wins main prize at Moscow International Film Festival

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Over 3,100 foreign mercenaries fight for Ukraine, most of them from US

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US, allies destroy two Houthi anti-ship missiles

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Russia fights West’s sanctions at UN for the sake of developing countries — envoy to UN

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Kiev's attacks on ZNPP may trigger another Chernobyl — Zaporozhye governor

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Shoigu talks about ties with NATO, attacks on Zaporozhye NPP as he attends SCO meeting

TASS has put together the highlights of Shoigu's speech

Polish leader cautions NATO allies against provoking Russia

Andrzej Duda slammed the reported instances of Russian missiles entering Poland's airspace as "a Russian provocation"

Kremlin spokesman describes European Parliament as 'Russophobic machine'

Dmitry Peskov added that the EP "has turned into a machine brimming with internal contradictions that keeps generating boorish statements"

TotalEnergies to announce force majeure for Yamal LNG in case of EU sanctions

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