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Microsoft, Google took steps to restrict Telegram operations in Russia

On April 13, Moscow’s Tagansky District Court ruled to block access to Telegram in Russia

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS

ST. PETERSBURG, May 24. /TASS/. Microsoft and Google undertake steps to limit operation of the Telegram messenger in Russia, head of the Russian telecom watchdog Alexander Zharov told TASS in an interview on Thursday at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

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Russian court turns down Telegram users’ appeal

"We are in contact with them on a going basis. As of now, I must tell you in respect of Microsoft that they notified us about ceasing to provide a configuration file to Telegram, which makes it possible to reach smartphones of users on account of the Microsoft Download service. Google told us that by virtue of agreements with Telegram, they stopped providing them with IP addresses," the official said.

"However, since blocking of a complex application, the Telegram messenger, is a process, the dialog continues," Zharov added.

On April 13, Moscow’s Tagansky District Court ruled to block access to Telegram in Russia over its failure to provide decryption keys for messages to the Federal Security Service. On April 16, mobile operators began to take steps to block Telegram in compliance with the court’s decision.

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Ukrainian military reportedly uses HIMARS rocket launcher to attack Gorlovka

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MiG-31I fighters receive air refueling system

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Iran done with retaliation, calls for efforts to stop Israel from reckless steps — MFA

According to the minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, in the event that Israel uses force against Tehran's interests, "the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to use its right to give an immediate and decisive response that will make them regret"

Putin sees increasing life expectancy as key policy goal for Russia

The Russian leader stressed that "it’s crucial to continue paying great attention to the prevention and treatment of diseases, particularly through the most advanced and cutting-edge methods"

Hungary to not intervene in Ukrainian conflict on any side, PM says

Viktor Orban believes the first phase of the conflict, which included proposals on sending troops to Ukraine, is over

Kiev ordered mandatory evacuation from Kharkov Region to accommodate mercenaries

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Two pilots of jet that crashed in southern Russia hospitalized

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Palestinian president says US veto immoral, runs counter to global community’s will

In Mahmoud Abbas' opinion, Washington’s foreign policy constitutes "an outrageous aggression against the international law"

Israel to not take responsibility for attack on Iran — newspaper

Israeli sources also said that they did not understand why the Pentagon had leaked information about Israel's involvement in the attack to the media

Shoigu orders additional tank protection sets for Ukraine operation

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US 'not forgetting' to help itself with aid to Ukraine — Kremlin

"In any case, whatever the modality of providing this aid, de facto it is about provoking Ukraine into further hostilities down to the last Ukrainian, putting guarantted money in the pockets of the US," Dmitry Peskov said

Germany fails to present evidence in case of espionage suspects — Russian embassy

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Military commanders of Ukrainian army brigades "lack both personnel and the required amount of equipment" while Russian troops enjoy a considerable superiority, especially in artillery, Sergey Krivonos noted

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Iran suspends flights above several cities amid reports of air attack — IRNA

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Polish premier refuses to hand over his country’s Patriot systems to Ukraine

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CIA chief says Ukraine could lose by end of this year — Politico

William Burns said "there is a very real risk that the Ukrainians could at least put Putin in a position where he could essentially dictate the terms of a political settlement"

Ukraine convicts 12th world chess champion for recognizing Donetsk, Lugansk republics

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Israeli Air Force attacks airfield in southern Syria during strike on Iran

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Chinese car plant to start production at former Mercedes site in Moscow region in May

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Moscow International Film Festival to open in Russian capital

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EU summit calls to continue work on duties on Russian, Belarusian agricultural produce

The European Commission suggested introducing duties on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus earlier

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US blocks Security Council resolution granting full UN membership to Palestine

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"The overwhelming support for Palestine’s membership makes it crystal clear that the State of Palestine is worthy of its rightful place among member states of the United Nations," Amar Bendjama said

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French president says creating Israeli-type air defense network for Ukraine impossible

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Ukraine turns from sovereign country into Western protectorate, Hungarian PM says

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Chinese analyst sees US veto on Palestine as reflection of arrogance, double standards

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Swiss parliament votes against joining task force on frozen Russian assets

The group contains US finance and justice ministers, representatives of Australia, the UK, Germany, Italy, Canada, France, Japan, as well as the European Commission

Palestinian envoy says Israel plans to destroy Palestine

"This is a plan of extremist government", Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN Riyad Mansour said

Kiev continues to openly announce terrorist attacks on Russia — diplomat

Maria Zakharova also pointed to the fact that Ukraine's special services do not give up attempts to "massacre their former compatriots"

Russian investigators start inquiry into financing of terrorism by US, NATO officials

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Ukrainian president admits Russian troops’ advancement

Vladimir Zelensky asked his country’s supporters to provide "everything that helps to hold the frontline," including shells, military vehicles and drones

Founder of neo-Nazi cell in Crimea flees to Georgia — source

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EU border checkpoint closest to Russia’s St. Petersburg to cut its working hours

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West can’t comprehend Russia’s resilience — Lavrov

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G7 foreign ministers set to call on all sides to exercise restraint in Middle East

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Israel will "most likely" respond to the recent Iranian attack

Iran tells US about April 13 attack on Israel, it does not want escalation — top diplomat

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian added that prior to the attack, Tehran said that it would not target US military infrastructure in the Middle East "except in a situation where the United States wants to take military measures in support of Israel"

Iran threatens to attack Israel's "nuclear centers" in case of aggression on its part

Ahmad Haqtalab argued that Israel had been conducting "subversive and terrorist activities" against the Islamic republic's nuclear infrastructure for year

Press review: Biden backs aid to Israel, Ukraine and Russia assets giving West legal fits

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US names lack of reforms as reason to block Palestinian membership resolution

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Investigation into Crocus terrorist attack underway, traces lead to Ukraine — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted the need to "wait for official information from the investigation"

French, US, British nukes all interwoven — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova described France’s decision to place its aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, directly under NATO control as a symbolic move marking the end of "the era of an independent Paris in the international arena"

Ceasefire necessary for implementation of UN humanitarian resolution on Gaza — UN envoy

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At least 16 Syrian troops killed in terrorists’ ambush in east Syria — TV

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Crimea, Donbass to forever remain within Russia, Slovak PM tells national parliament

Robert Fico believes Moscow will win in its confrontation with Kiev

Russian Aerospace Forces strike five militant hideouts in Syria’s Homs

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Russia’s defense chief inspects production of tanks, flamethrowers at Siberian enterprise

Sergey Shoigu handed down an instruction for the defense enterprise to ramp up the production of T-80BVM tanks, the Defense Ministry said

Pipeline explodes in Kharkov Region

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Effort to grant full UN membership to Palestine will continue — Russian mission

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Syrian ministry says Israeli jets struck air defense facilities in country’s south

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