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Rosatom to start nuclear construction in Finland in two years' time

NOVO-OGARYOVO, January 9 (Itar-Tass) - When it signed the contract for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Finland, the Rosatom state corporation entered into certain competition with the Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom, but the nuclear project was of extreme importance for the Russian economy, the head of Rosatom, Sergey Kirienko said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday.

“We get a contract for a power plant that costs a considerable amount, then we have the contract for the entire equipment to be produced in Russia, and the contract for fuel supplies, and this is a new generation plant with a guaranteed 60-year life cycle,” Kirienko said adding that in reality it would last at least 80 years. This, he said, multiplied the plant’s worth threefold.

Construction works are scheduled to begin in about two years from now, Kirienko said adding the contract offered “enormous export opportunities”. Given the possibility of acquiring a stake in the capital of the Finnish nuclear company Fennovoima that ordered the Hanhikivi-1 plant, Rosatom hoped for substantial earnings, that is not only dividends the stake would yield, but also the right to consume electricity at its generation cost. In addition, the plant would be producing cheaper electricity than that currently available on the Finnish market, Kirienko added.

The construction project signed between Rusatom Overseas and Fennovoima at the very end of December will be commercial.

According to Kirienko, the first feasibility study is to be ready in 2014.

“They take their time. They need two years to agree the project and carry out the necessary licensing procedures in accordance with the EU regulations,” Kirienko said.

Besides, Fennovoima and Rosatom’s TVEL fuel company signed a fuel accord for the future nuclear power plant. The contract for Rusatom Overseas’ acquisition of a 34 percent share in Fennovoima’s capital has not been yet signed.

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Alrosa is working in Angola since 1992

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North Korea to take part in SPIEF — Embassy in Russia

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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

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

The Russian foreign minister said that the sides would exchange opinions on how to develop bilateral relations along the path outlined by Bolivian President Luis Arce and Russian President Vladimir Putin

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"

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The 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues took place in St. Petersburg on April 23-25

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"United States has no intent of conducting combat operations inside of Ukraine, nor are these forces going to be anywhere near the frontlines," Patrick Ryder said

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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"

Space station’s orbit raised by 1 km — Roscosmos

According to preliminary information, the average altitude of the orbital outpost was increased to 414.8 km above the Earth’s surface

European Parliament urges EU states to regard Russian presidential vote as illegitimate

The resolution passed in a 493-11 vote, with 18 abstentions

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Radioactive cloud from Ukraine’s eliminated munitions drifts to Europe — Security Council

"An increase in radiation levels has already been registered in Poland," Nikolay Patrushev warned

Cosmonauts complete spacewalk two hours ahead of schedule

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Ukrainian army strikes own surrendering soldiers — POW

Andrey Babenko said that after a crash course in Britain he had been sent to the frontline near Liman

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Kiev troops may strike targets in Crimea with ATACMS missiles — newspaper

The goal "is to put more pressure on Crimea," The New York Times said

French neo-Nazi ringleader liquidated near Avdeyevka — sources

There is confirmed evidence of his connections with French secret services

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Kremlin unconcerned by European Parliament’s resolution on Russian election

The resolution that European Parliament members passed at a plenary session in Strasbourg "urges the member states of the European Union and the international community not to recognize the outcome of the Russian presidential election"

West bends sanctions rules when it suits them — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that, "according to some parameters, companies in Europe and other regions can hardly maintain their competitiveness if they completely abandon our products"

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

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Global community condemns use of terrorists in geopolitical struggle — Russian official

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Abrams tanks easy targets for drones — Russian expert

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Russian Embassy to Austria denied participation in ceremony at Nazi concentration camp

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US government prepares to sign $6-bln contract for arms deliveries to Ukraine — Politico

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Potential nuclear facilities in Poland to be military target for Russia — senior diplomat

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Andrey Marochko added that the Ukrainians have also intensified artillery and drone attacks at Russian positions

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West views Europe as potential theater of military operations — Lukashenko

The number of operational and combat training activities in Poland and the Baltic states increases every year, the Belarusian President noted

Russia-Europe relations require fresh approach — Kremlin

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West prepares puppet structures in case of coup in Belarus — KGB

Ivan Tertel said various methods were being considered, up to "instigating a forceful seizure by illegal armed groups" being trained in the West and Ukraine

Venezuelan foreign ministry, Russian embassy hold joint conference in Caracas

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The President undescored that Russia did not plan to produce absolutely everything domestically

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Russia says its battlegroup West seized better positions

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

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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

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SCO should unite against foreign attempts to trigger revolutions — Shoigu

"The main emphasis should be placed on the development of military contacts between the SCO and the CSTO,"the Russian defense minister said

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"

Situation at ZNPP remains unpredictable — International Atomic Energy Agency

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

The date and location will be announced later