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Putin, CIS secretary discuss Commonwealth of Independent States’ activity

Russian President Vladimir Putin met on March 21 with CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev

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Lukashenko says CIS turns into modern regional community over past 25 years

MOSCOW, March 21./TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Tuesday with CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev to discuss current issues in the activity of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Putin and Lebedev "discussed the current situation in the Commonwealth," he said, noting that Russia currently holds the rotating presidency of the alliance of former Soviet states. "Putin stressed that the development and strengthening of the CIS remains among Russia’s priorities," Peskov noted. The meeting also focused on "preparations for upcoming sessions of the CIS higher authorities".

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Mikhail Bogdanov noted that "the African continent is a dynamically developing part of the world with an enormous growth potential, attractive domestic market and expanding export prospects"

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Konstantin Gavrilov also noted that the "manic efforts" of some Western OSCE member countries to isolate Russia "are futile and will backfire on their initiators"

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"A whole number of similar agreements with Asian, African, Middle Eastern, Latin American countries are being worked out," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin added

All-Belarusian People's Assembly adopts new military doctrine, security concept

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ATACMS shipment proves ‘Zelensky’s formula’ needed in US as ‘smoke and mirrors’ — diplomat

"Washington’s plan is sickeningly simple, as it means dragging everyone under the pretext of ‘peace intentions’ to an empty gathering, while bolstering Zelensky’s terrorist potential," Maria Zakharova said

Ukraine to cease to exist unless it enters into talks, Belarusian president warns

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zelensky should have realistic expectations

UNSC rejects amendment by Russia, China to resolution on nuclear weapons in outer space

The amendment gained seven votes from countries including Russia and China

Reinforced Ukrainian battlegroup fails to break through Russian defenses in DPR — expert

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

Houthis attack two commercial ships, US destroyer — statement

Simultaneously, the Air Force conducted two more military operation using a huge number of drones to target a US destroyer in the Gulf of Aden

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

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

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Alexander Pankin noted that during his visit to New York he did not have any talks with UN officials on the Russian-UN memorandum

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

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Transfer of US ATACMS missiles to Ukraine cannot be justified — Russian ambassador

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

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

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Khalil al-Hayya said that Hamas would like to see "a fully sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the return of Palestinian refugees in accordance with the international resolutions"

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Kremlin vows to resolve situation with Turkish Airlines refusing service to Russians

Russia has "very constructive and friendly relations" with Turkey, Dmitry Peskov stressed

German defense minister says Russia making more arms than it needs for its op in Ukraine

"A larger part of what is being manufactured is not sent to the frontline but goes to warehouses," Boris Pistorius said

Russia maintains position on 'buffer zone' in Ukraine to counter missile threats

Dmitry Peskov added that the issue of fighting against long-range weapons being supplied to Ukraine and potential strikes on the areas where they are concentrated "is rather under the purview of <…> the armed forces"

Foreign delegations show great interest in Russian defense products — security official

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Russia discourages use of UN sanctions for interference in African affairs — envoy

Vasily Nebenzya underscored that Russia continues to "make an important contribution to strengthening of African countries’ potential, including UN Security Council and General Assembly"

Bolivian leader decries fresh US military aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan

According to Luis Arce, instead of pursuing "the policy of diplomacy and dialogue," the United States opts for "continued war and militarism"