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Putin congratulates Orthodox Christians on Christmas

Christmas days are the time of charity and mercy, Russian President said

MOSCOW, January 7 (Itar-Tass) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Orthodox Christians and all Russian citizens celebrating Christmas, the Kremlin press service said on Monday.

“This holiday has been bringing the light of belief, hope and love for centuries. It unites us around traditional moral values that play a special role in Russia’s history and serve as a pillar of our society,” he said in his message of congratulation. “Christmas days are the time of charity and mercy, sincere attention to those who need our support and care.”

“The Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian confessions actively participate in the country’s life. Their interaction with state and non-governmental structures strengthens, interreligious dialogue develops and great attention is paid to social service, educational and awareness-raising initiatives, the upbringing of youth and family support. Such fruitful and multifaceted work deserves deep recognition and respect,” Putin said.

Terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall

Afghan Foreign Ministry condemns terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall outside Moscow

The ministry’s Spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said, that considers it a blatant violation of all human standards

French, US, British nukes all interwoven — Russian diplomat

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Lavrov views situation in Middle East as 'very bad'

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North Korean leader arrives at public event in Aurus luxury car gifted by Putin

On April 10, the vehicle was also spotted when the North Korean leader visited Kim Jong Il Military and Political Academy

Israel assesses effectiveness, consequences of strike on Iran — media

A spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces declined to comment on the reports of the strike

Energy prices help US economy to develop better than Europe — IMF

It is reported that the US has benefited from more favorable conditions in terms of energy prices, something that has been quite a serious factor for Europe, not a positive factor for Europe

Nord Stream AG's refusal to pay compensation destroys Western insurance system — diplomat

"The West is not only taking state assets and private property, but also threatening to destroy the major civilian infrastructure facilities, which were built with investments and then miraculously blown up, and they have now threatened insurance," Maria Zakharova said

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

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

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Three Ukrainian soldiers swim across Dnieper to surrender to Russian troops — governor

Vladimir Saldo called on other Ukrainian servicemen to switch to the Russian side and request the corresponding assistance

Shoigu orders additional tank protection sets for Ukraine operation

The minister also inspected the training process in Omsk Armor Engineering Institute

US blocks Security Council resolution granting full UN membership to Palestine

A total of 12 countries, including Russia and China, voted in favor of the document

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

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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

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

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Russia can join top three countries by lithium reserves — governor

Infrastructure is required to implement the investment project, both power transmission lines and the railroad, Andrey Chibis noted

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

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Russia will not 'shake up' relations with Argentina due to its partnership with NATO — MFA

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Moscow-based embassies of NATO countries helped anti-government groups, Lavrov says

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Hezbollah warns Israel it will fight back if attacks on Lebanon continue

The Lebanese Shiite organization "would not accept that the Israelis transgress the rules of engagement that are currently set in the south" of Lebanon

Kiev ordered mandatory evacuation from Kharkov Region to accommodate mercenaries

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

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israeli Permanent Representative Gilad Erdan was to address the council after Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour

Lavrov says Borrell let it slip that Europe ‘fighting against Russia’

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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

Press review: Ukraine, Israel vie for EU’s attention and Georgia passes controversial bill

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Tehran’s two major airports cancel international flights — Mehr

Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad International Airport suspended their operations until 10:30 a.m. local time

Kremlin condemns 'illegal' seizure of villa from Russian businessman

Dmitry Peskov underscored that Moscow has already made its position clear on this matter

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

UN Security Council vote exposes practically full isolation of US — Russia’s UN mission

Vasily Nebenzya described the US veto as a "fruitless attempt to stop the inexorable course of history"

West, Kiev indulge in nuclear blackmail by demanding control of ZNPP — Russian MFA

"Without noticing it themselves, they spoke the language of an ultimatum," Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova underlined

Iran has no plans to immediately retaliate to attack on its soil — agency

"We have not received any external attack, and the discussion leans more towards infiltration than attack," a senior Iranian official reported

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

Donald Tusk said that German Chancellor’s call to send more air defense systems to Kiev had no relation to Poland, provided the country's geographical position near the frontline

Ukrainians abroad storming embassies to avoid mobilization, Russian diplomat says

On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky signed the mobilization law passed by the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) in the second and final reading on April 11

Security guarantees on Ukraine did not apply to Crimea, Donbass — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister noted that "Ukrainian negotiators came and said that, for example, on the issue of maneuvers with the participation of third countries, let's replace the wording 'if all guarantor countries agree' with 'unless the majority agrees'"

Kiev lacks both troops and equipment near Chasov Yar in DPR, says retired general

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

Military base near Iran’s Isfahan hit following attack — newspaper

The sources said that Iranian forces managed to destroy several small drones near the city of Tabriz, about 800 kilometers from Isfahan

US blackmails other countries at United Nations — Russian mission

Dmitry Polyansky said "this shameful neocolonial tactics are fully exposed now in the context of Gaza War"

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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"

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

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Argentina’s NATO partnership bid to let US tighten its grip — expert

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Ukrainian trace obvious in Crocus City Hall attack — Russian prosecutor general

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

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

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Sounds in Isfahan due to air defense work to repel attacks by suspicious objects — general

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Vehicles, equipment participating in Victory Day parade depart for Moscow — ministry

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Kiev continues to openly announce terrorist attacks on Russia — diplomat

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Zelensky's formula should be put aside for Ukraine talks, Lavrov says

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Kremlin declines to comment on alleged assassination attempt on Zelensky in Poland

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MiG-31I fighters receive air refueling system

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Russia knows French military instructors working in Ukraine — Lavrov

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

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Colombian president displays interest in country’s entry into BRICS

Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva welcomed Gustavo Petro’s initiative, "being committed to promotion of Colombia’s candidacy"

No foreign state attacks Iran — TV

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Water in Kurgan above dam, breaking records

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Pipeline explodes in Kharkov Region

The exact location of the damaged pipeline or the causes of the incident is not reported

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

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Senior Chinese official to take part in conference on security in Russia — diplomat

The conference will take place from April 23 to 25 in St. Petersburg

Romania tries to cancel Russian culture by banning films — diplomat

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Iran says drones downed over Isfahan launched from country's territory

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Russian instructors help train over 10,000 Central African troops — CAR president

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

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

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Lavrov describes Georgia’s bill on foreign agents as 'mildest of all'

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Putin signs law on holding World Friendship Games

Funding will be provided from the federal, regional and local budgets, as well as taxes from gambling transferred to the organizer