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Middle East and North Africa

Lavrov, Kerry hope UN experts conduct objective investigation in Syria

Top foreign policy official agree over objectivity of UN's mission

MOSCOW, August 23 (Itar-Tass) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday to discuss the situation in Syria.

“Sergei Lavrov and John Kerry agreed that U.N. experts, who were currently staying in Syria, had conducted an objective investigation into a possible use of chemical weapons in Damascus’ suburbs,” the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.

“To this end, Lavrov said, just after Russian government received the information, urged Syrian authorities to cooperate with U.N. experts. Now the matter depends on the opposition, which should get safe access to the area,” the report says.

“We expect the opposition to take a constructive stance on the soonest convocation of the international conference on the Syrian political settlement,” the report says.

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

Roscosmos committed to continued collaboration with NASA — CEO

"We, both sides, and you can take it from me - as I meet with colleagues from NASA, would hate to lose this cooperation," Yury Borisov noted

French mercenaries operate Caesar howitzers in Ukraine — French reporter

According to Christelle Neant, French specialists are engaged to operate these howitzers in Ukraine as Ukrainian mobilized soldiers lack relevant skills and time to learn how to use them

Russian, Israeli security chiefs discuss current escalation in Middle East

On the evening of April 13, Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles toward Israel in response to what it called "repeated crimes" from Tel Aviv, including the attack on the consular office of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus ascribed to Israel

Russian troops destroy fake Ukrainian ambulance with UAV operators in Kherson area

Russian reconnaissance teams have repeatedly observed the Ukrainian military using ambulances and other civilian vehicles for transporting troops and armaments to combat areas, Vladimir Saldo said

US, Europe’s military force insufficient to fight Russia — expert

Previously, former US Secretary of Defense Advisor Douglas Macgregor said that the failure of the US Administration in the Ukrainian conflict has already disrupted the balance in Europe, strengthening Russia’s positions

Russia’s UN envoy says IAEA too cautious as it doesn’t name culprit behind attacks on ZNPP

Vasily Nebenzya said Russia was calling on the International Atomic Energy Agency to name the source of attacks

Russia supports priorities of Kazakhstan's chairmanship in SCO — Foreign Ministry

Andrey Rudenko emphasized that Russia is providing all necessary assistance in the meaningful preparation of the summit in Astana

Netanyahu a threat for Israel, opposition leader says

According to Yair Lapid, Israeli allies "smell this weakness," too

New generation Amur-LNG rocket to be reused 50-100 times — Roscosmos CEO

Yury Borisov noted that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket was used no more than ten times

IAEA chief slams attack on ZNPP dome as 'very dangerous precedent'

Rafael Grossi calls for attacks on ZNPP to stop as they raise safety risks

Senior Russian diplomat warns West against aggressive statements about Russia

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that the West "is ignoring elementary and, as a matter of fact, absolutely obvious principles," such as the idea that a nuclear power "can never be defeated"

Russia, Belarus boosting interaction despite sanctions

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin added that the record-high indicator of mutual trade turnover is $45.2 bln

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace eight times in past day

Three violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019 linked with the flights by the US-led coalition unmanned aerial vehicles were reported in Syria in the past 24 hours

Russia’s top brass reports destroying first Khmara jammer in Ukraine operation

According to the Defense Ministry, Russian troops took better positions in the Donetsk area over the past day

Russian Ocean Way vessel docks at Socotra, captain needs medical aid

Stanislav Beryozkin was taken to a hospital to undergo thorough examination, with all the required tests made

Israel remains on highest alert as it chooses response to Iran’s attack — senior commander

"Iran will face the consequences for its actions," IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said

Ukraine suffered substantial power generation losses over recent weeks — minister

According to German Galushchenko, the value of the damage is being verified and could reach billions of dollars

Georgian protesters end rally in Tbilisi over foreign agents bill

Rustaveli Avenue has been opened for traffic

Police detain 14 people at rally in Georgia

The Georgian Interior Ministry said that one police member was injured

Russian envoy calls UN Security Council meeting on Iran strike parade of hypocrisy

"If Western missions were attacked, you would not hesitate to retaliate and prove your case in this room. Because for you, everything that concerns Western missions and Western citizens is sacred and must be protected," Vasily Nebenzya said

Saudi Arabia, UAE did not open airspace to Israel, US to repel Iranian attack — newspaper

According to the report, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi tried to remain neutral in the escalating conflict in the Middle East

Envoy reports dozens of Russians killed in Ukrainian attacks in past week

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik, over that period, Ukrainian troops fired "at least 1,362 munitions" at civilian facilities

US House could consider separate bills on aid to Israel, Ukraine this week — report

US House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the plans in a private meeting with GOP lawmakers on Monday, Politico said

Russian security chief urges measures against 'ethnic enclaves' in Russia

The Russian president has ordered that migration policy be overhauled taking into account the national interests and security of the population, and the importance of preserving Russia’s culture and language, Nikolay Patrushev reiterated

Attacks on ZNPP raise risks for nuclear safety — IAEA chief

Rafael Grossi reminded the Security Council that last year he outlined the principles of ensuring safety at the ZNPP to avert the danger of a nuclear incident and called on Russian and Ukraine to observe them

FSB prevents terror attack on Trans-Siberian Railway

According to preliminary information, the suspect was interacting with unknown individuals in Ukraine and agreed to set fire to relay boxes on the Trans-Siberia Railway for money

Israel plans to send 'painful message' to Iran in response to attack — newspaper

According to the report, Israel’s war cabinet will meet on April 16 for a third straight day

Israeli response will likely targets outside Iran — NBC

The report said the Israeli retaliation will be "limited in scope"

Russia’s UN envoy says statements by West expose Kiev’s responsibility for attacks on ZNPP

"They not only completely gave away Zelensky's regime, but also confessed to their own complicity in these irresponsible bombardments," said Vasily Nebenzya

Ukraine offers to use neighbors' air defense systems to protect its gas storage facilities

According to German Galushchenko, the issue has been discussed, and "everyone is quite positive about it"

FSB makes arrest in Ukrainian Security Service officer’s car bombing

According to the FSB, the detainee had departed for Ukraine after the launch of the special military operation where he was recruited by an SBU officer in October 2023

Volume of frozen Russian assets in Germany reaches around €3.9 bln

This figure includes frozen assets of individuals and legal entities included in the sanctions list, such as cash, corporate investments, and yachts

Xi Jinping proposes four principles for resolving Ukrainian crisis

The Chinese leader had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukrainian crisis with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is on an official visit to Beijing

Georgian parliament passes bill on foreign agents in first reading

The hearing took place amid a heated debate between representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party and the opposition

Yerevan has no territorial claims to Baku — Armenian representative to UN court

"Azerbaijan increasingly characterizes human rights disputes with Armenia as attempts to challenge Azerbaijani sovereignty or territorial integrity and claims that this case is an obstacle to peace between the two countries," Yeghishe Kirakosyan stressed

Israel may strike Iranian territory to demonstrate its capabilities — TV

"We are continuing our efforts to prevent further escalation," the US official said

Increased partnerships within SCO reflect organization's appeal — secretary-general

Zhang Ming noted that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has transformed from a regional to transregional multifaceted association at this point

France to invite Russia to events marking 80th anniversary of Normandy invasion

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in turn, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet received an official invitation

Iranian president warns of 'terrible response' to any action against country

Ebrahim Raisi opined that the UN Security Council and the organization as a whole "failed to fulfill their minimum legal obligations to condemn the [Israeli] attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus"

Press review: Iran fires back at Israel and Russia, West spar over AI rulebook

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 15th

Ukrainian troops hunker down in abandoned apartments in Kherson — governor

Vladimir Saldo added that troops use at their discretion the possessions of the people who used to live in these apartments

Iran has no need to buy Russia’s S-400 missile systems — defense minister

Iran’s Bavar-373 long-range mobile air defense system, believed to be an equivalent of Russia's S-300 systems, will become operational by the year-end

Slovakia to oppose Ukraine’s NATO membership bid — PM

Meanwhile, Slovakia supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union

New sanctions against Moscow to push supplies of Russian metal to China up — Bloomberg

The London Metal Exchange’s ban on Russian aluminum, copper and nickel produced after April 13, 2024 leaves the Shanghai Futures Exchange as the only major commodities bourse in the world to accept Russian shipments of the three metals

Kiev recognizes Russia's tenfold superiority in artillery shells

Vladimir Zelensky admitted that Ukraine had no chance of winning victory without support from the West

Deflecting Iran attack cost billions, Israel, US can't repeat it — former UN inspector

"If Iran ends up with the number of missiles and drones necessary to sustain this level of action for a week, they will have exhausted Israel's ability to defend itself," Scott Ritter said

China's approach to Ukraine balanced, constructive, Russia welcomes it — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that China "maintains quite high diplomatic activity" on the Ukrainian track

Over 80 Ukrainian drones suppressed, downed in Kherson Region over day

According to Vladimir Saldo, during the night there was a strike on the Ukrainian troops' landing zone on the right bank of the Dnieper River, nine boats and up to 20 militants were destroyed

Hamas not to make any concessions on Israeli troops’ withdrawal from Gaza

Izzat al-Rishq noted that Israel’s attempts to release its hostages held by radicals in the Gaza Strip have failed and "there is no alternative to a real deal on this matter with Palestinian groups"

Italy’s minister estimates Israeli capability to defend from Iranian attack at one billion

Guido Crosetto didn’t specify whether the currency he meant was dollars or euros

Macron draws distinction between Israeli, Russian Olympic participation

The French leader stressed that Israel was responding to a terrorist attack

White House effectively rules out option for US forces to intercept Russian missiles

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Joe Biden had made it clear that the United States would not take on a combat role in Ukraine

CEC chairperson hands over presidential credentials to Putin

The presidential certificate is a 100x70mm maroon leather-bound booklet inscribed with the Russian emblem and the words "President of the Russian Federation" in gold on its cover

Russia, Belarus sign aircraft production agreement

The complex of measures (plan) to stimulate Russian investment activity in Belarus was also signed

Freshly mobilized Ukrainian soldiers holding first-line defense in Chasov Yar, says DPR

Igor Kimakovsky said that the Ukrainian combat group in Chasov Yar is suffering heavy casualties

Meeting in Switzerland to not solve Ukrainian issue, intensive work necessary — Kneissl

"There has to be painstaking work from behind the scenes that is not seen or known, then it makes sense," the former Austrian foreign minister

Press TV reports all of Iran's hypersonic missiles hit intended targets in Israel

The report did not specify which facilities in Israel had been attacked with hypersonic missiles

Russian finance ministry considering abolition of export duty on gold

Earlier, the Federation Council’s budget and financial markets committee recommended that the amendment on an increase in MET on gold from June 1 to December 31, 2024 be approved

Iranian military’s strike on Israel 'terminates taboo' — army chief

Kioumars Heydari said the Israeli Air Force's bombardment of the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1 was an "attack on the territory" of the republic, while "the mission of the armed forces is to defend the national territory, so the enemy was given a resolute response"

Russian air defenses suppress up to 400 Ukrainian UAVs in DPR over week

The drones neutralized by the air defenses included a Mavic-3 UAV and three Baba-Yaga drones carrying improvised explosive devices manufactured with the use of anti-tank aerial bombs and mines

Moscow follows meeting between Scholz, Xi — senior Russian diplomat

The German chancellor is in China on an official visit from April 14-16

Kremlin mum on reports about discussions of Black Sea maritime security pact

It was reported eaerlier that Turkey had negotiated for two months with Russia and Ukraine on a deal to ensure the safety of merchant vessels in the Black Sea

Iran to retaliate for any new Israeli attack 'within seconds,' senior diplomat warns

Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani described the Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy’s consulate department in Syria on April 1 as a strategic mistake

No official invitation to attend celebration of 80th anniversary of Normandy invasion yet

It was earlier reported that France plans to invite Russia to attend the commemorative events in Normandy on June 6

Over 40 nations want to join BRICS — Russian lawmaker

According to Grigory Karasin, many BRICS members share the opinion that the association should be in no hurry to adopt a strict charter, "seeing how counterproductively and even provocatively the European Union is acting"

Israeli strikes on Iran to do disservice to US ahead of election — former Russian diplomat

"The Biden administration on the eve of the presidential election does not need this at all," Alexander Maryasov noted

Putin, Raisi set for expansion of cooperation between Russia, Iran — Kremlin

It is noted that the two leaders also discussed the latest escalation in the Middle East

Japan concerned over Russia-China military cooperation — Foreign Ministry

The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly emphasized previously that similar drills and patrols are held in strict compliance with international law

Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone found in Moscow office

According to the source, the owner of the drone is being questioned by law enforcement

Putin expresses hope for restraint in Middle East in conversation with Raisi

According to the the Russian presidential press service, "Vladimir Putin said all parties would hopefully show a reasonable degree of constraint to avoid a new bout of tensions"

Ukraine struggles to garner support for Swiss conference — Russian Foreign Ministry

"There are increasingly fewer people willing to discuss this subject with Kiev’s envoys, let alone going there," Rodion Miroshnik stressed

Avtotor launches production of Jetour Dashing crossover in Kaliningrad

General agreement includes organizing the production of the brand’s products in Russia and gradually increasing the level of localization

'Iron Dome' can't fully protect from UAV swarms — Chinese expert

According to Wei Dongxu, Tehran's firepower can cover most of the Middle East region, representing a fierce and precise long-range retaliatory means

Senior Russian diplomat warns about proportional response to threats coming from Finland

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, many of such measures have already been announced

Official labels Ukrainian claims about Russia hitting nuclear facility 'total lie'

"Undoubtedly, everything that is going on today, carries a direct threat to nuclear safety," Renat Karchaa reiterated

US, UK strikes harm Yemeni settlement prospects — Russian mission to UN

"Such actions harm the intra-Yemeni settlement, undermining the efforts of international and regional mediators," Dmitry Polyansky noted

Russian paratroopers seize Ukrainian stronghold on tanks, combat vehicles

Russian troops suffered no casualties, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Russia developing Start-1M carrier rocket as derivative of Topol-M ICBM — source

Like the ICBM, the carrier rocket is intended for launches from a mobile launching platform

Prices for cocoa beans reach all-time high exceeding $11,000 per ton — ICE Futures data

The previous all-time high exchange price for cocoa beans was recorded on March 26, when it reached $10,080 per ton

Zelensky irked by US’ request to stop attacking Russian energy infrastructure — media

It is noted that US officials believe the military benefits of Ukraine’s air raids on Russian oil refineries are "of questionable value," since "the strikes do little to diminish Russia’s war-fighting abilities"

Iran says it won’t prevent return of Russian sailor from seized ship — MFA

The Russian Embassy in Tehran keeps the issue under special control, Maria Zakharova said

Negotiations on safety of navigation in Black Sea continue — source

The talks are being held within the framework of a letter sent earlier by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to the presidents of Turkey, Russia and Ukraine

Region’s airspace open for Israeli Air Force to attack any enemy — defense chief

Yoav Gallant pointed out that "the Iranians attacked [Israel] aggressively, using over 500 weapons"

Turkish-mediated Black Sea security pact crumbles as Ukraine backs out — Reuters

According to the draft agreement, seen by the agency, the parties would have extended security guarantees to merchant vessels in the Black Sea, as they committed not to strike or search them as long as they had declared a non-military cargo

Iran’s possession of enriched uranium doesn’t mean it has nuclear bomb — Grossi

The IAEA director general said he plans to visit Tehran in the next few weeks

Israel postpones Rafah operation after Iranian attack — CNN

According to the sources, Israel is now focused on how to respond to the Iranian attack

Iran ready for defensive measures if Israel continues escalation — embassy in Russia

"If Israel and its Western supporters want to further escalate the conflict, we are ready to take additional defensive measures to protect our legitimate interests," Hussein Maliki said

Iran has warned US that Israeli response would set off harsh retaliation — minister

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the statement as he spoke by phone with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

Russian forces pummel Ukrainian army, equipment in 133 areas over past day

Russian troops took better frontline positions in the Donetsk area over the past day, the ministry reported

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

Investigators have established that the funds that were received through commercial organizations, such as the oil and gas company Burisma Holdings operating in Ukraine, have been used to carry out terrorist acts in Russia and abroad

Russian Su-34 jets destroy Ukrainian command post with high-explosive aerial bombs

"The strike was carried out with ODAB-500 high-explosive aerial bombs with a universal planning and correction module," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Construction of future manned spacecraft reached its final stage — Roscosmos CEO

The spacecraft’s first flight is planned for 2028, Yury Borisov said

Russian forces find coordinates of DPR churches at former Ukrainian positions in Avdeyevka

It was possible to establish that the Ukrainian servicemen were tasked with hitting Orthodox sites in the region aide to the head of the Donetsk People's Republic Igor Kimakovsky said

Olympic flame lit in Ancient Olympia, kicking off 2024 Paris Summer Games journey

The traditional event of lighting the Olympic flame was attended by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, President of the Greek National Olympic Committee Spyros Capralos and other officials

Press review: Israel mulls response to Iran's strike and Ukraine plays shot-caller with US

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 16th

Lavrov states West’s growing concern about BRICS plans to develop own financial tools

According to the minister, Russia is interested in increasing the role of the BRICS states in the international monetary, financial and trading systems, developing interbank cooperation, expanding the use of national currencies and creating its own exchange

US continues to foment new conflicts to save itself from default — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin cited data from the US Treasury Department, according to which the country's budget deficit in March amounted to $236 bln

Ukrainian president signs law tightening mobilization rules

According to Rada Deputy Speaker Alexander Korniyenko, some of the law’s provisions will take effect after its publication, while most of them will enter into force in a month

Erdogan accuses Israel of seeking to spread conflict throughout entire region

The Turkish leader slammed Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and said that the only way to ease tension in the region is to stop it

Russian Armed Forces hit IRIS-T air defense system launcher, Ukrainian ammunition depot

The personnel and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were also defeated in 129 districts