{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Russian Orthodox Church leader stresses role of religion in fight against extremism

"I see no reasons other than those offered by the religion, which can disable the ideological basis of radicalism and terrorism," Patriarch Kirill said

TIRANA, April 30. /TASS/. Only religion can offer sufficient arguments to destroy the ideological basis for radicalism and extremism, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill said in an interview with the Albanian media on Sunday.

The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church arrived to Albania’s capital Tirana on Saturday. This is the first ever visit of a Moscow patriarch to that country.

"I think that religion plays a very significant role in the fight against radicalism," he said. "I see no reasons other than those offered by the religion, which can disable the ideological basis of radicalism and terrorism."

"If radicals appeal to religious teachings and use ideas of a religion as a motive for their extremist deeds, only the religion itself can prove it all to be wrong. Only religious organizations can address their believers and help them understand that the ideas of extremists are false and dangerous both for people’s spiritual lives and their physical existence," Patriarch Kirill added.

He said that extremists "are often inspired by false interpretations of religious doctrines or justify their radicalism by the need to satisfy the God."

The Russian Orthodox Church leader said that the church should deliver an honest opinion of political actions without interfering into politics.

"Religion and politics cannot be two sides of the same medal, those notions are totally different. <...> A religious message centers on a person’s soul, his conscience and morality," he said. "But I’m totally convinced that the church has the right to give a moral evaluation of this or that policy by this or that political leader, with an aim to defend its followers from political figures who may damage them spiritually or physically.".

Real wages to grow by 2.7% in average globally in 2024 — ILO

"In the meantime, wage growth has been uneven across regions, with emerging economies experiencing stronger growth than advanced economies," the International Labor Organization highlighted in its report

Russia not going to leave strikes deep inside country unanswered — Putin

"As I have repeatedly said, we will always respond," the president emphasized

Slovak PM accepts Putin's invitation to attend Victory Day festivities in Moscow next year

Robert Fico pointed out that "the Red Army and the peoples of the former Soviet Union made the greatest contribution to the defeat of fascism and the victory in World War II"

Ukraine demolishes buildings with soldiers inside as Russian forces advance — DPR leader

Amid the successful advance of Russian forces, Ukrainian troops have been indiscriminately attacking civilian neighborhoods in Gorlovka, which is adjacent to Dzerzhinsk, Denis Pushilin said

Ukrainian group of 22 servicemen surrenders in Kursk Region — law enforcement officials

Photos and videos of the surrender were also posted by military reporter and expert Boris Rozhin on his Telegram channel

Conflict in Middle East continues because of US’ interest in it – Medvedev

Medvedev, the situation in the region, related to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, is very difficult

Putin to participate in CSTO summit, hold a press conference

During the event, Kyrgyzstan will formally assume the rotating CSTO presidency for 2025

Russian diplomat says West sought to misrepresent Oreshnik strike, cast it as aggression

Maria Zakharova pointed out that for some, this was obviously a sobering moment, while for others it came as an unexpected surprise

Senior Polish security official recommends NATO against sending troops to Ukraine

However, Yacek Siewiera stated that NATO should concentrate on continuing weapons supplies to Kiev and increasing pressure on Russia

FACTBOX: Impact of UAV attack on Krasnodar Region

Air defense forces repelled a massive drone attack on the Slavyansk and Krasnoarmeysky districts of the Krasnodar Region overnight

Putin apologizes to Merkel over labrador incident

The president said that he "wanted to create a casual, friendly atmosphere" and did not know that the former German chancellor was afraid of dogs

Russia winning in Ukrainian conflict, Polish national security chief says

"The Russian side unquestionably holds both the initiative and the advantage on the battlefield," Head of the Polish National Security Bureau Jacek Siewiera said

Giving Ukraine regular nuclear weapons 'technically impossible,' analyst says

According to Boyan Chukov, some Western politicians don’t take seriously these warnings from Russia about a proportionate response

Takeaways from Putin’s Q&A session in Kazakhstan: Oreshnik missile, inflation, ruble

The Russian president also spoke about inflation and the ruble exchange rate, noting that the situation is under control

Press review: Energy talks as Putin visits Astana and Biden requests more aid for Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, November 28th

Russia files terrorism charges against Ukrainian militants, reports enemy losses in Kursk

Over the past day, Ukraine has sustained over 250 casualties, losing two tanks, an infantry fighting vehicle, an armored personnel carrier, two armored combat vehicles, three motor vehicles and a mortar gun

Russian troops liberate Novaya Ilyinka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West repelled four Ukrainian counterattacks and inflicted roughly 450 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

West beginning to realize only part of Ukraine will remain — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, this represents the "confrontational logic" of the West

West should read Russia's transparent nuclear doctrine carefully — top security official

"In general, the doctrine is uncomplicated, clear, and transparent," Sergey Shoigu noted

Russia’s top diplomat slams NATO for discussions of preemptive strikes on Russia

"These claims were made by some admiral. Absolutely reckless. They have a lot of high-ranking military officials who have never even seen real battle," Sergey Lavrov stated

Biden unlikely to dare to seriously increase military aid to Kiev — expert

"The potential future use of Oreshnik will render ATACMS and Storm Shadow as battle-losing capabilities," a retired British diplomat and former economic counsellor at the British Embassy in Moscow Ian Proud said

Biden administration won’t be able to spend remaining $6.5 bln to arm Ukraine — report

In order to spend the remaining funds in December and January, the US would have to send $110 million worth of weapons every day, the Wall Street Journal reported

US president, not individual politicians, should make all decisions — Lavrov

Decisions are made by the supreme commander-in-chief, the top Russian diplomat said

Work continues on placing the Sarmat missile complex on combat duty — commander

Currently, the Russian Strategic Missile Forces already have over 88% of modern missile hardware in their operational inventory

West tired of Ukrainian conflict, while Russia ready to continue it — magazine

The article noted that the West "no longer has the political will to help Ukraine win by military means" and is trying to achieve peace through negotiations with Russia"

Press review: Russia to mass-produce Oreshnik missiles and EU gas prices reach record high

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 25th

Europe's inability to resolve Ukrainian conflict on its own 'is a disgrace' — expert

Ab Gitelink noted that Europe "needs a right-wing conservative businessman in the White House in order to put an end to the war on European territory"

Hungarian PM’s office rules out his trip to Moscow for 80th anniversary of Victory

Gergely Gulyas was commenting on the decision of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to go to the Russian capital to celebrate the anniversary of Victory at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin

Biden wants Trump to inherit hopeless Ukraine situation — Medvedev

According to the politician, this is why the US administration decided to allow strikes with ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles deep into Russia

Bank of Russia halts foreign currency purchases from November 28 until year end

At the same time, the Bank of Russia will continue to conduct foreign currency sales operations on the domestic currency market in accordance with the previously announced procedure

West should consider Russia’s signal on weapons, no point in discussing details — MFA

Maria Zakharova underscored that Russia's response to deployments of missile systems by the West that create additional threats to Russia could involve both tit-for-tat and asymmetric countermeasures

Russia’s nuclear umbrella extends to post-Soviet security bloc under new doctrine — Shoigu

Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine also stipulates the criteria for the use of nuclear weapons when aggression is launched against Belarus by conventional arms and when there is a threat to the very existence of Belarus, Sergey Shoigu elaborated

Georgia wants to restore territorial integrity peacefully — acting PM

In August 2008, an armed Georgian-South Ossetian conflict broke out after Georgian troops attempted to take control of Tskhinval

Groundless attacks on Russian journalists become trend in West — TASS

"When you want to find a black cat in a dark room, but the cat is a myth, you can find fault with anything," First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman noted

Potential handover of nuclear arms by US to Kiev ‘act of treason’ — US congresswoman

Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested that the Biden administration is "trying to start a nuclear war and use it as the reason to stop the transfer of power to Donald Trump"

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 108.01 rubles for November 28

The official euro rate was increased by 2.6 rubles to 113.0947 rubles

Russia may block agenda of US Security Council presidency next month — mission to UN

First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said that the US may try to complicate life for the successors to the presidency

Key energy facility in Ternopol Region almost completely destroyed

Vyacheslav Negoda noted that a power shortage will remain in the region for a long time

Ukrainian media reports plant in Lvov Region destroyed

The plant specializes in manufacturing bits for drilling artesian, oil, and gas boreholes

Trump’s adviser ponders on idea of ceasefire in Ukraine — CNN

According to the report, the future administration’s strategy on Ukraine is still in the works

Senators support Putin's decision to launch Oreshnik missile — speaker

Valentina Matviyenko noted that the Federation Council is willing to further support actions aimed at protecting Russia

Kiev regime’s ringleaders completely illegitimate, says Putin

"From the legal point of view, they do not even have the right to give orders to the armed forces, because they are usurpers of power," the president said

Unidentified UAVs continue to appear over US Air Force bases in UK — newspaper

On Tuesday, about 60 British military experts were stationed at US airbases across the UK to operate a counter-UAV system to operate a counter-UAV system designed to detect, track and destroy them

Executioner of Nazi war criminal Eichmann dies in Israel aged 86

The Israeli authorities have long kept his name secret

Europe not yet seriously considering sending its servicemen to Ukraine — magazine

At the same time, the media outlet specified that "the big idea is at least being discussed at high levels in European capitals"

Russian forces wipe out five ATACMS launchers using Iskander missiles

In particular, two MLRS launchers and a transporter-loader vehicle were destroyed near the settlement of Tokari, and three HIMARS launchers were taken out near the settlement of Maly Bobrik, the statement reads

Russia designs Titan rifle for commandos

The rifle is reliable with precise and dense fire

Russia to thwart any missile attacks on its territory — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed that "what is happening now crosses all red lines," referring to American ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles attacks on Russia

Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missile system has no world analogues — Putin

The Russian leader believes that such analogues are unlikely to appear soon

Kiev can only produce 'dirty bomb,' Russia to give appropriate response — Putin

"Of course, it’s possible to produce something dirty - the so-called 'dirty bomb' - using waste from nuclear power plants," the Russian leader emphasized

Three countries express interest in BrahMos missiles

"Talks are being held with Indonesia, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates," Alexander Maksichev revealed

Former MI6 chief says Europe at war with Russia

Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, has referred to it as a pre-war situation, former head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service MI6 Richard Dearlove said

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, satellite reconnaissance failed to detect the launch and flight of this missile

Decision-making centers in Kiev could be targeted in Oreshnik strikes — Putin

The Russian leader also mentioned military facilities and defense industry enterprises as possible targets

Kazakh president describes Putin’s state visit as ‘historic event’

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described Russia as his country’s strategic partner and reliable ally

US cutting aid to become death sentence for Ukraine — Russia’s mission to UN

According to Dmitry Polyansky, the Kiev authorities "have stolen so much in these almost three years that even many Western experts' hair stands on end"

Kiev 'experimented' with using NATO troops in Kursk hostilities — official

Igor Kimakovsky added that the addition of foreign troops didn't help the armed forces of Ukraine because of effective measures taken by Russian intelligence and Aerospace Defense Forces

Russia strikes Ukrainian military airfields, manpower in 146 areas over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 330 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia developing echeloned system for air and missile defense — expert

Alexander Stepanov pointed out that "this also applies to intermediate-range high-precision systems such as the Tomahawk and other weapons that NATO countries may provide to Ukraine"

No existing missile defense system can counter Oreshnik — US expert

Theodore Postol also vehemently rejected suggestions that the Oreshnik system represents previous outdated developments of Moscow

Moscow, Astana don’t have any unresolvable issues — Putin

"The most important thing is that there is a desire to seek answers to all these questions and find them," the Russian leader stressed

Outgoing US administration working on new $725-mln military aid package for Kiev

Delivery would include land mines, drones, Stinger missiles, and ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)

Russian forces now control about eight hectares of land near LPR’s Stelmakhovka — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that after liberating Pershotravnevoye in the Kharkov Region and creating a bridgehead there for further advance, the Russian servicemen advanced to the west of the occupied borders

Strike on NATO bases possible in case of escalation, Medvedev says

He made this comment answering a question if Russia can strike military hubs in Romania and Poland

Case against Ukrainian militants, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the past day, the enemy lost more than 250 men, an infantry fighting vehicle, an armored fighting vehicle, six cars and five mortars

Zelensky shook up by Russia’s response to permission to attack it — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the West is directly involved in the use of long-range weapons against Russia, as not a single missile could be launched without its involvement

US must stop escalating Ukrainian conflict, says Russian senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov advised the new US administration and President-elect Donald Trump to treat this issue "with all seriousness"

Georgia suspends consultations on launch of EU accession talks until 2028

According to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgia needs to make European bureaucrats understand that they should use decent language with the country rather than employ blackmail and insults

Putin slams election mudslinging against Trump’s family as 'vile'

According to the Russian president, when gangs fight with each other, they "don’t target women and children but leave them alone"

Putin declares Kazakhstan visit a success

The Russian leader pointed out that Kazakhstan is more than just a trusted ally of Russia

Ukrainian forces follow Russian troops’ example to use fiber optics drones, Putin says

The head of state is confident that there will be a quick response from the Russian side

Iran challenges US, UK, France military capabilities, IRGC general says

"The entire military potential of the US, UK, and France was mobilized to prevent Iran's operation, but the IRGC completed its mission," Ali Fadavi said

Biden's decision on ATACMS 'not panacea', it will harm Kiev — Defense News columnists

The article reads that the US intelligence community warned of the risks associated with US missile strikes on Russian territory and suggested abandoning the decision

Press review: Russia to avenge Kiev's new strike as experts analyze US-EU trade risks

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 27th

Western discussion of transferring nuclear arms to Kiev no bluffing — expert

Endre Simo also recalled that "a few days ago, Admiral Rob Bauer, the chairman of the NATO Military Committee, called for preventive strikes against Russian facilities"

Several Oreshnik missiles equivalent to nuclear strike, do not harm environment — Putin

The Russian president still reiterated that such a strike is not nuclear, because it is highly accurate and not equipped with a nuclear explosive device

Air defenses repel massive drone attack on South Russia, woman wounded

In the town of Slavyansk-on-Kuban, drone fragments fell near a house, the female owner of the house was wounded

Kiev troops attempted to kill British mercenary who surrendered to Russians — officer

In his words, they fired conventional 120mm mortar rounds, silent munitions and at least one FPV drone with a fragmentation charge

Belarusian President Lukashenko points to 'NATOfication' of Europe, entire world

"The arms race is rapidly gaining momentum," Alexander Lukashenko underlined

No turning back on BRICS independent payment system

According to Sergey Ryabkov, BRICS is creating a payment structure that countries of the global majority can use to protect themselves from "hostile states" who want to do them harm

Putin arrives in Astana for state visit

Throughout the day, the leaders are to work together, holding private talks as well as discussions with delegations

China concerned about nuclear risks due to Ukrainian conflict — diplomat

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning urged all sides "to remain calm and restrained, and to work together to de-escalate the situation through dialogue and consultations aimed at reducing strategic risks"

Russia ready for talks with Ukraine on conditions proposed in June — Putin

The head of state held a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry in June, where he listed the conditions for talks with Ukraine

Oreshnik’s massive strike comparable to nuclear weapons — Putin

The Russian leader additionally stressed that "certainly, Oreshnik is not a weapon of mass destruction"

Putin believes that US President-elect Trump’s life may be in danger

Donald Trump survived two assassination attempts this year: one during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July, and the second one in September, when a radical supporter of aid to Ukraine opened fire near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida

Kiev opposes Washington's demand for lowering draft age — media

A representative of US President Joe Biden's administration had earlier stated that the Ukrainian military is facing a critical manpower shortage

Netherlands joins European long-range missile initiative

Under the French ELSA (European Long-Range Strike Approach) initiative, European countries want to develop land-based cruise missiles with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers

One in three relocated individuals return to Russia from Ukraine — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the Kiev regime itself brands these figures as "terrible"

Western analysts describe Russia's Oreshnik as longest-range weapon ever used in Europe

The recent strike on the Yuzhmash missile-producing plant in Ukraine demonstrated Russia’s "real military capability", a nuclear nonproliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute for International Studies said

Russia launches 100 missiles at Ukraine in past two days — Putin

According to the president, overnight, the Russian Armed Forces launched a comprehensive strike with 90 missiles and 100 drones, hitting 17 Ukrainian military targets

Kiev has ‘no chance’ of retaking lost territories — Blackwater founder

Erik Prince noted that it was necessary to end the Ukrainian conflict as soon as possible

Putin promises to inform his CSTO colleagues about situation in special military op zone

The Russian leader noted that he always did this in the course of meetings of the CSTO Collective Security Council

Ukraine requests to buy weapons from South Korea — TV

The South Korean government had "no enthusiasm" about the proposal, the report says

Russia’s nuclear potential is powerful 'security blanket,' US admits — top researcher

Mikhail Kovalchuk noted that Russia should continue strengthening this potential

FACTBOX: Ukraine faces explosions, blackouts

Explosions occurred in Kiev, Nikolayev, Vinnitsa, Kropivnitskoye, Odessa, Kharkov, Lutsk, Ivanovo-Frankovsk, and Rovno

Russian plants are successfully substituting composites in shipbuilding

The use of composites in shipbuilding provides the whole range of advantages in terms of specific strength, durability, stealth pattern, small signature and higher speed of ships, Boris Bogomolov said

Allowing Kiev to fire deep into Russia had no effect on nuclear escalation risks — Reuters

Over the past seven months, US intelligence services compiled a series of intelligence assessments

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

US, NATO on brink of being recognized as parties to conflict with Russia — diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, the West harbors a dangerous delusion that it can defeat Russia strategically

Europe bracing for influx of Ukrainian troops after conflict is over — agency

According to the agency, the European intelligence community is preparing for potential threats, namely the possibility of Ukrainian troops flooding the continent and arms trafficking

Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia committed to peace — adviser

In a post on the X social network, Waltz congratulated 80-year-old Kellogg on the appointment