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Poll shows most Russians frown on TV host-turned-presidential contender Sobchak

High-profile TV personality Kseniya Sobchak announced her presidential nomination on October 18

Ksenia Sobchak Vyacheslav Prokofiev/TASS

Ksenia Sobchak

© Vyacheslav Prokofiev/TASS

MOSCOW, October 19. /TASS/. Most Russians (60%) disapprove of TV socialite Kseniya Sobchak, according to polls conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center in 2012-2016 and published on its website on Thursday, a day after Sobchak threw her hat into the ring for Russia’s presidency.

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Veteran Russian legislator slams Sobchak as ‘fake’ presidential contender

From 2012 to 2015, Kseniya Sobchak considerably boosted her public recognizability: 57% of Russians knew about her in 2012, climbing to 72% in 2015 (only 5% of respondents learned about Sobchak in 2015). Sobchak’s detractors grew in number from 57% in 2012 to a broad 60% in 2015 (23% supported Sobchak in 2012 and 21% in 2015).

In 2016, one in ten (12%) respondents knew the term "non-systemic opposition" and named opposition figure Alexey Navalny (15%) and Parnas party chief Mikhail Kasyanov (10%) as part of it, while only 4% put Sobchak in this group.

The household surveys by the state-run pollster were conducted in 2012-2016. Each survey was carried out in 130 communities within 46 Russian regions among a random national sample of 1,600 adults. The margin of error is no more than 3.5% with a 95% probability.

Kseniya Sobchak’s presidential ambitions

High-profile TV personality Kseniya Sobchak announced her presidential nomination on Wednesday. She called for her candidacy to be regarded as a "none of the above" alternative.

Sobchak also stated that she will push for the admission of opposition leader Alexey Navalny and other liberal opposition candidates to the election.

Read also

Russian journalist and TV host Ksenia Sobchak says she plans to run for president

Reuters producer in custody over YouTube publications posted on NavalnyLIVE web platform

Konstantin Gabov is accused of committing a crime under Part 2 of Article 282.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (participation in an extremist community), the court’s press office said in statement

West’s unwillingness to give up hegemony escalates tensions in world — security official

According to Nikolay Patrushev, this creates conditions for the devaluation of international law and its institutions and the erosion of the UN's central role in resolving global and regional conflicts

Eight violations by US-led international coalition’s aircraft recorded in Syria

The Russian military police had conducted patrols in Raqqa and Al-Hasakah provinces, Major General Yury Popov, the deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, said

Over 3,100 foreign mercenaries fight for Ukraine, most of them from US

The Russian Investigative Committee added that measures are underway to locate their whereabouts and bring them to criminal liability

Serbia thrusts door open to Russian ruble

The financiers have taken into account the growing foreign trade transactions between the two countries

NATO makes Russia its neighbor by expanding eastward, Russian envoy says

Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg claimed that increased payments to the bloc’s budget were the cost of having Russia as a neighbor

Development of Sino-Russian cooperation to be main topic of AmurExpo forum

AmurExpo is the off-site venue of the Eastern Economic Forum

Top Russian security official, Cambodian military official discuss situation in APAC

Leaders of delegations from ASEAN member states also participated in the conversation

Russia welcomes Syria’s interest in joining BRICS, senior diplomat says

"This is yet another important signal that the grouping’s international weight has increased," Sergey Ryabkov added

Russia strikes major thermal power plant in western Ukraine — underground resistance

Five missiles hit Dnepropetrovsk while a strong blow with the subsequent detonation was registered in Krivoi Rog, the spokesman specified

Russia grateful to DPRK for unconditional support of special operation in Ukraine — MFA

Ivan Zhelokhovtsev said that the agreements that were reached during the DPRK leader's visit to Russia represent "evidence of the mutual desire of the sides to consistently implement and expand the rich heritage" that was passed down from previous generations

Russia provides UNRWA with platform to explain Gaza situation to BRICS — agency chief

Philippe Lazzarini explained that against the backdrop of the terrible crisis in Gaza, he wanted to warn the BRICS members of the consequences of banning UNRWA's activities in the conflict zone

Russian economy proves resilience amid large-scale sanctions — IMF

The IMF states that the restrictions led to the need to rebuild the economy

Death toll in Armenian bus accident rises to five

Nine people were injured, the country’s Interior Ministry said

Court places Forbes reporter under house arrest for discrediting Russian armed forces

The press service specified that investigative and procedural actions are underway in coordination with Russia’s Federal Security Service

Moscow to overcome possible EU sanctions against Russian LNG — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "the attempts to squeeze Russia out of energy markets continue"

South Sudan invites Russia to cooperate in oil industry, says ambassador

South Sudanese Ambassador to Moscow Chol Tong Mayai Jang noted that the republic can become a good market for Russian entrepreneurs

UN bound to stay as unique world organization — Russian ambassador

"If the UN did not exist, it should have been created," Vasily Nebenzya said

Drone crashes in industrial zone in Russian city of Lipetsk

There were no casualties, egional Governor Igor Artamonov said

US may risk military escapade in Far East — Russian ambassador to North Korea

The situation on the Korean Peninsula is a major concern, Russian Ambassador to Pyongyang Alexander Matsegora told

Musk concurs that civil war looming in West

The US businessman commented on remarks by Gad Saad, a Canadian professor of Lebanese origin, who insisted that "the path that the West is taking will result in civil war"

Russia-Europe relations require fresh approach — Kremlin

Russia and Europe are geographically close anyway, Dmitry Peskov noted

Armenians protesting against border delimitation with Azerbaijan disrupt concert

A similar protest took place at the Paronyan Musical Comedy Theater

Russian, Belarusian troops to train in Belarus in 2025

The decision to hold an exercise once in two years in one of the countries was made in 2009

Russia’s top racket Medvedev through to next round of 2024 Madrid Open

3rd-seed Daniil Medvedev outplayed his unseeded rival Matteo Arnaldi from Italy 2-6; 6-4; 6-4 and is now set to play in the next round against 25th-seed Sebastian Korda of the United States

Ukrainian forces trapped on outskirts of Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR official

Igor Kimakovsky reported that the enemy "experiences problems with logistics and the supply of ammunition and essentials"

China to send two pandas to American zoo in ten-year loan program

It is a part of international cooperation on conservation of bamboo bears

Polish general expects Russia to continue wiping out Abrams tanks in Ukraine

Waldemar Skrzypczak underlined that "no tank is invincible"

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

Russia ready to cooperate with all interested partners to ensure security — Putin

The Russian leader expressed confidence that the the 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues "will bolster cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples"

Economic figures turn out above projections in early 2024 — Putin

Russia’s GDP grew by 6% in January-February in annual terms, the Russian president stressed

Ukraine struggles to use GLSDB efficiently due to Russian jamming capabilities — report

When the GPS signal is suppressed by Russian electronic warfare equipment, the munitions can only rely on their inertial navigation system to calculate their impact location, and this causes them to miss the target

Russian GDP gain 5.4% in Q1 2024 — Economy Ministry

In March 2024, the Russian economy grow by 4.2% annually

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

"I think that Beijing understands this perfectly well and will not even pretend being ready to reach any agreements with the Americans to the detriment of Russia’s interests," Sergey Ryabkov said

Alrosa may leave Catoca project in Angola — Finance Ministry

Alrosa is working in Angola since 1992

Gazprom Export files lawsuits against European energy companies

In February 2023, Czech energy company CEZ initiated an arbitration worth $45 mln against Gazprom Export due to a gas shortfall in 2022

Russia should maximize cooperation with friendly countries — PM

Mikhail Mishustin pointed out that another critical task is to establish modern infrastructure to strengthen connectivity of the Russian economy with CIS and Global South countries

Istanbul accords could have stopped hostilities in Ukraine — German newspaper

The deal still looks advantageous even after two years of war, Welt am Sonntag said

Medvedev vows Moscow's response to US law on seizing Russia's frozen assets will sting

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman suggested enacting legislation to allow Russia to confiscate assets belonging to the citizens of unfriendly countries

Russian cabinet extends obligatory sale of foreign currency revenue for one year

The move is to facilitate maintenance of stability of the foreign currency exchange rate and sustainability of the Russian financial market, the government noted

‘Pointless’ to talk Easter ceasefire with irreverent Ukraine — Russian Orthodox Church

Since the onset of Kiev’s military operation in Donbass in 2014, ceasefires have been repeatedly declared on major holidays, including religious ones and most of them were broken by Ukrainian forces within hours

Network of international conspirators plotted Crocus terrorist attack — watchdog

Yury Chikhanchin pointed out that the perpetrators of the attack were provided with money, weapons, transportation and ammunition

Russia, Belarus to practice scenario of employing entire military potential — top brass

According to Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, the upcoming drills on the territory of Belarus "will involve some command centers and units of Russia’s Eastern Military District that are engaged in a surprise inspection underway in the Russian Armed Forces"

Regulators close US’ Republic First Bank — FDIC

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation signed an agreement with Fulton Bank to assume all of the closed bank’s deposits and on purchase of all its assets.

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

The date and location will be announced later

Russia to incorporate US nuke scenario in Poland in its military planning — diplomat

"Poland’s authorities make no secret of their striving to lean closer on the US nuclear weapons deployed in Europe and are actively using these ambitions in their hostile Russian policy," Maria Zakharova stressed

Ukrainian troops in Kharkov Region lift antennas with kites to get better signal

Military expert Andrey Marochko speculated that the Ukrainian army had to resort to this tactic because the TV tower in Kharkov was damaged

Russia delivers 35 precision strikes on Ukrainian military sites over week — top brass

Russian troops liberated the communities of Novomikhailovka and Bogdanovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic and advanced deep into the enemy defense

Russia’s Battlegroup West repels three attacks in past day, moving to better positions

Units of Battlegroup Center have improved their tactical positions

Bill submitted to Russian legislature seeks more control over immigration

One of the bill's provisions would limit the stay of a foreigner to 90 days within one calendar year

Russia's Mir payment cards to give Visa and MasterCard a run for their money

The need to develop Mir payment cards was prompted by US sanctions imposed on Russia in the spring of 2014

South Sudan asks for Russia's help to build oil pipeline to country — Undersecretary

South Sudan is also interested in construction of a high-capacity refinery in the country and in training fuel and energy sector specialists in Russia, Mayen Wol Jong said

US using human rights topics to shake political situation in Russia — embassy

"Attacks against Russia mainly focused on challenging the legality of the special military operation in Ukraine", the Russian embassy said

Uniper notified Russia about Unipro dispute, company says

"Uniper had already decided to sell the stake in Unipro in the summer of 2021 and informed the Russian government of its decision in the autumn of 2021," the company noted

Palestinian factions thank Russia for support at meeting in Moscow — Hamas statement

In their statement, the Palestinians also noted a "positive and constructive" atmosphere at the Moscow meeting and expressed their readiness to continue dialogue in order to "achieve comprehensive national unity"

Abrams tanks easy targets for drones — Russian expert

According to Dmitry Kuzyakin, "as long as there is a lack of direct communication between those who make the tanks and who use them, the Abrams will not evolve to meet modern warfare requirements"

Russia's eyes open to nature of US sanctions — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that the Russian authorities will try to minimize the effect of new EU sanctions against the country

US continues hunt for Russian citizens in third countries — Russian envoy

Anatoly Antonov says the Americans seek deportation of Russians to the United States

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

Russian gas production to gain 4.6% in 2024 — Economy Ministry

Pipeline gas exports are forecast to edge up by 7% to 108 bln cubic meters

People in Armenia block road in protest to border deal with Azerbaijan

On April 19, Yerevan and Baku issued a joint statement saying that a tentative agreement had been reached for several sections of the border between both countries

No conditions for talks with Kiev at this time — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin "is well-known"

Press review: China to weather US storm and ATACMS not 'wonder weapons'

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, April 27th

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

Refinery in southern Russia partially suspends operations after Ukrainian drone attack

Ten unmanned aerial vehicles flew directly into the plant, causing a big fire

Russia says its battlegroup West seized better positions

The Russian forces also foiled a counterattack of an assault group of the Ukrainian 80th mechanized brigade in the vicinity of the Krasnoye settlement in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Repaired strategic bomber Tu-22M3 re-enters service with Russia’s Aerospace Force

The bombers will get advanced precision weapons while their radio-electronic devices and engines will be similar to the equipment aboard the latest Tu-160M2 aircraft

Bank of Russia keeps key rate at 16% per annum again

"The return of inflation to target and its further stabilization close to 4% assume that tight monetary conditions will be maintained in the economy for a longer period than previously forecast," the regulator said

Russia closely watches all NATO maneuvers — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the lion’s share of the alliance’s wargames is designed precisely as the unfolding scenarios of confrontation with Russia

US first caused, now purposefully drags out Ukraine conflict — Shoigu

The Russian top defense official added that in order to achieve its goals, Washington is exerting unprecedented pressure, including on its partners

Russian T-14 Armata tanks tested in Syria

Serial supplies of Russia’s new T-14 tanks on the Armata platform to Russian troops will begin in 2021

Scholz reiterates German soldiers, Taurus long-range missiles not to be sent to Ukraine

"There will be neither German soldiers nor NATO troops in this war," the German Chancellor emphasized

US stops hiding true purpose of sanctions on Moscow, Russian envoy says

"It’s not about any mythical aspirations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, but about banal opportunistic and predatory ambitions," Anatoly Antonov said

Russian troops wipe out military train with Western armaments in DPR over past day

Russian troops improved their tactical position and repelled eight Ukrainian army counterattacks in the Avdeyevka area over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukraine’s frontlines may collapse, if Russia decides to focus its offensive — paper

Ukraine is at a great risk of its frontline collapsing wherever Russian generals decide to focus their offensive

Kremlin vows legal action against US bill on seizing Russian assets

Dmitry Peskov noted that the trial will be "very complex," but will cause severe damage to US economic interests if the US authorities finally approve the bill regarding Russian assets

Ukrainian troops fleeing Ocheretino in small groups, says DPR

"There is one more or less suitable road but it is also being shelled," adviser to the DPR head Igor Kimakovsky said

US intel finds no proof of Russian leadership’s involvement in Navalny’s death — newspaper

"Some European intelligence agencies have been told of the US view," The Wall Street Journal added

25-century-old Ukok Princess to find final resting place in Altai

First sketches of a would-be burial mound for the ancient mummy of a mysterious young woman have been presented

Ukraine’s army leaves first defensive line in Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR

The Ukrainian military has suffered heavy casualties among personnel and military hardware in that community, Igor Kimakovsky said

Belgium’s rejection of exchange of assets in Russia to impede process — Kremlin

It was reported earlier that the Belgian side did not recognize the exchange of blocked assets

Russian cutting-edge missile frigate holds artillery firings in Arctic drills

"The combat exercises were conducted in the Barents Sea waters closed for shipping," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Hamas’s win may lead to 9/11-like attacks, Israeli minister warns

Nir Barkat also described Qatar as "one of the biggest challenges" for Israel, claiming that Doha supported various radical groups active in the region

Russia proposes new rules for foreigners buying sim cards, requires biometric data

People covered under the new rules will only be allowed to buy a sim card at physical telecom locations, and not via the Internet

Germany lukewarm to China’s idea of international investigation into Nord Stream blasts

"The investigation is already being conducted by the German Public Prosecutor General’s Office," the German foreign ministry spokesman said

Third of Ukrainian troops surrender near Lisichansk, LPR’s envoy to Russia says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the operation to liberate the LPR would be brought to an end as soon as the operation in Lisichansk was finished

Erdogan moves back from May 9 his trip to US — report

The report hasn’t been officially confirmed

Over 14,700 residential houses remain flooded in Russia

The source also said that 38,302 Russians have been evacuated from flooded areas and settlements potentially falling into these zones since the beginning of the spring floods

Russia to open diplomatic missions in more African countries, diplomat says

According to Vsevolod Tkachenko, Moscow is in talks with African countries to launch flights to new destinations

Russia’s second meteorological satellite Arktika-M launched from Baikonur put into orbit

The Soyuz-2.1b rocket carrying the Arktika-M No. 2 satellite blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 12:18 p.m. Moscow time

Azov units suffer heavy losses in fighting near Avdeyevka, DPR official says

Igor Kimakovsky specified that the number of Azov members killed in action was in the hundreds

Russian stock indices rising on Saturday

The dollar edged up to 93.4 rubles, the euro - to 98.9 rubles

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Russia fighting puppet regime in Kiev, people to win from its defeat, security chief says

As Nikolay Patrushev said, ordinary Ukrainians have long understood that they were simply used as a bargaining chip, a tool to contain Russia

Medicine for Bekhterev’s disease may cause medical tourism to Russia — Health Minister

Previously, the media reported that the Russian Health Ministry registered the first treatment for the Bekhterev’s disease in the world

Russian investment in India’s strategic sectors of economy reaches $1.26 bln

India plans to step up cooperation with Russia in the area of oil and gas, metals, strategic natural resources and industrial equipment related to railways, ports and shipping industry

Kremlin spokesman says Zelensky’s fate is sealed

The comment concerns both the fate of Zelensky and the outcome of the Russian special military operation

VTB supervisory board recommends not to pay 2023 dividends

VTB Group received record net profit under International Financial Reporting Standards in the amount of $4.6 bln for 2023

Top security official advises West to keep door open for joint research work with Russia

Nikolay Patrushev cited recent research showing that a simulated eruption of the Yellowstone Caldera, which has shown increasing signs of active volcanic status over the years, and what consequences such a natural disaster could potentially leave in its wake

Settlement proposal on Gaza to Hamas provides for release of 20-40 hostages — TV

A source told the news outlet that the agreement will be most likely reached in the next couple of days

Kiev recognizes difficulties, losses on battlefield over six months of waiting for US aid

The office of the Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky notes that the Ukrainian army needs to stabilize the frontline