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Austria’s Vice Chancellor resigns over scandalous video footage

At a press conference in Vienna, Heinz Christian Strache announced his resignation from the posts of Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the ruling Freedom Party

Austria’s Vice Chancellor Heinz Christian Strache AP Photo/Ronald Zak

Austria’s Vice Chancellor Heinz Christian Strache

© AP Photo/Ronald Zak

VIENNA, May 18. /TASS/. Austria’s Vice Chancellor Heinz Christian Strache has resigned on Saturday after German media published a scandalous video showing his involvement in shadow financial deals.

At a press conference in Vienna, he announced his resignation from the posts of Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the ruling Freedom Party.

"On Sunday, at the party presidium, I will organize the transfer of powers of the Chairman of my party and resign from the post of the party’s leader [Austrian Freedom Party]," Strache said.

"From now on, my deputy Norbert Hofer [Austria’s Minister of Transport] will take over the party’s affairs," he added,

On Friday, Spiegel and Suddeutsche Zeitung published a video showing Strache meeting a rich Russian woman in 2017 and apparently offering to funnel state contracts towards a company in exchange for funding his party’s election campaign ahead of the parliamentary elections.

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According to the official, these contractors will be located far from combat operations areas

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At the same time, Ukraine lost fewer tanks - around 200, compared to 240 lost last year

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Elon Musk takes part in Trump-Zelensky phone call — Axios

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Russian forces destroy US-made Abrams tank in Avdeyevka area, top brass reports

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The Belarusian president did not rule out that in the future, the EU might unite and begin collaborating with Belarus and Russia

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US defense contractors in Ukraine to repair F-16s, Patriots — TV

According to the official, these contractors will be located far from combat operations areas

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Soros family makes deal with Kiev to use Ukrainian land as toxic waste dump — journalist

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Putin’s congratulations to Trump can be viewed as official — spokesman

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Putin congratulates Trump on his election as US president at Valdai Forum

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The movement’s military spokesperson said that "the Yemeni armed forces conducted a military operation and attacked the Nevatim Airbase in Negev"

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"An increasing number of countries are abandoning the dollar and the euro as instruments of mutual payments," the Russian Security Council secretary pointed out

Europe unable to finance Ukraine conflict without US — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, "the number of people who think they need to adjust to the new circumstances is rising"

Data on recon drone base in Finland near Russian borders must be verified — Kremlin

"If you recall their statements when they were joining NATO, they said that Finland will not deploy any elements of military infrastructure near our borders," Dmitry Peskov said

Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine sparks alarm in Kiev — newspaper

According to Corriere della Sera, the demilitarized zone could be patrolled by European troops, who would also be assigned the task of defending Ukraine, with US weapons supplies continuing

Trump’s leadership key to quick resolution of Ukraine conflict, says Erdogan

"More weapons, more bombs, or more chaos will not end this war," the Turkish leader argued

Press review: Trump’s victory stuns investors while Russia’s economy holds strong

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, November 7th

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He pointed out that in the middle of the 1980s, the Soviet Union had called for ending ideological confrontation, overcoming the legacy of the Cold War, and removing the barriers preventing common integration and universal development

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At the same time, the ruble continued to weaken due to the recovery of import volumes with a stable level of exports in October

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Russia’s cooperation with North Korea impacts Euro-Atlantic security, NATO claims

The North Atlantic Council called on all countries "not to provide any kind of assistance" to Russia and "condemn all those who are facilitating and thereby prolonging" Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine

President of Palestine states readiness to work with Trump

Mahmoud Abbas wished the president-elect success and expressed his hope that "the United States, led by Trump, will support the Palestinian people’s right for self-determination and acquisition of its own state"

Arctic master plans due to be approved in early 2025 — minister

Earlier, the minister reported work on determining funding sources for the Arctic master plans, where two-thirds would be off-budget funds

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Tens of thousands to march 'on Washington' ahead of Trump's inauguration — newspaper

In January 2017, before the beginning of Trump's first presidential term, hundreds of marches of various sizes took place in many US cities, including Chicago (Illinois), Boston (Massachusetts), New Orleans (Louisiana), Miami (Florida), and Denver (Colorado)

Zelensky to try to rebrand himself as peacemaker after Trump's victory — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk explained that no one asks Zelensky's opinion anymore

Biden, Harris aides blame each other for presidential election loss

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s contender, in the November 5 election

Putin grants Russian citizenship to Finnish human rights activist

Johan Backman has defended the rights of the Russian-born families, whose children were taken away by the Finnish authorities, and has participated in many international conferences on the outcome of World War II

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According to Artyom Dmitruk, Vladimir Zelensky's resignation "would be the best gift for millions of Ukrainians and the entire country because the deaths would stop"

Russia’s latest TOS-3 flamethrower to have firepower exceeding effect of several air bombs

According to reports, the TOS-3 will feature an increased striking range

Ukraine’s army chief preparing troop retreat from Kursk area — lawmaker

Maryana Bezuglaya also proposed that Syrsky himself stay in the Kursk Region

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Jean-Claude Gakosso welcomed "Russia's diplomatic success on the international stage"

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Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko added that Russia will send repair kits for damaged power equipment

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Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 8th

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No less than a decade will be required to build it, given favorable conditions, the expert said

Trump’s readiness to resolve Ukrainian conflict overnight is overstatement — Peskov

Kremlin spokesman added that if the new US administration "will be eyeing peace instead of conflict," it will certainly do better than its predecessors

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"Experts point to the threats stemming from new regional conflicts, global epidemics, the complicated and controversial ethical aspects of interaction between humans and artificial intelligence, as well as to the way traditions and progress go together," the head of state noted

Nobody to be safe from West's geopolitical intrigues, crises in 2024 — Lavrov

The top diplomat pointed out that Russia's partners in the international arena are aware of this situation, and most of them are in solidarity with Moscow that sooner or later the West "will have to accept the realities of a multipolar world, and then all issues will be resolved on the basis of a balance of interests"

Bitcoin price hits fresh all-time high exceeding $77,000

By 10:45 p.m. Moscow time the Bitcoin price had extended gains trading at $77,109

Putin reaffirms Russia's stance at Valdai Forum, signals readiness for US ties — expert

According to Alexander Dynkin, the Russian leader gave his assessment "on all key issues of the international agenda"

Daily death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon stands at 15 — health ministry

The overall death toll from Israeli bombardments and artillery attacks since the outbreak of the current escalation in October 2023 has reached 3,117

FACTBOX: What we know about collapse of ruling coalition in Germany

The German chancellor said he would call for a confidence vote on January 15, 2025, in the Bundestag, which could trigger a snap election before late March

IN BRIEF: What is known about aftermath of drone attack on Russia’s Saratov

First responders and representatives from the local administration were dispatched to the site of the incident

EU must achieve unity to survive — Borrell

It is reported that the EU must develop its own capabilities, including in defense

Kremlin redirects question on DPRK troops in special op area to Defense Ministry

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently commented on the satellite images published by Seoul, which allegedly indicate the presence of North Korean military personnel in Russia, calling them "a serious matter"

Putin says West supported al-Qaida when it fought against Russia

According to Putin, Russia’s goal at the time was to use all means to hold the country together

US engages in policy of dual deterrence on Russia, China – Putin

In Putin’s opinion, Washington views China’s economic growth as a threat to its global dominance

Trump vows to settle conflict in Ukraine before his inauguration

He also pledged to prevent World War Three

Battlegroup West’s artillery destroys Ukrainian MLRS Olkha — Russian Defense Ministry

After analyzing the intelligence received, a decision was made to destroy the enemy's combat vehicle, the report said

Ukrainian military to blow up experimental nuclear reactor at Kharkov Institute — ministry

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that "on March 6, foreign journalists arrived in Kharkov to register the consequences of the provocation, followed by accusing Russia of creating an environmental disaster"

No casualties or damage from downed drones in Voronezh Region — official

The official noted that last night, a Russian air defense system intercepted six UAVs in the skies over the Voronezh Region

Hungarian PM denies allegations of being isolated in EU due to position on Ukraine

According to Viktor Orban, had Hungary really been isolated, it would have been unable to hold discussions with its allies, while discussions continue despite disagreements

IN BRIEF: What is known about new UK sanctions against Russia

The British authorities have imposed restrictive measures against the Afrika Corps paramilitary organization, allegedly linked to Russia

Russian Mi-28NM helicopter crew destroys Ukrainian stronghold in Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry noted the combat mission was aimed at providing support to ground troops

Over 10 UAVs destroyed over Russia’s borderline Voronezh Region

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US-China trade up by 2.8% to $564.17 billion over Jan-Oct 2024 period — customs service

Chinese supplies to the United States increased by 1.2%

Russian, Ukrainian ombudspersons meet in Belarus

Russian Human Rights Ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova noted that the sides "discussed further humanitarian cooperation in providing assistance to civilians, including efforts to locate those missing"

Ukraine terminates air service agreement with Iran

Ukraine’s decision means that after it opens its airspace, flights to and from Iran will not be resumed

Wine imports to Russia fall 1.5-fold in 10 months to 357,700 tons

The report also noted that in the first 10 months of 2024 Russian wine exports increased by 20% compared to the same period last year and reached 1,680 tons

Number of people injured in Ukrainian attack on Kursk Region rises to 364

A total of 7,164 people, including 1,493 children, are staying at 96 temporary accommodation centers in the Kursk Region

Russia open to dialogue on Ukraine, but this does not change special op goals — Kremlin

"Putin has repeatedly spoken about openness to dialogue with all interested parties and all those who can contribute to the settlement of this conflict," Dmitry Peskov noted

Russians win four gold medals on opening day of World Sambo Championships

The World Sambo Championships are held on November 8-10

Russian troops overtake forest belt, railway station in Kupyansk advance — military expert

Russian forces also expanded the liberated area north and south of Kruglyakovka and took over the Skorostnoi railway station, Andrey Marochko specified

Russia open to countries ready to build relations in multipolar world — senior official

Sergey Obryvalin noted that Russia "is not trying to use sectoral dialogue platforms as an arena for political machinations to distort the truth"

Russian troops cut off Zaporozhye-Kurakhovo highway — official

Previously, press officer of Ukraine’s 33rd Brigade Nazar Voytenkov said on Ukrainian Liberty (deemed foreign agent and undesirable in Russia) that Ukrainian forces may get surrounded under Kurakhovo on the Kiev-controlled part of the Donetsk People’s Republic

National Bank expects 500,000 people to leave Ukraine in 2024

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Americans were on the Moon but footage may have been filmed in advance — Russian cosmonaut

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Nearly 20% Ukrainian servicemen gone AWOL from battlefield — The Economist

According to the journal’s estimates, Kiev may face acute shortages of personnel and ammunition within about six months

Air balloon capable of increasing FPV drones’ range to 40 km to be tested in combat zone

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Russia has repeatedly stopped those who pressed for world domination — Putin

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Stupinets fast attack craft to be handed over to Russian Navy in 2025 — source

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TASS has compiled a summary of the Russian leader’s remarks

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Russia to raise wheat export duty to $26.32 per ton from November 13

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