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Coronavirus pandemic

Over 100 new cases of novel coronavirus registered in South Korea in past day

In the past day, one person died from the novel coronavirus in South Korea, bringing the total death toll in the country to 67

© EPA-EFE/YONHAP

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First case of novel coronavirus confirmed at UN headquarters — source

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in South Korea has grown by 110 in the past day and reached 7,979, the country's Ministry of Health and Welfare said on Friday.

In the past day, one person died from the novel coronavirus, bringing the total death toll in the country to 67.

A total of 177 people recovered and left hospitals in the past day. Since the start of the novel coronavirus outbreak in South Korea, 510 people have recovered.

The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the city of Wuhan. Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 100 countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.

Over 118,000 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in the world so far, and the death toll exceeded 4,300.

Military operation in Ukraine

Kiev’s top security official concedes slim odds of battlefield success

Alexander Litvinenko also pointed to Washington’s "absolutely unfair" ban on the Ukrainian army using American-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia

End of Zelensky’s presidential term renders him illegitimate — ex-Ukrainian PM

Nikolay Azarov pointed out that the Ukrainian constitution was crystal clear about the five-year presidential term

Zelensky may be target of assassination a la Hitler in 1944 — Medvedev

"However, it will change nothing either for the Ukrainians or for us," Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council stressed

Iranian late foreign minister to be buried in Tehran on May 23

Raisi’s helicopter crashed in Iran’s province of East Azerbaijan on May 19

Growth investment in Russian IT solutions expected to double by 2030

In turn, Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Staff of the Government Dmitry Grigorenko added that the government is currently actively working on the formation of a new national project Data Economy

Russian troops leveling out frontline in Kharkov area — local administration

Volchansk is strategically important and that it why the Ukrainian army is bringing in "very serious forces" and "trying to counterattack," Vitaly Ganchev 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

One more Ukrainian drone shot down over Belgorod Region — defense ministry

Kiev attempted attack on facilities in Russia’s territory with the use of a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle was thwarted, it said

Erpenbeck wins International Booker Prize for her novel Kairos

She will split the 50,000 pound sterling prize with translator Michael Hofmann

Volume of investment in Volga car project will exceed $662 mln

Volga cars will be produced at the site of the Nizhny Novgorod automobile cluster, while the serial production will start in 2024 and from 2025 the production will be carried out in a full cycle mode

Pentagon claims Russia put counterspace weapon into orbit last week

According to Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder, the new counterspace weapon was deployed into "the same orbit as a US government satellite"

Russia ready to help Iran investigate Raisi’s helicopter crash — Putin

The Russian leader described Raisi’s death as a big loss

Protests against military recruiters held in Ukraine’s Nikolayev Region

A legislator in the Kherson Region, Yury Barbashov, noted that Ukrainian patriots are currently overwhelmed with worry as they realize "that this is agony and that the end is near"

Two dead, 30 injured after Singapore Airlines flight hit by severe turbulence

The flight carrying 221 passengers and 18 crew members was on its way from London to Singapore

US Congress considers sanctions against ICC — House Speaker Johnson

"The ICC has no authority over Israel or the United States, and today's baseless and illegitimate decision should face global condemnation," the speaker said

Dollar steady, euro down as Wednesday trading opens in Moscow

The yuan strengthened by 0.75 kopecks to trade at 12.416 rubles

Russian forces not to let Ukraine hold on to Nikolayev, Odessa, Kharkov — commander

It is stressed that these are "originally Russian territories and it is unlikely that Ukraine manages to retain them"

West’s attempts to wall off Russia not 'sign of great intelligence' — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, this way, the West is attempting "to control as much space as possible, using blackmail, threats, sanctions and ultimatums"

G7 does not rule out seizing Russian assets, not only revenues from them — Cameron

The UK foreign secretary noted that this week the G7 finance ministers will primarily discuss the use of revenues generated by Russian assets

German defense minister speaks up against any no-fly zones over Ukraine — agency

Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit came out with similar statements

Zelensky to extend election moratorium, his elimination by West likely — DPR lawmaker

Yelena Shishkina noted that Ukraine had seen usurpation of power - but not by Zelensky, who is not an independent political figure, but by the West

Risk of nuclear conflict at its highest in decades — statement of 23 countries

The statement emphasized that nuclear weapons make up 90% of the global stockpile of highly enriched uranium

West alarmed over plummeting support for Zelensky — Russian intelligence

The press bureau drew attention to the fact that history has shown time and again that attempts to retain power using lies and intimidation do not work

Central Asian countries 'outraged' by West’s attempts to control them — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, Moscow has never objected to such communication platforms as "Central Asia +"

World misses new opportunity to prevent arms race in space due to US, says diplomat

The United States once again demonstrated "real priorities in space aimed not at keeping it free of any weapons but at placing weapons in outer space and turning it into an arena of a military confrontation," Maria Zakharova stressed

Lavrov welcomes Xi Jinping's proposal for Ukraine conference

The ministers discussed the results of Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to China

Military exercise on preparation, use of tactical nuclear weapons kicks off in Russia

"Under the order of the commander-in-chief, a military exercise involving practice of preparation and use of tactical nuclear weapons started in the Southern military district under the supervision of the General Staff," the ministry said

Ukraine’s Zelensky should be tried for war crimes, DPR head says

Denis Pushilin pointed out that it was Zelensky who gave criminal orders and took a position that seriously endangered both the residents of Donbass and the population of the rest of Ukraine

IAEA’s Grossi to visit Kaliningrad May 28 to discuss ZNPP — Russian envoy

Technical and substantive aspects of the forthcoming exchange of views are being worked on

EU aid for Ukraine loses legitimacy together with Zelensky — French politician

According to the Ukrainian Constitution, Zelensky’s term as president expired on the night of May 21

Borrell reacts to call to arrest Israeli PM

"All states that have ratified the ICC statutes are bound to execute the Court’s decisions," the top EU diplomat said

Medvedev warns 'neutral' countries against participating in Swiss summit on Ukraine

"We will remember that," the politician warned

Raisi's helicopter equipped with full navigation, foreign minister boarded last minute

The helicopter was piloted by Army pilots, not the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Ireland set to announce recognition of Palestinian state on May 22

According to Reuters, Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defense Micheal Martin will announce the initiative during a press briefing

Swiss conference on Ukraine aimed at discussing Zelensky’s ultimatum 'formula' — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat pointed to the fact that Chinese President Xi Jinping "clearly articulated that the Chinese side will support the convention of an international conference, which will reflect the interests of both Russia and Ukraine equally and will be based on a large number of ideas and initiatives"

ICC decision rescues Netanyahu’s political career — Politico

It is reported that Benny Gantz is considered to be the politician who can end Netanyahu’s political career

Rasisi’s helicopter passenger twice called to say he was feeling bad — senior diplomat

"Shortly after the accident, we managed to speak with Tabriz’s Friday Prayer Imam," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mahdi Safari said

Russian MP calls for responding to Ukraine’s drone attack by offensive on battlefield

Konstantin Zatulin did not rule that companies sustaining losses from Ukrainian drone attacks may file a collective damage claim against Ukraine

Zelensky hysterically demanded that Western countries "bring Russia to its knees" — Lavrov

The minister also called ridiculous the West's attempts to lure countries to the Swiss meeting on Ukraine and then address Russia with an ultimatum

Over half of Russian companies will use domestic software by year end — Prime Minister

Mikhail Mishustin stressed that over four years, sales of Russian software have more than doubled, and ready-made package solutions have increased fivefold

Top brass proposes specifying state borderline in Russia’s westernmost region

"This will alter the Russian state maritime border due to a change in the territorial sea’s external bounds," it says

Polish PM says nine people arrested over alleged sabotage attacks at Russia’s request

"This concerns beatings, arson and attempted arson," Donald Tusk said

Ukraine uses weapons of almost all NATO states against Russian civilians — UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya called the information about the conflict in Ukraine, contained in UN Secretary General’s report on protection of civilians in armed conflict a "regrettable example of double standards"

Russia rejects groundless accusations of inability of ensuring ZNPP’s operation — diplomat

According to Roman Ustinov, ahead of the conferences, the Russian side released a report about measures that are being taken to ensure the ZNPP’s security

Norway moves to recognize Palestinian state

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store stressed that "recognition of Palestine is a means of supporting the moderate forces which have been losing ground in this protracted and brutal conflict"

Zvezda shipyard floats overhauled Ikrutsk nuclear submarine

The upgraded Irkutsk will carry over 30 hypersonic Zircon missiles and over 30 Phisik-2 torpedoes

Three satellites of Rassvet-2 mission successfully orbited — Bureau 1440

Rassvet-2 is a space laboratory for experimental testing of technical solutions developed by Bureau 1440, which will form the basis of the target space system

Mongolia is obvious next candidate for SCO membership — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat recalled that for the moment 14 countries have the status of dialogue partners within SCO

Putin, Xi firmly said NO to Western diktat — expert

Alexey Maslov described as an important outcome China’s statement that it was meaningless to participate in the peace conference in Switzerland without Russia

Ukraine cannot provide heavy vehicles to new recruits — Forbes

The universal mobilization has been repeatedly prolonged in Ukraine since February, 2022

Shipbuilders float out latest Project 22870 rescue tug for Russian Navy

The Project 22870 rescue tug Mikhail Chekhov engineered by the Vympel Design Bureau in Nizhny Novgorod in the Volga area is designed to render assistance to ships in distress and rescue personnel, tow vessels and extinguish fires on affected ships and onshore facilities

Russian Uragan MLRS crew destroys Ukrainian platoon in attempt at counterattack

The Ukrainians sustained roughly 30 casualties in the Russian attack, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Poland against planting anti-personnel mines on border with Russia, Belarus — Tusk

"We are not planning to plant mines [at the border with Russia and Belarus]," the minister said

Envoy to Russia preaches patience in Raisi helicopter crash investigation

"Only at the conclusion of the investigation can we determine whether what happened was because of poor weather, whether it was just an accident or something else entirely. Right now we must be patient," Kazem Jalali stressed

Russian government to allocate $414.59 mln to support business in Novorossiya in June

According to the Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Donetsk People's Republic Vladimir Zverkov, the additional funds will expand business support and contribute to the further development of business activity in the region

Ukraine’s real losses should be counted in millions — ex-Polish army general staff chief

"The Ukrainians are losing this war," Rajmund Andrzejczak said, describing the situation as "very, very dramatic"

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace ten times in past day — deputy chief

Apart from that, in his words, two 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

US rejects ICC’s legitimacy but uses it against enemies — Russian ambassador

"This is yet another example of double standards and a parade of American hypocrisy," Anatoly Antonov said

China rejects US sanctions for ties with Russia, pledges to protect its companies — envoy

"China’s position on Ukraine has been just and objective," Liu Pengyu said

Russian air defenses down unmanned aerial vehicle over Bryansk Region

According to Governor Alexander Bogomaz, there were no casualties or damage

Pentagon admits Russian forces 'making gains' near Kharkov

"We do know that there are tens of thousands of Russian troops inside Ukraine," Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said

Kremlin finds US reaction to ICC’s demand for Netanyahu arrest warrant 'curious'

"On the one hand, we [Russia] do not support it, but on the other hand, of course, we are monitoring the situation," Dmitry Peskov highlighted

Putin spent 2 hours in meeting to help look for Raisi’s helicopter, Iranian envoy says

The Russian president said Moscow stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Tehran, Kazem Jalali said

Indian Army receives 27,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles — newspaper

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of a joint Indian-Russian venture to produce Kalashnikov assault rifles in the country in March 2019

Around thousand Russians forced to leave Latvia due to discrimination — MFA

Konstantin Guz pointed out that since last June, a new version of the law on citizenship has been in effect in the republic

Kremlin spokesman echoes Putin’s stance on Zelensky’s legitimacy

The Russian leader voiced his position at a news conference in China

Authorities evacuate over 10,800 people from Kharkov Region’s border areas

Oleg Sinegubov specified that civilians were being evacuated from the Bogodukhovsky, Kharkovsky and Chuguyevsky districts

Up to 38 competence centers created in Russia to replace foreign software — Prime Minister

Mikhail Mishustin told Iranian participants at CIPR that some solutions could be useful for them

Russia’s strikes hammer Ukrainian troops, equipment in 95 areas over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 425 troops, a tank and two armored personnel carriers in battles with Russian forces in the Kupyansk area over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

First withdrawal of revenues from Russian assets in EU banks will happen in July — EC

As previously stated by the EU Council, any financial structures with more than 1 mln euro of Russian frozen funds in their accounts must return 90% of the profits from the reinvestment of Russian assets

Starliner’s first crewed mission to ISS scrubbed yet again

The decision was made jointly with NASA due to a helium leak, Bloomberg reported

Liberation of LPR’s Belogorovka to expand Russian offensive — expert

"This is an important tactical success, which allows us to approach one of the special military operation goals: the complete liberation of Russia’s new regions," Igor Korotchenko underlined

Ukrainian army needs to triple recruitment to sustain defensive operations — media

"Indecision in Kiev over a new mobilization drive has left combat units severely undermanned," according to the report

Ukrainians living aboard must return home to register with military recruitment office

General mobilization was announced in Ukraine in February 2022 and has been extended several times since, with the authorities doing everything possible so that draft-age men cannot evade military service

Infrastructure facility suffers damage in Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk Region

Meanwhile, explosions took place in the city of Kharkov in eastern Ukraine, the media reported without providing further details

Press review: Political fallout from Raisi's death and Zelensky's term officially over

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 21st

Kiev recognizes regular arms supplies won’t tip balance on frontline — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that the situation the Ukrainian soldiers find themselves in is "rather difficult"

ICC making mockery of international law by seeking Netanyahu’s arrest — expert

Herman Zakharyayev stressed that both Russia and Israel are pursuing an independent foreign policy and are resolving their geopolitical problems

Israeli PM Netanyahu says ICC Prosecutor Khan tries to 'demonize Israel'

Benjamin Netanyahu recalled that Israel supplied half million tons of food and medicine with 20,000 trucks to the Gaza Strip

State Duma speaker to represent Russia at farewell ceremony for late Iranian president

Ebrahim Raisi will be buried in his birthplace, Mashhad, northeastern Iran, on May 23

Ukraine sustains roughly 100 casualties in Russian artillery fire near Avdeyevka

The Russian artillery unit monitored the mission using the Orlan-30 reconnaissance drone, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Crowds gather for Raisi’s farewell ceremony in Iran’s Qom — TV

On May 19, a helicopter carrying Raisi crashed in Iran's East Azerbaijan Province

Russia hopes Kakhovka HPP strike probe concerns HIMARS suppliers — UN envoy

Vasily Nebenzya noted that not only the Zelensky regime was responsible for the strike on the Kakhovka HPP, but also the "Western sponsors who continue to supply long-range weapons to the ruling clique in Kiev"

Russian Su-25 pilots destroy camouflaged enemy equipment, manpower

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, Ukrainian special equipment and manpower were wiped out in the airstrike

T-80 tanks help Russian troops advance in Avdeyevka area

"Tanks delivered fire from a distance of 800 meters under constant enemy shelling," Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Russia says its paratroopers seized Ukrainian strongpoint near Andreyevka

"Having demoralized the enemy with accurate strikes from grenade launchers and, having suppressed its firepower, the paratroopers under the cover of night entered the enemy stronghold," the Russian Defense Ministry said

Russian envoy slams countries ignoring Ukrainian attacks on Zaporozhye nuke plant

During the presentation of national statements, a number of countries accused Russia of the situation around the nuclear facility

EU escalates theft to status of foreign policy instrument — Russian envoy

"The EU deliberately resorted to an unprecedented step - theft of sovereign assets of a foreign state," Kirill Logvinov said

Russia’s Progress space freighter to deliver over 2,500 kg of cargo to orbital outpost

The hyperspectral instrument will be installed on a porthole of Russia’s Zvezda service module, it specified

Russian troops leveling out frontline in Kharkov area — local administration

The Ukrainian military is deploying reserves from "all areas it can draw" them, including the Kupyansk direction, Vitaly Ganchev said

EU blocking accounts of Rossotrudnichestvo, head of Russian culture body says

"Education projects in former Soviet republic are much more important to us," Yevgeny Primakov emphasized, referring to Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, among other nations

Ukraine peace brokers should take note Zelensky’s legitimacy expired — Russia’s UN envoy

"It runs counter to common sense to discuss any issues, let alone sign any documents with leaders who have lost their legitimacy," Vasily Nebenzya said

Zelensky claims his presidential terms not over yet

Under the Ukrainian Constitution, Zelensky’s five-year term ended on May 21

Germany still views Zelensky as Ukraine's president — MFA

Annalena Baerbock stressed that according to the constitution not only of Ukraine, but also of other countries, elections could not be held during martial law

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries and territories

The countries and territories mentioned in the list imposed or joined the sanctions against Russia after the start of a special military operation of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine

Thousands of Ukrainian prisoners apply to join military

The bill allowing inmates to be mobilized was signed by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on May 17

European, US strategy on Ukraine fails completely — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto added that the sanctions have had a major impact on the European economy, and that Western European countries, which are "super proud that they got rid of Russian energy resources," are actually buying them indirectly

Putin discusses expansion of cooperation with Tashkent over phone with Mirziyoyev

The Russian leader also discussed his upcoming state visit to Uzbekistan with Mirziyoyev, the press service noted

SCO countries see Western attempts to take control of Eurasia — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, NATO and EU officials are seeking to introduce their institutions in Eurasia and make the countries of the region obey their rules

Anything that comes out of Swiss conference on Ukraine trifling without Russia — Medvedev

"Clearly, the outcome of this get-together will be null and void: peace talks are never held with just one party to the conflict," the politician stressed

Republicans accuse White House of sending aid to Kenyan forces instead of helping Kiev

"The administration is rushing to fund an undefined and indefinite engagement in Haiti without Congressional approval," Politico said