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Situation in Libya

Libya authorities declare state of emergency in clashes areas in Tripoli

The Health Ministry of Libya called on the conflicting sides to "provide humanitarian corridors for evacuation, rescue and medical brigades in order to provide aid to civilians in clashes area"

CAIRO, August 15. /TASS/. Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) declares a state of emergency in districts of Tripoli where armed clashes take place, Deputy Prime Minister Ramadan Ahmed Boujenah announced.

"We declare a state of emergency in clashes areas and we call for a truce in order to ensure access of medical personnel," he said, according to Al Jazeera.

The Health Ministry of Libya called on the conflicting sides to "provide humanitarian corridors for evacuation, rescue and medical brigades in order to provide aid to civilians in clashes area."

According to the Ministry statement, published on social media, Deputy Health Minister Ramadan Abu Janah demanded that the fighting armed groups declared a truce in order to evacuate civilians, the killed and the injured. According to the Libya Al Ahrar TV channel, 100 families have already been evacuated from the conflict area.

Armed clashes sparked in Tripoli late on August 14 between the 444th Brigade and the so-called Special Deterrence Force. According to local sources, the escalation is connected with the detention of a 444th Brigade commander in the international airport. Latest reports indicate that nine people were killed and about 30 were injured in the clashes. Al Arabiya reports that the Special Deterrence Force lost four servicemen.

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

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate on May 22 to 90.41 rubles — regulator

The official yuan exchange rate was lowered by 5 kopecks to 12.46 rubles

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

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

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

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’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

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

Commercial production of Russia's new AK-12 and A-545 assault rifles to start in February

Assault rifles of new generation are being developed to replace AK-74M in the army and to be included in Ratnik military gear

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"

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

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

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

Kremlin calls US ban on import of Russian uranium as 'manifestation of unfair competition'

"Our nuclear industry is one of the most advanced in the world. We will continue to develop this industry," Dmitry Peskov stressed

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

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

Australia pledges to push for Assange’s freedom, return home — prime minister

Anthony Albanese also said Canberra would continue to "work very closely" to bring the WikiLeaks founder back home

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

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"

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

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

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

Russian troops destroy 9,700 artillery guns in Ukraine operation — top brass

Russian Battlegroup North units kept advancing deep into the Ukrainian army’s defenses in the Kharkov area over the past day

Journalist Hinkle agrees with Carlson that Moscow is cleaner and safer than US cities

Tucker Carlson also singled out the subway as one of the exemplary aspects of Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finland has ruined its neutral status, joined 'US project' — Lavrov

"Once again, I would like to emphasize that Finland is making seven-league strides towards joining the frontrunners of the West's anti-Russian, Russophobic campaign," the Russian foreign minister pointed out

Zelensky claims his presidential terms not over yet

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

Natural gas explosion, fire in apartment building in eastern Moscow kill three

A natural gas explosion and the fire it caused in an apartment building in eastern Moscow claimed three lives

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

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

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’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

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"

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

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

Russia reserves right to take any measures to neutralize threats from Ukraine — UN envoy

"The goals of the special military operation will be achieved," Vasily Nebenzya underscored

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

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

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

Profits from frozen assets of Russia will be paid biannually — EU Council

It is reported that 90% of the income from the assets will go to the European Peace Fund

Russian troops destroy Ukrainian Baba Yaga drones more effectively with thermal imagers

According to CEO of Laboratory PPSh Denis Oslomenko, the Baba Yaga drone flies through Starlink and cannot be supressed

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

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

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

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

"We will remember that," the politician warned

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

Some 400 US citizens killed in hostilities in Ukraine — former Pentagon official

"We know that at least 400 Americans have died whether they are contractors or in uniform. Our administration won't say this," he said

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

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"

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

West to push for Ukraine deal on their terms, Russia won't bend — Medvedev

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia, unlike the Ukrainian side, had never rejected any negotiations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lavrov welcomes Xi Jinping's proposal for Ukraine conference

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

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"

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

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

US should explain to Ukraine that military aid won’t last forever — magazine

According to article, a security agreement between Washington and Kiev would prolong the fighting in Ukraine and could become "a liability for the United States"

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

Kremlin vows to resolve situation with Turkish Airlines refusing service to Russians

Russia has "very constructive and friendly relations" with Turkey, Dmitry Peskov stressed

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

Zvezda shipyard floats overhauled Ikrutsk nuclear submarine

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

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

Lithuania’s ban on transit of some goods to Kaliningrad region illegal — governor

Anton Alikhanov said earlier that Lithuania’s railways company had notified the railways company of the Kaliningrad region that they would ban the transit from Russia to the region of the goods that are subject to EU sanctions imposed on Moscow

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

Eight people injured in Ukrainian armed forces strike on LPR's Sverdlovsk

The city was allegedly hit by ATACMS missiles fitted with cluster munitions, as well as by drones

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"

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

UK Foreign Secretary noted that this week the G7 finance ministers will primarily discuss the use of revenues generated by Russian assets

Ukraine cannot provide heavy vehicles to new recruits — Forbes

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

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

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

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

Press review: Day one of Putin's China visit and US stands by Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 17th

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

Serbia's PM labels Putin's interview with Tucker Carlson as 'phenomenal'

Ana Brnabic congratulated Tucker Carlson for "bravely conducting" an interview with the Russian president

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 +"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russia slams ICC’s warrant for Putin's arrest 'null and void' — Kremlin

Earlier on Friday, it became known that the International Criminal Court had issued arrest warrants for Putin and Russian children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova

Russia’s envoy to UN exposes Western lies in UNSC after Blinken’s visit to Kiev

Vasily Nebenzya said that this was not the only example of lies or understatements by Western representatives

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

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

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