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Russia, India sign bilateral documents during Putin’s visit

Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the change of venue

NEW DELHI, December 24 (Itar-Tass) —— Russia and India signed a set of bilateral documents during President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to India.

Five documents were signed after his talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, including a protocol on consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries in 2013-2014; a programme of cultural exchanges between the ministries of culture in 2013-2015; and three memorandums on cooperation between the Russian Education and Science Ministry and the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology; of understanding between the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the State Bank of India on assistance to direct investments between Russia and India; and of understanding between Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited and NIS GLONASS.

The venue of the Russian-Indian talks was moved from the Hyderabad Palace to the Indian prime minister’s residence because of the unrests in New Delhi.

Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the change of venue. “It’s calmer and quieter here away from the streets,” he said.

US House could consider separate bills on aid to Israel, Ukraine this week — report

US House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the plans in a private meeting with GOP lawmakers on Monday, Politico said

Russian envoy calls UN Security Council meeting on Iran strike parade of hypocrisy

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Iran has no need to buy Russia’s S-400 missile systems — defense minister

Iran’s Bavar-373 long-range mobile air defense system, believed to be an equivalent of Russia's S-300 systems, will become operational by the year-end

Russia, Belarus sign aircraft production agreement

The complex of measures (plan) to stimulate Russian investment activity in Belarus was also signed

Europe may soon toughen policy on Ukrainian migrants — expert

Vilde Hernes stressed that the protection permits for Ukrainian migrants contain many restrictions "such as fewer integration measures, less financial assistance, and no path to permanent residency"

Russia’s UN envoy says statements by West expose Kiev’s responsibility for attacks on ZNPP

"They not only completely gave away Zelensky's regime, but also confessed to their own complicity in these irresponsible bombardments," said Vasily Nebenzya

French mercenaries operate Caesar howitzers in Ukraine — French reporter

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US reaffirms commitment to defending Japan, including with nuclear weapons

Joe Biden reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan under Article V of the Treaty, using its full range of capabilities

Israel to soon retaliate Iranian attack, no exact date yet — media

The Wall Street Journal did not specify the exact day

Russian skiers unlikely to return to int’l competition before 2028 — sports official

Russian cross country skiers have been barred from taking part in international competitions since 2022 due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine

White House effectively rules out option for US forces to intercept Russian missiles

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Joe Biden had made it clear that the United States would not take on a combat role in Ukraine

Netanyahu a threat for Israel, opposition leader says

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Servicemen of Russia’s battlegroup West receive certificates for destroyed Leopard-2 tanks

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Israel remains on highest alert as it chooses response to Iran’s attack — senior commander

"Iran will face the consequences for its actions," IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said

'Iron Dome' can't fully protect from UAV swarms — Chinese expert

According to Wei Dongxu, Tehran's firepower can cover most of the Middle East region, representing a fierce and precise long-range retaliatory means

Iran sought to ‘graduate’ scale of damage during attack on Israel, EU’s Borrell says

According to diplomat, the EU stays in contact with Israel and Iran on this issue

Putin shocked by brutality, cynicism of terrorist attack in Iran - Kremlin

The killing of civilians visiting a cemetery is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism Putin said

IAEA chief slams attack on ZNPP dome as 'very dangerous precedent'

Rafael Grossi calls for attacks on ZNPP to stop as they raise safety risks

New sanctions against Moscow to push supplies of Russian metal to China up — Bloomberg

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Russian Armed Forces hit IRIS-T air defense system launcher, Ukrainian ammunition depot

The personnel and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were also defeated in 129 districts

Russian stock indices rising on Monday — market data

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Italy’s minister estimates Israeli capability to defend from Iranian attack at one billion

Guido Crosetto didn’t specify whether the currency he meant was dollars or euros

Russia raises issue of transferring talks on South Caucasus from Switzerland — ministry

Maria Zakharova emphasized that "several states rightfully lay claim to such a role, and some of them have already agreed to provide their territory for holding regular discussion meetings"

Russia to furnish advanced Korsar drones with electronic warfare systems

The cutting-edge drone was unveiled during the night rehearsals of the Victory Day parade in Moscow

Israel postpones Rafah operation after Iranian attack — CNN

According to the sources, Israel is now focused on how to respond to the Iranian attack

Russia developing Start-1M carrier rocket as derivative of Topol-M ICBM — source

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Ukrainian paratroopers surrender in Avdeyevka area — Russian Defense Ministry

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Israel Defense Forces announce planned military drills in country’s north on April 16

According to the IDF, "the military exercise was planned in advance as part of the IDF's annual military training program for the year of 2024, and as part of the IDF's increased preparedness for possible threats in all spheres"

US, Europe’s military force insufficient to fight Russia — expert

Previously, former US Secretary of Defense Advisor Douglas Macgregor said that the failure of the US Administration in the Ukrainian conflict has already disrupted the balance in Europe, strengthening Russia’s positions

Russian air defenses suppress up to 400 Ukrainian UAVs in DPR over week

The drones neutralized by the air defenses included a Mavic-3 UAV and three Baba-Yaga drones carrying improvised explosive devices manufactured with the use of anti-tank aerial bombs and mines

EU’s oil import dependency at its highest in 2022 — Eurostat

The dependence on imported crude oil also increased in 2022, reaching 97.6%, the agency noted

Official labels Ukrainian claims about Russia hitting nuclear facility 'total lie'

"Undoubtedly, everything that is going on today, carries a direct threat to nuclear safety," Renat Karchaa reiterated

Freshly mobilized Ukrainian soldiers holding first-line defense in Chasov Yar, says DPR

Igor Kimakovsky said that the Ukrainian combat group in Chasov Yar is suffering heavy casualties

Russia, Belarus boosting interaction despite sanctions

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin added that the record-high indicator of mutual trade turnover is $45.2 bln

Putin signs decree on spring draft to armed forces

The document also dismisses soldiers, sailors, sergeants and petty officers, whose conscription time span has expired

Demarche delivered to UK consul general in Yekaterinburg over propaganda work

Alexander Kharlov also specified that the provision of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the bilateral Consular Convention on the need for foreign diplomats to comply with the laws and rules of the host country had been reiterated to Kotecha

Georgian protesters end rally in Tbilisi over foreign agents bill

Rustaveli Avenue has been opened for traffic

Ukraine uses GLSDB munitions to hit city in Zaporozhye Region

The Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb munitions were developed and are used by NATO countries, said operational services

Israel considering retaliatory steps following Iranian attack — top brass

According to Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military was well-prepared for the Iron Shield operation to counter the Iranian attack

Russian forces suppress nearly 80% of Ukrainian drones in island zone of Dnieper River

According to a servicemen of Russia's Northern Fleet marine infantry from the battlegroup Dnepr, control of this area is necessary to organize a buffer zone that ensures the safety of Russian units on the left bank and civilians

Iran detains MSC Aries ship over violation of maritime law — Foreign Ministry

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanani noted that Tehran monitors "all ships in the strategic strait" and prevents violations of the country's sovereignty

Russian investigators start inquiry into financing of terrorism by US, NATO officials

Investigators have established that the funds that were received through commercial organizations, such as the oil and gas company Burisma Holdings operating in Ukraine, have been used to carry out terrorist acts in Russia and abroad

Avtotor launches production of Jetour Dashing crossover in Kaliningrad

General agreement includes organizing the production of the brand’s products in Russia and gradually increasing the level of localization

US, UK strikes harm Yemeni settlement prospects — Russian mission to UN

"Such actions harm the intra-Yemeni settlement, undermining the efforts of international and regional mediators," Dmitry Polyansky noted

Russian investors in Belarus interested in logistics, oil refining — minister

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Russian Su-34 jets destroy Ukrainian command post with high-explosive aerial bombs

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Macron draws distinction between Israeli, Russian Olympic participation

The French leader stressed that Israel was responding to a terrorist attack

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Georgian parliament passes bill on foreign agents in first reading

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Volume of frozen Russian assets in Germany reaches around €3.9 bln

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Russian Ocean Way vessel docks at Socotra, captain needs medical aid

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Vladimir Rogov did not specified the amount of Ukrainian equipment

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Russian forces find coordinates of DPR churches at former Ukrainian positions in Avdeyevka

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Russian paratroopers seize Ukrainian stronghold on tanks, combat vehicles

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Kazakhstan ready to host talks on Ukraine — envoy to Spain

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Russian, Tajik troops kick off joint military drills in Tajikistan

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Russian foreign ministry blames Paris for death of French mercenaries in Kharkov

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Roscosmos committed to continued collaboration with NASA — CEO

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Over 40 nations want to join BRICS — Russian lawmaker

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Lavrov sees no chance of Germany, Japan becoming permanent UNSC members

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Construction of future manned spacecraft reached its final stage — Roscosmos CEO

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Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone found in Moscow office

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Russia’s UN envoy says IAEA too cautious as it doesn’t name culprit behind attacks on ZNPP

Vasily Nebenzya said Russia was calling on the International Atomic Energy Agency to name the source of attacks

Ukraine offers to use neighbors' air defense systems to protect its gas storage facilities

According to German Galushchenko, the issue has been discussed, and "everyone is quite positive about it"

Man killed in DPR's Gorlovka in Ukrainian drone attack

The Ukrainian armed forces dropped the explosive object from the drone at 3:00 p.m. Moscow time

Moscow shooter identified as European boxing champion Nikita Ivanov

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Greece to hold Olympic flame lighting ceremony on Tuesday for 2024 Paris Games

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Deflecting Iran attack cost billions, Israel, US can't repeat it — former UN inspector

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Russia unaware of any UN Security Council document on Iran — envoy

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Iran has warned US that Israeli response would set off harsh retaliation — minister

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China’s Jetour plans to sell up to 50,000 cars in Russia this year

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Police detain 14 people at rally in Georgia

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Restoration of Notre Dame de Paris enters its final stage

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Ukraine suffered substantial power generation losses over recent weeks — minister

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Zelensky irked by US’ request to stop attacking Russian energy infrastructure — media

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FACTBOX: Water down in Orenburg, Kurgan and Tyumen at risk

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Russia open to help resolve situation in Sudan — ambassador

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