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Defense official: ISAF withdrawal decision premature

Russian Deputy Defense Minister believes Afghanistan has no security forces of its own

MOSCOW, August 14 (Itar-Tass) - Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said he believes the decision to withdraw the coalition forces from Afghanistan in 2014 is premature.

"I believe ISAF's final decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in 2014 was a little bit hasty," Antonov told reporters on Wednesday. He believes Afghanistan has no security forces of its own capable of resisting the radicals.

The Afghan problem is becoming increasingly urgent as the year 2014 draws near. It creates challenges including for Russia’s national security. "Our country in general and the Defense Ministry in particular are doing much to strengthen our contingents in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan given the events that will take place in 2014," Antonov added.

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Over 330 bodies recovered from mass grave at hospital in Khan Yunis — TV

According to the Al Mayadeen, more mass graves continue to be found following the withdrawal of Israeli troops

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According to Nikolay Patrushev, these countries "understand perfectly well who is financing" the Kiev regime

US draft on nukes in space seeks to go beyond legal framework Russia adheres to — MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed out that Russia reaffirms its "strict commitment" to the international legal obligations under space law

Top Russian security official meets with counterparts at international security meeting

Nikolay Patrushev met with the heads of delegations from BRICS states

US State Department confirms secret shipments of long-range ATACMS missiles to Kiev

Joe Biden directed to send ATACMS to Ukraine in February, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State Vedant Patel said

Russia discourages use of UN sanctions for interference in African affairs — envoy

Vasily Nebenzya underscored that Russia continues to "make an important contribution to strengthening of African countries’ potential, including UN Security Council and General Assembly"

US waging hybrid war against Serbs to snuff them out for good — Republika Srpska head

"Republika Srpska comes under direct pressure and under constant US sanctions; and we are looking for ways to solve this problem," Milorad Dodik said

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

ATACMS shipment proves ‘Zelensky’s formula’ needed in US as ‘smoke and mirrors’ — diplomat

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Russian deputy defense minister detained on suspicion of bribe-taking

"Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Vladimirovich Ivanov was detained on suspicion of committing a crime under part 6, article 290 of the Russian Criminal Code," the Russian Investigative Committee said

Russian troops wipe out Ukrainian UAV production workshop over past day

The Russian forces improved their frontline positions and inflicted casualties on five Ukrainian army brigades in the Donetsk area over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Transfer of US ATACMS missiles to Ukraine cannot be justified — Russian ambassador

"Neither these missiles nor other weapons can help defeat the Russian Federation," Anatoly Antonov said

Ukraine’s draft dodger makes attempt to cross Dniester into Moldova on air mattress

Men of conscription age try to leave the country in every possible way, often putting their lives at risk

Russian diplomat thanks Tajik authorities for help in probe into Crocus terrorist attack

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Russian athletes have right to decide on Olympic participation — aide

Russian and Belarusian athletes will be able to compete only under a neutral status, provided that they are not associated with security agencies and do not represent team sports

Russia, Africa united by common vision on global issues — senior diplomat

Mikhail Bogdanov noted that "the African continent is a dynamically developing part of the world with an enormous growth potential, attractive domestic market and expanding export prospects"

Iran denies reports it pulled some military advisers from Syria — Al Mayadeen

The source denied news media reports on the subject, which appeared earlier

Lukashenko says US rues giving rise to Russia-China alliance

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According to Anatoly Antonov, "the further it goes, the more America corners itself into a zugzwang"

Russia’s new Supreme Court chief justice doesn’t plan drastic changes

Irina Podnosova said courts have been receiving an increasing number of complaints, attributing it to the rising trust that people have to the judicial system

North Korean film shown in Moscow to mark anniversary of Putin-Kim meeting

Minister Plenipotentiary of the North Korean Embassy in Russia Lee Yeong Jin emphasized that "today's screening will contribute to further intensifying cultural exchanges, deepening mutual understanding and friendly relations between the peoples of North Korea and Russia"

Dust from Sahara turns rain in Ukraine yellow

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Proper humanitarian assistance to Gaza impossible amid hostilities — Russian diplomat

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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

Bolivarian Alliance countries stand for multipolar world — Maduro

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Ukraine turns into testing ground for future world order, says Belarus president

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Nearly 70 Israeli hostages killed in Gaza, Hamas says

A day earlier, Abu Ubaidah, a spokesman for the Hamas' Izz ad-Din al-Qassam military wing, threatened that hostages held in the Gaza Strip could repeat the fate of Israeli pilot Ron Arad, who was kidnapped 36 years ago

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

German defense minister says Russia making more arms than it needs for its op in Ukraine

"A larger part of what is being manufactured is not sent to the frontline but goes to warehouses," Boris Pistorius said

Continued threats to Pyongyang to put US, allies in danger, Kim Jong Un’s sister warns

"We will keep building up overwhelming and strong military capacity to protect our sovereignty and security, as well as peace in the region," Kim Yo Jong said

Ukrainian army strikes own surrendering soldiers — POW

Andrey Babenko said that after a crash course in Britain he had been sent to the frontline near Liman

US has no idea what to do about Zelensky — Seymour Hersh

According to the journalist, the decision to conduct the operation was made by US President Joe Biden personally, following nine months of discussions with White House national security advisers

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

Moscow slams NATO drills near Russian borders as inflammatory

"It is obvious that the upcoming combat training on the territory of Finland is part of a hybrid war against our country," Maria Zakharova said

Russia’s Viner vows to set up International League of Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs

Gymnasts from the world’s strongest clubs will be able to participate in this league

Russian Navy’s Bastion missile systems practice massive strike in Baltic drills

The Bastion coastal defense missile system is designated to defend the coastline over 600 km long

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

According to Major General Yury Popov, nine violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019

Russians not let to Turkish Airlines flights to Mexico due to US pressure on it — diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov noted that such problems exist for Russians using Turkish Airlines flights to other Latin American countries

EU may sanction 10 firms for allegedly shipping weapons tech to Russia — Bloomberg

According to the agency, the companies being assessed for potential sanctions are based outside Russia but have links to Russian and Belarussian individuals and firms

Russia’s top brass reports destroying US-made Hawk air defense system in Ukraine operation

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted casualties on personnel and equipment of two Ukrainian army brigades and improved its tactical position over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

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Ukraine exhausted, needs constant money flow from outside — defense official

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Over 330 bodies recovered from mass grave at hospital in Khan Yunis — TV

According to the Al Mayadeen, more mass graves continue to be found following the withdrawal of Israeli troops

Russian defense minister dismisses his deputy Ivanov

Timur Ivanov was removed from the office of deputy defense minister of the Russian Federation of the federal government’s civil service

Russian children’s commissioner holds first face-to-face talks with Ukrainian counterparts

Maria Lvova-Belova thanked Qatar for setting up a venue for dialogue between Russia and Ukraine regarding children’s interests

Post-Soviet security bloc holds arms control consultations in Moscow

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

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Ukrainian forces refuse to obey Commander-in-Chief Syrsky — CIA ex-analyst

Larry Johnson also noted that the Russian forces manage to advance recently despite the slush on the roads

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Russian President said in an interview with Rossiya-1 TV channel journalist Pavel Zarubin

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Ukraine "is carrying a heavy burden" for the benefit of the EU, and therefore EU member states must "provide Ukraine with means to defend themselves," European Commission president said

Top brass posts video of Leopard tanks, Bradley combat vehicles seized by Russian troops

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Ukrainian army short about 150,000-200,000 troops, says Polish general

Waldemar Skrzypczak also said it was "a matter of hours" until Kiev received the weapons allocated by the US as part of its latest military aid package

Switzerland unblocks Russia-related assets worth 290 mln Swiss francs

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Ukraine’s EU accession to require 20% increase in union’s budget — European Commissioner

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Houthis attack two commercial ships, US destroyer — statement

Simultaneously, the Air Force conducted two more military operation using a huge number of drones to target a US destroyer in the Gulf of Aden

Russian court blocks JPMorgan’s funds in VTB lawsuit

The court also blocked any securities held by JPMorgan’s entities in Russia

US shifted conflict in Europe onto EU, NATO shoulders to weaken Russia, says Lukashenko

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US spends millions of dollars on studying UFOs, 'covers up' information — congressman

Tim Burchett added that "it’s not about little green man or flying saucers, it’s about tens of millions of dollars that our federal government is spending"

IN BRIEF: Russian deputy defense minister, entrepreneur arrested for taking bribes

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IAEA chief to have working contacts with Rosatom, no meeting with Putin is planned

Rafael Grossi may visit Russia in late May

Senior Russian, Tajikistani diplomats talk about fighting terrorists, radicals

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Modern weapons make up 82% in Russian air defense troops — Shoigu

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White House alleges that Russia working on satellite carrying nuclear device

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Press review: Dissecting US aid package to Ukraine and sands of global economy shifting

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 22nd

Stockmann company to buy Russian business of Hugo Boss — Industry Ministry

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Russian forces take Ukrainian strongholds near Klescheyevka under control

Apty Alaudinov posted a drone video footage of elimination Ukrainian personnel and Russian forces capturing enemy trenches

US arms supplies unable to change situation in Kiev's favor — Kremlin

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Timur Ivanov was arrested by Moscow’s Basmanny Court

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Gagauzia against Chisinau’s policy of severing ties with Russia

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Radioactive cloud from Ukraine’s eliminated munitions drifts to Europe — Security Council

"An increase in radiation levels has already been registered in Poland," Nikolay Patrushev warned

US effectively dooms Ukraine by its new decisions, Russian envoy says

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Russia tasked with 'building new world' — Putin

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No response from West to killing of Izvestia war reporter Eremin — diplomat

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Russia to submit its own resolution on nuclear weapons in outer space to UNSC

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Russia to retaliate immediately if Kiev gets ATACMS missiles — diplomat

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Russian court arrests in absentia four foreign agents charged with terrorism

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Russian tourists flock to North Korea — embassy

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West balancing on edge of direct military confrontation between nuclear powers — Lavrov

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UNSC rejects amendment by Russia, China to resolution on nuclear weapons in outer space

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Russia presents world’s first hydrogen-fueled luxury car at Innoprom exhibition

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Russia vetoes US-backed UNSC resolution on banning nuclear weapons in outer space

The resolution gained 13 votes

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

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Attempts are made to turn Moldova into ‘second Ukraine’, Lavrov warns

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Ukraine says Western systems ineffective against Russia's electronic warfare

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Ukraine could send special forces to capture Zaporozhye NPP — politician

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Putin informed about detention of Deputy Defense Minister Ivanov

Minister Sergey Shoigu was also informed beforehand, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

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

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Annual inflation in Russia gearing down to 7.82% over week — Economy Ministry

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Niger would like Russia to train its troops — interior minister says

Mohamed Toumba noted that the training of troops could help in the fight against terrorism

Radicals, intel services behind terror attacks in various countries, says Putin

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Russia dissatisfied with UN’s activity under grain deal — senior diplomat

Alexander Pankin noted that during his visit to New York he did not have any talks with UN officials on the Russian-UN memorandum