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CSTO not to interfere in political process of its member-states

MOSCOW, December 19. /ITAR-TASS/. Position of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation is not to interfere in political life of its member-states, CSTO Secretary-General Nikolai Bordyuzha told a roundtable meeting focusing on counteraction to color revolutions on Thursday.

“The Collective Security Treaty Organisation has taken a stance not to interfere in political processes and political life of our member-countries,” he said. “We are interested in external threats.”

Bordyuzha noted that the CSTO authorities were interested in color revolutions from the point of view of external interference and external impact on the situation in CSTO member-states, creation of necessary conditions for overthrowing legally elected power through the use of force and different protest actions.

Increased partnerships within SCO reflect organization's appeal — secretary-general

Zhang Ming noted that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has transformed from a regional to transregional multifaceted association at this point

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

Senior Russian diplomat warns West against aggressive statements about Russia

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that the West "is ignoring elementary and, as a matter of fact, absolutely obvious principles," such as the idea that a nuclear power "can never be defeated"

Ukraine actively uses Caesar self-propelled howitzers in Zaporozhye Region — politician

Vladimir Rogov did not specified the amount of Ukrainian equipment

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

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

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

Malta's permanent representative to the UN Vanessa Frazier told reporters that so far only one country had expressed a desire to prepare a document on Iran

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

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

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

Stanislav Beryozkin was taken to a hospital to undergo thorough examination, with all the required tests made

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

Hamas not to make any concessions on Israeli troops’ withdrawal from Gaza

Izzat al-Rishq noted that Israel’s attempts to release its hostages held by radicals in the Gaza Strip have failed and "there is no alternative to a real deal on this matter with Palestinian groups"

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

The Russian foreign minister also said the two countries would bring absolutely nothing new to the Security Council discussions as they "obediently do Washington's bidding, just like virtually every other Western country"

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

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Russia open to help resolve situation in Sudan — ambassador

Andrey Chernovol recalled that the Russian embassy is currently located in the temporary capital of Sudan, Port Sudan, and diplomats are in contact with the country's official authorities

Senior Russian diplomat warns about proportional response to threats coming from Finland

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Russian, Tajik troops kick off joint military drills in Tajikistan

The joint bilateral exercise is running on April 15-18, 2024

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

"The strike was carried out with ODAB-500 high-explosive aerial bombs with a universal planning and correction module," the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Israel may strike Iranian territory to demonstrate its capabilities — TV

"We are continuing our efforts to prevent further escalation," the US official said

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

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

According to Roman Golovchenko, Russia is a key economic partner and source of finance for Belarus

Georgian parliament passes bill on foreign agents in first reading

The hearing took place amid a heated debate between representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party and the opposition

Japan concerned over Russia-China military cooperation — Foreign Ministry

The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly emphasized previously that similar drills and patrols are held in strict compliance with international law

Russia, Belarus sign aircraft production agreement

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

Attacks on ZNPP raise risks for nuclear safety — IAEA chief

Rafael Grossi reminded the Security Council that last year he outlined the principles of ensuring safety at the ZNPP to avert the danger of a nuclear incident and called on Russian and Ukraine to observe them

Russia urges Middle East nations to show restraint amid escalation — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, further escalation is in no one's interests

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

"If Iran ends up with the number of missiles and drones necessary to sustain this level of action for a week, they will have exhausted Israel's ability to defend itself," Scott Ritter 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

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

The Wall Street Journal did not specify the exact day

French mercenaries operate Caesar howitzers in Ukraine — French reporter

According to Christelle Neant, French specialists are engaged to operate these howitzers in Ukraine as Ukrainian mobilized soldiers lack relevant skills and time to learn how to use them

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

The spacecraft’s first flight is planned for 2028, Yury Borisov said

Over 80 Ukrainian drones suppressed, downed in Kherson Region over day

According to Vladimir Saldo, during the night there was a strike on the Ukrainian troops' landing zone on the right bank of the Dnieper River, nine boats and up to 20 militants were destroyed

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

Russian paratroopers seize Ukrainian stronghold on tanks, combat vehicles

Russian troops suffered no casualties, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Moscow shooter identified as European boxing champion Nikita Ivanov

This was reported by a representative of law enforcement agencies

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

The ministry hopes "that the people of France will ultimately learn the truth about the actual scope of France’s involvement in the conflict"

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

Press TV reports all of Iran's hypersonic missiles hit intended targets in Israel

The report did not specify which facilities in Israel had been attacked with hypersonic missiles

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

Iran plans negotiations with Russia on purchase of Sukhoi fighters

Iran's Ministry of Defense the country needs to strengthen its air force

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

Share of young men in Ukrainian population drops to record low, says paper

According to the report, the situation "seriously undermines the combat effectiveness of the Ukrainian army, where young men under 30 years of age are the backbone"

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

Police detain 14 people at rally in Georgia

The Georgian Interior Ministry said that one police member was injured

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The report said the Israeli retaliation will be "limited in scope"

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

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Ukraine suffered substantial power generation losses over recent weeks — minister

According to German Galushchenko, the value of the damage is being verified and could reach billions of dollars

Russians are first to make stratospheric jump onto North Pole — RuVDS

The record has been set by cosmonaut, Hero of Russia Mikhail Kornienko, instructor pilot Alexander Lynnik and founder of the Stratonavtika Aerospace Laboratory Denis Efremov

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"

Iran to retaliate for any new Israeli attack 'within seconds,' senior diplomat warns

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Ukraine announces blocking of 83 TikTok channels, including 'tass_agency'

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

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Russia to continue boosting cooperation with countries of Global South, East — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister added that these countries "are firmly committed to the principles of the UN Charter, advocate respect for the cultural and civilizational diversity of the world's peoples and their right to determine their own destiny"

Over 40 nations want to join BRICS — Russian lawmaker

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Russia’s top brass reports destroying first Khmara jammer in Ukraine operation

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Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the statement as he spoke by phone with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

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

Russian stock indices rising on Monday — market data

The dollar surged by 0.32% to 93.75 rubles, while the euro edged up by 0.22% to 99.83 rubles

Ukrainian paratroopers surrender in Avdeyevka area — Russian Defense Ministry

Nine Ukrainian paratroopers of the airborne platoon of the elite brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces seized the opportunity to surrender near Vodyanoye, turned to Russian soldiers and laid down their arms, the ministry said

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

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Putin signs decree on spring draft to armed forces

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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

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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

Dollar falls to 93.52 rubles, euro drops to 99.65 rubles

The Chinese yuan rose by 0.95 kopecks to 12.89 rubles

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

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Press review: Iran fires back at Israel and Russia, West spar over AI rulebook

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

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

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

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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

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

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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"

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

Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone found in Moscow office

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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

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace eight times in past day

Three 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

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

Iran’s possession of enriched uranium doesn’t mean it has nuclear bomb — Grossi

The IAEA director general said he plans to visit Tehran in the next few weeks

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

"If Western missions were attacked, you would not hesitate to retaliate and prove your case in this room. Because for you, everything that concerns Western missions and Western citizens is sacred and must be protected," Vasily Nebenzya said

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Israeli defense minister holds meeting on preparations for operation in Rafah

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

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

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Netanyahu a threat for Israel, opposition leader says

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

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

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