{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Ukraine’s Donetsk airport closed for technical reasons till October 31

International airport of another eastern city, Lugansk, has been closed “for technical reasons” till September 10

© ITAR-TASS/Konstantin Sazonchik

DONETSK, June 28 /ITAR-TASS/. The international airport of Ukraine’s eastern industrial city of Donetsk has been closed till October 31, a source in Ukraine’s state-run air traffic control authority Ukraerorukh told ITAR-TASS on Friday.

“The airport will stay closed for technical reasons till October 31,” the source said, quoting a special message of several hours ago. The official did not specify what the technical reasons were. The message he was referring to contained no hints on that score either.

No new information about the airgate’s further operation has appeared on the airport’s official website yet. On its homepage one can find only a statement of June 3, when Ukraine’s state aviation service closed down the airport till June 30.

Earlier, Ukraerorukh told ITAR-TASS that “for technical reasons” the international airport of another eastern city, Lugansk, has been closed till September 10. The official website says current repairs of lighting and radio navigation equipment, the runway and power supply cables are in progress.

All passenger flights in the airspace over the Donetsk and Lugansk regions are prohibited by the Ukrainian aviation authorities.

Tags

Ukraine crisis Ukraine Donetsk Eastern Ukraine

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Talks on Gaza in Cairo achieve little progress so far — Hamas spokesman

The indirect talks will resume on May 5

France preparing contingent of 2,000 troops to be sent to Ukraine — intelligence chief

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the French military "fears that such a large military unit cannot be transferred and stationed in Ukraine unnoticed"

G7 considers giving Ukraine $50 bln worth of aid — Bloomberg

The US pushing to sign an agreement when G7 leaders convene in Italy in June

Iran used Ghadr, Emad and Kheibar missiles to strike Israel, IRGC general says

It is reported that the US believes Iran has the largest ballistic missile force in the Middle East. Iran insists that its missile program is solely for defensive purposes

Russian Economy Ministry keeps fixed capital investments estimate at 2.3%

According to the ministry, fixed capital investments will accelerate in their growth to 2.7% in 2025

Russian envoy slams US accusations of Russia’s involvement in cyberattacks on Europe

"According to statistics, the vast majority of computer attacks in the world occur from the territory of the United States," Anatoly Antonov stressed

Over 10,000 women killed in Gaza — UN agency

According to the agency, "37 children lose their mother every single day"

Trinidad and Tobago recognizes State of Palestine

As of today, 141 out of the 193 UN member states, including Russia, recognize Palestine as an independent nation

Orthodox believers start celebrating Easter with night-time worship services across Russia

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia will celebrate Easter Vigil Liturgy at at the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow

Russian troops wipe out German-made IRIS-T air defense system over past day

The Ukrainian army lost over 350 personnel and several items of military hardware in battles with Russian forces in the Kupyansk area over the past day, the ministry reported

Clearstream’s position on blocked securities not affecting exchange process

"The redemption mechanism is arranged in a way that nonresidents would be able to redeemed blocked foreign securities from Russian private investors as a result of auctions and hence purchased securities," the spokesperson noted

Extinguishing fire at Berlin metal factory halted

Firefighters have suspended extinguishing a blaze due to the threat of contaminating local water with chemicals, Bild reported

Siberian scientists to use telemetry in tracking bean goose migration routes

More accurate information about the migration routes will favor the birds' better protection, Vladimir Yemelyanov noted

Russian buyers claim second spot in Thailand's condo market — newspaper

According to the media, foreigners targeted real estate in Bangkok and in the resort provinces of Chon Buri and Phuket

VTB posts 17% drop in Q1 net profit under IFRS to $1.3 bln

As of March 31, 2024, VTB Group’s assets amounted to $338 bln, up by 6% year-to-date

Sale potential of new Chinese electric cars in Russia is low — Russian car dealer

It is pointed out that the Russian government has limited the import of cars as part of parallel imports and now, in order to make an official delivery, one should obtain a VTA (vehicle type approval)

Latvia digging anti-tank ditches on border with Russia, Belarus — media

Kaspars Lazdins noted that once the ditches were ready, the so-called dragon’s teeth barriers would be set up on the border

Final report on 2019 Aeroflot Superjet 100 crash in Sheremetyevo complete — IAC

The Committee underscored that, during the investigation, all hazard factors are being forwarded to the Russian Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsiya), the designers, the producers and the users of this type of aircraft

Press review: Biden losing traction amid student protests and EU's right-wing prospects

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 3rd

Putin stresses importance of realistic approaches to national budgetary policy

"I would like to remind that it is fundamentally important for us to maintain responsible, balanced and completely realistic approaches in the budgetary policy sphere, including planning of the main financial document of the country based on budgeting rules," the President noted

NATO seriously prepares for conflict with Russia — diplomat on Steadfast Defender exercise

Maria Zakharova said that NATO practice coalition actions against Russia

US fails to shoot down Iranian missiles, drones in strike on Israel — IRGC general

Ali Belali described Iranian weapons as "an important factor of strength and the exercise of power in the world"

President of Guinea-Bissau to attend Victory Day parade in Moscow - embassy

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said more than 9,000 people, aircraft and 75 units of military equipment will take part in the parade on Red Squar

International Energy Agency projects 5% growth of gas production in Russia in 2024

Meanwhile, gas consumption in Russia may increase by 2.4% in 2024 to 507 bln cubic meters

Positive trends in Russian economy become stronger — Putin

"Despite unprecedented challenges we face in recent years, positive trends are becoming stronger in national economy," the head of state said

Russian online retailer mulls launching operations in Dubai

During the forum, Tatyana Bakalchuk noted that in the next two-three months, Wildberries will launch its platforms in three more countries

Russian citizen Vinnik pleads guilty in US court in money-laundering case

His attorney said that his jail term should be less than 10 years

Good GDP growth results showed in first months of 2024 — Putin

GDP growth is 6% in average over the first two months, the Russian leader noted

Ban on Russian uranium supplies to have negative effect on US economy — investor

"It will be very hard to replace such volumes within a very short period of time," Navigator Principal Investors CEO Kyle Shostak said

Retaking Chasov Yar is just a matter of time for Russia — Ukrainian intelligence

Vadim Skibitsky admitted that the Russian forces now operate as a "single body, with a clear plan, and under a single command"

En+ annual investments may reach $650.8 mln — CFO

Such projects include the large-scale phase of thermal generation facilities upgrade, construction of two units with the total capacity of 460 MW

Two Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers perform flight over Bering Sea near Alaska

The crews of Su-30SM aircraft of the Aerospace Forces provided fighter support

Israeli military says it killed one of Islamic Jihad commanders in Rafah

According to the IDF, the commander, Ayman Zaarab, took part in the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023

Russia launches production of smartphones with protection against data leakage

A special feature of AYYA T1 is the impossibility of unauthorized data collection by cameras and microphone thanks to the option of their hardware shutdown

Military aid to Ukraine promises lucrative contracts for US industry — Orban

Around 40% of US voters see possibility of civil war in their country — survey

The survey also found that 37% of voters believe another civil war is more likely to happen if incumbent President Joe Biden is re-elected

Freedom of the press dying in West, any dissent snuffed out — MFA

The Russian Foreign Ministry also pointed to the "incessant arbitrariness committed by the Western authorities against the Russian media and journalists, who have fully felt the repressive machine of the neoliberal West"

Idea of cutting Russia off from Kaliningrad is absurd — region’s authorities

Dmitry Lyskov clarified that Russian passenger planes use the same GPS system as European ones and do not experience any difficulties in navigation

Japanese yen rate drops to its lowest against dollar in 34 years

The Japan’s Ministry of Finance announced earlier its readiness to decisive measures in view of the continuing yen weakening

Share of Russian grain in UAE’s imports totals up to 35% — trade representative

The UAE is Russia’s major trade partner among Middle Eastern countries, Andrey Terekhin said, adding that trade turnover between the countries increased several-fold over the past several years

Ukrainian authorities talk about negotiations guided by public sentiments — experts

Political researcher Oleg Posternak noted that the authorities constantly carry out sociological public opinion surveys, see the dynamic and adjust their statements in accordance with the poll results

Flow of cargo traffic via North-South transport corridor to reach 60-100 mln tons

The presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan, Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev, met with veterans, builders and employees of the Baikal-Amur Mainline on Monday

Russia, Turkey discuss situation around Ukraine and Gaza

The talks took place in Istanbul on May 3

Gazprom Neft enterprises in Orenburg region not damaged by flood — CEO

Alexander Dyukov noted that the company provided organizational, technical and financial assistance to the region in combating the consequences of the flood

Russian ministry puts Ukraine’s Ground Forces commander on wanted persons list

Pavlyuk was appointed Ground Forces commander on February 11

Industrial Development Fund will get additional capitalization of 300 bln rubles — Putin

The head of state stressed that companies implementing projects can already use special support measures, and the state will expand these business opportunities

Russian air defense forces block Ukrainian attempt to use ATACMS on Crimea — politician

The Ukrainians used several ATACMS ballistic missiles in an attempt to attack civilians on the peninsula

World of NATO supporters crumbling, they are ready for all-out war — French politician

Tucker Carlson’s interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin "is making the entire NATO system infuriated, since it makes people listen to a story that differs from NATO propaganda and which they can’t tolerate", said Florian Philippot

Russian Central Bank’s key rate to total 13% as of end-2024, GDP to grow by 2.8% — Sber

Taras Skvortsov said that the lender would consider the possibility of the financial projections upgrade following the results of Q1 2024

Ukraine's intelligence recognizes impossibility of victory on battlefield

According to Vadim Skibitsky, "meaningful negotiations can begin only in the second half of 2025 at the earliest"

Russian forces carry out 25 group strikes at energy, military industrial facilities

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that the strikes also hit temporary deployment locations of Ukrainian neo-Nazi militias and foreign mercenaries, as well as concentrations of military vehicles

Azerbaijan’s president points to highest level of cooperation with Russia

Speaking of his recent visit to Russia, Ilham Aliyev stressed that it had been "very productive" and "once again demonstrated the strategic nature of allied relations" between the two countries

Russian ambassador slams Germany’s supplies of lethal weapons to Kiev as mistake

Neither Russia nor Germany will disappear from the European map, Sergey Nechayev noted

Fire gutting German plant of industrial group making IRIS-T air defense systems

The Diehl Group also makes ammunition and communications systems

Russian senator warns against attempts to hamper Russia’s access to Kaliningrad

"I don’t think that anyone in Finland would venture to impose any restrictions," Alexander Shenzheryuk-Zhidkov noted

Dollar rises to 93.28 rubles, euro moves up to 99.63 rubles on Moscow Exchange

The yuan moved up to 12.814 rubles

‘Peace formula’ on Ukraine to succeed if West halts arms supplies — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted remarks by Josep Borrell who asserted that without Western arms supplies Kiev would capitulate in two weeks

Russia, Africa set to develop defense cooperation further — Kremlin

Earlier, Reuters reported, citing a senior US defense official, that Russian troops had allegedly entered an air base in Niger that is hosting US troops

Dollar exchange rate down to 93.29 rubles on Moscow Exchange, euro up to 99.4 rubles

The yuan added to 12.851 rubles

Two people wounded in Ukrainian shelling attack on Donetsk

The region’s emergency services told TASS that those injured had been hospitalized

US destroyed Germany’s domestic energy supply as it blew up Nord Stream — Carlson

The journalist emphasized that the alliance "is terrible for the United States and should be disbanded immediately"

FSB foils Kiev’s terrorist attack on Trans-Siberian Railway

The Russian national was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence in Lvov, underwent sabotage training and was sent to Russia for committing terror attacks with the use of improvised explosives on railway trains delivering cargo for the special military operation

Russia says its forces destroyed two militant bases in Syria’s Homs province

In the area of al-Tanf, nine violations were registered over the past day, said Major General Yury Popov

US mercenaries let their fighting skills 'atrophy,' one of them says after trip to Ukraine

It is reported that a lot of Western soldiers struggle in Ukraine as things were not as they had expected

Russian commandos redeploy to Uzbekistan for drills on Afghan border

In the course of joint practical measures, the troops will accomplish the combat training tasks of ensuring the state’s territorial integrity

Serbian president says will look at visiting BRICS summit in Kazan

Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic noted that Aleksandar Vucic was invited as a special guest

Russian air defenses shoot down Ukrainian drone over Belgorod Region - Defense Ministry

The Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle was destroyed over the territory of the Belgorod Region by on-duty air defenses

Russian diplomat blasts Cameron for approving strikes on country with nuclear weapons

Maria Zakharova said Russian agencies in charge of defending the country would undoubtedly retaliate if there were any strikes inside Russia

Death toll from Brazilian floods rises to 56 - report

The deluge hit 281 municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, affecting more than 370,000 people

Trump develops plan on peaceful resolution in Ukraine — Telegraph

Former US President will not reveal it until the election, the Daily Telegraph reported

Russian pipeline gas supplies to Europe add a quarter in winter — IEA

The share of Russian pipeline gas in the total European gas demand in winter nevertheless remained less than 10%, the International Energy Agency noted

Fire at German plant won’t affect production of IRIS-T air defense systems — Spiegel

It is reported that the defense unit has not been affected

Russia not depending on foreign gas turbines anymore — Rostec

"Two plants were constructed in Crimea and one in the Taman Peninsula - the Udarnaya, which we will launch in full as early as in this year," Sergey Chemezov noted

Mongolian PM complains of blow from Western restrictions on Russia

Among other things, there are problems connected with payment for fuel that his country imports from Russia and disruption of some products Mongolia used to buy from its Russian partners

Russian diplomat sees Kiev preparing for new attack on Crimean Bridge with Western support

According to Maria Zakharova, ahead of Victory Day celebrations in Russia, "the Kiev regime and its Western patrons are plotting new terror attacks on Russian soil," while aiming for the news to "reverberate in the media and have a propaganda effect"

Bank of Russia unlike to reduce key rate tomorrow — VTB

The meeting of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia on the key rate will be held on April 26

Kremlin slams Macron's statement about possible sending troops to Ukraine 'very dangerous'

On May 2, the French President named in an interview two conditions for sending troops to Ukraine: Kiev's request and Russia's breakthrough on the front line

Criminal case opened against Zelensky, arrest warrant issued — police database

According to the entry, Zelensky is wanted over a Russian Criminal Code article

Novatek starts production at North-Chaselskoye field in Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Region

According to the statement, "maintaining pipeline gas production rates within the reach of the Unified Gas Supply System remains integral to Novatek’s strategy"

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

Russian ministry puts former Ukrainian President Poroshenko on wanted persons list

A database entry says Poroshenko is wanted for a criminal offense, without naming specific charges

Talks on Gaza in Cairo achieve little progress so far — Hamas spokesman

The indirect talks will resume on May 5

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr wipes out 40 Ukrainian drone control centers in 24 hours

The enemy has lost up to 30 troops, battlegroup spokesman Roman Kodryan said

Russian GDP growth reaches 3.6% in 2023 — statistics

The GDP deflator index in 2023 against 2022 prices moved up by 6.3%

Dollar will be worth nothing unless issue of country’s national debt solved, Musk says

Earlier, Vitor Gaspar, director of the International Monetary Fund’s Fiscal Affairs Department, said that the growth of the US national debt spurred side effects across the globe

Cameron’s claims about Ukrainian strikes on Russia 'a direct escalation' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov characterized Cameron’s remarks as "yet another very dangerous claim"

Russian ministry puts former Ukrainian Defense Minister Koval on wanted persons list

Koval served as Ukraine's acting defense minister from March 25 to July 3, 2014

Sending NATO troops to Ukraine to lead to dangerous escalation — top UK diplomat

David Cameron opined that Ukraine's defeat in a conflict with Russia would create a "very dangerous future" because it would signal to China and Iran that aggression against their neighbors is acceptable

Crocus City Hall terror attack seen as example of hatred to Russia — security official

According to the latest data, the death toll from the attack on Crocus City Hall has reached 144, with 551 more people being injured

Sadiq Khan wins third term as London mayor

Khan, 53, who represents the opposition Labour Party, collected 43.7% of the votes in the May 2 election

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

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

NATO wants 'hot war' with Russia which may destroy US, Carlson says

According to the journalist, everything that Washington does shows that it wants this war

Wounded Ukrainian soldiers have to pay ambulances to take them to hospital — US expert

The ex-Pentagon adviser Douglas Macgregor also noted the continued Russian advance on the front line

Reaching agreement on Gaza in Cairo could take several more days - report

According to the television channel, "negotiators in Cairo have made progress on technical aspects of a potential agreement"

Dutch ambassador to Russia wraps up his term — embassy

Gilles Beschoor Plug started his tenure as ambassador to Moscow in 2021

Qatar likely to accept US request on expulsion of Hamas leaders from Doha — report

According to the source, Washington may file a request on expulsion of Hamas leaders if the Palestinian movement rejects the latest proposal on resolution of the hostage crisis

Russia engages TOS-2 flamethrowers in Ukraine

220mm TOS-2 is a successor to TOS-1A with improved characteristics

Press review: China to weather US storm and ATACMS not 'wonder weapons'

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, April 27th

US confirms Russian troops enter US base in Niger

News of the Russian deployment to the airbase follows after Niger’s military rulers told Washington in March that it must withdraw the nearly 1,000 US military personnel stationed in the country

Russian pharma producer eyeing opportunities to enter UAE market

President of the Russian pharmaceutical company Denis Chetverikov noted that Akrikhin is also dealing with the search for a potential partner