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Developments in eastern Ukraine

Hollande and Merkel to decide on whether to go to Minsk meeting after talks — French FM

According to France’s Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, the decision on whether to go to Minsk will be taken after Hollande and Mekrel hold telephone talks in the morning

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande

© EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET

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Poroshenko heads to Minsk to take part in Normandy format meeting

PARIS, February 11. /TASS/. French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will decide whether they will go to Minsk after morning telephone talks, France’s Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told France Inter radio station on Wednesday.

"The decision on whether to go to Minsk will be taken after their [Hollande and Mekrel] telephone talks in the morning," Fabius said.

"I think that they will make a decision to go to Minsk, after all," he noted. "It is necessary to discuss the results of yesterday’s Contact Group meeting. Many problems remain that need to be solved," the minister said.

"Two goals will be set at the talks in Minsk. First of all, the agreement should be reached. Secondly, it should not be just words on paper. It needs to be implemented," he stressed.

Two main problems remain unsolved at the moment, Fabius said. Firstly, it is the future of Ukraine’s eastern regions, he added. "The Ukrainian government agrees with the principle of decentralization, which is absolutely legitimate," the minister said, adding that "France in this issue will act as a mediator."

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"It is important to secure the territorial integrity of Ukraine. At the same time, however, it is important to allow the Russian-speaking population [in Ukraine] to freely use their language and have certain rights as an autonomy," Fabius said. "At the moment, these problems have not been solved," he added.

"The second issue is border guarantees," the minister said. "In this issue, Russia has put forward a number of preconditions. A compromise with Kiev has not been reached yet as it [Kiev] wants OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) to control the inviolability of state borders," Fabius added.

Ceasefire, withdrawal of heavy weaponry and prisoner exchange are on the agenda as well, the minister said. "The talks [on Ukraine in Minsk] will be very difficult, and they represent the last chance," he stressed. "The solution to the Ukrainian crisis should be political and diplomatic. France does not plan to supply arms [to Ukraine]," Fabius stressed.

At the same time, "the issue of returning Crimea to Ukraine is not on the agenda, especially by military means," the minister said. Fabius also spoke against Ukraine’s accession to NATO.

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Angela Merkel Eastern Ukraine Francois Hollande

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Around 110,000 people fled Rafah in southern Gaza Strip amid Israeli operation

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East said that "nowhere is safe in the Gaza Strip and living conditions are atrocious"

Russia’s top brass mulls arming military pilots with PP-2000 submachine gun

A more compact PP-2000 submachine gun is meant to replace the Kalashnikov AKS-74U assault rifle

Israel does not rule out a new deal with Hamas — Ambassador to Russia

According to Simona Halperin, it is possible to talk about a complete ceasefire after Israel wins

Russia’s 6th-generation fighter jet to get lasers capable of burning missile homing heads

In addition to electromagnetic guns, the Russian sixth-generation fighter jet will also get guided electronic munitions

US envoy leaves Russia for certain amount of time — senior Russian diplomat

"The Foreign Ministry was told about this some time before the issue with inviting ambassadors to the inauguration ceremony of the Russian president was resolved," Sergey Ryabkov said

Russian troops inflict 215 casualties on Ukrainian army in Donetsk area over past day

Russian troops advanced to better positions and inflicted casualties on four Ukrainian army brigades in the Donetsk area over the past day in the special military operation in Ukraine

Hungary supports Chinese peace plan on Ukraine — Orban

Hungary urges for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks, the prime minister said

Presence of French-speaking mercenaries identified in 20 cases in Zaporozhye — politician

Ethnic Poles and Georgians account for the largest groups of mercenaries in the Ukrainian army

Russia, like most of the world, does not support sanctions against Cuba — Putin

The recent vote at the UN, which was devoted to the issue of lifting the blockade, showed that the vast majority of countries in the world are also on the side of Cuba, the Russian leader said

Combat aircraft fly over Moscow’s Red Square in Victory Day parade

Nine Su-30SM heavy multirole fighter jets and MiG-29 frontline fighters flew over Moscow’s Red Square, performing the Kubinka Diamond stunt

Russian sniper reports elimination of Ukrainian serviceman wearing helmet with SS emblem

He specified that his group took the helmet as proof of the elimination

Russia holds Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square

The parade began with the march of the banner group of the Preobrazhensky Regiment Honor Guard’s unit carrying the Russian national flag and the legendary Victory Banner across Red Square

Ukrainian army leaving positions near Avdeyevka over Russia’s incessant gunfire — POW

The escape gives only a few a chance to survive as frequently incessant Russian artillery accurate strikes rule out this option for Ukrainian troops, Yury Yurechko noted

UK announces expulsion of Russian defense attache, new diplomatic visa restrictions

According to Home Secretary James Cleverly, this is a message to Moscow in response to its actions allegedly aimed at undermining British assistance to Ukraine

Putin congratulates parade participants on Victory Day

Putin is confident in ensuring free and safe future of Russia and its united people

Indonesian ambassador says Su-35 fighter jets contract remains in force

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Tavares said that around 30% of weapons in service with his country’s armed forces are Russian-made

Hungary views China as pillar of multipolar world — Orban

Prime Minister pointed out that the world had recently undergone serious transformations, as the world order had changed to become multipolar

French tired of supporting Ukraine — war correspondent

Christelle Nahan noted that people were tired of the fact that there was not enough money for the development of infrastructure, hospitals and schools, for pensions and benefits for children

London blatantly lies to justify anti-Russian steps, including expulsion of attache — MFA

We have to state that not only does the UK government intend to abandon its policy of provoking Russia, but it also exerts substantial efforts to raise the degree of confrontation, Maria Zakharova said

Russia’s latest Lebedev modular pistol passes state trials

The National Guard’s command highly appreciated the new pistol

Russia's top prosecutor supports ‘legitimate’ criminal case against US financier Calvey

The prosecution had "sufficient grounds" for opening a criminal case

China-Russia trade turnover rises by 4.7% to $76.58 bln in January — April

According to the report, imports from Russia over four months increased by 10.2% to $43.85 bln

Hitler could have won if not for USSR, says American WWII veteran

Attempts are currently underway in the West, following the logic of "containing Russia," to hush up the Soviet Union’s decisive contribution to the 1945 Victory over Nazi Germany

Opponents’ escalation policy forces Russia to enhance nuclear deterrence, says diplomat

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported earlier that the General Staff had launched preparations for drills with missile formations of the Southern Military District jointly with aircraft and naval forces

Medvedev warns that Russia’s default may entail Europe’s default

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council added that the European Union’s financial system is not very stable and people are losing confidence

Russian battlegroup Dnepr destroys two Ukrainian boats on Dnieper — spokesman

According to Roman Kodryan, enemy losses totaled up to 55 servicemen over the past day

Russia knows how to deal with Ukrainian drones — Putin

The Russian leader noted that those tasks that until recently were solved exclusively with the help of aviation systems are now being solved with small means, but with great effect

Ukraine to be able to mobilize no more than 10,000-15,000 convicts — report

According to the source, there are currently about 28,000 inmates, and this number includes women, people unfit for military service due to health conditions, age and their criminal offenses

Opposition begins mass rally in downtown Yerevan

Republic Square is crowded, with Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a leader of the Bagrat movement, among the protesters

Russia observes moment of silence for those killed fighting against Nazism

The television program showed portraits of fallen heroes and animated candles of remembrance

Russian military fights Nazi followers in special military operation — Shoigu

He stressed that during the war, the qualities of a multinational people were revealed — its strength and fortitude, incredible mutual support, and a commitment to fight for the ideas of justice and humanism

China supports Serbia in defending its sovereignty on Kosovo issue — Xi

Xi Jinping is on a state visit to Serbia on May 7-8

Parades, concerts across Russia to mark Victory Day on May 9

In Moscow, the celebration will open with a ceremonial parade on Red Square at 10 a.m.

Ability to pay with Russia’s Mir card in Laos will attract tourists — Putin

Russian President noted that last year the countries showed a modest growth in trade and economic interaction

Zelensky cannot be legitimate president after May 21 — Medvedchuk

"Ukraine has already lost its statehood," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

Aurus Merlon electric motorcycle available for pre-order — acting Deputy PM

The Aurus Merlon made its public debut at the inauguration of the Russian President

West should engage in dialogue with Russia — US expert

In Peter Kuznick opinion, the world is on the verge of a most serious conflict while "NATO is conducting massive war games"

Russia prioritizes relations with Africa — Putin

Putin recalled that the countries had established a new form of dialogue, namely a ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum

Israel and Russia double number of flights for spring and summer — ambassador to Moscow

Tourist flow between the countries is not high for a number of reasons, Simona Halperin said

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day

Battlegroup Center units fully liberated the settlement of Novokalinovo in the Donetsk People’s Republic and battlegroup West units fully liberated the settlement of Kislovka in the Kharkov Region

Super diamond worth $1.5 mln found in Russia's Yakutia

The diamond has an octahedral shape, its dimensions are 31.28 x 30.00 x 28.57 mm

Russian paratroopers thwart attempt by Ukrainian troops to cross Dnieper — ministry

The coordinates of the targets were transmitted to the group’s artillerymen, who hit the infantry positions and also destroyed the Ukrainian armed forces’ boats

US losing favor around world, while Russia's image improving — poll

The US’ image saw the biggest dip in the Middle East and North Africa (12 percentage points on average), as well as in Europe (seven percentage points)

Ukrainian president appoints Zaluzhny ambassador to London

Zelensky dismissed Zaluzhny from military service for health reasons

Putin considers Cuba — EAEU interaction useful

Russian President drew attention to the participation of the Cuban leader in the EAEU summit

US veteran says Soviet Union turned the tide of World War II

Frank Cohn said the people that refuse to do justice to the Soviet role in the war simply don't understand what was going on

Medvedev gives warning amid talk of deploying Western troops to Ukraine

According to the politician, the cause of the discussion on dispatching Western troops to Ukraine, launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, is a "shameless calculation for political bonus points"

Putin invites Guinea-Bissau president to come again to Russia on state visit

Meanwhile, Umaro Sissoco Embalo said that he hopes that the Russian president would visit his country in case he went on a tour of Africa

Belgorod Region attacked with 37 Ukrainian drones in past day

There were no casualties, but reported damage caused by drone and shelling attacks

Relations with Russia are really important for Israel — Ambassador to Moscow

Dialogue between Israel and Russia is important, including on those topics where the parties "absolutely disagree," Simona Halperin said

Ukrainian nationalists financed by US, Britain after WWII — declassified archives

In particular, Ukrainian nationalists carried out terrorist acts in small groups of 3-5 members and sometimes engaged in individual terrorism

Russia hammers Ukrainian energy, military sites in retaliatory strike — top brass

The Ukrainian army’s losses in the Kupyansk direction over the past 24 hours amounted to 55 personnel and two 122mm D-30 howitzers, it specified

French military already present in Donbass — French journalist

Christelle Neant said that the Ukrainian armed forces is drafting people with no military experience as part of its mobilization campaign and sends them to the frontline after "just two or three weeks of training"

Putin shows West dialogue on security issues is possible — ambassador

Antonov said that during his inaugural speech, President Putin gave a clear message to Western powers

Hungary views China as pillar of multipolar world — Orban

Hungarian prime minister recalled that Hungary has always adhered to the ‘one China’ principle

US seeking to throw Balts, Poles, Germans, French ‘into fire of war’ — Medvedchuk

"They are clearing the way for this, since the Ukrainians are running out while the scheme of turning their deaths into America’s profits is waiting for new victims," leader of the Other Ukraine movement said

Russian diplomat accuses EU spokesman of 'inciting terrorism' with Crimean Bridge remarks

According to Maria Zakharova, it is shocking that the statement was made by a European official who "in general speaks on behalf of the entire European Union"

FACTBOX: Key facts and figures about Russia’s Victory Day

Festive processions, gatherings, assemblies and reception ceremonies are held across Russia on May 9 to honor veterans of the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War

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

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, many of such measures have already been announced

Belarus, Russia conduct tactical nuke drills amid current situation — Lukashenko

"An escalation is ongoing," the president said

President of Cuba wishes Putin success in special military operation

Miguel Diaz-Canel said that Moscow can always count on the support of Havana

Polish PM says NATO troops are in Ukraine

Polish prime minister emphasized that NATO’s direct engagement in the military conflict in Ukraine must be avoided

Putin submits Mishustin's candidacy for post of prime minister to State Duma

State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin recalled that the State Duma "for the first time in the history of modern Russia will form the line-up of the government: approve the chairman of the government, his deputies, and federal ministers"

Russian FPV drones destroy observation posts of Ukrainian armed forces — Defense Ministry

These posts were located in the region of Ukraine bordering the Belgorod region, the ministry reported

Russia’s ice cream production rises by 12% to 110 mln kg in Q1

In comparison with the previous quarter, when 66 mln kilograms were produced, the production of ice cream for January-March 2024 increased by 66%

Israel has no plans to introduce Russian Mir payment cards — ambassador

Israeli Ambassador to Russia Simona Halperin said said that Israel works with the international SWIFT system

European Commission confirms agreement on expropriation of income from Russian assets

This decision must now be approved by the EU Council at ministerial level

Aerospace Forces receive new Su-35S fighters

Su-35S have passed ground and flight trials and flew from Komsomolsk-on-Amur to the deployment airfield

Press review: Vladimir Putin sworn in for fifth term and EU, Ukraine talk arms deal

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, May 8th

Moscow demands return of all Russian diplomatic properties seized by US

The Russian diplomat slammed the intrusion into the residence of Russian Consul General in Seattle as a gross violation of the international law

Press review: US to ban Russian uranium and Georgia pushes ahead with controversial bill

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, May 2nd

Dollar down to 91.85 rubles, euro down to 98.04 rubles as trading on Moscow Exchange opens

The yuan-to-ruble exchange rate increased by 0.65 kopecks and amounted to 12,632 rubles

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Serbia-China cooperation moving to new level, to continue strengthening — president

According to Alexandar Vucic, the two leaders discussed the free trade agreement with China, industry, science, innovation, artificial intelligence, cooperation in the military field, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, culture, education, health, air transportation

Russia to join ranks of top four global economies — presidential decree

The government is tasked to present eleven new National Projects by September 1 of this year

Russian diplomat slams Western ambassador for being absent from Putin’s inauguration

Maria Zakharova also asked a rhetorical question about what these countries’ new ambassadors would do when they have to hand over their credentials to the president

Putin says cooperation with ASEAN top priority of Russia’s policy in Asia

Russian President pointed out that Moscow and Vientiane cooperate "well and closely" on the world stage, including at the United Nations

US plans to return to previous schedule of weapons deliveries to Ukraine

State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller had no specific announcements to make

Pashinyan remains silent over opposition’s demand for his resignation within one hour

Neither the government’s press office nor Pashinyan himself have somehow responded to the opposition’s demands yet

Russia does not accept US policy to limit Cuba’s development — Putin

According Russian President, the Cuban people have been fighting this for decades and they are confident

Gazprom gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine reach 42.4 mln cubic meters

The transit line through Ukraine remains the only route to supply Russian gas to western and central European countries

US does not want to support Israel in Rafah operation — White House

"The President has directed his team with continuing to work with Israel to refine their strategy to inflict an enduring defeat on Hamas," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said

Biden says US to halt supplying some weapons to Israel if it starts Rafah operation

The president noted that Israel has not yet crossed the red line in the Gaza Strip conflict as it has not started the operation in Rafah

US war veteran says he would like go to Victory Day parade in Moscow

"If I were 10 years younger, I’d go right away," 98-year-old Frank Cohn said

Hungary and China support peaceful settlement of international disputes — joint statement

The two sides reaffirm the importance of global security and peace

Hungary, China ink 16 cooperation agreements, including on nuclear energy

The cooperation agreements tackle such fields as investment, energy, trade, finance, customs control, agriculture, tourism, science, culture and media

Putin confident in Russia’s victory in special military operation

The Russian people show their best qualities in difficult moments, their courage and heroism, which is confirmed by the special military operation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with military on May 7, following the inauguration ceremony

Russia pre-emptively plans intermediate-range missile sites to counter US moves — diplomat

Correspondingly, specialists are carrying out preliminary pre-emptive planning, Sergey Ryabkov said

More than 90% of payments in EAEU are carried out in national currencies — Putin

The Russian leader noted that the combined GDP of the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union, according to available estimates, increased from $1.6 trillion to $2.5 trillion

Russia will not allow anyone to distort meaning of Victory Day — diplomat

Maria Zakharova noted that the West was preparing "historical amnesia" for Russia, as happened with Ukraine, but Russian President Vladimir Putin managed to restore the country's memory and dignity

Russia didn’t invite officials from unfriendly countries to victory parade, diplomat says

Maria Zakharova said veteran organizations in unfriendly countries weren’t affected by the decision not to invite officials

Russia may strike Britain's military facilities if London's threats materialize — MFA

Maria Zakharova described British Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s remark that London considered it legitimate for the Kiev regime to use British weapons for strikes on Russian territory as "something absolutely insane"

At least 90,000 soldiers attend Victory Day celebrations across Russia

Celebrations marking have been held in over 300 cities and towns across Russia

FACTBOX: What is known about string of blasts at Ukraine’s power facilities

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the strikes were carried out with drones as well as sea-and air-launched precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles

Russia expanded its force of radar-evading ICBMs over past year, US general says

"Russia also continues to develop and test novel experimental weapon systems, like the nuclear-armed Poseidon transoceanic weapon and the Burevestnik nuclear-propelled cruise missile," said General Gregory Guillot, commander of the US Northern Command

Over 882,000 Ukrainian men now EU refugees — statistics agency

Most Ukrainian refugees live in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic

Efforts to distort World War II events grow over the world — ambassador

The diplomat noted that he believes it's everyone's duty to tell the younger generation the historical truth about the events of World War II

People in Donbass expected help from Russia, says Putin

Not somewhere thousands of kilometers away from its national borders, but right next door, under our noses, said Russian president

Russia’s cutting-edge weaponry capable of ‘blinding’ enemy's army

TASS outlines domestic electronic warfare systems

Lavrov characterizes Europe's economic problems due to US pressure as ‘monstrous’

Using Germany as an example, the minister recalled that the prosperity of the European industrial complex is largely based on Russian energy resources

Russia maintains its nuclear weapons policy, but situation is changing — diplomat

Moscow has repeatedly officially stated that Russia is taking all necessary measures to guarantee national security, but at the same time is firmly committed to the principle of the inadmissibility of nuclear war