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Radiation above background in some areas of fire near Chernobyl NPP — inspectorate

The fire in the exclusion zone around the Chernobyl NPP occurred on June 29, dry grass and reed caught fire to spread over an area of about 130 hectares

Wildfire in Chernobyl NPP exclusion zone EPA Archive/ANDREW KRAVCHENKO

Wildfire in Chernobyl NPP exclusion zone

© EPA Archive/ANDREW KRAVCHENKO

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Fire flares up in Chernobyl exclusion zone

KIEV, July 1. /TASS/. Ukraine’s state nuclear inspectorate has identified radiation levels one order of magnitude above the natural background in some spots inside the area affected by fire near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

"In the air sample taken in the area of the fire on the outskirts of the abandoned village of Polesskoye the content of caesium-137 is 0.0025 becquerel per one cubic meter, which is one order of magnitude above the control level set under the current norms of hygiene," the watchdog’s statement said.

"In other words, the data available from the existing systems monitoring the radiation situation in the exclusion zone and adjoining territories indicate the changes in the basic parameters of the radiation situation, except for those in the fire-affected areas, do not exceed the levels acceptable in the given territories. In Kiev, the radiation level is at the level of the natural background," the watchdog said.

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Dry grass on fire in Chernobyl exclusion zone — Ukraine’s emergencies service

The fire in the exclusion zone around the Chernobyl NPP occurred on June 29. Dry grass and reed caught fire to spread over an area of about 130 hectares.

Earlier, Ukraine’s emergencies service said a total of 24 fire-fighting vehicles and 117 men are dealing with the fire. A mobile fire-fighting center and prompt reaction group have been formed on site. The emergencies service keeps quiet about whether the fire-fighters’ health inside the exclusion zone are exposed to any major risks.

Caesium-137 is one of the most dangerous radioactive pollutants. It accumulates readily in soil and bottom sediment, as well as in living organisms.

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Ukraine Environment

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According to the report of the IDF press office, the discovered missile was of "surface-to-surface" type

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West bends sanctions rules when it suits them — Kremlin

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US stops hiding true purpose of sanctions on Moscow, Russian envoy says

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Russia may abolish gold export duty from June 1 — Finance Ministry

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The date and location will be announced later

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Russian defense minister dismisses his deputy Ivanov

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Over 60% of Russian companies continue using Microsoft services

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Moscow reports 1,773 daily coronavirus hospitalizations

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Ivan Zhelokhovtsev said that the agreements that were reached during the DPRK leader's visit to Russia represent "evidence of the mutual desire of the sides to consistently implement and expand the rich heritage" that was passed down from previous generations

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Kiev may use ATACMS missiles to hit Crimean Bridge — Russian defense ministry official

Russian military will do its utmost to repel such attacks, Apty Alaudinov said

Russian draft UNSC statement on Nord Streams sabotaged by West — Russian diplomat

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EAEU trade turnover reaches record high level of $8.7 bln in 2023 — Russian Prime Minister

The trade turnover between Russia and Belarus reached 4 trillion rubles ($43.8 bln)

Police checks reports of bomb allegedly planted at Russian embassy in Brazil — newspaper

The Russian embassy has not yet commented on the situation

SCO expects Belarus to join the organization very soon — Shoigu

The Russian defense chief is certain that "this is an important moment in strengthening security in the SCO space"

West reluctant to punish those responsible for Nord Stream blasts — Russian diplomat

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Russia fights West’s sanctions at UN for the sake of developing countries — envoy to UN

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Ukraine’s army leaves first defensive line in Berdychi near Avdeyevka, says DPR

The Ukrainian military has suffered heavy casualties among personnel and military hardware in that community, Igor Kimakovsky said

Polish leader cautions NATO allies against provoking Russia

Andrzej Duda slammed the reported instances of Russian missiles entering Poland's airspace as "a Russian provocation"

Diplomatic relations with Canada may be downgraded if Russian assets seized — ambassador

"All options are on the table, we will be guided by common sense and Russia’s interests," Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov 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

NATO bears direct responsibility for Ukraine crisis — Chinese Foreign Ministry

Spokesman Wang Wenbin stressed that China was not providing weapons to the conflicting parties and strictly controlled dual-use goods, including the export of drones

Musk concurs that civil war looming in West

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Kiev troops may strike targets in Crimea with ATACMS missiles — newspaper

The goal "is to put more pressure on Crimea," The New York Times said

Press review: NATO flexes muscles near Russian border and South China Sea runs hot

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 24th

Charles III to return to public duties soon — Buckingham Palace

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

"The largest nuclear powers, albeit indirectly, are actually fighting on Ukrainian territory. And not indirectly," the president of Belarus noted

Most countries in Global South wary of growing NATO influence — Lavrov

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US nukes in Poland to become target for Russia should confrontation with NATO occur — MFA

"The impression is that Warsaw is maniacally seeking to attract even more attention from military planners in the Russian General Staff," Maria Zakharova added

Press review: US tries to strong-arm China and Zelensky's bid to bring men home

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, April 25th

Ship receives damage in missile attack off Yemeni coast — UKMTO

The Master has reported two attacks

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Previously, the media reported that the Russian Health Ministry registered the first treatment for the Bekhterev’s disease in the world

Scholz asks allies to find additional air defense capabilities for Ukraine

Germany is the second largest arms supplier to Ukraine after the US

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Staff shortage cannot be covered by labor migration — Putin

Labor productivity requires a significant increase in all sectors of the economy, the President stressed

Russian Economy Ministry expects trade balance surplus to decline

Exports of goods are expected to drop to $419.7 bln this year. Imports are forecast to grow to $315.7 bln in 2024

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Swiss conference on Ukraine undermines European security — Russian diplomat

In Maxim Buyakevich words, neither the talks nor their outcome can change the existing political and territorial realities

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The head of state accused Washington of preparing a "Belarusian liberation army" and reiterated Minsk's readiness to "defend its country"

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French neo-Nazi ringleader liquidated near Avdeyevka — sources

There is confirmed evidence of his connections with French secret services

Erdogan’s May 9 visit to US postponed to more convenient date — Foreign Ministry

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