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Pope Francis calls for peace in Ukraine

Congratulating Poroshenko and the people of Ukraine on the country’s independence the pontiff supports the efforts that help the Ukrainian nation move forward in the spirit of peace and reunification

© AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

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US congratulates Ukraine on upcoming national day anniversary

ROME, August 24. /TASS/. Pope Francis has written a letter to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko with an appeal for peace in his country, the Italian news agency ANSA reported on Monday.

"I pray for your country in this difficult situation renewing my spiritual affinity with victims, their families and all those who suffer. I support the efforts that help the Ukrainian nation move forward in the spirit of peace and reunification," the pontiff wrote in the letter congratulating Poroshenko and the people of Ukraine on the 24th anniversary of the country’s independence.

Pope Francis noted that he appeals to the Almighty God for a blessing of the President of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

Earlier the leader of the Catholic Church expressed his "deep concern" over current Ukrainian events.

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US assured Israel that Iranian drones will be intercepted — US journalist Hersh

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Ukraine’s military loses positions near Avdeyevka, says DPR

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Crimea, Donbass to forever remain within Russia, Slovak PM tells national parliament

Robert Fico believes Moscow will win in its confrontation with Kiev

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US 'not forgetting' to help itself with aid to Ukraine — Kremlin

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Russian military base may appear in CAR’s eastern region — President Touadera

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Russia’s advanced radar in Kaliningrad to monitor entire territory of Europe — source

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Founder of neo-Nazi cell in Crimea flees to Georgia — source

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Russia has significant amount of West’s funds in case of confiscation of its assets

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Kremlin declines to comment on alleged assassination attempt on Zelensky in Poland

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West close to sending military to Ukraine, this would 'drag Europe to bottom' — Orban

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Court arrests another man accused of blowing up car of former SBU officer in Moscow

Ivan Paskar is charged with illegally transporting explosive substances, but he does not recognize his guilt

Major Western investor accuses Zelensky's office of extorting millions of euros

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Iran suspends flights above several cities amid reports of air attack — IRNA

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US blocks Security Council resolution granting full UN membership to Palestine

A total of 12 countries, including Russia and China, voted in favor of the document

Ukraine turns from sovereign country into Western protectorate, Hungarian PM says

Viktor Orban noted that there should be a buffer zone between NATO and Russia and Ukraine could serve as one

Russia won’t allow NATO to move closer in Ukraine — Lavrov

There is still no full clarity regarding the future of Ukraine's western regions, the Russian foreign minister went on to say

Ukrainian trace obvious in Crocus City Hall attack — Russian prosecutor general

The law enforcement employees exert efforts to identify the instigators of this crime, Igor Krasnov said

Water in Kurgan above dam, breaking records

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"The Hungarian community’s opportunities to use its native language in the fields of education, culture, media and self-governance have been significantly limited," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto specified

Russia not to go for settlement on Ukraine based on 'Zelensky formula' — Lavrov

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Proposals on Russian assets confiscation undermine financial system — Finance Minister

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Iran may target Israeli nuclear center in Dimona in case of Israel’s attack — TV

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Russian stock indices rising on Friday

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Armenia’s relations with Russia not at their highest — top diplomat

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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

One crew member of jet crashed in Stavropol Region killed, search for another continues

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Russian military closely monitors all Ukrainian 'novelties' — Kremlin on UAVs

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EU ministers to discuss use of Russian assets for Ukraine on April 22 — EU official

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Russia’s defense chief inspects production of tanks, flamethrowers at Siberian enterprise

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Military base near Iran’s Isfahan hit following attack — newspaper

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Lavrov labels way West ramping up sanctions against Russia as mindless

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