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Five European countries block Ukraine’s path to EU membership — newspaper

France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Austria "refused to give any promises for the future to Ukraine," the Volkskrant newspaper quotes French diplomat Pierre Vermont as saying

© EPA/CHRISTOPHE KARABA

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Diplomat says there's no Russian interference in Dutch referendum on Ukraine-EU agreement

THE HAGUE, April 1 /TASS/. Five EU countries, including the Netherlands, believe that the EU association agreement with Ukraine should not incorporate a notion of full EU membership for that country, French diplomat Pierre Vermont said on Friday.

Vermont told the Volkskrant newspaper that the question of possible EU membership for Ukraine had been raised in the European Union many times but the discussion was always the same.

"A group of countries, including the Baltic States, Poland, Britain and Sweden, wanted to include a clause on the prospect of future EU membership for Ukraine in the final document," the French diplomat said. "But a second group of countries consisting of France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Austria, was opposed to the idea. They refused to give any promises for the future to Ukraine," Vermont went on to say.

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A day earlier, on Thursday, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in an interview with the NU.nl information portal that his country was also against the EU membership for Ukraine.

According to him, it is important that Ukraine eventually has good relationship with both the EU and Russia, and that is unlikely to happen if Ukraine becomes an EU member.

The Netherlands will vote in a referendum on ratification of the association agreement between the EU and Ukraine on April 6 (the referendum will be consultative, which means that its results will not be mandatory for implementation by the Dutch government).

According to Vermont, a "no" vote could mean that the agreement will be divided into separate parts. "The trade agreement only requires a majority vote. The political part, for which unanimity is required, can be poured into a separate treaty", in which the Netherlands does not have to take part.

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Netherlands may pause Ukraine’s association with EU, but only for a while

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Ukraine crisis Ukraine EU

US support for Israel’s aggression in Gaza seen as factor of conflict escalation — Hamas

According to Izzat al-Risheq, the only way to prevent the conflict’s further escalation is to compel Israel "to stop its aggression and war in Gaza."

IDF says chief of Hezbollah’s Radwan forces in central, western Lebanon killed

According to Israel Defense Forces, the commander "planned and promoted rocket and missile launches toward Israeli territory from the areas of Lebanon's central and western regions"

Remote sensing satellite Aist-2D’s orbital mission complete — Roscosmos

Aist-29, launched in 2016, has scanned more than 93 million square kilometers

Israel may strike Iranian territory to demonstrate its capabilities — TV

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

Russian troops destroy fake Ukrainian ambulance with UAV operators in Kherson area

Russian reconnaissance teams have repeatedly observed the Ukrainian military using ambulances and other civilian vehicles for transporting troops and armaments to combat areas, Vladimir Saldo said

Israel postpones Rafah operation after Iranian attack — CNN

According to the sources, Israel is now focused on how to respond to the Iranian attack

Energy cooperation between Iran and Russia is a response to sanctions — Iranian official

Seyed Musi Mousavi said that in the current conditions, "increasing oil exports, expanding cooperation with neighboring countries and reviving energy and economic diplomacy have good prospects for the Iranian economy"

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

According to the Defense Ministry, Russian troops took better positions in the Donetsk area over the past day

Employment outlook positive for this year’s university grads — Russian Education Ministry

In total, about 824,000 graduates getting bachelor's, specialist and master's degrees will enter the labor market this year, 10,000 more than last year

Russia requests UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine for March 22 — envoy

"We will discuss in detail all these moments, which are unpleasant for our Western colleagues," Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky said

US support for Israel’s aggression in Gaza seen as factor of conflict escalation — Hamas

According to Izzat al-Risheq, the only way to prevent the conflict’s further escalation is to compel Israel "to stop its aggression and war in Gaza."

Russian economy in Q1 growing quicker than in Q4 2023 — Central Bank experts

It is reported that the increased internal demand level will remain

Istanbul treaty can serve as basis for dialogue with Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that any political and diplomatic search of the solution "can only be based on negotiations"

Global economy remains remarkably resilient — IMF

However, as the fund’s chief economist pointed out, despite encouraging trends, the world has not yet overcome inflation

US hampers reform of international financial system in favor of BRICS — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat drew attention to the fact that "the aspects of reform of the international monetary and financial system are becoming more and more acute, they have long been overdue"

Kremlin mum on reports about discussions of Black Sea maritime security pact

It was reported eaerlier that Turkey had negotiated for two months with Russia and Ukraine on a deal to ensure the safety of merchant vessels in the Black Sea

Italy manages to fully substitute Russian gas supplies, says Energy Security Minister

"In Europe this issue is even more complex," Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said noting that gas prices have fluctuated greatly over the past two years

'Iron Dome' can't fully protect from UAV swarms — Chinese expert

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

New IMF estimate for Russian GDP in 2025 appears pessimistic — Economy Ministry

The IMF revised upward its forecast for Russian GDP growth to 3.2% in its next report on global economic prospects

Russian intelligence chief, Egyptian president stress readiness for security cooperation

"The readiness to further deepen cooperation in the field of national security between Russia and Egypt was stressed," the statement reads

Russia to float out universal nuclear-powered icebreaker on May 25

Project 22220 universal nuclear-powered icebreakers are set to become the world’s most powerful icebreaking vessels

Olympic flame lit in Ancient Olympia, kicking off 2024 Paris Summer Games journey

The traditional event of lighting the Olympic flame was attended by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, President of the Greek National Olympic Committee Spyros Capralos and other officials

European far-right conference with Orban as participant banned in Brussels

The ban came a day before the summit of EU heads of state and government, where they are expected to discuss the strategic outlook for the European Union. Viktor Orban will attend the meeting

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

Yerevan has no territorial claims to Baku — Armenian representative to UN court

"Azerbaijan increasingly characterizes human rights disputes with Armenia as attempts to challenge Azerbaijani sovereignty or territorial integrity and claims that this case is an obstacle to peace between the two countries," Yeghishe Kirakosyan stressed

Russian security chief urges measures against 'ethnic enclaves' in Russia

The Russian president has ordered that migration policy be overhauled taking into account the national interests and security of the population, and the importance of preserving Russia’s culture and language, Nikolay Patrushev reiterated

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

Kiev recognizes Russia's tenfold superiority in artillery shells

Vladimir Zelensky admitted that Ukraine had no chance of winning victory without support from the West

Russian, Israeli security chiefs discuss current escalation in Middle East

On the evening of April 13, Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles toward Israel in response to what it called "repeated crimes" from Tel Aviv, including the attack on the consular office of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus ascribed to Israel

China’s Jetour plans to sell up to 50,000 cars in Russia this year

Sales volumes depend on the demand for it, Liang Bin stated, noting that this refers not merely to sales of the Jetour Dashing crossover but also to other brand models, including X70 and X90 crossovers and the T2 SUV

Gazprom SPKA to create low-orbit satcom system — deputy CEO

Sergey Masalov said that the constellation will comprise 78 satellites

Russia supports priorities of Kazakhstan's chairmanship in SCO — Foreign Ministry

Andrey Rudenko emphasized that Russia is providing all necessary assistance in the meaningful preparation of the summit in Astana

Region’s airspace open for Israeli Air Force to attack any enemy — defense chief

Yoav Gallant pointed out that "the Iranians attacked [Israel] aggressively, using over 500 weapons"

Slovakia to oppose Ukraine’s NATO membership bid — PM

Meanwhile, Slovakia supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union

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

Prices for cocoa beans reach all-time high exceeding $11,000 per ton — ICE Futures data

The previous all-time high exchange price for cocoa beans was recorded on March 26, when it reached $10,080 per ton

Netanyahu a threat for Israel, opposition leader says

According to Yair Lapid, Israeli allies "smell this weakness," too

Russian Industry Ministry supports higher import duty on wines from NATO countries

"Two hundred or not two hundred, but the duty can and should be increased," Viktor Evtukhov noted

Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries

There are two countries on the list

Riot police dispersing protesters near Georgian parliament building

Riot police used tear gas to push protesters back from the building entrance

Xi Jinping proposes four principles for resolving Ukrainian crisis

The Chinese leader had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukrainian crisis with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is on an official visit to Beijing

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

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

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

Russian security official vows 'well-deserved' punishment for those behind Crocus attack

On the evening of March 22, a terrorist attack targeted the Crocus City Hall music venue in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region

Russian paratroopers seize Ukrainian stronghold on tanks, combat vehicles

Russian troops suffered no casualties, the Russian Defense Ministry reported

Israel misses all chances to establish peace in Middle East — Jordan’s top diplomat

"The path to the security that both Palestinians and Israelis need lies through ending the occupation and establishing a viable Palestinian state," Ayman Hussein Abdullah al-Safadi noted

Date of Putin’s visit to Turkey not yet been agreed — Erdogan

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said earlier that the date of Putin’s visit to Turkey would be agreed via diplomatic channels

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

CEC chairperson hands over presidential credentials to Putin

The presidential certificate is a 100x70mm maroon leather-bound booklet inscribed with the Russian emblem and the words "President of the Russian Federation" in gold on its cover

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

The ship's crew continues to fulfill the mission it was given for the long-range voyage

Press review: Israel mulls response to Iran's strike and Ukraine plays shot-caller with US

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, April 16th

Kiev regime's terrorist activity requires tighter security measures — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov warned that "the enemy continues its aggressive terrorist policy"

Russian finance ministry considering abolition of export duty on gold

Earlier, the Federation Council’s budget and financial markets committee recommended that the amendment on an increase in MET on gold from June 1 to December 31, 2024 be approved

Envoy reports dozens of Russians killed in Ukrainian attacks in past week

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik, over that period, Ukrainian troops fired "at least 1,362 munitions" at civilian facilities

Lavrov states West’s growing concern about BRICS plans to develop own financial tools

According to the minister, Russia is interested in increasing the role of the BRICS states in the international monetary, financial and trading systems, developing interbank cooperation, expanding the use of national currencies and creating its own exchange

US not going to be in armed conflict with Russia — official

The President of the United States has made that very clear

Russian forces destroy 300 Ukrainian troops in pinpoint air strike

The video uploaded by Russia’s Defense Ministry shows that Russian forces launched an ODAB-1500 fuel-air-explosive bomb against Ukrainian militants

Israel plans to send 'painful message' to Iran in response to attack — newspaper

According to the report, Israel’s war cabinet will meet on April 16 for a third straight day

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"

Dubai Airport will not receive flights until weather improvement

Departures from the airport will continue, the operator noted

Roads blocked, flights canceled in UAE due to heavy rains

The heavy rains have flooded highways and low-lying roads

Russian tennis star Rublev suffers 4th straight defeat at ATP tournaments

Unseeded Nakashima, who is currently 87th in the ATP World Rankings, will play in Round 3 against the winner of the match between Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Nick Hardt from the Dominican Republic

Ukrainian president signs law tightening mobilization rules

According to Rada Deputy Speaker Alexander Korniyenko, some of the law’s provisions will take effect after its publication, while most of them will enter into force in a month

Ukraine struggles to garner support for Swiss conference — Russian Foreign Ministry

"There are increasingly fewer people willing to discuss this subject with Kiev’s envoys, let alone going there," Rodion Miroshnik stressed

Russian stock indices plunging on Tuesday — market data

The dollar surged by 0.67% to 94.42 rubles, the euro edged up by 0.41% to 100.24 rubles

Iran says it won’t prevent return of Russian sailor from seized ship — MFA

The Russian Embassy in Tehran keeps the issue under special control, Maria Zakharova said

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

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

ERS satellites to be created in cooperation with Belarus — Gazprom SPKA

According to First Deputy CEO Sergey Masalov, the first satellite is slated for launching in 2027

Saudi Arabia, UAE did not open airspace to Israel, US to repel Iranian attack — newspaper

According to the report, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi tried to remain neutral in the escalating conflict in the Middle East

Erdogan accuses Israel of seeking to spread conflict throughout entire region

The Turkish leader slammed Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and said that the only way to ease tension in the region is to stop it

Putin may be invited to France in 2024, says Macron

The French president noted that this is possible in the case of peace talks on Ukraine

France to invite Russia to events marking 80th anniversary of Normandy invasion

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in turn, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet received an official invitation

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

Three pairs of the coalition’s F-15 and a pair of F-16 fighter jets, as well as a pair of A-10 Thunderbolt attack bombers violated Syria’s airspace in the al-Tanf area

The Silver Galosh award became a political anti-prize

The Silver Galosh prizes were awarded to Patriarch Kirill, Kristina Potupchik, Vladimir Zhirinovsky and other public and political figures

Even Kiev admits that conflict in Ukraine could have been resolved in Istanbul — Putin

President recalled remarks by David Arakhamia, head of the pro-presidential Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada, who claimed that it was former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who prohibited Kiev from signing peace agreements with Russia

PACE supports use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine

The non-binding document stipulates that "assets would be deposited in an international trust fund" and will be used for compensation purposes

No official invitation to attend celebration of 80th anniversary of Normandy invasion yet

It was earlier reported that France plans to invite Russia to attend the commemorative events in Normandy on June 6

Russian forces pummel Ukrainian army, equipment in 133 areas over past day

Russian troops took better frontline positions in the Donetsk area over the past day, the ministry reported

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

It is noted that US officials believe the military benefits of Ukraine’s air raids on Russian oil refineries are "of questionable value," since "the strikes do little to diminish Russia’s war-fighting abilities"

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

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, April 15th

Russian forces take Azovstal plant administration building in Mariupol — Kadyrov

All adjacent territory has been cleared, Kadyrov said

US, UK deliver another series of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

Following the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis warned that they would launch strikes on Israeli territory while barring ships associated with the Jewish state

Putin signs decree on spring draft to armed forces

The document also dismisses soldiers, sailors, sergeants and petty officers, whose conscription time span has expired

Ukrainian troops hunker down in abandoned apartments in Kherson — governor

Vladimir Saldo added that troops use at their discretion the possessions of the people who used to live in these apartments

IAEA temporarily recalls inspectors from Iranian sites — Russian envoy

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said earlier that the escalation in the Middle East did not affect the mission of inspectors at Iranian nuclear facilities

Putin reflects on Donbass, Novorossiya's difficult journey to reunite with Russia

The Russian president stressed that "this is another great event in our country’s history"

Russian, Cuban top prosecution officials sign 2024-26 cooperation program

According to Igor Krasnov, the two countries’ political leadership has taken note of increasing trade between Russia and Cuba and the growing number of joint business projects, which makes it necessary for prosecution authorities to protect investment

Meeting in Switzerland to not solve Ukrainian issue, intensive work necessary — Kneissl

"There has to be painstaking work from behind the scenes that is not seen or known, then it makes sense," the former Austrian foreign minister

Russian watchdog blocks websites of hosting providers

FastComet provider limited the access to its resources on its own, a source in the industry told TASS

Russian diplomat blames US for current Middle East crisis

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the US had long been promoting "exceptional allegations" about some non-mandatory UN Security Council resolutions

Putin expresses hope for restraint in Middle East in conversation with Raisi

According to the the Russian presidential press service, "Vladimir Putin said all parties would hopefully show a reasonable degree of constraint to avoid a new bout of tensions"

Iranian president warns of 'terrible response' to any action against country

Ebrahim Raisi opined that the UN Security Council and the organization as a whole "failed to fulfill their minimum legal obligations to condemn the [Israeli] attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus"

Putin, Raisi set for expansion of cooperation between Russia, Iran — Kremlin

It is noted that the two leaders also discussed the latest escalation in the Middle East

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"

No plans to ‘get involved in combat role’ in Ukraine, White House official says

Asked if it was because of Russia’s nuclear weapons, Kirby repeated that the circumstances were different

Georgian parliament’s vote on foreign agent bill postponed to April 17

Protests against the foreign agent bill have been going on in Tbilisi since Monday, when they escalated into clashes with police

Ukrainian forces lose over 50 servicemen in two counterattacks near Rabotino — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, Ukrainian forces also attempted to conduct combat reconnaissance northwest of the Verbovoye settlement

French mercenaries operate Caesar howitzers in Ukraine — French reporter

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President asks French leader, European Council chief to discuss Georgia issue

Сouncil meeting is scheduled for April 17