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Ammo depot fire in Ukraine no threat to EU gas transit — company

Putting out the fire may take up to seven days

© EPA/PAVLO PAKHOMENKO

KIEV, March 23. /TASS/. The large-scale blaze at an arms depot in northeastern Ukraine’s Kharkov region will not affect the country’s transit of Russian gas to the European Union, a spokesman for the country’s gas pipeline operator Ukrtransgaz said Thursday.

"We guarantee: the transit flow was re-channeled through the Sudzha (gas metering station in Russia)," he wrote on his Facebook page.

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Ukraine’s top military brass labels blasts at ammo depot as ‘act of sabotage’

The fire at a military depot in the Balakleya district in the heart of the Kharkov Region started at around 3.00 a.m. local time (0100GMT) at several storage facilities for missiles and artillery weapons. No casualty figures are available to date, but a 54-year-old woman was injured by a piece of shrapnel that hit her in the temple, according to local police.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Vladimir Groisman said that the fire has engulfed nearly a half of the entire territory of the military facility and extinguishing it "may take up to seven days."

"At the moment, we are looking into a (possibility of) subversive act, which is still not ruled out, but negligence is being investigated as well," he said.

The region’s governor said that munitions still continue to explode and the blaze threatens the nearby residential buildings.

‘Today, there is still a threat that residential buildings may catch fire. However, the entire scope of damage will be fully assessed only after the blasts cease and the fire is contained," Yulia Svetlichnaya told the NewsOne TV channel in Ukraine.

At the moment, a total of 24 evacuation centers have been set up for those who were forced to flee their homes because of the blaze. According to Ukrainian presidential spokesman Svyatoslav Tsegolko, a total of 20,000 people have already been evacuated from within the 10-kilometer zone around the facility.

The authorities have also imposed a 50-km no-fly zone above the area.

Ukrainian President Petr Poroshenko instructed a number of governmental bodies to request for NATO aid in demining the territory after the disaster.

"I urgently instructed the Foreign Ministry, the Defense Ministry and the emergencies service to get NATO assistance for humanitarian demining in Balakleya," the Ukrainian leader wrote on his Twitter page.

Clashes between protesters, police break out in Georgian capital

Police officers are using tear gas, trying to push protesters back

Russian diplomat says West sought to misrepresent Oreshnik strike, cast it as aggression

Maria Zakharova pointed out that for some, this was obviously a sobering moment, while for others it came as an unexpected surprise

Russia to thwart any missile attacks on its territory — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed that "what is happening now crosses all red lines," referring to American ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles attacks on Russia

One in three relocated individuals return to Russia from Ukraine — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out that the Kiev regime itself brands these figures as "terrible"

Biden unlikely to dare to seriously increase military aid to Kiev — expert

"The potential future use of Oreshnik will render ATACMS and Storm Shadow as battle-losing capabilities," a retired British diplomat and former economic counsellor at the British Embassy in Moscow Ian Proud said

Kiev opposes Washington's demand for lowering draft age — media

A representative of US President Joe Biden's administration had earlier stated that the Ukrainian military is facing a critical manpower shortage

Georgia suspends consultations on launch of EU accession talks until 2028

According to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgia needs to make European bureaucrats understand that they should use decent language with the country rather than employ blackmail and insults

Russia hopes to publish list of BRICS partner countries by year’s end — MFA

Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that "the world's interest in interacting with this structure is very high"

Biden wants Trump to inherit hopeless Ukraine situation — Medvedev

According to the politician, this is why the US administration decided to allow strikes with ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles deep into Russia

US president, not individual politicians, should make all decisions — Lavrov

Decisions are made by the supreme commander-in-chief, the top Russian diplomat said

Ukrainian group of 22 servicemen surrenders in Kursk Region — law enforcement officials

Photos and videos of the surrender were also posted by military reporter and expert Boris Rozhin on his Telegram channel

Ukrainian forces follow Russian troops’ example to use fiber optics drones, Putin says

The head of state is confident that there will be a quick response from the Russian side

Russia acted responsibly in warning US about Oreshnik missile launch, Kremlin says

The US was notified automatically 30 minutes before the launch by Russia's Nuclear Risk Reduction Center

Russian forces now control about eight hectares of land near LPR’s Stelmakhovka — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that after liberating Pershotravnevoye in the Kharkov Region and creating a bridgehead there for further advance, the Russian servicemen advanced to the west of the occupied borders

Belarusian President Lukashenko points to 'NATOfication' of Europe, entire world

"The arms race is rapidly gaining momentum," Alexander Lukashenko underlined

West beginning to realize only part of Ukraine will remain — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, this represents the "confrontational logic" of the West

Key energy facility in Ternopol Region almost completely destroyed

Vyacheslav Negoda noted that a power shortage will remain in the region for a long time

Press review: Russia to avenge Kiev's new strike as experts analyze US-EU trade risks

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 27th

Kazakh president describes Putin’s state visit as ‘historic event’

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described Russia as his country’s strategic partner and reliable ally

Strike on NATO bases possible in case of escalation, Medvedev says

He made this comment answering a question if Russia can strike military hubs in Romania and Poland

Russia ready for talks with Ukraine on conditions proposed in June — Putin

The head of state held a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry in June, where he listed the conditions for talks with Ukraine

El Salvador considering Rosatom technologies for building nuclear reactors

Ivan Dybov noted that the Salvadoran authorities have done a great deal of work to prepare the regulatory framework for implementing nuclear energy projects

Real wages to grow by 2.7% in average globally in 2024 — ILO

"In the meantime, wage growth has been uneven across regions, with emerging economies experiencing stronger growth than advanced economies," the International Labor Organization highlighted in its report

Rosatom hopes to reach agreements on nuclear fuel cooperation with Argentina in 2025

"In particular, we are in talks on a number of projects related to cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle," Ivan Dybov, head of the Rosatom America Latina center, said

US must stop escalating Ukrainian conflict, says Russian senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov advised the new US administration and President-elect Donald Trump to treat this issue "with all seriousness"

Europe not yet seriously considering sending its servicemen to Ukraine — magazine

At the same time, the media outlet specified that "the big idea is at least being discussed at high levels in European capitals"

FACTBOX: What to know about attacks of militants on Syria’s government forces

Russia strikes Ukrainian military airfields, manpower in 146 areas over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 330 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Top Iranian diplomat blames rise in militant activity in Syria on US, Israel

Earlier, the Syrian Armed Forces command issued a statement, saying that Jabhat al-Nusra militants had carried out "a large-scale attack on a broad front" in the country’s north

Putin declares Kazakhstan visit a success

The Russian leader pointed out that Kazakhstan is more than just a trusted ally of Russia

Netherlands joins European long-range missile initiative

Under the French ELSA (European Long-Range Strike Approach) initiative, European countries want to develop land-based cruise missiles with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers

Russia not going to leave strikes deep inside country unanswered — Putin

"As I have repeatedly said, we will always respond," the president emphasized

Ukrainian media reports plant in Lvov Region destroyed

The plant specializes in manufacturing bits for drilling artesian, oil, and gas boreholes

Israel ready for all-out war should Lebanon ceasefire be disrupted, PM says

If the agreement is violated, we will proceed to an all-out war," Benjamin Netanyahu told

Biden's decision on ATACMS 'not panacea', it will harm Kiev — Defense News columnists

The article reads that the US intelligence community warned of the risks associated with US missile strikes on Russian territory and suggested abandoning the decision

Russia’s nuclear umbrella extends to post-Soviet security bloc under new doctrine — Shoigu

Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine also stipulates the criteria for the use of nuclear weapons when aggression is launched against Belarus by conventional arms and when there is a threat to the very existence of Belarus, Sergey Shoigu elaborated

Russia’s nuclear potential is powerful 'security blanket,' US admits — top researcher

Mikhail Kovalchuk noted that Russia should continue strengthening this potential

Russia’s participation in building nuclear plant in Kazakhstan possible — Putin

Power plants of the Russian state corporation Rosatom are world’s best in terms of safety, the head of state noted

Russia developing echeloned system for air and missile defense — expert

Alexander Stepanov pointed out that "this also applies to intermediate-range high-precision systems such as the Tomahawk and other weapons that NATO countries may provide to Ukraine"

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

Zelensky shook up by Russia’s response to permission to attack it — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the West is directly involved in the use of long-range weapons against Russia, as not a single missile could be launched without its involvement

FACTBOX: Ukraine faces explosions, blackouts

Explosions occurred in Kiev, Nikolayev, Vinnitsa, Kropivnitskoye, Odessa, Kharkov, Lutsk, Ivanovo-Frankovsk, and Rovno

West should consider Russia’s signal on weapons, no point in discussing details — MFA

Maria Zakharova underscored that Russia's response to deployments of missile systems by the West that create additional threats to Russia could involve both tit-for-tat and asymmetric countermeasures

Case against Ukrainian militants, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

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US cutting aid to become death sentence for Ukraine — Russia’s mission to UN

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Oreshnik’s massive strike comparable to nuclear weapons — Putin

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West should read Russia's transparent nuclear doctrine carefully — top security official

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Kiev troops attempted to kill British mercenary who surrendered to Russians — officer

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Russia launches 100 missiles at Ukraine in past two days — Putin

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Putin concludes state visit to Kazakhstan

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Kiev regime’s ringleaders completely illegitimate, says Putin

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Protests break out in Georgia after ruling party moves to suspend talks with EU

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Putin believes that US President-elect Trump’s life may be in danger

Donald Trump survived two assassination attempts this year: one during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July, and the second one in September, when a radical supporter of aid to Ukraine opened fire near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida

Russia winning in Ukrainian conflict, Polish national security chief says

"The Russian side unquestionably holds both the initiative and the advantage on the battlefield," Head of the Polish National Security Bureau Jacek Siewiera said

Over 400 terrorists from Jabhat al-Nusra group wiped out in Aleppo, Idlib in past day

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Hungary opposes US, EU attempts to increase arms supplies to Ukraine

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Throughput capacity of Eastern Range to reach 180 mln tons this year

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No existing missile defense system can counter Oreshnik — US expert

Theodore Postol also vehemently rejected suggestions that the Oreshnik system represents previous outdated developments of Moscow

Press review: Energy talks as Putin visits Astana and Biden requests more aid for Kiev

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Iran informs IAEA of plans to install more uranium enrichment units — report

Tehran informed the IAEA that eight recently added cascades of IR-6 machines would enrich uranium to up to 5% purity

Clashes between protesters, police break out in Georgian capital

Police officers are using tear gas, trying to push protesters back

Putin slams election mudslinging against Trump’s family as 'vile'

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Executioner of Nazi war criminal Eichmann dies in Israel aged 86

The Israeli authorities have long kept his name secret

Iran challenges US, UK, France military capabilities, IRGC general says

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Russian air defenses intercept 3 HIMARS systems, destroy 18 Ukrainian drones — top brass

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Export duty on coking coal to be canceled from December 1 — Russian Energy Minister

Russia currently has the moratorium in effect on the steam coal export duty

Kiev can only produce 'dirty bomb,' Russia to give appropriate response — Putin

"Of course, it’s possible to produce something dirty - the so-called 'dirty bomb' - using waste from nuclear power plants," the Russian leader emphasized

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, satellite reconnaissance failed to detect the launch and flight of this missile

Russian plants are successfully substituting composites in shipbuilding

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Russia’s top diplomat slams NATO for discussions of preemptive strikes on Russia

"These claims were made by some admiral. Absolutely reckless. They have a lot of high-ranking military officials who have never even seen real battle," Sergey Lavrov stated

More than 80% of settlements in Kazakhstan are in national currencies — Putin

The head of state cautioned against any steps that would be directed to ruin relations between the two countries

Russia may block agenda of US Security Council presidency next month — mission to UN

First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said that the US may try to complicate life for the successors to the presidency

Kiev has ‘no chance’ of retaking lost territories — Blackwater founder

Erik Prince noted that it was necessary to end the Ukrainian conflict as soon as possible

Ukraine demolishes buildings with soldiers inside as Russian forces advance — DPR leader

Amid the successful advance of Russian forces, Ukrainian troops have been indiscriminately attacking civilian neighborhoods in Gorlovka, which is adjacent to Dzerzhinsk, Denis Pushilin said

Russia’s deputy foreign minister praises Brazil’s approaches to future BRICS presidency

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Russia not on list of participants in 2026 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Draw

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States

Israel reports some violations of Lebanon ceasefire by Hezbollah

"The Israeli Air Force attacked the terrorists," IDF said

Groundless attacks on Russian journalists become trend in West — TASS

"When you want to find a black cat in a dark room, but the cat is a myth, you can find fault with anything," First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman noted

Stabilization in Afghanistan opens door for deeper relations — Putin

The Russian president pointed to a tense global situation

Takeaways from Putin’s Q&A session in Kazakhstan: Oreshnik missile, inflation, ruble

The Russian president also spoke about inflation and the ruble exchange rate, noting that the situation is under control

US, NATO on brink of being recognized as parties to conflict with Russia — diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, the West harbors a dangerous delusion that it can defeat Russia strategically

Three countries express interest in BrahMos missiles

"Talks are being held with Indonesia, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates," Alexander Maksichev revealed

Western analysts describe Russia's Oreshnik as longest-range weapon ever used in Europe

The recent strike on the Yuzhmash missile-producing plant in Ukraine demonstrated Russia’s "real military capability", a nuclear nonproliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute for International Studies said

Design of super-heavy rocket to be finalized based on new technologies — Roscosmos

"The development of a super-heavy class rocket exposed a need for introducing innovative solutions, including new materials and engines," the press service said

Russia, unlike West, does not interfere in internal processes in Georgia — Putin

The Russian leader admitted that he was surprised at the courage and firm character which the Georgian authorities displayed recently in defending their position on the Transparency of Foreign Influence law

Terrorists from Jabhat al-Nusra capture over 20 settlements in northern Syria — media

According to the TV channel, the country’s troops managed to thwart the enemy’s advances in the area of the city of Aleppo and inflict casualties on it, killing more than 60 militants

Decision-making centers in Kiev could be targeted in Oreshnik strikes — Putin

The Russian leader also mentioned military facilities and defense industry enterprises as possible targets

Russian forces wipe out five ATACMS launchers using Iskander missiles

In particular, two MLRS launchers and a transporter-loader vehicle were destroyed near the settlement of Tokari, and three HIMARS launchers were taken out near the settlement of Maly Bobrik, the statement reads

West tired of Ukrainian conflict, while Russia ready to continue it — magazine

The article noted that the West "no longer has the political will to help Ukraine win by military means" and is trying to achieve peace through negotiations with Russia"

Israel violates ceasefire agreement multiple times — Lebanese army

According to the statement, the Lebanese military command "is keeping an eye on [Israel’s] violations in coordination with the relevant agencies"

Russia designs Titan rifle for commandos

The rifle is reliable with precise and dense fire

No turning back on BRICS independent payment system

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Senior Polish security official recommends NATO against sending troops to Ukraine

However, Yacek Siewiera stated that NATO should concentrate on continuing weapons supplies to Kiev and increasing pressure on Russia

Several Oreshnik missiles equivalent to nuclear strike, do not harm environment — Putin

The Russian president still reiterated that such a strike is not nuclear, because it is highly accurate and not equipped with a nuclear explosive device

Japan doesn’t plan to host US intermediate-range missiles — ambassador to Russia

"As for the possibility of deploying such missiles in the future, whatever it may be, the decision of the Japanese government will be made independently and based solely on Japan's national interests," Akira Muto

Unidentified UAVs continue to appear over US Air Force bases in UK — newspaper

On Tuesday, about 60 British military experts were stationed at US airbases across the UK to operate a counter-UAV system to operate a counter-UAV system designed to detect, track and destroy them

Biden’s initiative on Middle Eastern ceasefire overdue yet important — Erdogan

"Regional and global peace cannot be achieved unless an urgent, just, lasting ceasefire is established in Gaza," the Turkish leader stressed

Russian stock market closes with rising indices

The MOEX Russia Index gained 2.25% to 2,547.88 points, while the RTS Index edged up by 0.78 to 732.48 points

Putin apologizes to Merkel over labrador incident

The president said that he "wanted to create a casual, friendly atmosphere" and did not know that the former German chancellor was afraid of dogs