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Afghanistan home to 7,000 Islamic State fighters, Russian diplomat says

The Taliban fighters’ number in Afghanistan currently stands at around 60,000 or 70,000, Zamir Kabulov said

MOSCOW, February 1. /TASS/. Some 7,000 fighters and thousands of reservists of the Islamic State terror group (outlawed in Russia) currently reside in Afghanistan, Russian special presidential envoy and director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Second Asia Department Zamir Kabulov said on Thursday.

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Northern Afghanistan turning into springboard for international terrorism — Lavrov

"We have been carefully monitoring the genesis of the Afghan wing of ISIL (former name of the IS group) over the past three years…The IS has nearly 7,000 active fighters, without taking into account several thousand of reservists," Kabulov told the Rossiya-24 TV channel. The Taliban fighters’ number in Afghanistan currently stands at around 60,000 or 70,000, he noted.

The Afghan government and the foreign troops stay idle on detecting the IS reservists, the diplomat said.

"This is a serious case. The IS members have come to Afghanistan not for Jihad against the US and other foreign troops, they have come to set up a foothold for their further expansion to the north, to Central Asia," he said, noting that most IS group’s fighters in Afghanistan come from Central Asia or Russia.

Middle East conflict

Israel delivering strikes on refugee camps in Gaza — TV

At least ten people have been killed, Al Jazeera reported

Russian stock indices mixed on Wednesday — market data

The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index gained 0.26% to 2,763.99 points

Discussion of coal export quotas continues — Russian Energy Ministry

"We would like to note that the rise in any tariffs adversely affect profitability during the period of low international coal prices," the ministry said

Turkey invited to join BRICS as a partner state, says minister

Omer Bolat recalled that at the last BRICS summit in Kazan, the sides "considered the applications of Turkey and several other countries"

US missile defense base in Poland to defend US, Europe alike — Polish foreign minister

Radoslaw Sikorski also expressed hope that the base will never go into action

Russian diplomat hails Odessa woman as defender of truth after flag protest

Yelena Chesakova attempted to hang the Russian flag on the pedestal of the dismantled monument of Catherine the Great in Odessa, taken down in 2022, in October of this year

US administration always seeks to weaken Russia — Lavrov

The foreign minister pointed out that the Americans had long declared the idea that "there should be no country in the world more influential than the United States"

Russia elected to UN Committee for Program and Coordination

Apart from that, director of the Russian foreign ministry’s personnel department Andrey Ivanov, was approved as a member of the International Civil Service Commission in 2025-2027

Russian forces gain foothold near Kupyansk as Kiev begins to retreat

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted two significant blockages of Ukrainian troops near Kupyansk, involving more than 15,000 military personnel

ISS orbit raised by almost 5 km before launch of Progress MS-29 spacecraft — Roscosmos

According to preliminary information, the ISS’s average orbit was increased by 4.9 km to 417.2 km above Earth

Not all Republicans support Trump in refusing further military aid to Kiev — newspaper

According to the news outlet, Congressman Mike Waltz, who is being considered by Trump for the post of national security adviser, is in favor of lifting restrictions on the use of Western long-range missiles to attack Russia

Russia has written off $20 bln worth of African debts — MFA

Mikhail Bogdanov added that it allows using those debts "to implement socio-economic projects directly in the country"

Attempts being made to drag Syria into armed confrontation in Middle East — diplomat

According to Alexander Lavrentyev, the top priority today is to prevent such attempts

Next-gen Su-57 shows strength of Russia’s defense sector — diplomat

Maria Zakharova pointed out that military experts had praised the "unmatched capabilities" the plane displayed at the Airshow China in Zhuhai

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Explosion of Kurakhovo reservoir dam disrupts water supply

Roman Pukalov noted that the blast killed many fish in the reservoir, washed away fertile soil, and inundated potentially hazardous sites, including cemeteries, cattle burial grounds, and fertilizer depots

Musk doubles down on his opinion about 'endless war' in Ukraine

Earlier, the entrepreneur opined that the bloodshed in Ukraine would end soon

Russia says its FPV drones disrupted Ukrainian troops rotation in Sumy Region

The ministry provided live-recording footage showing direct hits on Ukrainian military vehicles

Kalashnikov holding starts supplies of civilian drones

Legioner fixed-wing type drones with a hybrid powerplant are designed for aerial photo survey, cargo carriage, airborne laser scanning, video monitoring, fire patrolling, detection of violations in security areas and ice reconnaissance, the press service said. Systems resist the poor weather

Russian frigate carrying hypersonic weapons embarks on first deployment in distant waters

"The group comprises the frigate Admiral Golovko carrying long-range precision weapons and the medium sea tanker Vyazma," the Northern Fleet’s press office said

Trump 'demonstrates affinity' for Russian President Vladimir Putin — newspaper

Former Trump advisers have already backed his idea of cutting aid to Ukraine to force Kiev into talks with Russia, according to The Hill

Press review: Trump forms foreign policy team and Europe sets course for militarization

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, November 13th

West attempted to prevent Russia-Africa ministerial meeting, diplomat says

African countries realized that "this pressure contradicts their own national interests", Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said

Russia supports new UNSC draft resolution on Gaza — envoy

Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya noted that Resolution 2735 was only a tool to gain time for Israel

Scholz calls for doing everything to prevent escalation of Ukraine conflict

According to Scholz, Ukraine should have "good prospects" and not be left alone

Chancellor Scholz opposes assistance to Ukraine at expense of Germany’s future

According to the German chancellor, Berlin’s assistance to Kiev should not affect the retirement benefits of German citizens

DPR head Pushilin visits Ugledar, says town badly destroyed

Denis Pushilin added that "it is almost impossible to find an undamaged building"

Kremlin spokesman denies media reports of phone call between Putin, Trump

Dmitry Peskov described the Washington Post and Reuters reports about the alleged telephone conversation as "the most remarkable example of the quality of the information that is published nowadays, sometimes even by quite respected outlets"

Bridges across Orontes damaged after Israel’s attack on Syria

The Sham FM radio station said earlier that Syrian air defense systems repelled an Israeli attack southwest of the city of Homs located some 165 kilometers from Damascus

Ukrainian losses, Sudzhansky district head retirement: situation in Kursk Region

Units of the battlegroup continued offensive operations, defeating Ukrainian formations in the areas of the settlements of Daryino, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevo-Daryino and Novoivanovka

Medvedev characterizes Great Britain as eternal adversary of Russia

"At least until such time as their arrogant, despicably dank island sinks into the abyss of the sea from a wave triggered by a cutting-edge Russian weapons system," the politician said

Erdogan praises Russia, China for backing arms embargo on Israel

According to the Turkish leader, Israel "will become more and more aggressive if arms and ammunition supplies continue"

Russian delegation at COP29 in Baku is first carbon-neutral

The settlement will be at the expense of carbon units received as a result of implementing the climate project on energy efficiency increase at Sibur-Neftekhim

Russian citizenship approvals down 44% since January — ministry

According to Irina Volk, police are also clamping down on groups and individuals that help bring people into the country illegally, leading to a 2.5-fold increase in the detection and preliminary investigation of such crimes

Trump to end NATO’s obsession to get on Russian territory — White House ex-strategist

Steve Bannon noted that Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement seeks to completely cut funding to Ukraine. According to Bannon, Europe, including Italy, will follow Trump’s lead, and, if "they [Europe and Italy] truly believe what they have been saying in recent years, they should be ready to pay"

Ukraine's Kurakhovo Reservoir dam blast to help, not hurt Russian troops — expert

At least ten Ukrainian troops were killed

Baltic Sea will never turn into 'NATO lake' — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the Baltic Sea "will always be a common space for all of the region’s countries without exception"

Lavrov likens proposals to freeze Ukraine crisis to worse version of Minsk agreements

"The Minsk agreements were final. If anyone had bothered to realize at the time that they were exactly that. We were talking about a small part of Donbass, if we are being totally honest," the minister continued

West to face 'devastating' response if it allows Kiev to strike deep into Russia — MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, Ukrainian social media accounts are meanwhile speculating that the Zelensky regime plans to present the received Western missiles as Ukrainian, changing the labels to use the weapons to attack Russia

Trump’s return to power unlikely to change US approach to Ukraine crisis — Lavrov

Washington will always seek to control everything that is happening within NATO’s orbit, especially on NATO territory, the Russian foreign minister said

Nearly 4,000 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

"Over the past day, as many as 3,992 people crossed Syria’s border from Lebanon via the checkpoints of Al-Arida, Al-Jawasiyeh, Al-Dabousiyah, Jisr Qamar, and Jdaidet Yabous," Oleg Ignasyuk said

US plans to remove 'arrogant' Zelensky and stage 2025 elections in Ukraine — SVR

"At the initial stage, it is planned to encourage entities within the Ukrainian civil society under their control, through US 'democratization' foundations and think tanks, to come up with a corresponding initiative," the statement reads

Damascus may count on joining BRICS after Syrian crisis is settled — Russian diplomat

"We hope that by the time when Syria becomes a BRICS member, a decisive line will be drawn under the Syrian settlement and we will be glad to admit Damascus as a member of this outstanding organization," Alexander Lavrentyev said

Russia to ensure parity in response to US missile defense system in Poland — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that by placing the missile defense system in Poland, the United States is bringing its military infrastructure closer to Russia in an attempt to curb its potential

What is known about Sevastopol car blast

Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev did not rule out the possibility that the incident was the result of sabotage

Man who died in blast in Brasilia tried to carry bomb into court building

According to Brasilia's Deputy Governor Celina Leao, the man has not yet been identified because there are explosive devices on his body

Russia open for contacts with Trumps’ team on Syria — Russian diplomat

Alexander Lavrentyev stressed that all parties to the conflict must be involved in talks so that a lasting peace in Syria could be achieved

54 countries vote against resolution on combating ne-Nazism

116 countries, including Azerbaijan, Algeria, Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Serbia, and Syria, supported the document

Lavrov to hold talks with visiting Colombian foreign minister

The ministers will discuss the current status and future prospects of bilateral cooperation in political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian fields

Press review: UK and French leaders discuss Ukraine as the dollar continues to climb

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 12th

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 98.37 rubles for November 14

The official yuan rate is fixed at 13.60 rubles

Ukrainian forces ready to withdraw from Kurakhovo, but no order yet — serviceman

According to the report, the Russian army is "attacking from three sides"

Annual inflation in Russia slows to 8.54% in October — Federal Statistics Service

According to statistics, food products in October rose in price by 1.23% month-on-month and by 9.03% year-on-year

FACTBOX: What we know about night-time drone attacks on Russian regions

Overnight, 29 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones were destroyed in the skies over the Kursk, Belgorod, Tver, Bryansk, Penza, and Voronezh regions, the Defense Ministry said

Russian troops liberate Rovnopol community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North destroyed an UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) production workshop of the Ukrainian army and inflicted roughly 110 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility in the Kharkov Region over the past day

Trump's planned key appointments

Trump appointed Congressman Michael Waltz (Republican, Florida) as national security adviser

Countries will line up for Russian gas when US stops exporting LNG — Serbian president

According to Aleksandar Vucic, Washington will use LNG "for the growing consumption of artificial intelligence, electric charging stations and everything else"

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the enemy lost more than 450 troops, two tanks, three IFVs, two M113 armored personnel carriers, 33 armored combat vehicles, five artillery pieces, including a Krab self-propelled howitzer, a Crotale multiple rocket launcher, and 49 motor vehicles

US State Department insists DPRK troops engaged in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region

Patel also insisted that "Russian forces have trained the DPRK soldiers in artillery, in UAV, and basic infantry operations, including trench clearing, which are critical skills for frontline operations"

Russia set to deepen cooperation with China in law enforcement — top security official

Russia is seeking to consolidate efforts toward fighting extremism, terrorism and transnational crime both bilaterally and multilaterally, Sergey Shoigu specified

Kiev wants to mobilize 160,000 people to survive until Trump's inauguration — MP

According to Alexander Dubinsky, the authorities in Kiev are primarily focused on securing more of the funds allocated to them

Finnish government requests EU sanctions exemption for Russian owners of sports arena

Finland's Foreign Ministry will need to obtain unanimous approval from EU countries

Ukrainian artillery attack on Energodar, home to Zaporozhye nuke plant, kills one

Also, two cars were destroyed as the Ukrainians fired four projectiles on downtown Energodar, with the facades and balcony glazing in buildings being damaged, according to the statement

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, energy sites over past day

It is reported that the Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 765 personnel, an armored personnel carrier, a motor vehicle and two 122mm D-30 howitzers

Russian diplomat doubts EU economy could rebound unless policy toward Moscow changes

According to Maria Zakharova, the magnitude of the EU's economic problems is "directly proportional to the degree of their complaisance and servility in relations with the US"

Borrell calls on EU to play ‘military role’

"Trump's re-election should make it clear to us that Europe should bolster its security and take its destiny into its own hands," EU’s outgoing top diplomat said

Businessmen in Germany, Russia again eager to interact more, says executive

Ulf Schneider expressed his gratitude to representatives of the Russian business community for their continued efforts to involve Western businessmen in work in Russia despite the challenging political climate

Scholz promises to transfer sixth IRIS-T system to Kiev by yearend

Ukraine and Germany also discussed further defense cooperation

Press review: Mutiny trips West’s nuclear alarms and Kiev’s terror talk hides attack plans

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 27th

Israel achieves its goals in conflict with Hamas, time to 'end the war' — Blinken

"Israel, by the standards it set itself, has accomplished the goals that it set for itself," the US Secretary of State noted

Kiev's Western allies begin to acknowledge need for territorial concessions — report

The diplomats see this approach as "land in exchange for Ukraine’s security"

Russian Su-34 bomber strikes Ukrainian troops in borderline Kursk area

Russian tactical aircraft pilots conduct sorties at any time of day or night in any weather conditions, using various armament

Russia to hold Astana-format summit in 2025 — Russian diplomat

Alexander Lavrentyev noted that despite the fact that the exact date of the summit has not yet been agreed upon, meetings in the Astana format are held regularly at other levels

Bulgarian president calls for using all diplomatic opportunities to end Ukraine conflict

According to Rumen Radev, Europe wants the conflict in Ukraine "to finish as soon as possible"

People evacuated from Brazil’s Supreme Court after blast nearby — agency

According to Reuters, Brasilia’s military police confirmed that a body was found near the court building

Trump to rely on forces that brought him to power — Russian presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev agreed that Trump, when he was still a candidate, "made many statements critical of the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current administration"

Almost 80 killed, over 120 injured by Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon in past 24 hours

The Baalbeck-Hermel Province in northeast Lebanon reported two people killed and 11 injured

There is chance to stop war in Middle East under Trump — Russian diplomat

"It is too early to talk about this because we should wait at least for the president’s inauguration," Alexander Lavrentyev noted

Ukraine moves medics, non-combat personnel to infantry to counter Russian advance

According to a Ukrainian army spokesperson, more medical personnel is being sent to the frontline, although pilots and military engineers "remain in their specialized positions"

Russia inks first deals to deliver Su-57 fifth-generation fighter to foreign customers

Alexander Mikheyev also explained the expectations and effect of the demonstration of Russian military hardware at Airshow China in Zhuhai

Czech intelligence warns of crime surge after Ukraine conflict ends

More than 380,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled Ukraine to the Czech Republic since February 24, 2022

Ukraine aims to call up 1 mln people in eastern areas by end of 2024 — official

According to the plan, 360,000 people are to be mobilized in October; 325,000 and 300,000 in November and December, respectively

Venues for intra-Syrian talks offered by Oman, Egypt, Iraq — Russian diplomat

The Russian diplomat stressed that the committee’s work should be resumed as soon as possible, but, in his words, it takes a lot of effort to find a venue that would be acceptable for both Damascus and the Syrian opposition

Japan remains ready to sign peace treaty with Russia — top diplomat

After Tokyo imposed anti-Russian sanctions over the situation in Ukraine, Russia halted consultations with Japan on a peace treaty

Medvedev warns that EU behavior in struggle with Russia fraught with 'bad scenario'

According to the Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman, European leaders are experiencing "autumn blues" after Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election

White Helmets remain serious factor of instability in Syria — Russian MFA

Maria Zakharova pointed to a report by the Foundation for Research of Democracy Issues, titled "The White Helmets. Terrorist Accomplices and a Source of Disinformation"

Russia keeps positive dynamics of agricultural production — ministry

The production index of foodstuffs was 104.2% in January - September against the like period in 2023 and the index for beverages was 109.8%

Two injured in bridge collapse in Crimea

"A car and a truck were on the bridge at the moment of collapse. Russian Emergencies Ministry rescuers retrieved two injured people," the ministry said

Biden assures Trump of smooth transition

Republican President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in on January 20, 2025

Russian politician condemns destruction of dam on Kurakhovo reservoir as Kiev’s terror act

Earlier, military sources told TASS that Ukrainian forces sank their own positions in a low-lying area near Kurakhovo as they blew up the dam, killing at least 10 Ukrainian soldiers

Detentions, blocking of roads: what is known about situation in Abkhazia

The prosecutor general stated that following the incident, four Abkhazian residents were detained: Garry Kokaya, Almaskhan Ardzinba, Omar Smur, and Ramaz Dzhopya

First S-550 air defense systems enter service in Russia — source

The source described the new system as "an absolutely new and unrivalled mobile system of strategic missile defense"

Trump announces appointment of senior White House officials

Dan Scavino, one of Trump’s longest serving and most trusted aides, will be assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff

Trump does not rule out he may run in next US presidential election

Trump's participation in the next US election would be against the Constitution

US shells for handful of Kiev’s Pion howitzers no game-changer — expert

Ukraine ran out of the Soviet-made ammunition for this type of artillery pieces back in 2022

Iraqi Shiites say they attacked ‘vital targets’ in Israel

According to the organization, attacks on "vital targets" in the city of Eilat in Israel’s south and in the country’s norther areas were staged with the use of drones

Lebanon deal won't happen unless Israel given right to eradicate Hezbollah — Katz

Israel Katz pointed out that the goals of the war in the north are to disarm Hezbollah, to push its forces past the Litani River deep within Lebanese territory, and to make it possible for the residents of Israel’s north to come back to their homes

Russia keeps building defense capacity despite conflict in Ukraine — Polish general

According to Wieslaw Kukula, if the conflict in Ukraine ends soon, Russia will be able to build up its defense capacity to the point that it could take on all of NATO

Medvedev suggests that Elon Musk launch campaign to amend US Constitution

Article II of the US Constitution stipulates that: "No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President"

Trump plans to appoint special envoy on Ukraine to hold peace talks with Russia — TV

According to the source, the job is not expected to be a salaried role

Police revokes citizenship of 1,300 foreigners since year’s start

According to Irina Volk, these measures have contributed to a decrease in crime rates among foreigners in Russia