{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Former NATO chief Solana deems use of cluster munitions 'reckless'

Javier Solana called for dialogue between Russia and Ukraine to resolve the conflict

MADRID, July 18. /TASS/. Former NATO Secretary General Javier Solana (1995-1999) said on Tuesday that using cluster munitions would be reckless.

On July 13, General Douglas Sims, Director of Operations of the Joint Staff, said that the Ukrainian armed forces had received cluster munitions from the United States.

Solana called for dialogue between Russia and Ukraine to resolve the conflict. "I think it is very important to talk," EFE news agency quoted the former NATO secretary general as saying. "Not necessarily publicly, this can be done without attracting attention, but it cannot be that the only interaction is with bullets," he stressed. Asked about the use of cluster munitions, Solana said "I think it is reckless to use them now."

On July 7, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the US had decided to provide Kiev with cluster munitions, the use of which is opposed by the United Nations.

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said that if US cluster munitions were delivered to Ukraine, Russian forces would be forced to use similar weapons against the Ukrainian army. He added that Russia had refrained from using cluster munitions during the special military operation because it was aware of the lethal threat they pose to civilians. According to Shoigu, the supply of these weapons by the Americans will only lead to a prolongation of the conflict.

Tags

Military operation in Ukraine

Four civilians wounded after Ukraine’s shelling attack on Gorlovka in DPR

The number of Gorlovka residents who were wounded after the shelling attack by Ukraiian terrorist amounts to four

What we know about massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions

Trump’s leadership key to quick resolution of Ukraine conflict, says Erdogan

"More weapons, more bombs, or more chaos will not end this war," the Turkish leader argued

What led up to and sparked the Ukraine conflict in 2022

March 24, 2022 marks one month since the start of Russia’s special operation in Ukraine aimed at its demilitarization and denazification

Russian troops cut off Zaporozhye-Kurakhovo highway — official

Previously, press officer of Ukraine’s 33rd Brigade Nazar Voytenkov said on Ukrainian Liberty (deemed foreign agent and undesirable in Russia) that Ukrainian forces may get surrounded under Kurakhovo on the Kiev-controlled part of the Donetsk People’s Republic

Ukraine loses over 300 troops in borderline Kursk area over past day — top brass

Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian army’s losses amounted to over 300 personnel, two infantry fighting vehicles, an armored combat vehicle, six mortars, two electronic warfare stations and four motor vehicles

West wages information war against Russia, uses information terrorism — Lavrov

The top diplomat noted that the global information field was dominated by the American and British media and the Anglo-Saxon world in general

Russia, India develop defense cooperation – Putin

As an example, Putin named the BrahMos cruise missile project

Russia signs documents on military cooperation with 33 African countries — advisor

Anton Kobyakov also noted that delegations from 54 countries and 45 African ministers are taking part in the first Russia-Africa ministerial conference

Rostec may stop exporting high-tech products

According to CEO Sergey Chemezov, the record level of the key interest rate is a serious brake on further industrial growth

Russian first deputy PM arrives in India to take part in Russian-Indian Business Forum

Manturov and Jaishankar are co-chairs of the Russian-Indian intergovernmental commission

Bitcoin reaches new record peak of $79,000

As of 8:10 a.m. Moscow time (5:10 a.m. GMT), the Bitcoin price hovered at around $79,158 as the cryptocurrency continued to grow

Trump established inauguration committee — politician’s team

The committee will be headed by investor Steve Witkoff and ex-Senator from Georgia Kelly Loeffler

Tornado-S MLRS achieves 100% accuracy with advanced munitions — Defense Ministry

The Tornado-S has inherited all the very best features of its predecessor, such as reliability and cross-country capacity, the ministry said

Ukraine terminates air service agreement with Iran

Ukraine’s decision means that after it opens its airspace, flights to and from Iran will not be resumed

Press review: Trump’s foreign policy reshapes alliances while Germany’s coalition crumbles

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 8th

Trump's headquarters denies alignment with his adviser — news agency

"Bryan Lanza was a contractor for the campaign. He does not work for President Trump and does not speak for him," Reuters reported, citing an unnamed representative of Trump's transition team

Over 3,200 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

According to Ignasyuk, one shelling attack by militants of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) was reported in the Idlib de-escalation zone during the day

Moldova claims that two drones found in its north and south were launched from Russia

"Two Russian drones were found in Moldova’s sovereign territory during the day - one in the Causeni district and one in the Riscani district", the Moldovan foreign ministry said

Europe on the verge of sweeping changes — Hungary’s Foreign Minister

"It is obvious that the European strategy [in respect of Ukraine], which has clearly failed, cannot be continued," Peter Szijjarto said

Pompeo, Haley will not be invited to new administration — Trump

Inauguration of the president-elect will be held on January 20, 2025

Malaysia receives invitation join BRICS as partner, set to respond soon — envoy to Russia

The invitation has been forwarded to Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan

South Africa eager to launch direct flights to Russia — ambassador

"We remain highly interested in launching direct flights to Russia," the ambassador said on the sidelines of the first Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum

Strong earthquake hits off Cuba’s coast

The epicenter was located 41 kilometers south of Bartolome Maso municipality in the Granma Province, with a population of 53,000

Chukotka universal nuclear-powered icebreaker to be floated in St. Petersburg November 6

Project 22220 universal nuclear-powered icebreakers are the largest and most powerful icebreaking vessels in the world

Vostok military exercises show Russia isn’t isolated on world stage — US analyst

Sarang Shidore, a director of studies at the Washington-based Quincy Institute stated that the previous Vostok drills in 2018 were bigger than the current exercises

Donbass, Novorossia had right to declare independence under UN Charter – Putin

Residents of Crimea, and southeastern Ukraine disagreed with the state coup - which is an illegitimate and an anti-constitutional act - and they have the right for self-determination, Putin said

Russia’s TOS-1A Solntsepek heavy flamethrower hits Ukrainian troops’ shelter

The crew of a TOS-1A Solntsepek heavy flamethrower of Russia’s Battlegroup North struck a shelter of Ukrainian militants with the use of thermobaric munitions, eliminating the enemy manpower

Hezbollah attacks Israeli air base near Tel Aviv

According to the statement, the training camp of an Israeli airborne brigade in the Carmel settlement in the western Galilee came under missile attack

Four civilians wounded after Ukraine’s shelling attack on Gorlovka in DPR

The number of Gorlovka residents who were wounded after the shelling attack by Ukraiian terrorist amounts to four

Death toll from Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip exceeds 43,600 — health ministry

According to the ministry, as many as 43,603 people have been killed, including 51 in the past 24 hours alone

Russia ready to supply Su-57E fifth-generation fighter to foreign partners — UAC

The aircraft will take part in the airshow’s flight demonstration program while visitors will also be able to see the aircraft at the show’s static display

Russia’s relations with Africa can serve as example for UN, G20 — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat thanked his African colleagues lauded the former Soviet Union’s role in the process of decolonization and noted that Russia will continue working in the spirit characteristic of the two Russia-Africa summits

Bitcoin extends gains to $81,000

At 9:35 p.m. Moscow time (6:35 p.m. GMT), Bitcoin continued to trade at $80,800

IN BRIEF: What President Putin told the Valdai discussion club

TASS has compiled a summary of the Russian leader’s remarks

Venezuela ready to help Cuba hit by earthquakes — Foreign Ministry

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of the island

Russia warns Canada of retaliation for hostile actions, accuses Ottawa of provocations

"The Canadian authorities should exercise caution and refrain from harmful steps that could escalate confrontation with Russia," the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized

Ukraine attacks Russian civilian infrastructure facilities with 84 drones — top brass

"In all, Ukraine used 84 long-range fixed-wing drones", the Russian defense ministry said

Georgian opposition holding march in Tbilisi protesting against elections outcome

A similar protest march was held in Tbilisi on Saturday

Russian Defense Ministry reports liberation of Volchenka in DPR

Russian air defenses down three Hammer bombs, 36 enemy drones in special military operation zone

Russia in talks with other countries on supplies of radiopharmaceuticals

New technologies for treatment of metastatic cancer are already being implemented at present, chief executive of the Radiology Research Medical Center and chief oncologist of the Russian Ministry of Health Andrey Kaprin said

Russia not rejecting dollar use — Putin

Russia is not struggling with the US currency but is thinking of creating new instruments in response to new trends of global economic development, he added

Kremlin redirects question on DPRK troops in special op area to Defense Ministry

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently commented on the satellite images published by Seoul, which allegedly indicate the presence of North Korean military personnel in Russia, calling them "a serious matter"

Bloodshed in Ukraine to end soon, Musk says

The Axios portal reported earlier that Musk took part in a phone call between Trump and Vladimir Zelensky

Putin says once invited ex-German Chancellor Schroeder to banya and it burnt to ground

Because of this, the Russian President reminds, he never invites his foreign colleagues to Russian traditional steam house any more

Russia downs 23 Ukrainian drones over four regions last night

Air defense forces on duty intercepted and destroyed 23 Ukrainian UAVs, including 17 over the Bryansk Region, three over the Rostov Region, two over the Belgorod Region, and one over the Kursk Region

Hamas calls on Arab, Islamic countries to sever relations with Israel

They called on the leaders who plan to take part in the upcoming summit in Riyadh to forge an international alliance

Houthis say they hit Israeli base with hypersonic missile

The movement’s military spokesperson said that "the Yemeni armed forces conducted a military operation and attacked the Nevatim Airbase in Negev"

Stupinets fast attack craft to be handed over to Russian Navy in 2025 — source

The main strike weapon of the Project 12418 fast attack missile boat is the Uran anti-ship missile system fitted with Kh-35 missiles

Israel’s strike on Damascus targeted Hezbollah commander in Syria — media

According to the news portal, Ali Mousa Dakduk was in charge of operation against Israel in Syria

Russian forces continue offensive in Kursk region, repelling 11 enemy counterattacks

The Russian Defense Ministry put the number of Ukraine’s casualties since its Kursk incursion at over 31,090, adding that the enemy has so far lost 194 tanks, 126 IFVs, 107 APCs and 1,102 armored combat vehicles

US expert sees Ukraine as biggest loser in wake of Trump’s election victory

"There are no European champions that can take the place of America as the alliance’s leader, so its future ability to stand up to Russia and China is in grave doubt," Francis Fukuyama noted

Tens of thousands to march 'on Washington' ahead of Trump's inauguration — newspaper

In January 2017, before the beginning of Trump's first presidential term, hundreds of marches of various sizes took place in many US cities, including Chicago (Illinois), Boston (Massachusetts), New Orleans (Louisiana), Miami (Florida), and Denver (Colorado)

Chancellor Scholz ready to hold talks with Putin soon, but only if partners agree

It involves many contacts and negotiations with many people, he said

Russian Foreign Ministry gives Israeli ambassador talking-to over critical remarks

According to the ministry, a rebuttal to Simona Halperin’s statements was posted on its official website

Pentagon confirms lifting of ban on entry into Ukraine for US military contractors

The Department made this decision "after careful risk assessment and in coordination with interagency stakeholders," the official said

Trump may put pressure on Kiev to give up portion of territory — ex-NATO chief in Europe

At the same time, "the free path to NATO" will be open then and Ukraine will be accepted to NATO during three-five years," James Stavridis added

Kremlin names two reasons preventing Putin from congratulating Trump

Earlier, Dmitry Peskov also said the Russian president had no plans for congratulating Donald Trump

Europe interested in Ukraine as subject of confrontation — Iran’s top diplomat

"As far as our cooperation with Russia is concerned I am ready for talks with the Europeans," Abbas Araqchi said

Putin cites precedent of Kosovo in explaining recognition of DPR, LPR

In a similar fashion, the republics of Donbass had the same right to declare their sovereignty, "since the precedent was set", Russian President noted

Belarus, Russia finalize treaty on security guarantees

Work on documents has been completed

Russia ratifies comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with North Korea

In particular, the treaty provides for the immediate provision of military and other assistance if one of the parties is subjected to an armed attack in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter

Russian military blocked two Ukrainian groups of 15,000 troops in total — Putin

About 10,000 Ukrainian troops are blocked on the bank of a water reservoir. In another area near Kupyansk, about 5,000 troops are blocked, Russian President said

Israeli attacks claim at least 43 lives in Lebanon over day — media

According to the Elnashra, the casualties were reported from the towns of Bednayel, Zeghrine, Saraaine, and Shaath in the Baalbek-Hermel governorate

Africa to be one of centers in multipolar world — Lavrov

The first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa partnership forum was held in the Sirius Federal Territory on November 9 and 10

Baku, Yerevan close to final agreement on peace treaty — Aliyev

Both sides will continue talks after the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Baku on November 11-22

Netanyahu says has spoken with Trump three times in recent days

During his previous presidential term, Trump recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights and relocated his country’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

Chancellor Scholz may raise vote of confidence in his government before December 25

Earlier, he had announced that he would do so on January 15, 2025

Russia has never acted as colonizer, unlike West — Putin

The Russian leader noted that African countries remembered Russia's assistance in their struggle for independence

Russia’s only candidate for post of US ambassadort still under considerations — diplomat

"This person currently undergoes through all of the formal stages of registration," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added

Musk rejects charges of treason for not allowing Ukraine to activate Starlink near Crimea

"No matter what happens, I will fight for and die in America," Elon Musk said

Russian Security Council chief to visit China on November 11-14

Apart from that, he will hold talks with Chinese Communist Party secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission overseeing national security and intelligence Cheng Wenqing

Iran successfully used Russian-made radar to track US F-35 jets — designer

The Rezonans-NE radar has been on round-the-clock combat duty in Iran for several years, according to the deputy CEO of the research center Rezonans

Uganda receives invitation to become BRICS partner — ambassador

"Yes, Uganda has received the invitation," the ambassador said on the sidelines of the first Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum

Six die, 15 injured after Israel’s strike on Damascus’ neighborhood — radio

According to the radio station, the strike targeted a multi-apartment house

Another Yars ICBM loaded into silo in Russia

The ministry also informed that it had created infrastructure for training and recreation of the personnel

Mutual interest in place to expand ties between African Union, Eurasian Economic Union

The parties also affirm the mutual disposition towards strengthening the comprehensive Russian-African partnership for purposes of supporting peace, security, stability, and establishment of conditions for sustainable development

Air defenses down 70 drones over six Russian regions on Sunday morning

Almost half of them were destroyed in the skies over the Moscow Region

Scholz says he congratulated Trump but has not spoken with him over phone yet

He added that arrangements for the conversation are already underway

West using intimidation, blackmail to set global majority against Russia — Lavrov

According to the top Russia diplomat, during the conference, Russian and African countries exchanged a range of proposals on how to improve their relations

Court arrests US mercenary for invading Russia's Kursk Region as part of Ukrainian army

According to the report, US citizen Daniel Bernard Rebar is accused of committing a terrorist act, engaging in mercenary activities, and committing murder and attempted murder of two or more persons

Biden, Harris aides blame each other for presidential election loss

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s contender, in the November 5 election

Russia’s latest TOS-3 flamethrower to have firepower exceeding effect of several air bombs

According to reports, the TOS-3 will feature an increased striking range

Russia, Africa to unlock potential for cooperation despite Western hurdles — Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister said that an all-time record in trade has been reached

Trump warns dollar to be displaced as number one world currency over Biden’s policy

It is noted that China is trying to displace the US dollar as the number one currency throughout the world

Hezbollah attacked Israeli military base

A flight of Islamic resistance drones for the first time attacked a strategic facility to the south of the Sea of Galilee, where the base of the Israeli signal corps are located, the Lebanese paramilitary group said in its statement

Canada's PM confirms participation in APEC, G20 summits

Justin Trudeau plans to discuss the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as the situation in Haiti, at the events

Japan open to contacts with Russia — Japanese ambassador

"Mutual understanding is possible via official dialogues and contacts between people. We are still open (to contacts with Russia - TASS)," Akira Muto said

Battlegroup West’s artillery destroys Ukrainian MLRS Olkha — Russian Defense Ministry

After analyzing the intelligence received, a decision was made to destroy the enemy's combat vehicle, the report said

Advisor to Russian Central Bank Governor stepping down

The Finance Ministry said earlier that Kseniya Yudaeva had been nominated to represent Russia as Executive Director in the International Monetary Fund

Japan's government resigns ahead of regular prime ministerial election

Divisions within the opposition are still expected to secure Shigeru Ishiba’s election as prime minister and allow him to form a minority governmen

Putin announces era of radical, revolutionary changes

As the Russian leader noted, the society gets "to not only comprehend, but be direct participants of the extremely complex processes"

Relations with Russia to improve for mutual benefit, says Finnish President Stubb

The Ilta-Sanomat daily pointed out that Alexander Stubb had been in the presidential office for eight months already, but never managed to hold any talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Ukraine needs to adopt 'realistic vision for peace, ’ Crimea is Russian — Trump adviser

Bryan Lanza also criticized the Democratic administration's policy toward Ukraine

Google’s fines in Russia reach stratospheric levels — lawyer

Google can return to the Russian market only if it complies with the court’s decision

UN to vote on Russia's resolution on combating neo-Nazism

Belarus and Turkmenistan co-authored the draft resolution, which has been traditionally introduced by Russia and adopted annually since 2005

Bitcoin extends gains to $80,000

Bitcoin was invented in 2008 by an unknown person or a group of people using the name Satoshi Nakamoto

Russia’s Battlegroup East suppressed Ukrainian engineering team actions

The adversary lost four fixed-wing type drones and an ammunition supply point over the day, Battlegroup Spokesperson Oleg Chekhov said

Trump, Putin speak over phone — newspaper

Neither Washington not Moscow have officially confirmed this information

Russia to start trials of most advanced Katran combat drone this year

Several options of arming the Katran drone are being considered, the rotorcraft developer said

Russia to continue cooperating fully with Africa across the board — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the global prestige of African countries has been growing