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Russia orbits military satellite

Sustainable telemetric communications are maintained with the spacecraft

MOSCOW. December 21. /TASS/. Soyuz-2.1b rocket successfully orbited a military satellite, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

"The spacecraft has entered the final orbit and was accepted for control by the ground means of the Space Forces. Sustainable telemetric communications are maintained with the spacecraft. Onboard systems are operating normally," it said.

The Main center of space intelligence has entered the satellite into the catalogue of space objects of the Russian space control system.

Military operation in Ukraine

One more Ukrainian drone shot down over Belgorod Region — defense ministry

Russian defense ministry said that this happened at about 10:00 p.m. Moscow time (7:00 p.m. GMT)

One more Ukrainian drone shot down over Belgorod Region — defense ministry

Russian defense ministry said that this happened at about 10:00 p.m. Moscow time (7:00 p.m. GMT)

Iran’s Red Crescent refutes reports that Raisi’s helicopter has been found

Earlier, the state-run Press TV reported that rescuers have found Raisi’s helicopter

Honduran ambassador to Moscow dies — Honduran foreign ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told TASS that the Russian foreign ministry has extended its condolences over the Honduran ambassador’s death

Slovak PM's life no longer in danger, top defense official says

The prime minister has successfully undergone two surgical operations since Wednesday

Four DPR servicemen killed in shellings by Ukrainian troops in past week

The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic urged international organizations to condemn the actions of Ukrainian forces

Russian MFA describes Putin’s China trip as defining for world’s future

The trip laid the groundwork for many years to come, Maria Zakharova said

Ukrainian boxer Alexander Usik becomes absolute world heavyweight champion

He beat Briton Tyson Fury in a 12-round fight held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Another five Chinese brands to enter Russian market in 2024

"By the end of the year the number of new Chinese brands may reach 10," analysts said

Congolese armed forces thwart coup attempt — spokesman

Gunfire was heard in the morning near the residence of Vital Kamerhe

Russia now flies direct to 40 countries — ATOR

The most popular international destination is Moscow-Istanbul

Russian troops deliver 28 precision strikes on Ukrainian military sites over week

Russian forces advanced to better positions and inflicted casualties on 18 Ukrainian army brigades in the Kupyansk area over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Fico’s bodyguards saved his life — Slovakia’s Interior Minister

"The prime minister’s personal protection group acted absolutely properly amid a rapidly developing emergency situation," Matus Sutaj-Estok underlined

Ukrainian president rejects French leader’s idea of Olympic truce

According to Zelensky, Kiev does not believe in the idea of an Olympic truce as it would "play into the enemy’s hands"

Qatar to focus efforts on partnership with Russia on North-South project — envoy

The North-South project is also important for many countries of the region, Ahmed bin Nasser bin Jassim Al-Thani added

France preparing contingent of 2,000 troops to be sent to Ukraine — intelligence chief

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the French military "fears that such a large military unit cannot be transferred and stationed in Ukraine unnoticed"

Finland may open its border with Russia after relevant law is passed — PM

The prime minister cited intelligence data indicating that the situation on the border is unchanged

Russian missile cruiser Varyag enters Mediterranean Sea

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

Four Ukrainian drones shot down over Belgorod Region — defense ministry

Kiev attempted attack on facilities in Russia’s territory with the use of a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle was thwarted, the Russian defense ministry said

Russia ready for talks with Ukraine, but needs to know who is trustworthy there — Putin

The Russian leader stressed that it was politicians in Kiev who "withdrew from the negotiation process" as soon as troops were pulled back from Kiev

Russian forces cut off ammunition supplies to Ukrainian forces in Volchansk — lawmaker

Viktor Vodolatsky also said the liberation of Staritsa would make it possible to reduce to a minimum and later completely remove the threat of bombardments for the Belgorod Region

Energy infrastructure facility suffers damage in Ukraine’s Poltava Region

Ukrainian media outlets reported explosions in the city of Mirgorod

European Council suspends broadcasting activity of four Russian media outlets

According to the Council, this ban does not apply to any activities other than broadcasting

Expert says ‘sanitary zone’ in Ukraine should be 300 kilometers deep

it should be enough to make sure that US, French and British-made long-range weapons don’t reach Russia, including the country’s new regions, Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of Russia’s National Defense magazine told TASS

Contact established with two passengers of Raisi’s helicopter — vice president

According to Mansouri, there were three helicopters and radio contact was lost with the one carrying the president

Helicopter with Iranian president crash lands near border with Azerbaijan — agency

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several more officials were reported onboard

French Interior Ministry ignores Russian volunteers banned from working at Olympics

In the text of the letter, the volunteers recalled that they had been "selected by the Organizing Committee of the 2023 Olympic and Paralympic Games (for the 2024 Paris Olympics), each one given a mission" and had already received visas, bought tickets to France and were ready to start working

Mistral delivery connected with implementation of Minsk accords — Hollande

The French leader made the statement after his impromptu visit to Russia on Saturday for crisis talks with President Vladimir Putin, Le Figaro reported

Russia, China sign ten joint documents

The agreements penned included an initiative to develop the Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island, protocols on requirements for beef and other products exported to China

South Korea-Russia relations were not doomed to worsen because of Ukraine, says expert

According to Park Byung-hwan, director of the Eurasian Strategy Research Institute, countries in their relations with each other are not guided by morals, but only pursue state interests

Russia ready to help Iran in search operation for presidential helicopter — diplomat

The Tasnim news agency reported earlier that the helicopter carrying the Iranian president made an emergency landing near the village of Uzi in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province

Russia adds deputy head of Ukrainian presidential administration to wanted list

Roman Mashovets wanted under a Russian Criminal Code article, the database said

Russian oil exports to Asia exceed exports to EU in May 2022 — Deputy PM

"At the same time, systematic work to diversify the export of Russian energy resources has been going on for more than a year. Today we see that such a policy has fully justified itself," Alexander Novak said

Russia’s upgraded T-80BV tank to feature capability of firing depleted uranium shells

The use of depleted uranium ammunition does not violate any international treaties, expert says

Third of Ukrainian troops surrender near Lisichansk, LPR’s envoy to Russia says

According to Rodion Miroshnik, the operation to liberate the LPR would be brought to an end as soon as the operation in Lisichansk was finished

Investigation made final conclusions on Kursk submarine tragedy — Kremlin

The nuclear submarine missile cruiser K-141 Kursk sank on August 12, 2000, during exercises in the Barents Sea as a result of an explosion in a torpedo tube

13 shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops reported in DPR during day

According to DPR’s head, Denis Pushilin, five passenger cars were damaged by munitions dropped from Ukrainian drone on Donetsk and Gorlovka

It is time for Ukraine to recognize realities on the ground, Lavrov says

The conversation with the top Russian diplomat took place on the sidelines of the state visit of the Russian leader Vladimir Putin to China

Air defenses down 103 Ukrainian drones, 12 ATACMS missiles, 4 Hammer bombs over day

Russian forces also hit concentrations of Ukrainian manpower and equipment in 112 areas over the past 24 hours

Putin’s visit reveals futility of US’ attempts to exert pressure on China — Indian expert

Melkulangara Bhadrakumar added that closer relations with China will "strengthen Russia's position and become a stepping through for major events"

Russia actively shifting energy exports to Asia-Pacific region — Deputy Energy Minister

Sergey Mochalnikov noted that the energy consumption market in the Asia-Pacific region is growing faster than in any other region of the world

Armenian opposition leader Bagrat Galstanyan calls for more protests across country

He said that the opposition movement "will increase pressure across the entire country, from the north to the south"

Putin apologizes to Harbin residents for tight security measures over his visit

"The greatest impression lies in the power of Harbin," the Russian leader noted, adding that "Harbin has turned into a powerful world-scale megacity in recent years"

Israeli fighter jets intercept suspicious target flying from Lebanon

No casualties or damage were reported

Ukraine was ready to sign peace deal with Russia but gave up under US pressure — Patrushev

The first Russian-Ukrainian negotiations after Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine took place in Belarus in early March 2022 but the talks yielded no tangible results

Six drones fall near oil refinery in Krasnodar Region — authorities

Roman Sinyagovsky added that, according to preliminary information, there were no casualties or damage

Russian troops use latest Upyr FPV drones in Kharkov push

Russian troops employed the Upyr FPV drone for the first time in the special military operation in Ukraine in May 2023

Air defenses down two HARM missiles, two Hammer air bombs over Belgorod Region

Five UAVs were wiped out over the Kursk Region and three drones were intercepted over the Bryansk Region

German Chancellor Scholz warns against a full-scale ground operation in Rafah

The Chancellor also said that sufficient humanitarian aid should be delivered to Gaza

Iranian president planned to visit Armenia on Sunday — source

The Tasnim news agency reported earlier that the helicopter carrying the Iranian president made an emergency landing near the village of Uzi in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province

Russian forces reach Gulyapole’s suburbs in Zaporozhye Region

Russian force have advanced to about 1.5 kilometers and are now in Gulaypole’s suburb

Defense chief says Finland may reopen crossing points on Russian border

"The law is currently being finalized. It is expected to be submitted to parliament in one to two weeks. The law should enter into force very soon," the minister noted

Over 10,000 Ukrainian fighters surrender since summer using special radio frequency

According to the source, the radio frequency operates in all directions of the line of engagement in the special military operation zone

Dedollarization of Russia-China trade will continue — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also highly praised the cooperation between the regions of Russia and the provinces of China and emphasized its contribution to the development of the Russian territories bordering China

Tehran holding indirect talks with Washington in Oman, Iran's envoy to UN confirms

Amir Saeid Iravani said that the talks are "an ongoing process"

Tanzania-flagged ships sinks in Black Sea

The ship sank 26 nautical miles from the Romanian town of Sfantu Gheorghe

Israeli military kill about 50 terrorists in Rafah — IDF

During the operation, fighters also discovered dozens of tunnels that they intend to destroy

Russian artillery knocks out Ukrainian intel officers in Kherson — underground member

Attack had caused multiple casualties and that at least several Ukrainian security officers had been killed, said a member of the pro-Russian underground in the city

Volkswagen Group Rus to continue work in Russia under new name

The name change has become the first step within the framework of transformation and business restart after the assets transfer to the new owner, the company informed

Lavrov arrives in Astana to take part in SCO ministerial meeting

Special attention will be focused on the prospects for the organization’s further development and its adaptation to the formation of a new world order

Russian embassy in US blames Washington for trying to manage epidemics

Under the guise of monitoring diseases, Washington is scattering its illegal laboratories across the world, brazenly and with impunity; establishing numerous facilities of this kind along Russia’s borders, the Russian Embassy in Washington said in a statement

Starlink’s failure helps Russian army take Kiev forces by surprise in Kharkov Region — WP

In addition, Ukrainian forces were facing ammunition shortages due to a stalled US aid package

Dnepr battle group destroys 15 Ukrainian boats in one day — Kherson governor

In addition, 23 drone control centers were destroyed and 34 drones shot down or disabled

US should explain to Ukraine that military aid won’t last forever — magazine

According to article, a security agreement between Washington and Kiev would prolong the fighting in Ukraine and could become "a liability for the United States"

11 civilians hurt in Ukraine’s shelling attack o Shebekino in Belgorod Region

According to the governor, the city was shelled from a multiple launch missile system

Rasisi’s helicopter passenger twice called to say he was feeling bad — senior diplomat

Russian defense minister: India’s SCO accession opens up new prospects for cooperation

Leaders of the SCO member states signed the document on the accession of India and Pakistan on June 9

Renowned musician expects West to continue canceling Russian culture

In this regard, Russian musician and conductor Vladimir Spivakov pointed out that he had been dismissed as artistic director of the International Colmar Music Festival in France, which he had been leading since 1989

Russia to take response measures amid nuclear threats — senior diplomat

"Yet this vagueness has always been typical of the Western group’s doctrinal approaches, including nuclear weapons," Sergey Ryabkov noted

Ukrainian forces unprepared to withstand Russian offensive near Kharkov — newspaper

It also emphasized that Russia had "a huge advantage in artillery shells," adding that "depleted Ukrainian air defenses" were unable to counter Russian air power

Ukraine’s 2014 coup was CIA’s political mistake — Putin

The Russian president noted that the US agency had achieved its goal of changing the government but failed to see what it would evolve into

Russian court seizes Deutsche Bank’s assets under RusChemAlliance’s claims

According to the files of arbitration cases, the court has partially upheld RusChemAlliance’s claim for interim measures against Deutsche Bank

Putin-Xi talks were very successful, Kremlin aide says

The environment was very friendly and the leaders were in a good mood, Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov told TV journalist.

Law on new rules of mobilization comes into force in Ukraine

The new rules caused a storm of indignation among Ukrainian citizens of military age at the stage of the bill's introduction into the Verkhovna Rada at the end of last year

Repelling missile attack in Sevastopol completed — governor

Mikhail Razvozhaev warned of the danger of falling fragments and submunitions

Russia ready to send rescuers to help find Iranian president’s helicopter — diplomat

Russian troops destroy 600 combat aircraft in Ukraine operation — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost over 520 troops in battles with Russian forces in the Donetsk area over the past day, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Stock markets on record-hitting spree around the world — Bloomberg

As the agency says, of the world’s 20 largest stock markets, 14 have hit all-time highs recently

SCO foreign ministers to consider candidates for new chief at Astana meeting

The ministers will consider candidates for the new SCO secretary general and the director of the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure

Press review: Day one of Putin's China visit and US stands by Ukraine

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 17th

Medvedev says Kissinger ‘completely wrong’ about main threat to humanity

Dmitry Medvedev stressed that "subtle considerations about preventing existential threats do not work during bloody conflicts"

Over 500 military, special vehicles commissioned to Russia’s Central Military District

According to the press office, the commissioned vehicles made it possible to complete equipment of seven motorized infantry and tank units

Georgian president vetoes bill on foreign agents

The Georgian legislature passed a bill on foreign agents in the third reading on May 14

Current Kiev regime rooted in coup — Putin

The Russian leader blamed Kiev’s sponsors in the West for organizing this coup, saying they escalated it into an armed conflict

Air defense is repelling a missile attack in Sevastopol — region’s governor

Traffic on the Crimean Bridge has been temporarily closed

Kiev deems dead fighters missing to avoid removing bodies from battlefield — Ukrainian POW

According to Andrey Lazarkevich, in the current situation Ukrainian servicemen prefer to surrender as prisoners of war

Tourist exchanges between Russia, North Korea gain traction — minister

Russian Natural Resources and Environment Minister Alexander Kozlov also said that the Moscow Zoo and ballet dancers recently paid a visit to North Korea

Russian stocks close in the green on Friday

The dollar edged down by 0.02% to 90.95 rubles, while the euro decreased by 0.13% to 98.74 rubles

Battlegroup North liberates settlement of Staritsa — Russian Defense Ministry

Russian air defenses down 37 drones, Tochka U missile, 21 HIMARS, Vampire, Olkha rockets in past day, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported

Shipments of long-range missiles to Kiev may expand ‘buffer zone’ toward Poland — Medvedev

"Once the Kiev regime uses Storm Shadow / SCALP-EG missiles with a range of at least 550 kilometers when the distance between Belgorod and Kiev is 429 kilometers, practically the entire central and most of the western parts of Ukraine fall within this sanitary zone," the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council said

Chairman of Georgia’s ruling party blasts foreign ministers for speaking at protest

Garibashvili suggested that foreign diplomats feel dismissive toward Georgia

Slovak PM Fico’s life out of danger — deputy PM

Robert Fico was wounded in a shooting incident that happened after a government meeting in the city of Handlova in the western part of Slovakia

Ukraine’s real losses should be counted in millions — ex-Polish army general staff chief

"The Ukrainians are losing this war," Rajmund Andrzejczak said, describing the situation as "very, very dramatic"

Preparations for Putin’s visit to DPRK ongoing — Kremlin spokesman

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un invited the Russian President to visit his country when he traveled to Russia in September

North Korea tested tactical ballistic missile with new guidance system on May 17

The test launch confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the system, the Korean Central News Agency reported

Putin holds meeting on floods, wildfires

He said while flooding is not over yet, there are also fires or fire-hazardous situations in some regions

Russian air defense shot down 57 UAVs in Krasnodar region overnight — Defense Ministry

Three UAVs were destroyed over the territory of the Belgorod region

Europe attempts to substitute Russian energy resources — Putin

As the result of these actions, the gas price increase on the spot market and the increase in cost of energy resources for end users, including households

US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle hit near Avdeyevka — security forces

According to objective control data, the crew members of the armored vehicle were injured

Situation in Kyrgyz capital under authorities’ control — top diplomat

At the same time, Jeenbek Kulubayev expressed "serious concern" about the fact that foreign media and social networks are spreading "fake and false, not corresponding to reality information about the incident and the current situation in Kyrgyzstan"