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Sweden’s PM warns against prematurely judging Baltic cables rupture as sabotage

According to Ulf Kristersson, the cables will be subjected to a thorough examination by national police and foreign partners

STOCKHOLM, November 20. /TASS/. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said it is too early to label the disruption of telecom cables under the Baltic Sea as sabotage.

"We assume that this could well be deliberate sabotage, but we don't know anything yet, and I'm not going to speculate on that," he said on SVT television.

According to the official, the cables will be subjected to a thorough examination by national police and foreign partners.

"We live at a time where you have to take every such risk very seriously. We have seen sabotage before, so we take it very seriously," Kristersson said.

Two underwater cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea on November 17 and 18. One connected Germany and Finland, and the other Sweden and Lithuania. The first cable runs along the Nord Stream pipeline. Its failure was reported by the Finnish government-owned telecom operator Cinia. According to the company, the repair of the cable could take from 5 to 15 days. The German and Finnish foreign ministries in a joint statement on Monday expressed concern over the damage and said a thorough investigation was underway. The damage to the second cable was later reported by the Swedish telecom company Telia.

Russian Navy’s conventional sub makes business call at Malaysian port

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The first Russian nuclear doctrine was ratified and published by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 21, 2000

Biden’s ATACMS decision aimed at tying his successor’s hands — expert

In his opinion, Russia "should not fall for this gambit," and "just keep on winning"

Pentagon confirms that US authorized use of antipersonnel landmines in Ukraine

Ukrainian side had committed to not using the mines in areas populated by civilians

Indonesia accepts invitation to become partner state in BRICS, ambassador announces

In this role, Indonesia "will actively contribute to and participate in any initiatives of BRICS," Jose Antonio Morato Tavares emphasized

Pentagon refrains from commenting on Ukraine’s missile attack on Bryansk region

Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh also declined a request to comment on the US permission to use ATACMS missiles for deep strikes on Russia

FACTBOX: Central Bank chief’s statement in State Duma

The national economy is in the "breaking point" and inflation slowdown can be expected in coming months

US trying to save Zelensky from inevitable failure by allowing attacks on Russia — expert

Mehdi Seif Tabrizi pointed out that, at the same time, "Trump’s return to the White House does not guarantee that the West will abandon its violent and hostile agenda"

Pentagon doesn’t see any signs that Russia prepares to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine

The US Department of Defense wasn’t surprised by Russia's update to its nuclear doctrine, according to the spokeswoman

Washington refrains from naming those responsible for Baltic Sea cable rupture — DoS

Two underwater cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea on November 17 and 18

List of trade with Russia expanding in Sweden — Russian envoy

"Over eight months of 2024, the number of goods subcategories of Swedish imports to Russia increased 1.5-fold, while Swedish exports to our country rose 2.3-fold," Sergey Belyayev noted

Turkey ready to continue mediatory efforts toward settling Ukrainian crisis — Erdogan

"Ukraine is our neighbor. Russia is our neighbor too," the Turkish leader noted

Biden administration tries to prevent Trump from ending war in Ukraine — expert

Wang Wen called the next few months a "high-risk period" in the conflict

West fails to bring Ukrainian issue to forefront of G20 summit agenda — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed that "no one from the countries of the world majority, the Global South, supported it"

Moscow’s response to strikes with Western arms on Russian soil to be felt — diplomat

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

UN concerned about possible escalation amid Ukrainian strike on Bryansk

"The UN has always expressed our concern about the escalation and <…> the fact that this conflict is even continuing, let alone escalating," UN secretary-general’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said

Serbian president calls for talks on Ukraine amid nuclear escalation threats

He warned that further escalation is fraught with a "full-scale nuclear conflict"

Russian forces strike ammo plant in Ukraine’s Sumy Region in drone attack

The Impulse plant is Ukraine’s sole enterprise producing explosive devices: detonation primers, electric detonators, detonating cords, cartridges and ammunition for automatic and under-barrel grenade launchers

Russian army traps Ukrainian troops in Chasov Yar — intelligence center

The official reported that fighters from the 98th Airborne Division were engaged in fierce battles

US Embassy in Kiev to be closed on November 20

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Russia says its forces downed 5 ATACMS missiles that Ukraine fired into Bryansk Region

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Current escalation of Ukrainian conflict not seen as world war harbinger — Pentagon

Russia, North Korea agree to increase number of charter flights

Russia introduced e-visas for North Korean tourists last year

Russia could deploy new weapons if Ukraine hits Russia with US missiles, warns senior MP

"It is not out of the question that new weapons systems, which have not yet been used against Ukraine, could be employed," Vyacheslav Volodin said

Biden’s actions increase likelihood of escalation in Ukraine — PM

Viktor Orban asserted that the government’s mission is to prevent Hungary from being dragged into the Ukrainian conflict

Russian troops liberate Novoselidovka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored vehicles over the past day, the ministry reported

Trump may soon start talks with Russia following Biden’s decision on ATACMS — news agency

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Freezing Ukrainian conflict unacceptable for Russia, says Kremlin

"It is important for us to achieve our goals, which are well known to everyone," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Russian, US presidential spokespersons not contacted since Obama presidency — Peskov

At the same time, the Kremlin spokesman said he did not have a chance to communicate with Donald Trump and Joe Biden’s press secretaries

Spanish Embassy in Kiev closes its doors to visitors

The diplomatic mission informed Spanish citizens living in Ukraine about this via email

Putin sends message to those seeking to 'add fuel to fire' before Trump’s return — expert

The likelihood of a direct armed conflict with NATO is increasing because some individuals in the alliance are ready to raise the stakes ahead of Trump’s inauguration, Andrey Bystritsky emphasized

Russia’s foreign intelligence agency successfully adapting to new challenges — SVR chief

Russia has no need for its "Foreign Intelligence Service to act similarly to the CIA and MI6 and disclose secrets of its everyday activity," Sergey Naryshkin said

Russia delivers strong response to US by revising nuclear doctrine — Chinese expert

Wang Yiwei suggested that outgoing US President Joe Biden and the American "deep state" are trying to intensify the situation in Ukraine because President-elect Donald Trump "is unwilling to support Kiev"

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"

West’s decision on missile strikes gives Russia free hand to attack NATO bases — expert

According to Dmitry Suslov, retaliatory measures may include the handover of more advanced weapons to the forces "that are directly fighting against the US, particularly, in the Middle East"

Press review: Biden OKs long-range missile use as backlash to Scholz’s Putin call grows

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, November 18th

NATO enters conflict, Russia has every right to attack its targets now — expert

Col. (Ret.) Lawrence Wilkerson confirmed to TASS that the launch of ATACMS missiles would be impossible without "US/NATO satellite feeds and/or personnel"

Russia’s renewed nuclear doctrine unlikely to alter special mil-op’s nature — senator

The fundamental principle of the doctrine is that the use of nuclear weapons is a measure of last resort to protect the country’s sovereignty

Borrell condemns Russia’s decision to update nuclear doctrine

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No laymen in Western intel agencies despite decline of ruling class — Russian spy chief

Sergey Naryshkin emphasized that irrationality had particularly affected leading European countries, where presidents, prime ministers, and chancellors unfailingly served the interests of globalist capital

West uses 'big guns' to project control over global situation — SVR

According to Sergey Naryshkin, the joint interview of the leading Western intelligence services, along with the article by Bill Burns, director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, and Richard Moore, chief of the UK Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) for the Financial Times, serves as an example of professionalism and a deep understanding of the geopolitical challenges their countries are facing

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Dmitry Peskov also pointed out that Kiev was a signatory to the UN convention banning anti-personnel landmines

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The physical launch of the two nuclear reactors will take place after the return to Sevmash, the source said

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ATACMS strikes on Bryansk Region sign West wants escalation — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat recalled that the Russian leader had warned Western countries how Russia’s position would change if "this range of weapons that we are now talking about, i.e. up to 300 kilometers, is approved"

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According to the report, the updated nuclear doctrine did not come as a surprise for Washington

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Russia to address NATO’s engagement in strikes deep inside country — SVR

Sergey Naryshkin observed that the military and political elites in the West are increasingly recognizing the gravity of Russia's intentions and the need for greater caution in their actions

Russia must be able to defend itself — Erdogan on revised nuclear doctrine

The Turkish leader reiterated that "both Russia and Ukraine are Turkey’s neighbors"

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The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

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Putin ready for talks on Ukraine, including with Trump — Kremlin

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Ukraine has around 50 ATACMS missiles — The Times

According to the report, the Ukrainian military has sufficient launchers that are capable of firing them

Ukrainian losses, captives, aid to civilians: situation in Kursk Region

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Ukraine, not Russia, posing a threat to the Baltic region — Kremlin

Two underwater cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea on November 17 and 18

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Earlier, Markus Selin, a member of the Swedish parliament from the Social Democratic Party in his request to Minister for Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa, called for the closure of the Russian trade mission and to raise the issue of Russian trade missions in the EU

Zelensky to have no input if Russia, US negotiate, ex-Prime Minister says

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According to Stavridis, the Ukrainian armed forces are facing "mounting personnel losses," while Kiev is growing concerned about the possibility of the incoming US administration

Russian troops liberate Ilyinka community in Donbass region over past day

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Robert Fico noted that authorizing the use of long-range weapons for strikes against Russia would not alter the balance of power in the conflict zone

Kremlin spokesman says not acquainted with US counterpart, but ready for dialogue

Donald Trump announced that his campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt will be the new White House press secretary

US gives Ukraine green light to use Storm Shadow for strikes deep inside Russia — media

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Iran claims to have disabled Israel’s Iron Dome air defense in past strikes

Major-General Gholamreza Soleimani stressed it was essential to inform the world that Israel had failed and now survives solely relying on support from the United States

Ukraine’s allies doubt impact of US approval of strikes against Russia on conflict balance

According to the media, the Ukrainian army has been losing ground in recent months "amid heavy pressure from more numerous and better-equipped Russian troops"

Humanitarian situation in Gorlovka harsh as Ukraine targets key infrastructure — DPR head

More than 80,000 users were left without power in Gorlovka on Tuesday morning due to the Ukrainian armed forces' shelling

Russian embassy warns UK about dangers of calling for Moscow’s ‘defeat’

According to th statement, London is promoting new rounds of escalation

Putin approves Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine

The fundamental principle of the doctrine is that the use of nuclear weapons is a measure of last resort to protect the country’s sovereignty

Pentagon official admits US arsenals shrinking amid Ukraine, Mideast crises

Сommander of United States Indo-Pacific Command Samuel Paparo emphasized he was speaking about "the stocks of the United States of America, and the high end capabilities of the United States of America"

US to keep sharing intel with Ukraine for operations against Russia — official

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller was commenting on Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks about direct American involvement in strikes on Russian territory

US senator labels Biden’s approval for ATACMS strikes on Russia as unconstitutional

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Russia’s special military operation to continue — Kremlin

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Press review: Russian air defenses can down Western missiles as EU conducts live exercise

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, November 19th

Strikes inside Russia to escalate conflict instead of changing its course, says expert

"The US is making it clear that as the main sponsor of the war, it intends to continue military activities, using Ukraine as a proxy and seeking to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," Mauricio Estevez pointed out

OPCW technical secretariat involved in Kiev’s chemical provocation against Russia — Moscow

The OPCW report will be reviewed during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties, due in The Hague on November 25-29, 2024

German defense minister says Ukraine reached parity in shells with Russia

Boris Pistorius noted that just a few months ago, Russia held an advantage in artillery shell stocks

FSB arrests German citizen who arrived from Poland to sabotage Russian energy facility

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UK police say no video evidence of Russians’ involvement in Salisbury case

According to the report, CCTV cams were not installed on Christie Miller road in Salisbury

Russia monitors situation in Kursk Region after reports of ATACMS missiles — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "it is hardly possible to be guided by the reports of a TV channel"

US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

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Six European countries accuse Russia of allegedly attacking security architecture

"Moscow's escalating hybrid activities against NATO and EU countries are unprecedented in their variety and scale," the statement reads

Lawmaker suggest scrapping post of president in Ukraine

Alexander Dubinsky outlined a number of other initiatives as well, including the adoption of the law on foreign agents, similar to the ones currently in force in the European Union and the United States

Ukraine admits responsibility for Odessa missile incident where civilians injured

Ukrainian blogger Anatoly Shary commented on the statement by saying that Ukraine’s air force officials only agreed to recognize this because "the media started posting photos of Patriot wreckage"

Ukraine conflict moves towards NATO-Russia direct clash — expert

Commenting on Ukraine's long-range missile strikes on Russian territory, Elena Basile remarked, "US President Joe Biden has decided to make the task of resolving the Ukraine conflict even more difficult for his successor"

Up to allies to decide whether or not to authorize strikes inside Russia — NATO chief

"I would generally say let’s not communicate too much and not make our adversaries more wise than is necessary," Mark Rutte added

Defeating Ukrainian forces near Olgovskaya wood, enemy losses: situation in Kursk Region

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Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine makes defeat over its army impossible — SVR chief

According to the latest version of the document, the core principle is that nuclear weapons are a last resort to ensure the protection of the country’s sovereignty

Moscow-Washington hotline not in use now — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov added that there have been no contacts via this new channel lately

Rubicon center drones hit Ukrainian equipment in Russia's Kursk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry released footage showing the destruction of the enemy equipment

Sweden detected ship movements when cable damage occurred, minister says

According to the police, the situation is currently being monitored and work is underway to determine measures that need to be taken

FACTBOX: Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania resigns

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Houthis report striking commercial ship in Red Sea

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US Congressman urges to impeach Biden for allowing strikes deep into Russia

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Putin orders protection of critical infrastructure, including Crimean Bridge — Kremlin

Kiev has not accepted the legitimate results of the 2014 referendum, in which the people of Crimea and Sevastopol voted to become part of Russia, and is displeased by the operation of the Crimean Bridge, which connects the Kerch Strait with the Krasnodar Region

More than 5 drones attack industrial enterprise in Russia’s Voronezh Region — governor

According to Alexander Gusev, firefighters and other emergency management services are working at the scene