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Coronavirus pandemic

Russia hopes work on visa-free tourist trips agreement with Iran to be over soon

According to the diplomat, the decision on the beginning of the agreement’s implementation will depend on the epidemic situation in Russia and Iran and on coronavirus lockdown measures in the two countries

MOSCOW, October 15. /TASS/. Moscow hopes to finish work on an agreement on visa-free tourist trips with Iran in the near future, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

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According to Zakharova, Russia’s Federal Tourism Agency is working with the Iranian partners on mechanisms of the implementation of the arrangements under the agreement.

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"We hope this work will be finished soon and the agreement will come into force," she said, adding that the decision on the beginning of the agreement’s implementation would depend on the epidemic situation in Russia and Iran and on coronavirus lockdown measures in the two countries.

The agreement on visa-free group tourist trips was signed on March 28, 2017 during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to Moscow.

Russia’s public catering turnover up 8.4% YOY in 9M 2024 — statistics

The turnover had an uptick by 7.7% in annual terms to 305.9 bln rubles ($3.15 bln) this September, the statistical agency reported

Musk predicts 'crushing victory' for Trump following early voting results

The United States will hold its presidential election on November 5

Almost 40 drones shot down over Russia in past day

11 drones were destroyed later in the day

Ukraine's withdrawal to 1991 borders unrealistic — retired SBU colonel

On October 18, President Vladimir Zelensky stated that Ukraine's borders will be influenced by various factors after the conflict ends, but Kiev will not legally recognize any territorial losses

Three Canadian NGOs deemed undesirable in Russia

The list now includes Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, Russian-Canadian Democratic Alliance and Norman Paterson School of International Affairs

Ukraine admits number of deserted soldiers from Armed Forces of Ukraine surpasses 100,000

Earlier, military lawyer from the Center for Support of Veterans and Their Families Roman Likhachev said that more than 100,000 servicemen had voluntarily left their units

Ukrainian General Staff building damaged in Kiev — ex-lawmaker

The air alert declared in Kiev overnight to Wednesday lasted about two hours

Russian Defense Ministry releases video of Bulava missile launch

The launch was carried out from the Sea of Okhotsk

Press review: Russia strengthens nuclear triad while Ukraine awaits US strike approval

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 30th

New US sanctions targeting Russian defense industry, energy sector — Blinken

"The Department of State is targeting sanctions circumvention by parties in multiple third countries, several senior Russian Ministry of Defense officials and defense companies, and those that support the development of Russia’s future energy production and exports," the US Secretary of State said

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 97.05 rubles for October 31

The official yuan rate is fixed at 13.59 rubles, remaining almost flat

Decisions to seize Russian property made on claims of six Ukrainian companies

The court determined on October 29 that the decision on confidentiality would be made after the defendant informs about its intentions

Bank of Russia releases schedule for key rate decisions in 2025

The first meeting of the Central Bank’s Board on the key rate will be held on February 14

Islamic Resistance in Iraq attacks 'vital target' in Israel — statement

"The movement confirms that operations aimed at destroying the enemy's strongholds will be significantly intensified," the militants said

Rheinmetall plant in Ukraine Russia's legitimate military target — Kremlin

Earlier, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger announced that the company was opening a plant in Ukraine specializing in the repair and production of armored vehicles

Slovak PM says Zelensky’s peace plan not peaceful at all

Rather than trying to promote peace negotiations, Kiev suggests deploying nuclear weapons on its territory and requests deliveries of long-range weapons to conduct strikes deep into Russia, Robert Fico said

Gazprom raises investments to $16.84 bln for 2024

It was previously planned that Gazprom's investments in 2024 would amount to $16.14 bln

Hungary's counterintelligence foils attempt to send weapons to Ukraine

Gergely Gulyas confirmed a report by the Magyar Nemzet newspaper that agents of foreign intelligence agencies were trying to arrange for a delivery of weapons from Hungary to the Ukrainian army

DPRK fires ballistic missile towards Sea of Japan — Yonhap

The launch was also reported by the Defense Ministry of Japan

US Department of Commerce introduces export restrictions against 40 entities

As US authorities said, the entities acted against the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States

Slovak prime minister looks forward to attending Moscow’s Victory Day Parade in 2025

Robert Fico emphasized that he has consistently paid tribute to the bravery of Soviet soldiers, particularly during celebrations of the Slovak National Uprising and the 80th anniversary of the Red Army’s Carpathian-Dukla offensive earlier this year

Putin plans to discusses rural development with government

The Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut and the Governor of the Altai Territory Viktor Tomenko will make a report

FACTBOX: Drone attack on special forces university in Russia's Chechen Republic

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Retaliation against Kiev's strike on special forces university was prompt — Kadyrov

The Russian Defense Ministry's Air Force hit the unmanned systems control center of the General Staff in Kiev with two Geran drones

Iran says Israel struck from US-controlled area in Iraq

On July 23, Reuters reported that there were around 2,500 US troops in Iraq

Russia’s GDP growth totals 4% in 9M — ministry

According to the Russian Economic Development Ministry’s estimate, GDP growth went up to 2.9% in September 2024 from 2.4% in August

Russian forces liberate two communities in Donbass region, Kharkov area over past day

Battlegroup Center units liberated the settlement of Selidovo in the DPR and battlegroup West units liberated the settlement of Kruglyakovka in the Kharkov Region

Over 1.4 mln privately owned firearms registered in Ukraine

According to the official, half of this volume has already been included to the electronic Single firearms registry

Russia, DPRK sign agreement on cooperation in digital sphere

After the ceremony, a working meeting was held to discuss its implementation

Time is on Russia's side in Ukraine conflict — chief of Hungarian prime minister's office

Gergely Gulyas reiterated that Hungary was calling on the parties to the conflict to stop hostilities and negotiate

Russian Defense Ministry shows footage of Sineva, Yars missile launches

The Sineva was launched from the Barents Sea and Yars from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome

Russian forces liberate three communities in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East repelled a Ukrainian counterattack and inflicted roughly 125 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Forbes reveals this century’s 100 most influential Russians

The Forbes list stated that Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and current Russian President Vladimir Putin had the same amount of votes

Kiev blasts Western media’s negative coverage of request for Tomahawk missiles — Politico

According to the report, US officials described this idea as "totally unfeasible"

At least 50 people killed in Valencia, Spain due to flooding — newspaper

The storm has caused widespread problems across Spain, disrupting rail service and leading to canceled flights

IOC chief Bach politicizes Olympic Movement — Russia’s Zakharova

Maria Zakharova reminded the IOC president that with its special military operation, Russia "came to the rescue of peaceful citizens following the unconstitutional coup in Ukraine"

At least 34 killed in Israel's air raid on Beqaa Valley in Lebanon — TV

The deadliest air assault occurred in the town of Sohmor

Defense official warns Iran to retaliate with 'devastating strike' against Israel soon

On October 26, the Israel Defense Forces said it had struck military sites inside Iran in response to "numerous continuous attacks"

Ukrainian authorities to close Krasnoarmeysk for entry, exit for defense purposes

Head of the city’s military administration Sergey Dobryak specified that 11,900 residents remained in the city

West imposes its ultra-liberal agenda on Georgia with threats — Russian MFA

"People are being subjugated and forced to do certain things at gunpoint," Maria Zakharova said

Authorities flee Kupyansk in Kharkov Region as Russian forces close in

According to Vitaly Ganchev, his administration is keeping a close eye on the developments and is in touch with soldiers fighting in the Kupyansk area

Hezbollah to agree to ceasefire only on acceptable terms

Naim Qassem stressed that "any talks on the settlement can only be held after a ceasefire"

Russia to achieve all special op goals, to ensure its security — top diplomat

"The collective West, led by the United States, has increased tenfold its efforts to systematically deter Russia, to unleash a full-scale hybrid war against our country, to inflict a so-called strategic defeat on it," Sergey Lavrov noted

New Russian combat equipment in 2024

Russian aircraft destroy camouflaged enemy armored vehicle — Defense Ministry

The attacks were carried out in pairs at low altitudes

IN BRIEF: What is known about new US sanctions against Russia

Almost 400 companies from Russia and a number of other countries have been blacklisted

Kremlin dismisses rumors on halting attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities as fake news

"Today, many fakes circulate that have no relation to reality. Even the most respected outlets do not hesitate to publish such fabrications," Dmitry Peskov said

Stricter sanctions on Russian oil could harm global economy — newspaper

The newspaper emphasizes that the global economy relies heavily on oil, with Russia being one of the top producers

IN BRIEF: Enemy losses and surrendering troops: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Zelensky complains many countries believe he ‘wants too much’

The Ukrainian President has repeatedly complained that Kiev does not receive all aid that it requests from its Western partners and that too much time passes between the approval of new military aid packages and their actual delivery to the Ukrainian forces

Next US president must strive for swiftest truce in Ukraine — Vucic

According to the Serbian leader, ending the fighting would be in the "very best interest of the West"

Lavrov discusses Russia’s vision for Ukraine settlement with BRICS ambassadors

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Ukrainian court involves Zelensky in lawsuit on scheduling presidential elections

According to Dubinsky, the court also rejected the Verkhovna Rada’s request to close the case due to the "political nature of the dispute."

Trade turnover between Turkmenistan, Russia up 58% in 7M 2024 — official

For maintaining the positive dynamics of growth of mutual trade volumes a draft program for economic cooperation between the government of the Russian Federation and the government of Turkmenistan for 2025-2027 has been developed, Alexey Overchuk said

US base in east Syria comes under shelling attack — TV

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US authorizes energy transactions for Russian banks

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Moscow bars over 130 Australians from entering Russia — Foreign Ministry

The decision was made "in response to the Australian government's politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and entities, imposed as part of the Russophobic campaign of the ‘collective West’"

Ukrainian general criticizes Zelensky's dependence on Western aid

Dmitry Marchenko said that Vladimir Zelensky and his inner circle fail to recognize that the West pursues its own interests, particularly regarding the Ukrainian president’s "victory plan"

US Army Ranger among mercenaries eliminated in Bryansk Region — expert

One of the destroyed mercenaries was linked with the 75th Ranger Regiment, which is a deep reconnaissance unit specializing mainly in staging acts of sabotage behind enemy lines and destroying military infrastructure facilities and airfields, Alexander Stepanov noted

West's demonization of Russia-North Korea relations unfounded — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, those who are intent on peaceful interaction with Russia have nothing to worry about

Israeli warplanes attacked Hezbollah sites in Baalbek, Nabatieh — IDF

According to military, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians

Russia holds 364 trade missions with countries in Caspian Sea region

The issues of development of the Caspian region play an important role for the global community as it accounts for 12% of energy exports, 7% of global grain exports, and almost 5% of ferrous and non-ferrous supplies, Vladimir Padalko said

Ukrainian army leaves most positions in Gornyak near Krasnoarmeysk — security forces

The enemy has left most positions in Gornyak

Zelensky advises Ukrainian troops to retreat when heavily outnumbered

"We must save our soldiers and protect our people," the Ukrainian president emphasized

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The Dialog ANO said it was ready to work with any countries and organizations

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Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev announced on October 1 his support for the initiative to unify the country’s federations of water sports

Norway actively militarizing against Russia, Foreign Ministry says

Maria Zakharova highlighted that the Norwegian Armed Forces are undergoing rapid modernization and that the military budget is significantly increasing

Kazachok landing module of ExoMars-2022 mission returns to Russia — Roscosmos

The joint Russian-European ExoMars project included two phases - the ExoMars-TGO orbital probe equipped with Russian and foreign research instruments meant to study the atmosphere of Mars, as well as the Kazachok descent module and the Rosalind Franklin rover

Capture of Kruglyakovka in Kharkov Region blocks vital supply route for Ukraine — official

The Russian Defense Ministry reported about the liberation of the settlement on October 30

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Israeli attack did no damage to Iranian missile production — top defense official

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Radiation levels in Sea of Japan remain normal after Fukushima-1 water discharge

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UN General Assembly again calls on US to lift sanctions on Cuba

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US, allies discuss response options for alleged relocation of DPRK troops to Russia

Austin pointed out "unprecedented level of direct military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK," adding that this topic was discussed during the meeting

Former Ukrainian PM sees attack on Kursk Region as US test of chances of invading Russia

Nikolay Azarov emphasized that Washington was not worried about Ukrainian casualties when it sought to get a feel of how well Russia can defend its borders

London supplies arms to Kiev via Black sea route — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the UK "clearly does not seek a resolution to the conflict and is making every effort to prolong it, thereby extending the suffering of the Ukrainian people"

Early settlement of Ukrainian conflict does not serve EU interests — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the West "continues to make profit on the deaths of Ukrainians and the destruction of Ukraine"

Russian Su-35 fighters cover aircraft in air strikes on Ukrainian army in Kursk area

One of the fighter jets uncovered enemy air defense sites by its weapons suite

Press review: Putin highlights GDP growth while the Russian military claims top rank

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, October 29th

Repelling counterattacks, striking reserves, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

In total, the Ukrainian military lost more than 27,950 servicemen since the fighting began in the region

Russia may achieve all its goals in Ukraine in 2025 — newspaper

According to the report, the Ukrainian troops "are desperately trying to hold the line in the country’s east but are losing ground"

Ukrainian general criticizes incursion into Kursk Region

Dmitry Marchenko also recognized that the Russian Armed Forces were gradually ousting the Ukrainian forces from the region

Lebanon hopes for ceasefire ‘in coming hours or days’ — premier

According to Najib Mikati, he had just held a phone conversation with US Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security Amos Hochstein

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

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

Iraq interested in BRICS, too early to talk about it joining the association

According to ambassador Elbrus Kutrashev, when the US learns that Iraq has begun practical steps to join the association, they will try to prevent this

Death toll of floods in Valencia grows to 92

The storm caused numerous incidents and is considered one of the worst natural disasters in the country’s history

EC refuses to begin negotiations on accession to EU with Georgia

The EC recommendation is the key step for beginning of accession negotiations with a candidate state

Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office launches investigation over alleged election fraud

The Prosecutor's Office also noted that Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has been summoned for questioning on October 31 as part of the investigation

Case against Ukrainian servicemen, enemy losses: situation in Kursk Region

Russia’s Battlegroup North repelled eight enemy counterattacks towards the settlements of Daryino, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novoivanovka and Plekhovo

IN BRIEF: What we know about Russia's liberation of Selidovo in DPR

According to the report, enemy defenses in the Krasnoarmeysk sector of the line of engagement collapsed after Ukraine lost the locality

Press review: Russia preps for NATO aid in Ukraine and Georgia's vote may not shift policy

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, October 28th

Russian Economy Ministry keeps average annual exchange rate at 96 rubles per dollar

Maxim Reshetnikov noted that the rate and rate forming were very volatile

Western leaders understand they picked wrong strategy on Ukraine — Szijjarto

The Hungarian foreign minister pointed out that a peaceful strategy is necessary, and Hungary welcomes Georgia’s position that the conflict in Ukraine will be resolved peacefully

Kiev announces new plan for second settlement conference

According to Vladimir Zelensky's press secretary Sergey Nikiforov, a three-point plan is being prepared

Xi-Putin meeting seen as key moment of BRICS Summit — top diplomat

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed to the importance of the new cooperation agreements reached by the two heads of state in Kazan

Detention of Russian journalists in US unacceptable — Kremlin

"This treatment of journalists does not reflect well on the US authorities, especially given that all formalities, procedures, and entry permits were completed," Dmitry Peskov stated

US White House believes DPRK missile launch fuels regional tensions

Washington called upon other countries to condemn North Korea’s actions

Russia’s public catering turnover up 8.4% YOY in 9M 2024 — statistics

The turnover had an uptick by 7.7% in annual terms to 305.9 bln rubles ($3.15 bln) this September, the statistical agency reported

Putin gives helicopter to Zimbabwean president as gift

Putin and Mnangagwa had earlier held a meeting on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg