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Military operation in Ukraine

PayPal suspends services in Russia

According to the company's Chief Executive Dan Schulman, PayPal stands with the international community in condemning the military operation in Ukraine

MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. PayPal stopped providing services in Russia on Saturday amid Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine, the payments company said in a statement.

"Under the current circumstances, we are suspending PayPal services in Russia," Chief Executive Dan Schulman was quoted as saying. The company stands with the international community in condemning the military operation in Ukraine, he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on February 24 that in response to a request by the heads of the Donbass republics he had made a decision to carry out a special military operation in Ukraine, stressing that Moscow had no plans of occupying Ukrainian territories. The US, the EU, the UK, as well as a number of other states responded to the actions of the Russian authorities by slapping sanctions against physical and legal entities. Many large companies, including Microsoft, IKEA, H&M and Siemens, have suspended operations in Russia.

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Foreign policy Internet & Telecom Military operation in Ukraine

Pavel Durov's detention

Growing number of Telegram users made things easier for criminals — Durov

"Telegram’s abrupt increase in user count to 950M caused growing pains that made it easier for criminals to abuse our platform," the app’s co-founder said

Macron names Michel Barnier France's new prime minister

Barnier will succeed Gabriel Attal, 35, who was appointed in January 2024, becoming the youngest prime minister in French history

US charges political scientist Simes, his wife with violating American sanctions

According to the statement, the two suspects sought to "launder funds obtained from that scheme"

Japan loses Russian car market for long — Russian Foreign Ministry

Tokyo did itself a disservice in attempts to isolate Russia, Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted

Rada lawmaker accuses Kiev of downplaying death toll of strike at Poltava military school

Artem Dmitruk noted that the Ukrainian armed forces command did not order the servicemen to go down to basements during an air raid alert, which resulted in most servicemen getting killed

US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace six times in past day

Such actions set a dangerous precedent for air incidents and accidents, and escalate the general situation in Syria’s airspace, the center’s deputy head, Capt. 1st Rank said

Linkin Park announces comeback with new singer

Band’s co-founder Mike Shinoda announced Emily Armstrong as his new co-vocalist and Colin Brittain - as the band’s new drummer

Not your average election: CEC comments on preparations for voting

Central Election Commission Chairwoman Ella Pamfilova emphasized that citizens could vote online if they wanted to, while election commissions would decide on their own whether it was necessary to carry out multi-day voting

EEF participants signed 258 agreements — Russian Deputy PM

It is reported that 258 agreements were signed to the total amount of 5.395 trillion [rubles] ($60 bln)

Former French officer involved in planning attack on Russia’s Kursk Region

According to Yevgeny Lisnyak, the objective of the regiment where the officer was serving was to carry out sabotage operations deep in the enemy’s rear

Russia’s OSCE envoy says photo, video evidence proves NASAMS missile hit Kiev hospital

Rockets were supplied to Ukraine by Norway, Maxim Buyakevich said

West, Kiev dropped Istanbul deal for sake of 'defeating' Russia, but to no avail — Putin

It is stressed that Boris Johnson instructed the Ukrainians to fight to the last Ukrainian

Putin gives lengthy speech at EEF plenary session

In 2016-2018, Putin was a bit more curt with his speeches, as they all lasted about 20 minutes

Russian army's sacred duty, gas transit, dollar: Putin addresses EEF plenary session

It is reported that attacking the Kursk Region and other border areas, Ukraine wanted to distract Russia from its offensive in Donbass

Ukrainian mass resignations speak of Kiev's transition to full dictatorship — envoy

Rodion Miroshnik emphasized that many deputies, even from the President's Servant of the People party, are no longer willing to follow the instructions of the President's Office

Lithuania puts up dragon’s teeth anti-tank barriers on bridge connecting it to Russia

"This is a precautionary step to ensure more effective defense," the ministry went on to say

Seventy-five countries participate in EEF — Russian Deputy PM

The Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) is underway on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok on September 3-6, 2024

Repelled attacks, Ukrainian losses: what is known about situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, Ukrainian sabotage groups trying to penetrate deep into Russia’s interior continue to be met with resistance

Russia hurt Ukraine bad in Kursk Region using only token force

Major General Apty Alaudinov noted that the Ukrainian armed forces relocated the best-prepared units, equipped with Western vehicles, for the Kursk operation

Russian forces taking out big chunks of Ukrainian hardware in Kursk daily

Apty Alaudinov specified that in recent days, the adversary has been tentative in advancing its hardware

Harris, unlike Trump, wouldn’t be independent in foreign policy as president — analyst

According to Sergey Samuilov, Kamala Harris "will follow the course of the party apparatus, which is set up in the way that Joe Biden acted, that is, to support Ukraine and meet the interests of the defense industry"

French authorities were supposed to sue Telegram, not its head — Durov

He went on to say that Telegram has an office in the European Union, receiving EU requests and processing them

Serbia’s Vulin says he is proud of knowing Putin in response to EU’s claims

"I am proud that I had an opportunity to get acquainted with President Vladimir Putin and I cherish every opportunity to meet a friend of Serbia and a leader of such wisdom and integrity," Serbian deputy prime minister said

Ukraine loses over 600 men after Russian attack on Poltava military school — politician

Igor Mosiychuk noted that the blame for what happened lies mainly with the Ukrainian military authorities, who allowed such a large number of servicemen to gather in one place

Russia to have lower revenues from slashed gas exports to EU — Putin

The ones supplying energy resources to Europe take care of their national interests in the first instance, the Russian leader said

Moscow should adequately respond to West’s restrictions on Russian media — Peskov

Westerners prevent the spread of information, they obstruct the work of Russian journalists, and this necessitates reciprocity under the current circumstances of a hot confrontation, that is why Russia should give an adequate response, Presidential Press Secretary said

Over $61.5 bln return to Russky Island special economic region from offshores — Putin

The Russian president stressed that more than a hundred companies have become residents of this zone to date

Striking Ukrainian reserves: situation in Kursk Region

Over the day, the Ukrainian military lost up to 370 servicemen and 17 armored vehicles

US seeking to 'sterilize' national information space from dissent — Russian diplomat

These actions create a media background for implementing corresponding campaign decisions, Maria Zakharova said

NATO to continue supporting Kiev, Stoltenberg believes

It is reported that the Western military have already made a mistake in their predictions in 2022

Iran has long been asking for gas supplies from Russia, this is a feasible project — Putin

According to the Russian leader, Gazprom will restore gas supply volumes both through new markets and to the domestic market due to the growth of the Russian economy

Russian forces shoot down three ATACMS missiles in past day

The Russian air defenses also destroyed five French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, an Olkha rocket and 27 unmanned aerial vehicles in the past day

Putin highlights Russia’s openness to Ukraine talks at Eastern Economic Forum — expert

Andrey Koshkin noted that the Russian president had focused on Kiev’s failed terrorist attack on the Kursk Region

Ukrainian military remotely mines roads in Kursk Region — chief of Russian commando unit

It is specified that the Ukrainian army was literally cramming the roads with explosive items, including PFM-1 Lepestok antipersonnel mines and cluster munitions

Malaysia ready to offer special relations to Russia, PM says

Anwar Ibrahim highlighted enormous potential for cooperation between the two countries

Kiev seeks lifting of restrictions on strikes on Russia amid dire battlefield situation

However, according to Maria Zakharova, this will turn out to be "a plan of trouble" for Kiev rather than "a plan of victory"

Hard to believe Macron’s claim about Durov case not being politically motivated — Lavrov

Durov was detained at Le Bourget Airport outside Paris on August 24

US to continue using Ukraine against Russia even after elections — diplomat

Maria Zakharova underscored that Washington is interested in Ukraine only as an "instrument for infliction of a strategic defeat on Russia"

Over 130 hoaxes disseminated in Kursk Region after Ukrainian incursion

It is underscored that the number of fake news regarding the elections may increase in the upcoming days

Gaza ceasefire depends both on HAMAS, Israel — Blinken

"Both parties to get to yes on these remaining issues," US secretary of State said

Moscow to view any attempted provocation against Transnistria as attack on Russia

According to Maria Zakharova, the Moldovan authorities are leading the country down the "disastrous path of Ukraine," as they follow an anti-Russian course upon instructions from the West

Russia's sacred duty is to kick enemy out of Kursk Region, protect citizens — Putin

"And, of course, the whole country must do everything to support people," the Russian leader emphasized

Russia makes clear its support for Republika Srpska — Kremlin

Asked whether Russia could do anything to help, Peskov said Moscow's options in this matter are very limited

Eighteen churches in Russia’s Belgorod Region suffer damage from Ukrainian shelling

Metropolitan Ioann of Belgorod and Stary Oskol emphasized that despite constant shelling attacks and the overall difficult situation, work continued to rebuild the churches

Ukraine sets forests, fields in Kharkov region on fire to stop Russian advance — official

According to Yevgeny Lisnyak, the forests pose a threat to residents near the line of engagement

Israel, Hamas far from reaching deal on ceasefire in Gaza — Netanyahu

According to the Israeli prime minister, Hamas is not ready to strike a deal and wants Israel to withdraw from the Gaza Strip without preconditions

Lavrov issues stark warning not to fool with Russia's red lines

According to the foreign minister, the US is starting to lose its sense of mutual restraint with Russia

Putin inspects Pacific Fleet corvette in Russia’s Far East

The flotilla chief told Putin about the troops and means from his unit as well as their operational procedures

Gaza’s underground tunnels help prepare for future conflicts — former top NATO commander

According to James Stavridis, underground complexes have been used in warfare for ages, but they are getting more sophisticated now

Ukraine’s commander-in-chief admits sending insufficiently trained recruits into battle

Alexander Syrsky also rebuked the US for delays in its military aid, which caused major setbacks on the battlefield and led to a slump in morale

Japanese citizen detained in Belarus charged with agent activity

"The accused is being kept in the KGB’s pretrial facility, actively cooperating with investigators and giving them a detailed account of his unlawful actions," State Security Committee Konstantin Bychek said

Ukraine pulling fresh forces to Kursk area — Russian officer

According to the commander of the Akhmat special forces commando unit Apty Alaudinov, there were no large-scale attacks on Wednesday

Several Ukrainian brigades could be surrounded in Donetsk area — retired Ukrainian officer

According to Oleg Starikov, Kiev is losing to Moscow in terms of strategic planning, and a crisis could also develop near Ugledar

Russia’s Lukyanenko wins gold in women’s breaststroke event at 2024 Paris Paralympics

The 22-year-old Russian previously won at the Paralympics in France the gold in 200-meter medley, the bronze in 400-meter freestyle event and in the 100-meter backstroke competition

In case of supplies of long-range weapons to Kiev buffer zone may reach Poland — Medvedev

"Obviously, we need to create a buffer zone for the future to ensure that nothing flies in," the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council said

Russian troops break through Ukrainian defenses near Kleshcheyevka in DPR — source

It is retorted that the Ukrainian forces had suffered heavy losses on this section of the frontline

Ukrainian forces use drones configured in UK for strikes inside Russia — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, these drones were assembled in the Vyshgorod district of the Kiev Region, and they were launched near Slavyansk in the Kiev-controlled part of DPR

Russia to protect interests of people in Ukraine defending rights to speak Russian — Putin

The Eastern Economic Forum is underway on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok on September 3-6, 2024

Ukraine’s 80th Brigade mopped up Kursk Region villages — captured solder says

Oleg Ivanenko surrendered to the Akhmat special forces on August 16

Ukraine’s Western weapons not enough to win back lost territories — expert

Anatol Lieven stated that Ukraine’s attack on the Kursk Region not only failed to achieve its main goals, but also hurt the country’s positions in other sections of the front, particularly in Donbass

Press review: Putin meets with global movers and shakers and ZNPP welcomes IAEA chief

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, September 5th

Russia already won special military op — army official

"Our next task is to do everything possible to ensure that we remain a united family ready for future challenges," Apty Alaudinov said

Commander of Rezky corvette briefs Putin about upcoming exercises near Hawaii

Project 20380 corvettes are designed to accomplish green-water missions, fight enemy surface ships and submarines and provide artillery support for amphibious assault operations

Kiev regime reveals its true self: Kremlin comments on Ukrainian plans in Russia’s Kursk

"And we must go our way to complete the special military operation and accomplish the tasks facing us," Dmitry Peskov added

China displayed Kinzhal-like hypersonic missile as warning to US — newspaper

According to the experts cited by SCMP, "the Chinese variant is more powerful and would deter US warships from entering the region in the event of a conflict"

Emergencies Ministry pyrotechnics destroy Patriot missile’s warhead in Kursk Region

The Emergencies Ministry noted that the radiation level in the region is normal and no excessive concentrations of hazardous chemicals had been detected

Kuleba's resignation was prepared for over year — newspaper

Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a member of the Ukrainian parliament, told the newspaper that the reshuffle seemed arbitrary to him and that Zelensky's decision was simply dictated by "the desire to change something"

Kiev reiterates hopes for Moscow’s attendance of second peace conference

"It is very difficult to end this war diplomatically without the Russian side," Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said

IN BRIEF: Far East becomes Russia’s 'flagship' in new global economic reality — Putin

Agreements worth more than 10.5 trillion rubles ($116.4 bln) have been signed at the last three Eastern Economic Forums

Sanctions became ‘a discipline in political sports’ for US — Russian diplomat

"Notably, more and more often attempts are being made to put pressure not only on Russia, but on third countries as well," Anatoly Antonov said

At least 4 killed, 30 injured in school shooting in Winder, Georgia — CNN

According to the report, the suspect is currently in custody, and it is unclear if he is a student of this school

Elections to begin in various Russian regions, including two largest cities

The single voting day includes the election of the governor of Russia’s second largest city of St. Petersburg and Moscow’s city legislature

Ukrainian government can't articulate exactly how Kiev can win — US expert

Raphael Cohen emphasized that when he visited Ukraine in August, he "could see exhaustion in everyone's faces, from officials in the government to think tank researchers to people on the street"

Putin slams Germany's refusal to turn on Nord Stream 2 as lunacy, nonsense

If Nord Stream 2 is brought back online, 27.5 bln cubic meters of gas would immediately go to Europe, the Russian leader stressed

Hunter Biden pleads guilty in tax case against him — NBC

Charges against him entail the punishment of up to 17 years in prison

Growing number of Telegram users made things easier for criminals — Durov

"Telegram’s abrupt increase in user count to 950M caused growing pains that made it easier for criminals to abuse our platform," the app’s co-founder said

Press review: Mongolia shoves Putin's arrest warrant and big deals abound at EEF

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, September 4th

Putin calls West's policy to ban Russia from dollar settlements ‘stupid’

The head of state noted that in this situation, Russia and its friendly countries are switching to national currencies in their mutual settlements

Putin didn’t pass along new information about potential unrest, Kremlin spokesman says

"We continue to have regular communication at various levels, including in very, very sensitive areas," Dmitry Peskov noted

Japanese man detained in Belarus admits that his actions harmed state security

Masatoshi Nakanishi said that the photos he made not far from the Ukrainian border could be used by the United States or Ukraine for a possible attack

Grad MLRS involved in protection of border with Ukraine — Belarusian Defense Ministry

According to the report, the battery personnel recently participated in joint anti-terrorist drills by Belarus and China Attacking Falcon, during which they practiced measures to counter terrorist attacks

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian training center with NATO instructors in Poltava

Vladimir Saldo stressed that the military bloc is providing both financial and administrative support for the operation of such centers

Ukrainian incursion into borderline Russian regions faltering — Putin

The president said the Russian Armed Forces "have stabilized the situation as they have been gradually squeezing the enemy out in border areas"

Ukrainian troops flee blindly during liberation of DPR's Prechistovka — top brass

It also released a video showing Ukrainian servicemen fleeing en masse towards Zolotaya Niva and Shakhterskoye, leaving their wounded comrades on the battlefield

Russia offers safe haven for people trying to escape Western liberal ideals

Under the document, such foreign nationals will have the right to apply for temporary residence in Russia "outside the quota approved by the Russian government and without providing documents confirming their knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history and basic laws"

Downed drone causes fire at warehouse in Gomel, Belarus, no one injured — Ministry

It is reported that the fire damaged 5 square meters of the roof

Putin states widening gap between US and Chinese economies

"Russia is already fourth in the world in terms of purchasing power parity," the Russian leader said

White House irked by Putin’s ironic comment about US elections

Earlier the Russian leader said ironically that after incumbent US President Joe Biden "had been withdrawn" from the presidential race, Moscow came "to back" his successor Kamala Harris

Kursk battle to pave way for Russian victory in special op — Russian commander

Apty Alaudinov stressed that the enemy's "entire frontline has collapsed and our troops are advancing, liberating several settlements every day"

UK to deliver additional 650 multirole Martlet missiles to Ukraine — Defense Ministry

The new military aid package worth over $210 million was announce din the run-up to the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at US Air Force Base in Ramstein

Russia effectively fighting foreign military instructors in Ukraine — Kremlin

"Foreign countries are definitely involved in the conflict," Dmitry Peskov noted

Putin says Russia 'backs' Harris post-Biden exit

The Russian president joked that Harris’ "laughter is so expressive and contagious," that you can assume "she’s doing well"

President-elect to decide on Indonesia's BRICS membership — top diplomat

"We will continue to provide the elected president with information related to BRICS," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said

Ukrainian experts assess damage to Kiev Hydroelectric Power Plant as critical

It is also noted that the import of electricity, provided from abroad to cover the deficit of the energy system, will not cover the need

Bank of Russia sells yuan worth $82.54 mln on September 4

Sales of foreign currency on the domestic market with settlements on September 3 also amounted to 7.3 bln rubles

Trump puzzled by Putin’s ironic comment about supporting Harris

Puyin said ironically that after incumbent US President Joe Biden "had been withdrawn" from the presidential race, Moscow came "to back" his successor Kamala Harris

Bulgarian party suggests country leave EU, join BRICS — media

Revival also insists on delaying Bulgaria’s eurozone membership until at least 2043 and calls for a referendum on the issue

Russia to allocate $1.9 bln for purchases of currency, gold from September 6 to October 4

Daily volume of purchase of foreign currency and gold will equal 8.2 bln rubles

Seizure of Maduro’s plane by US a breach of international law — Iranian MFA

This US move poses a threat to airspace security and promotes aircraft piracy, the Iranian Foreign Ministry added

Fire area at production site in Tula Region increases to 2,000 square meters

A total of 48 people and 18 vehicles are involved in the extinguishing operation

Ukraine responsible for all DDoS attacks in Russia — Rostelecom

Ukraine has resources all over the world, Igor Lyapunov, the senior vice president of Russia’s largest provider of digital services Rostelecom said