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US Senate passes $858 bln defense bill

Allocates at least $800 mln in security aid for Ukraine and $6 bln for the European Deterrence Initiative aimed against Russia

WASHINGTON, December 16. /TASS/. The United States Senate has passed a bill for a record $858 bln defense budget for the 2023 fiscal year.

The defense budget, which was earlier approved by the House of Representatives, allocates at least $800 mln in security aid for Ukraine and $6 bln for the European Deterrence Initiative aimed against Russia.

The document also bans defense cooperation with Moscow for another five years and imposes sanctions on gold operations with Russia. In addition, Washington plans to seek Russia’s removal from a number of international organizations, including the G20.

The bill will now be submitted to US President Joe Biden for signing.

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Insurers refuse to pay compensation for Nord Stream — Russian envoy to UN

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Global community changing tune about how Ukraine conflict started — security official

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Israel eliminates one of al-Jamaa al-Islamiya commanders in Lebanon — IDF

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Erdogan’s May 9 visit to US postponed to more convenient date — Foreign Ministry

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Russia may cut oil production by 1.2% in 2024 — Economy Ministry

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TotalEnergies expects gas price hike if Russian LNG falls under sanctions

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Beijing sticks to the principle of non-alignment with any blocs, the Chinese leader said and called on Washington "to refrain from teaming up in small groups"

Worst human rights situation currently observed in US, North Korean Foreign Ministry says

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French neo-Nazi ringleader liquidated near Avdeyevka — sources

There is confirmed evidence of his connections with French secret services

Staff shortage cannot be covered by labor migration — Putin

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Russian draft UNSC statement on Nord Streams sabotaged by West — Russian diplomat

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Most countries in Global South wary of growing NATO influence — Lavrov

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Ship receives damage in missile attack off Yemeni coast — UKMTO

The Master has reported two attacks

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Court places Forbes reporter under house arrest for discrediting Russian armed forces

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Poland practices transfer of mechanized brigade to Lithuania's Suwalki Corridor area

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